* Alderman Wilhelm's Podcast has been updated*
At the Franklin Common Council meeting this past Tuesday, our senior citizens filled the audience. When agenda items are of great concern to the seniors, I've got to applaud them in being organized and getting out in droves. And not only do they attend the meetings, they stand up and speak their minds.
For some reason there seemed to be a "rumor" circulating among the seniors that funds would be reduced for them because Item G3...City of Franklin's Community Development Block Grant projects for 2009 and reallocation of unspent, prior years funds was on the agenda. Therefore, many seniors spoke during the Citizen Comment Period. The majority of those speaking were from the regular senior group; those who participate in the Walking Program, etc. They all had very nice comments as to why they felt money should be allocated to their group, and not reduced. I heard a lot of those who say they benefited from the monies...but I only heard about one who gives back; a man spoke of a senior female who volunteers in the school district. That doesn't mean that there aren't those seniors volunteering...I know there are...and I hope there are many.
But, there is another group of seniors in Franklin who need aid. A group we do not hear from as they are not able to come to meetings on their own. Some were brought to this meeting to speak out. They came in support of the Southwest Interfaith Outreach Program.
I have a series of Podcasts regarding Item G3 tonight.
First, two Citizen Comments regarding Southwest Interfaith program.
The first is from the director, explaining the program and why they need funding; followed by a citizen of Franklin who benefits from the program. She is visually impaired and had a very heartfelt comment.
After that, a Podcast with Mark Luberda...who while giving his proposal to the Common Council for item G3, determines that Southwest Interfaith is not as important as the regular senior group. HUD is imposing cuts...and the regular group has a "history."
It is my opinion that Mr. Luberda needs to get more in touch with the citizens of Franklin before he makes these decisions. I'm really happy Southwest Interfaith showed up to the Common Council meeting. One reason is because Kristen Wilhelm was able to hear them speak. Alderman Wilhelm's Podcast follows Mr. Luberda's, followed by Alderman Sohn's.
The decision? The entire Council determined that some of the monies originally meant to go the the regular senior group would go to Southwest Interfaith. The right move.
Listen to the Podcasts
HERE
If you are ever tired of giving to the larger charities...and want to give to one that supports local residents, you've just found one. And they need personal help too, such as drivers.
Southwest Interfaith Outreach Program.
