I have been an avid Gazette fan for almost my entire life. My father introduced me to reading the daily paper and the Gazette provided me with my first job at the ripe age of 12.
I enjoy the Opinion section very much even though my political views may differ from most of the writers. My regular routine of coffee and the Gazette was interrupted last Saturday morning by Pam Hyjek’s guest column (“Tackle the homeless problem, ditch the Senior Center drama,” Feb. 1) berating our senior citizens and classifying them as a “whiny bunch of wimps.”
Then somehow dragging our seniors into the huge problem with homelessness in our community, which I agree does include our seniors.
I couldn’t get to my computer quick enough to let Ms. Hyjek know that our seniors paid taxes in this town for decades. They worked, raised their children and helped shape what Northampton is today. Now many of them struggle to pay their tax bill and make ends meet.
We continually fail our senior citizens in supporting and recognizing them for their contributions. Our seniors deserve the Taj Mahal of senior centers, as well as our attention to their concerns over how that center is managed.
Yes, Ms. Hyjek, we have a homeless problem in our community, but don’t drag the needs and unconditional support of our seniors into that discussion. Your letter left me thinking maybe you could have used a few more hugs along the way.
Glenn Connly
Florence