#SeniorStrong: Day of 
Advocacy with Madison Heights Seniors
(Guest View by Brian C. Hartwell, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Madison Heights, Candidate for Mayor of Madison Heights, June 4, 2015)
#SeniorStrong might seem like a contradiction on many levels. On Tuesday, June 2, 2015, Madison Heights City Councilman David Soltis and myself (Mayor Pro Tem Brian Hartwell)—both future senior citizens–drove 30 senior citizens to join a rally on the East Lawn of the Capitol Building in Lansing. The event, Older Michiganian’s Day 2015, brought together seniors from across the state to speak with one strong voice to address the concerns and 
challenges of our aging residents. The Area Agencies on Aging Association of MI sponsored the day-long rally. Two state senators, Steve Bieda (Warren) and Vincent Gregory (Southfield), encouraged the Madison Heights seniors on their trek to the capital city. Four state representatives also interacted with the group in different ways.
Last year Madison Heights seniors delivered a petition to Governor Snyder demanding greater attention to home health care. “We stormed the governor’s office and were surprised to be greeted by his friendly, receptive staff,” said Madison Heights resident Martha Kehoe. This year the senior delegation met with state legislators. After listening to exciting speeches in the breezy shade of the East Lawn the seniors marched on the Capitol Building to watch the afternoon session of the state House of Representatives.
The group of feisty Madison Heights residents addressed the following broad issues: senior independence, affordability of resources, and access to resources.
As I walk the neighborhoods of Madison Heights, I regularly speak with older residents, widows and widowers, that have lost what I take for granted, the ability to drive. Everyone needs access to resources like medicine and healthy food. If a resident doesn’t have a car, or supportive family, then they must rely on their own two feet or public transportation. That is one reason the bus system is so vital to Madison Heights. That’s also why the city invests so much into a safe sidewalk network.
Our state legislators control revenue sharing. If more state dollars are directed to the cities we will spend those directly on the infrastructure that enhances everyday quality of life for all residents, young and old. Safer streets. Better equipped advanced life support medics. Top police recruits to replenish our ranks. #SeniorStrong http://www.oldermichiganiansday.com/
Oakland County Times
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