WEC celebrates continued funding with open house

After coming perilously close to being shut down, the Work Ethic Camp in McCook is celebrating today with a day-long open house and a ceremony featuring state officials.

When the event was originally planned-- more than six weeks ago -- no one was certain what the status of the camp would be. In fact, by now, the camp could have been on its last legs, as continued funding for the camp was denied in the first vote of the legislature's Appropriations Committee.

But -- soon thereafter -- a dramatic turnaround took place. On a re-vote in the Appropriations Committee, the camp was restored to the budget with six yes votes. And -- despite a long budget debate -- the camp remained in the budget throughout final budget action by the Legislature.

What turned the tide?

In the opinion of Raleigh Haas, the superintendent of the Work Ethic Camp, there is no question what made the difference. "Number one," he said, "was the absolutely amazing support of the people of Southwest Nebraska. What made their effort so special was that the people stood up for the camp because they have seen the difference it makes in offenders' lives, and they saw the long-range benefit it could provide for Nebraska's taxpayers."

Beyond that, Haas gave credit to the support of judges, probation officers and correction officials in convincing lawmakers of the value of the Work Ethic Camp program.

Looking back on all that has transpired, Haas says he feels the Work Ethic Camp debate was a cloud with a silver lining.

"The camp is currently at 86 percent capacity, and has been as high as 95 percent. And, over time, I expect occupancy to remain close to capacity," the superintendent said.

Not only is the camp near capacity, but -- even more important -- supporters are convinced it is changing lives and saving tax dollars because it diverts young men and women away from a life of crime.

All those contacted for today's editorial -- Greg Wolford, the president of the McCook Economic Development Corp.; Bruce Cutshall, lobbyist for the Work Ethic Camp; and State Sen. Tom Baker, agreed with Haas about the tremendous effort required to save the camp.

Now, it's time to say thanks to the supporters, and to join in continued efforts to make the Work Ethic Camp the best correctional program there is -- not only in Nebraska -- but in the entire United States.