Weigh in on Senior Centers

We all have a desire to become senior citizens I think.  So each of us has an interest in how our community treats and invests in its seniors.  One way to tell what is really valued is to look at how the money is budgeted.  Who (or what) is most important often is at the top of the budget list and gets a large portion of public resources. (Yes, this is editorializing.)

Here is your chance to let the city know where seniors should be in the budget ranking.  Currently the two centers need some sprucing up at the very least. Who should help to pay for these community centers?

This is from the Mayor's office and GENA:

The Mayor and members of the Senior Center Sub-Committee want public input on the future of La Crosse’s Senior Centers. They are asking La Crosse residents to participate in an online Senior Center Survey, available on the city's website: www.cityoflacrosse.org or access it directly here.

La Crosse currently has two facilities- the Harry J. Olson Center and the La Crosse Senior Citizens Multiple Service Center (“the Southside Senior Center”). They have both been in existence for decades, and the buildings in which they operate are in need of substantial repairs. About a year ago, the Board of Public works decided these centers would be too expensive to continue to maintain. The Senior Center Sub-Committee then formed to try to find a better option--one that wouldn’t displace senior services but still be sustainable over the long term. "I know there is a solution out there and the public can help us find it. This survey is also a great opportunity for citizens to have their voices heard," said Council Member Doug Happel, the chair of the Committee. The Senior Center Survey will ask citizens for their opinion on the following community issues: Where should senior center facilities be located? Do we need senior center facilities? What offerings do you think a senior center should provide? What is an ideal Senior Center?  La Crosse’s 55-and-over population is expected to grow substantially in the next decade. By gathering input from all ages, the Committee is trying to meet the needs of senior citizens for years to come. This survey will be available until February 9. Recommendations will be drafted from the results of this survey and presented to the sub-committee at the end of February. In addition to being available online, a printed copy of the surveys will be available at the Senior Centers.