Last week’s Reporter presented opposing views regarding the proposed utility tax increase. The Kirkland “Yes” campaign for the utility tax increase and the anti-tax increase group presented arguments for and against the tax increase. One reader online regarding Mr. Style’s anti-tax position commented, “I need to know what I will get for my money and what I’d have to give up if those tax revenues weren’t available.”
As a former member of the Kirkland Senior Council, I can speak more specifically to some of what will be lost for seniors if the $72 per year utility tax increase is not passed.
First, what’s the Kirkland Senior Council?
The council is a volunteer organization committed to improving the quality of life for seniors. The council spends hundreds of volunteer hours working hard advocating for seniors. What has the Kirkland Senior Council accomplished for Kirkland seniors?
The council advocates for seniors at the city, county, and state level by working with the Bellevue Network on Aging on a variety of projects for seniors.
In the 2009 legislative session, there were 65 bills relating to seniors. Elder abuse, cuts to the adult day care community, the loss of funding for the Senior Citizens Service Act, which provides funding for case management, transportation issues and senior information assistance are all major issues for the Kirkland senior community.
The council is meeting with state legislators in November to ensure Kirkland’s seniors are well represented.
The Kirkland Senior Council has also developed “The Vial of Life” in which thousands of vials were assembled and distributed to seniors all over Kirkland. This means vital medical information is available to first responders if there’s an emergency.
The council has also:
• Created “The Emergency Net” program in Kirkland to identify seniors who live independently in their homes.
• This is an ongoing program designed to help seniors who are isolated and without a support network.
Participates in The Evergreen Hospital Emergency Preparedness Fair.
• Distributes “Vials of Life” and other emergency preparedness information.
Held a Baby Boomer Fair with participants attending presentations on elder care option such as aging in place and assisted living.
Volunteers to staff the Northwest Senior Games, which is an opportunity for seniors to enjoy sports competition.
Developed videos on such critical topics as Aging in Place, Elder Abuse, and Falls Prevention.
• Nationally recognized, award winning videos on Elder Abuse and Pedestrian Safety (videos made with almost no money or professional help).
What will change for seniors if the $72 utility tax increase is not approved?
The council has actively received the support of the City of Kirkland directly from the senior services supervisor. The senior services supervisor has been an integral part of the programs developed by the council, attending every council meeting, acting as a resource and advisor to the Council, and a liaison to other city departments and agencies.
If the tax increase does not pass, the senior services supervisor position will be eliminated. In addition, the senior specific videos and many of the projects the council has been recognized for over the years will be cut back. Advocacy for seniors will be sharply curtailed. The council will no longer have a direct liaison to the city staff and almost no money to develop advocacy programs for seniors.
If the tax increase does not pass, there will be a cost to Kirkland seniors. Support the advocacy programs for Kirkland seniors by passing the utility tax increase.
