Advocates for a tri-township senior center are disappointed but steadfast following last Tuesday’s defeat at the polls.
Proposals for a millage and bond to construct and run a center for older residents went down by more than a 2-1 margin on Nov. 7. Supporters are nevertheless convinced that the need exists and will increase in coming years.
‘The need is there,? said Ed Peters, who feels supporters of the plan need to do a better job of educating the public next time around.
‘The figures show that in just a few years, about 50 percent of the people in these townships will be considered senior citizens — mainly because of all the ‘baby boomers.? I just think people didn’t know enough about all the benefits of having a center.?
Alice Young, Orion Township Treasurer and another strong supporter of the senior center, isn’t sure when another proposal can be placed on the ballot. She remains resolute that when the time is right, residents will get another chance to vote on a similar proposal.
Indeed, timing may have been a factor in the defeat, said Young.
‘The economy is still a problem,? she said. ‘There seemed to be a lot of negativity at the polls in general — and that didn’t help us.
‘For the first time out,though, getting one-third of the people voting in favor wasn’t so bad.?
Young said besides the timing of the vote, many ‘no? voters were echoing the sentiments of those who aren’t willing to pay extra taxes for anything.
‘There was also some confusion that there was going to be a user fee,? she said. ‘But the cost would be free to anyone living in the three townships (Orion, Oxford and Addision). The only things that people would have had to pay for were classes or trips.?
Young suggested that not just older residents benefit from a senior center, the entire community realizes residual rewards.
‘People don’t think about the fact that an older persons? center raises the quality of life for everyone,? she said. ‘A lot of older people have disposable money to spend, and the community benefits. People actually move to Rochester to take advantage of their center.?
For now, Young thinks there are other pressing matters for the township to deal with before placing the issue on the ballot again. More specifically, expansion at the township library.
‘The library will have to come first,? said Young. ‘I don’t know when, but we’ll go for this (senior center) again.?
In the meantime, both Young and Peters said they plan on discussing and continuing to educate residents about the advantages of a center for older residents.