County Vo-ed Program Deserves Big Yes Vote

COMPELLINQ economie reasons are just one of many which make a yes vote Dec. 18 on the vocational-technical education facility the logical follow-through to tliis area's outstanding support for a community college. The investment is modest - one which annually assessed as long as the program is in operation. That amount cannot be increased without prior consent of the voters. All voters may vote on the millage proposition. A second proposition, one asking pêrmission for bonding authority to erect the vo-ed building, is open to property owners only. The bonds will be retired with funds from the one-mill tax. Here's what a yes vote means for this county: Dollars coming back in the form of skilied labor, productive and career-centered young lives and higher earning power. The proposed facility would doublé as an adult education center. We cannot overstress the fact that this is a COUNTY-WIDE facility, and that the county as a whole will benefit. Federal funds will be used, but local control will be retained by the Washtenaw [Community College and the medíate School District. A SUCCESSFUL vo-ed program saves the taxpayer money in the long run because he already is paying for the whole gamut of federal retraining progres s- patchwork remedial efforts. For example, the Job Corps last year spent more than two billion dollars, trying to make kids employable. Costly duplication is avoided. Qualified vocational programs presently available to students in all high schools in the county will not be re-offered at the new facility. The new center will complement WCC, and make for reduced class sizes and enrollment pressures at existing high schools. The area vocational center is centrally located, on the WCCl campus. It will be possible to use the same buildings for both high school and post-high school. This is a savings in site, construction costs and equipment. The News joins many other area groups and organizations which are urging a yes vote on the vo-tech education program. There is an educational void here which ought to be filled. Voters can show that they care enough about youth to provide them with specialized training and an inside track to a well-paying, productive job.