Hamlet, deeply conflicted as he apartment hunted, uttered these now immortal words: “2B or not 2B? That is the question.” Had 2B been an apartment in Manhattan grandfathered under rent control, the decision would have been an easy one—just like coming to Vermont during school vacation in February. As I write, fluffy white flakes are floating downward; weather prognosticators all atwitter about the significant snowfall being predicted. And this year we’ve experienced some of the driest and fluffiest snow I can remember. So the conditions are terrific here for all manner of winter outside activity.

But in these difficult economic times, we are all being forced to make very difficult decisions. I read with a sense of concern and even dismay about a proposed deep cut or outright elimination of grant payments made by the State of Vermont that substantially underwrite the cost for local schools to pay the salary of drug and alcohol counselors known as SAPs (Student Assistance Professionals, an unfortunate acronym to be sure). These highly trained professionals, most according to the Times Argus have attained a Master’s level education, work with students at high risk of substance abuse, dropping out of school, etc.

Like most states, Vermont faces serious budget woes. Many unpleasant and unpopular cuts must be made to balance the budget. And certainly I agree that every program, every expense should be scrutinized to evaluate benefit versus cost. But since delinquency and drug abuse cost society far more than the cost to fund the statewide prevention program, a program that in its entirety represents l% of the amount of money our legislators need to trim from the overall budget to keep Vermont fiscally solvent, I think we should carefully evaluate the repercussions of gutting or eliminating such programs. After all, doing all we can to secure a good future for our children should be viewed as an investment and not an expense. And if this state funding is eliminated and the costs passed on to our local schools, also cash strapped, I intend to be at the fore in any effort to raise money to keep these counselors at their posts.

We are faced with tough choices here in Vermont, doubtless not unlike the choices your own state legislators and school board members are having to make. I wrote recently suggesting that each of us should stand up for education by being involved. Today’s news article served only to strengthen my position. I encourage each of you to be proactive about education. If your schedule allows, volunteer to mentor a child or seek election to your school’s board. Whatever tough choices we must make as a Nation, let’s be certain to make educating our children a top priority.

~ Todd

Todd Paton has more than 20 years of experience working in the Vermont tourism industry. Currently the Director of Visitor Services for Rock of Ages, one of Vermont's oldest, continuously operating attractions, he has served on the board of directors of the Central Vermont Chamber and the Vermont Hospitality Council. He is an active member of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Tourism Network. He is a past Chair and current member of the board of directors of Vermont Attractions Association, a consortium of Vermont attractions established in 1956 to promote the highest standards of hospitality among Vermont's tourism-related properties.