Council Connection: 3/15/19

The issue of housing, personal security and the fragility of life became very real to me this week. I met with several senior constituents who are struggling to make their housing payments, maintain their property and handle normal repairs. I wonder how seniors on fixed incomes can handle a leaky roof, an aging boiler, or a driveway that needs repair? Social security and relatively small savings/IRA’s/pensions aren’t always enough to handle the cost of living. Uncle Sam might increase our monthly checks by 1% a year. It isn’t enough… not even close.

The most frequent calls I receive are from seniors seeking guidance as they grapple with the reality of keeping their homes. That’s why I support seniors being considered for property tax breaks. I am also a strong supporter of Attleboro’s Council on Aging/Senior Center.

If you know a Senior in trouble, suggest they call one of our social workers at the Senior Center on South Main Street. They will find a friendly, caring ear and some sound advice. If you know a Senior who needs to give up their home (a truly sad event) then the staff of the Senior Center will offer sound advice. I don’t want anyone to lose their home.

In the last census, we discovered that there were 8,000+ senior citizens living in Attleboro. I’ve been advised there might be 14,000 seniors in Attleboro by the time our next census is completed. Jan and I are among that group.

We need to cherish and help our seniors. With good health, we shall all be Seniors one fine day.

Ty Waterman – City Councilor At-Large

TyAttleboro@gmail.com
508-455-1918 – Home

Council Connection: 11/14/18

Last night I heard seniors tell the city council how much they wanted to keep their homes. It wasn’t easy to pay their bills but it meant so much for them to continue living at home, despite fixed incomes and their physical aging. The council never asked a question and everyone appeared to be intently listening to the residents who spoke. I was proud of each speaker, pouring out their hearts to give a small break in their neighbor’s property taxes. They didn’t want anyone to lose their homes.

I waited almost an hour before speaking.  So I listened while I waited for my turn. The love for their homes, families, and for Attleboro was amazing to witness.

Finally I spoke. I told the city council that a lot of people are scared. I asked the council to lower our property taxes a bit. We all need some help while we begin paying for the new high school.

I was very proud of our city last night. Everyone in the council chambers shared their love for Attleboro. No one disagreed. It was a powerful night.

I believe the city council heard every word. I believe the council will reach out a helping hand to those in need.

Regards,

ty

FULL CITY COUNCIL 11/13/18 – https://youtu.be/8SwuRrM5l3U (Courtesy of DoubleACS)

On the Trail with Ty: 9/22/18

It was a good day. I was greeted by lots of folks and put five signs on their lawns. Four of the signs went right along Newport Ave, Route 1A. South Attleboro always seems friendly, regardless of the busy traffic.

John and I were amazed by the beauty along Pitus Ave, surrounded by a peaceful forest. So close — yet so far from the highways.

Two men shared their concerns today, along with the frustrations of keeping their medical insurance. Yesterday, a young man told me about his stroke and seizure disorder. People are struggling with their own issues and need someone to talk to, even a stranger like myself. I referred two of these men to the Larson Senior Center to talk with one of our terrific Social Workers. I’m going to follow up with the Wellness Director at the Attleboro YMCA for the man recovering from a stroke. Perhaps we can help his recovery.

I’m convinced one of the most important skills a City Councilor can have is be a good listener. I try.

On the trail: Sunday, August 5th

I met a lot of happy people today on Fairway Drive and Bernt St. Most of them are delighted to live in Attleboro. I found 100% agreement with building the new high school and purchasing the Highland Country Club. No one shut the door in my face, which makes it a good day. One lady challenged me to find state funds to pay for an outreach worker with the Council on Aging/Senior Center to visit our older senior population. Maybe we CAN find state funding. But everyone agrees visiting elderly seniors who live alone is a very important priority.

It’s tough seeing your friends and family begin to leave our world. Seniors absolutely love having visitors so they can talk about the old days in Attleboro. We’ve met several World War II vets pushing or past 95 years old. What a pleasure it was to meet those gentlemen. We really ought to provide some visits to these folks.

I had a heavy discussion with a couple on Berndt Drive. I discovered that two people with difficult health issues in their golden years of semi-retirement have to pay enormous health insurance costs. The 73 year-old husband has medicare but still pays a fortune per month in medications to deal with cancer, and his wife has at least $1000 per month costs with the Mass Health Connector, plus additional costs around co-pays, medications, etc. Both of them worked in good jobs all their lives, own a nice home in Attleboro, yet struggle just to make ends meet. This occurs at the very time they were deciding to retire. All I could do was listen, sympathize, and wish them my best. I really feel for them.

Going on the trail is a privilege and a pleasure. I meet so many really fine people.

Regards,
ty