During this time of financial crisis across the nation, there is no doubt all volunteer organizations are in need of funds.
The Newton Area Senior Center is no exception, but it seems the Newton City Commission has little concern for or give any thanks to the senior citizens who worked hard to make this city what it is.
This attitude has not changed since the mid 1980s, when I was director of the Newton Area Senior Center, when we requested city assistance many times and each time our request was denied.
Today, even during this period of financial dearth, our commissioners waste taxpayer money on frivolous projects, as if the taxpayers’ pockets have no bottoms, yet they refuse to provide minimal funds to aid those seniors who helped build this fine city.
A few examples of this waste are:
(1) our new city park in front of the old depot at a cost of $136,000. It’s a pretty thing but totally useless. Previously, the park could, at least, be used to hold the farmers market or other community events that brought some business to the downtown area. Now, it’s just a pretty fountain with no practical use.
(2) A $50,000 contribution plus $10,000 per year for the next five years, to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame for a total of $100,000.
(3) An extra $10,000 or $15,000 for the pretty mural on the new water tower.
All of these projects are great, but in this time of financial crisis, these funds could be put to better and necessary use.
Harvey County provides 30 percent of the senior center’s yearly budget. If the city would provide matching funds, the balance could be made up by donations and fund-raisers.
Many of our sister cities in the state contribute to the support of their senior centers, but at the discretion of our commissioners, not our city.
I love the city of Newton, but I am ashamed of our leadership. The Newton city commissioners apparently feel senior citizens no longer have anything to contribute to the community so there is no need to support the center or those who need and depend on it.
To give credit where credit is due, the city has, in the past, contributed to the construction of a stairway and a roof to the senior center building, but the city should provide financial assistance on a regular basis.
In case the commissioners have forgotten, they should be reminded the people do not work for them. They are supposed to work for the people who elected them. One thing the senior citizens can still do is vote.
— Judy (Oswald) Long,
Newton
