Privatization not the way to go

Re: “Privatized seniors’ centre?,” Aug. 13

What a wonderful thought Mr. Turner and Mr. Varga have put forward, after attending and reviewing the excellent seniors program in Lethbridge. I wonder did they visit just the one centre or did they take time to visit both centres? How about Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and other centres in Alberta.

It would be interesting for the general public to review and compare the statistics and value these centres may contribute to their communities in comparison to the seniors programs here. Comparable operational cost would also be useful, as well as who runs the centres and programs and to the value the city receives, where does the funding come from?

I know it is much simpler to say, “let’s do here what they do in Lethbridge, it is wonderful how it works.”

I say this with some sarcasm as I do recall, in the short time I was on the seniors’ council, all of these groups I have mentioned visiting us at one time or another. They in turn were extremely impressed with our seniors’ centre, programs and volunteer support from its members and the community. Their wish was to do in their community what we do here. The centre and its programs are well known throughout Alberta as the standard all centres should strive for.

Now, we have those who would prefer to pit seniors against seniors, reduce their volunteer value, show there is no real need to carry on the great work seniors have contributed in the community and reduce it to less than another struggling not-for-profit society, waiting its turn in the 24-month lineup to hold a casino to help meet costs.

I wonder who from the Glass House will be prepared to kickstart and support this wonderful idea of privatization and relieve the huge financial burden from the city coffers. Maybe it’s time for the seniors’ council to remind the public and City Hall of the community support they provide and the savings in our health-care system by having the centre and all of the programs operating as adding value to the city and not just another wasteful cost. Bill Grady Medicine Hat