OPINION: ‘Once Generous City Now Feels the Strain of Residents’ Demands’

During the Maricopa City Council meeting on July 16, senior citizens expressed their frustration over long-standing neglect. Victoria DiFranco, who has been in contact with Mayor Nancy Smith regarding these issues, voiced her concerns publicly.

DiFranco recounted the journey of Maricopa’s Senior Center since 2010, when it was moved from its original location on John Wayne Parkway. The center was initially relocated to Santa Cruz Elementary School, then to Copper Sky for limited use, and is now at the old library, confined to a single room. Promises made by city officials to prioritize seniors appear unfulfilled.

The mayor’s responses mostly deflected the issues towards her opponent, Leon Potter, instead of addressing the citizens’ concerns directly. Recent developments include the removal of the occupancy sign, which poses risks, particularly for seniors with mobility aids. DiFranco’s attempt to get the sign replaced through Assistant City Manager Jennifer Brown was unsuccessful.

For years, seniors have been self-sustaining, providing their own refreshments and supplies. This has gone largely unacknowledged, with occasional donations that may or may not happen. Yet, only last month, the mayor managed to send in water, a gesture too minimal given the circumstances.

During the council meeting, DiFranco questioned the justification behind the city’s expenditure on high salaries, specifically mentioning Rick Horst’s and his staff’s $892,000 salary. Mayor Smith defended it as being in line with other cities, though Horst has now stepped down but continues in a similar role as Christian Price. Concerns were raised about City Manager Ben Bitter’s potentially higher salary.

Compounding the tension, city employees recently instructed seniors to remove personal items used daily in their limited space while the rest of the building remains underutilized. This act has been met with palpable resentment.

In a bizarre twist at the end of the meeting, Council Member Vincent Manfredi mentioned the prospect of a new Senior Center, to which Mayor Smith curtly responded, “They already have one.” This dismissal further alienated the seniors.

DiFranco’s advocacy has resonated with many, receiving praise for her courage. However, the underlying sentiment among seniors remains one of disillusionment with a city that once celebrated community but now appears driven by financial gain.

The city’s facilities, such as Copper Sky and the library, have empty rooms that require payment for use. Community services, including fireworks viewing and even library group meetings, are similarly monetized, prompting an outcry against what is perceived as institutional greed.

— Victoria DiFranco, Homestead

Tags: #OPINION #city #gave #residents

Categories: Opinion,brenda lemus,chance love,Christian Price,Copper Sky,friends of the library,Maricopa Library,Rick Horst,senior center,victoria difranco

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