DEAR EDITOR:

I’m asking Mahoning County voters to support the renewal of the Senior Levy. This is a renewal at the current rate, not an increase. The last time the Senior Levy was on the ballot, it passed with over 70% approval and with good reason.

More than 95 percent of the funds are used for direct services to older adults, many of whom live alone. The services include home-delivered meals, personal care, housekeeping and help with chores.

There are thousands of seniors over age 60 in Mahoning County who are just above Medicaid income guidelines.

Many have no local family to help them remain independent at home, where we all want to live as long as possible.

Without senior levy-funded services, our neighbors are often forced into a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Ironically, this costs taxpayers much, much more than the cost of the senior levy in home services. It also leaves the senior virtually bankrupt and reliant on Medicaid while their lifelong home is forced to be sold.

This is not a paid endorsement. I have no financial stake in gaining levy funds. But I do have deep personal knowledge of the benefits an elderly widow receives each day through meals delivered to her house. And I’ve witnessed the peace of mind an aging veteran gained when new lighting and hand rails were installed in his century-old house

Do the right thing. Please vote yes for the renewal of the Mahoning County Senior Levy.

BILL ADAMS

Austintown