Your timely bedbug article ("Bedbugs plague elder homes," April 4) will hopefully be read by our governor and legislators, especially the appropriation subcommittee members who are studying the recommendations from the Fiscal Research Division to eliminate the Tick Control Program ($139,499) and the Vector Control Program ($391,311) along with several other public health and safety programs.
Our citizens get a lot of "bang for the buck" from these programs. Tick-related diseases including Lyme disease, endemic in Wake County, and spotted fevers are a growing problem along with bed bugs. Mosquito-born diseases endanger the public as well.
Elimination of these programs, in addition to endangering the people of North Carolina and costing a lot in medical bills, lost wages, misery and occasional deaths, will negatively impact the tourist and real estate industries. We have a growing reputation as a tick and bedbug haven. Is it wise to cut these programs? Let your legislators know what you think.
