Letter To The Editor – Don’t Cut Our Funding

To the Editor:
As President of the Petersburgh Sunshine Seniors, I was dismayed to read in the Eastwick Press that the Petersburgh Town Board is considering eliminating funding for the senior citizens club. I understand and respect the Board’s desire to keep the tax rate down, but to consider eliminating  all senior funds seems drastic. Although trips account for much of the cost of the senior budget, there are other costs such as supplies and entertainment. This year these costs and meat for our two  parties came out of our meager checking accounts.  Money from these accounts mostly came from our 50/50 raffles.
I plan to put  together a 2010 budget that will drop our senior bus trips from six to two.  I will also offer Saturday trips for a very limited number when we can use the Senior Citizens Van. If I have my figures correct $4.32 of each tax bill goes for the seniors. This does not seem to be much, but I realize that taxpayers are being nickled and dimed to death already. So I would ask the taxpayer if $2.50  is reasonable?
I have often heard that the golden years are not golden, and that is so true. Seniors have not gotten any cost of living raises and are paying higher insurance costs.  Most have no way to make extra money to pay for the raising cost of food or insurance. The cost of a day out may be beyond their means. Or, if they can afford to go out, they may not able to drive long distances. Taking the bus is a wonderful option for them.
The bulk of the Petersburgh Senior Club members are in their eighties. That generation saved our freedom in WW II. They have paid their taxes for many years, and the thanks they get is small. I think the senior citizens of Petersburgh deserve to be treated with the same respect that our neighboring town boards offer their seniors.  It seems  that cutting senior funding is an option they would never take.
I ask that the residents of Petersburgh contact the Town Board members to find out where they stand or come to the budget hearing on November 5. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, your voice can’t be heard unless you speak up.
Mary Lou Walters
Petersburgh