SAC MIN 2000-02-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Senior Affairs Commission Page 2 Minutes of Thursday, February 10, 2000 Comments from Casa de Redwood residents included: -Problem with timing of signal light at Veterans and Maple and the difficulty crossing the street before the light changed; Commissioner M.Walsh explained how to cross using the light. -Cars making right turns from Maple onto Veterans too fast -Safety suggestions regarding traffic made by several residents; Commissioner Borgens agreed to walk with a group of Casa de Redwood residents to see the timing of the light and crossing signals -Suggestion to add a crosswalk with a pedestrian signal across Veterans -Speeding cars on Veterans between Maple and Woodside Road -SamTrans bus schedules are confusing ITEM 2 — UPDATE ON TARGET EDUCATION AND WELFARE COUNCIL INTERVIEW PROCESS FOR NEW PROVIDER Superintendent Centeno reported that two agencies have been contacted for interviews; there was no additional news. ITEM 3 — UPCOMING FEDERAL ELECTION AND SENIOR HEALTH CARE ISSUES Commissioner L.Walsh proposed that the Commission invite all the presidential candidates to Redwood City to speak to seniors on senior issues including healthcare. He spoke about Aetna reporting a 20% increase in income in the fourth quarter and that insurance companies are not addressing the needs of seniors. Commissioner Borgens obtained profiles of Presidential candidates Gore, Bush and McCain from the AARP website which state that all candidates are promising to do something about the issue of healthcare for seniors. She was concerned that if the candidates did come to Redwood City, they would just give their regular campaign speech and not address the issues. Commissioner L.Walsh felt that seniors would be able to make their points in a public forum with the candidates. The Commissioners and audience spoke about the high cost of drugs and the impact on seniors who cannot afford it. Commissioner Borgens was concerned about the need to have a plan should the candidates come to Redwood City including security, and logistics issues. Commissioner L.Walsh suggested that the forum be held in Redwood City for a limited amount of people by invitation only; he did not have any particular date or time selected for the event. One audience member felt that we should start at a local level to address senior healthcare issues. Commissioner M.Walsh noted that several Commissioners went to Congresswoman Anna Eshoo regarding healthcare issues and felt it was very worthwhile. M/S L.Walsh/M.Walsh: To have the Senior Affairs Commission work with City administration to invite the presidential candidates to Redwood City to speak on issues pertaining to seniors. Motion passed.