Being a third-generation 4-H member and leader, I am shocked at how King County has treated the 4-H program and now wants to eliminate it altogether.

I grew up participating in King County 4-H for 10 years. As a youth, the program enabled me to set high goals for myself that resulted in becoming a successful Boeing engineer for 14 years. After having children, I now help teach special-education students and lead a 4-H club. Our members, including special-needs members, are learning key life skills and are gaining a sense of belonging through 4-H.

King County has a wonderful opportunity to promote good pet care, pet adoptions and youth development in a collaborative manner. Last summer, the truncated and unadvertised King County Fair helped several King County animal care and control pets find new homes and offered the public pet care knowledge and resources via 4-H.

Community members need to contact County Council members and let them know how they feel about eliminating 4-H, including the county fair, and missing such a golden opportunity.