While I share the concern with the Lake County Publishing Board and your readers regarding the problems faced by the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, I would like to offer some clarification to some of the statements made in your recent editorial.
First of all, the center s board of directors did not come to our board for this request. This request was brought to us by Supervisor Gary Lewis and led to a discussion on options to assist them, a loan being one of those options. Many other options are being discussed (I have personally met with Jim Swatts, the current chairman of the senior center board, on several occasions to look at ways we can help them).
Secondly, there is no current threat of any of the valuable programs that they currently offer being in jeopardy. The Board of Supervisors knows the importance of these programs and will not allow that to happen. In fact the upcoming county budget has $36,000 set aside to support senior centers.
Thirdly, the Kelseyville Senior Center was made possible by the Board of Supervisors working closely with Congressman Mike Thompson to find federal funding for that specific purpose. Although some money was used from the county General Fund, it was to provide for a facility that every other community in Lake County had already been enjoying. I would have to add, if the Kelseyville Seniors mortgaged their center and built up a huge debt, we would be in the same position with them as with the Lucerne Seniors.
Supervisor Ed Robey was kind enough to suggest using money dedicated to the Middletown Library; however, that money would need to be paid back within a year or so and that is probably not a reasonable expectation for them to recover that soon, financially.
Finally, I would like to comment on the other priorities that this board must consider. The money that we could use comes directly out the county s General Fund. Currently the board is trying to find ways to keep our deputies and correctional officers from making a mass exodus from Lake County. These people are vital to the safety of those very same seniors that we all share concern for. As it is now, many of those employees are forced to pay nearly a third of their check on insurance for themselves and their families.
The board is looking at options to resolve these issues that directly affect the safety of all of us and OUR families.
In this process, our seniors will not be forgotten.
Rob Brown District 5 Supervisor Kelseyville
