Dear Editor:
There are at least three questions to be addressed for the upcoming millage vote on the Independence Township Senior Center, i.e. priorities, equities and alternatives.
The priority question is obvious. Is there a better use for scarce tax dollars? It won’t be long before a new Township Hall is needed. That certainly would take priority.
The equity question is more complex. Is it fair to tax all members of the community to benefit a select few? We do this for our children’s education, but for that the goal is to benefit the entire community by providing the groundwork for a secure future society. But where is the equity for a tax to provide sunset entertainment for senior citizens? Seniors already get tax supported social security and Medicare benefits beyond what they paid in. Also, studies have shown that as a class, seniors are economically more secure than those of younger age. Granted, some seniors may want recreation that they cannot afford, but should that rise to a ‘right? that must be publicly funded?
The question of alternatives is underscored by the two preceding issues. First, existing facilities should not be duplicated. For example, the proposed library for a senior center would duplicate the township’s nearby full-service library. There is also an obvious alternative, i.e. to build new township offices and convert the existing office building on Main Street into the senior center. This building not only has historical significance worthy of use by those seniors who shared in its history, but also it has a lovely setting and ample parking.
Vote no, and await a millage that will inevitably come for a new Township Hall..
Tom Bullen
Clarkson