Letter to the Editor: There's a Difference Between Senior Services Needs and Wants

The Oswego Senior Center has an approved budget of over $296,000 for 2011.  Over $200,000 of this is already money from our Federal Taxes.

Why should we be taxed again?  If we pass this referendum  are we then setting a precedent for all other nonprofits to follow suit?  I believe there are other non profits that are much more needy than the Senior Center and this could open the flood gates.
 
Fact: After the first year, Oswego Senior Center will only receive about half of the revenue from this tax. 
Fact: The wording of the Referendum is misleading. All the money would NOT be for the sole and exclusive purpose of providing services to Oswego Senior Center.
Fact: The Board and/or Mr. Wyngard were asked if they have exhausted all efforts of sponsorship from local business. Since this was never answered, we have to assume they have not. Shouldn't the Tax Payer be the last avenue for financial support?
 
The Senior Center is of great service to the needs of seniors.  But there is a difference between Needs and Wants.  We Don't Need expansion of services or a new building built specifically for seniors.  Those are Wants not Needs at a time of economic hardship.   

I will be voting no on this referendum and encourage others to also VOTE NO.    
 
Jan Alexander, Oswego