Slicing Human Relations Panel Would Be Painful

Re “Human Rights Panel May Be Cut,” Jan. 28:

While most Orange County political dilemmas do not interest a 14-year-old student like me, I am concerned about the proposed elimination of the Human Relations Commission. For more than 30 years, the commission has been trying to build bridges of understanding throughout different communities. Hundreds of youths have been empowered by their leadership institutes and Associates Program internships. I have participated in these as well as living room dialogues, a successful countywide project enacted after the Sept. 11 attacks.

The board’s plans to eliminate the commission over four years would be a catastrophe for the many residents and workers who have been touched by the commission. If the Board of Supervisors really wants to invest in our county’s future, this invaluable organization should take precedence over a $25-million digital voting system.

Anson Stewart

Irvine