There is a crucial question that needs to be answered as debate continues over the fate of the federal Job Corps program – do we support the Job Corps or its mission?

It’s an important distinction to make. There is only one outcome for those who support the Job Corps as it is currently constituted. But for those who support the Job Corps’ mission, there are options worth considering that could allow the mission to continue even if the buildings are no longer used.

Take, for example, the village of Cassadaga. It supports the Job Corps in part because the federal entity is a major user of the village’s water system. Losing the Job Corps’ $45,000 in yearly water revenue means the village takes a financial hit and village water system users will have to pay more to cover the Job Corps’ yearly water payments. The village needs the Job Corps to stay where it is, in its current form.

Others who oppose the program’s possible closure, however, don’t have a financial dog in the fight. So, do they support the Job Corps or the mission? Much of the criticism of the Job Corps closure comes from those who support job training programs yet are unable to come to the realization that the Job Corps doesn’t have a patent on job training programs. It’s hard to believe that there is such a dearth of job training opportunities that we have to cling to a model that doesn’t make much sense financially and, at best, is murky educationally given the disparity between Department of Labor statistics and the testimonials from local staff.

Those who support the Job Corps’ mission should be open-minded enough to look at alternatives. We haven’t found anyone who doesn’t support job training programs. We support them so well that we have state-funded options through BOCES and community colleges. This is a good time to look at alternatives to the Job Corps that include local and state options. Some of those options are begging for new enrollment as our county’s population declines.

Everyone supports job training. That much is clear. Let’s take this time to focus on finding the best way to provide that job training, not protect sacred cows.