| Santa Clara County, CA | November 5, 2002 Election |
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Our SeniorsBy David L. "Dave" GarciaCandidate for Mayor; City of Milpitas |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
Supporting Our Neglected SeniorsOur local Senior population is falling into a sad state. With the demise of the old historic Senior Center being held up in talks ad infinitum, the truth is that we do not have adequate facilities for them at this time. As current political leaders go on discussing what to do, real lives hang in the balance. The issues worsened by a case of mold being discovered in the old center. The old center is unfit for human habitation. In the mean time, temporary facilities at an old YMCA building are being used to feed and service the elderly. The replacement of the old center may take years to sort through the litigation and re-design of the facility. Meanwhile, Milpitas sits on a large cache of unused office space. Approximately, 2 million square feet. Much of this unused space is near the old senior center. The most cost effective and fastestway to get the seniors what they need in viable space would be to take some of this unused inventory and put it to use now. The impact would be felt immediately, instead of 3 to 5 years down the road. Another area that could be remedied and have immediate beneficial effect on the senior community would be to use some of the city's revenue to offset the cost-of-living increases being placed on it. The cost of meals is increasing by almost 15% or more. Yet, the cost to the city to insure a balanced nutrition to the senior population far out weighs even a single case of mal-nutrition and hospitalization. To feed the entire senior population in the city of Milpitas would cost approximately $300,000.00. or approximately, one third of one percent of the entire budget. However, weigh that against the cost of ambulatory care, hospitalization and recovery for a single patient that can run over $500,000.00 and you can see how it is money that is well spent to insure the health of the entire community and save immeasurable tax dollars. Another item, I would push for would be to have the city and county provide for supplemental insurance for seniors for items that are not presently covered by Medical and Medicare. This is also an area that could cut the cost of senior care in the long run and add to a better quality of life for them. Just as the cities and state now provide insurance for all children thus cutting the cost of health care for the children of the state and insuring the health and well-being of all of the children. |
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ca/scl Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 30, 2002 11:21
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