With 'regionalization' all the rage, why a new Linocln Senior Center?

In these difficult economic times, Lincoln taxpayers are cutting back to a make ends meet and local governments have to do with less due to state cut backs. Local governments including Lincoln are talking and planning regionalization and consolidation efforts to reduce costs and control local taxes. Then why is the Lincoln Administration going ahead with a go-it-alone new Senior Center? Yes, several years ago a $5 million dollar bond was approved at a sparsely attended unrepresentative financial town meeting, when financial times were better. Even so, Lincoln town officials should have asked all of the voters in a truly democratic townwide referendum if they approved of a new senior center.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place last week for the building of a new Lincoln Senior Center and barely 50 people showed up, mostly elected officials looking for the senior vote, but very few seniors attended to cheer on the project. There should be a "time out" now, due to the more constrained financial situation we find ourselves in, and a referendum called, to find out if the Lincoln voters and taxpayers want to go ahead with a go-it-alone new senior center.

I am a senior citizen and I have spoken with other seniors who are calling for exploration of the possibilities of joining with other communities in providing for regionalization of quality senior services. The Cumberland and Lincoln Boys & Girls Club for over 50 years has served as a stellar example of cooperation in serving our youth.

John J. Cullen

Lincoln