Remember the 1976 movie “Network”, where a TV news anchor shouts out the window, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”?
Well, for over 10 years, I have written a monthly Kent County News column called “Seniors Matter”. Apparently none of the candidates for Mayor of Chestertown believe that seniors matter. During their presentations on Oct. 22, in front of a crowded room of predominantly WHITE-HAIRED people, not one mentioned the older adult population here. I don’t care if they don’t read my column, but at least acknowledge our existence, ladies and gentlemen. Please.
According to the U.S. Census, 23.55% of us in Chestertown are 65 or over. Nation-wide the percentage is 13%. Wikipedia says that the median age for Chestertown is 34.9 years, a figure cited by one candidate as evidence that we are a YOUNG TOWN! No kidding. If you weren’t there, check the video which both the Spy and the Town are supposed to make available. N.B. This 34.9 age average includes the 20-25% of the residents who are at Washington College. They do not vote here unless this is their permanent residence. Their housing, their safety, their recreation, and the infrastructure they use is virtually all provided by the College. The Mayor and Town Council get involved with this cohort only if and when some unusual conflict arises.
I live near Washington College and love this institution. I have taught there, attend classes, host students, move kids in and out of dorms, but it would be a fallacy to base Town policies on the average age in Chestertown being 35. People frequently talk about making the downtown more friendly and interesting to the College students. Well, unless a business wants to stay open from 10 pm until about 4 am, students are not going to patronize most businesses. Except for attending classes, in contrast to most of us, students sleep during the day and go out at night.
Anywhere off-campus in Chestertown, it is impossible not to note the comparatively large proportion of people here who are old. Others may not seem old but are retired and are choosing to stay here for their lifetime. Chestertown needs a Town government that recognizes the existing situation- it’s not good or bad, but it is real. We need encouragement of senior-friendly businesses, we need help in ensuring quality local health care, we need attention to homebound seniors and aggressive action against elder fraud. I guess I am the only one thinking these things, but honesty is still the best policy. There is power in numbers, and seniors vote.
Muriel Cole
Sandra Willett Jackson says
Editor,
Right on, Muriel! What a shame that you had to write this excellent piece about our otherwise wonderful community. Seniors DO vote. But their votes are not the only reason we have the responsibility and joy of assuring that seniors (55+…not so old!) are well served. Seniors are “old” and “young,” natives from the Eastern Shore and persons choosing to make this their home, financially-challenged and well-off, and ethnically and culturally diverse.
Let’s pay attention to our elder citizens. HomePorts (www.homeports.org) is Kent County’s non-profit organization that helps seniors stay healthy and safe in their homes. And it is only one group working with those 55+ who are our neighbors, our relatives, our friends — not just our voters.
Sandra Willett Jackson (HomePorts board member)
Stephan Sonn says
Editor,
Excellent letter.
Melinda Bookwalter says
Editor,
This is an excellent article (thank you Muriel) and it triggers for me, once again, my disappointment at your policy of no longer allowing comments. I find I read fewer articles in The Spy because I really miss the commentary and opportunity to participate in the dialogue. Occasionally peoples’ comments were out of line/not respectful but overall I found them to be well considered, informative and enlightening. Perhaps you had to spend too much time monitoring them, I don’t know. Please consider revisiting this policy.
Thank you.
Mauritz "Marty" Stetson says
Editor,
Great letter. This is one Councilman that is concerned not just because I think the older citizens in our town are very valuable part of our town, but I am there. You made some very interesting comments about Chestertown that we who represent those you are talking about need to consider. Thank you for taking the time not only for writing this letter but for all the work you do for the senior citizens.
Marty Stetson
Kevin Shertz says
Editor,
Amongst our group of friends, we have several families whose parents have moved to the area after their children have. The reason these Baby Boomers have chose to be here as they begin retirement is because their children (and their children) are working and living in our community. And remember, you can’t have a service economy unless there are people willing and able to serve people’s needs.
This is a more complex issue than presented in this LTE.
And, yes, I encourage everyone to vote.