The Editor:
Our concern is regarding the renewal of the operational contract with the city of Blaine community center, between our nonprofit member-owned Blaine Senior Center (BSC). The city contract for the building may be awarded to a governmental agency, such as parks and recreation, to run a senior center in place of BSC. We offer the key difference between the BSC to any government-run center.
• Leadership and decision-making: BSC decisions are locally driven, while government centers are managed by outside administrators.
• Community involvement: BSC fosters local ownership and volunteerism, whereas government centers may limit community influence.
• Flexibility: BSC can quickly adapt to local needs, unlike bureaucratic agency centers that may be slow to change.
• Funding: BSC relies on donations, grants, membership fees and events while government agencies may face budget cuts, then increase senior fees for programs.
• Program relevance: BSC offers tailored programs for local seniors, while government centers might provide some standardized services that lack local relevance.
• Accountability: BSC is directly accountable to the community, promoting transparency, whereas government accountability will be more bureaucratic and not accountable to Blaine seniors.
• Social connection: BSC fosters stronger personal bonds of family, friends and neighbors, while government centers may lack community ties or concerned interest.
Our letter does not dismiss concerns by the city of Blaine over the past year and a half regarding financial management. We had to take care of those issues and embarrassment. The importance of local governance and community input is a must and an agency takeover could undermine the efficacy and personal touch that the BSC provides.
We advocate for our continuation of BSC, emphasizing strength of community engagement and tailored services. Our new manager Cheryl English is outstanding, and the BSC is in a sound, stable financial position. We are growing our membership and our help to the community of Blaine. We request a temporary six-month hold before any changes are made. Then reexamine our stewardship commitment to you.
Ron and Donna Rayburn
Blaine Senior Center members
Blaine
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