County funding is smart investment

The Snohomish County 2008 budget stated, “We have a fundamental obligation to ensure that the basic needs of our seniors are met. That is why we will continue to fully fund our local senior centers…”

To the degree our County Council and Executive Reardon’s 2009 funding can enable seniors to live more independently (i.e., living on their own without requiring extensive government-supported assistance), we — the taxpayers — benefit. Adequate funding prevents far greater expenses in the future. It is logical, as well as morally and fiscally responsible, to fund senior centers in Snohomish County to reflect the increase in population served as well as potential long-term savings for taxpayers.

I’ve noticed letters asking for center-specific funding. Instead, I’d suggest that our County Council ask its professional financial staff to evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio of investment in senior centers. Similar to many other issues, I believe a short-term investment pays enormous dividends in the future. Funding for senior centers represents cost savings to taxpayers and government (or at least slower tax increases), demonstrated responsiveness to the needs of the communities served, and a willingness to anticipate the future, not merely respond to actual or perceived short-term issues.

Increasing funding for all senior centers is not mandatory — it’s just the right thing to do.

Joel Selling