Richard Morgan arranged a $1 million gift to the county for a senior center several weeks ago. Most folks would be delighted with such a gift. But not the Moore County manager and Board of Commissioners. Through their lack of interest, apathy and inactivity, we are about to see that money go to FirstHealth.
That a senior center is needed is not even debatable. The misleading comments about seniors having country clubs to go to do a great disservice to Moore County seniors. Yes, there are a number of golf and country clubs in our area. It’s my bet that not one member expects his or her club to meet all needs as they age. Why, even Mr. Holden will age and find that he really should have done more for the senior population that makes up one-fourth of his constituency.
Those working behind the scenes for more than five years to bring a senior center to our county have been too well behaved. They did not stage protests at the commissioners’ meeting or stamp their feet to get attention. Seniors don’t operate that way. They still believe that government will help and they need not make a fuss.
We need to change! We need to let the commissioners know that our taxes, paid faithfully over our lifetimes, pay their salaries and fund county projects. We need to say, “It’s our turn, now.”
A senior center at FirstHealth is not a bad concept — it just hasn’t been thought through enough. The groundwork for a Moore County Senior Center has been done. We were given the chance to make a long-overdue dream a reality, and those who pretend to serve us have shattered those hopes.
Ann Robson
Whispering Pines
