Ben Konop Press Release on plan for Senior Citizens

This just in from the Ben Konop for Lucas County Commissioner Campaign:

Konop To Unveil Three-Part Senior Safety Proposal

Democratic candidate promoting new ideas to increase senior independence and well- being.

Continuing his campaign based on new ideas and a fresh vision for Lucas County, Democratic Candidate for Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop will today unveil a three-pronged approach to addressing senior safety issues.

Konop will discuss his initiatives with seniors throughout the community today, Thursday, September 14th. Konop will be appearing at a senior pancake breakfast at 8:30 AM at West Park Place, 3501 Executive Parkway, at an 11:15 AM Senior lunch at the Eleanor Kahle Senior Center, 1315 Hillcrest Avenue, and at a 4:15 PM Bingo game at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center, located at 2121 Garden Lake Parkway. Media is invited to attend any event.


At each stop Konop will outline his proposals which include a free 911 cellular-phone program, a HOW-R-YOU? program including regular automated calls to seniors, and the creation of a senior citizens’ police academy.

“These initiatives, modeled after successful programs throughout the state and the country, will help seniors live more independently and safely here in our community,” stated Konop. “At a minimal cost to taxpayers, we can implement programs that help those who deserve it the most: Our county’s senior citizens.”

This is the latest in a string of substantive policy initiatives from Konop designed to move Lucas County forward into the 21st Century. “As the campaign goes on, the difference between me and my Republican opponent is becoming clear,” added Konop. “My Republican opponent represents the Tom Noe and Bob Taft politics of the past, while our campaign is about real change and a new direction for Lucas County,” stated Konop.

The full text of the initiatives follows.


Paid for by Konop for Lucas County, Tony Pizza, Chair
100 S. Huron St. Suite 7C, Toledo, OH 43602

BEN KONOP FOR SENIOR SAFETY

3 WAYS WE CAN DO A BETTER JOB FOR SENIORS IN LUCAS COUNTY

1) FREE 911 CELL PHONE PROGRAM FOR SENIORS

HOW THIS WORKS: Drop-off points are set up throughout the community, so citizens can donate used cellular phones. The used cell phones, regardless of service, are still equipped to dial “911” in case of an emergency. These cell phones are distributed by the county at no cost to all seniors who wish to participate in the program.

2) HOW-R-YOU? A PROGRAM TO PROMOTE SENIOR INDEPENDENCE

HOW THIS WORKS: A computer generated telephone call is made to senior subscribers, checking on their well-being once a day. Once the subscriber answers this telephone call, a pre-recorded message is played to the recipient. The subscriber is then instructed, through this message, to press a certain telephone key to indicate that they are alright. Once this is accomplished the computer program ends their call, and begins to dial the next listed subscriber.
If for some reason the subscriber does not answer the telephone, or does not press the predefined key, the computer program initiates an alert to the Sheriff’s Office Communication Operator who then attempts a “live” telephone call to the subscriber. The Communication Operator then checks on the well-being of the subscriber. If no contact is made to the subscriber, the Communication Operator then dispatches a law enforcement officer to the subscriber’s residence to physically check on the well-being of the subscriber.

3) SENIOR CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

HOW THIS WORKS: This 7 week course will be taught to seniors by retired police officers at community buildings throughout the county. Topics include identity theft prevention, self defense and home protection. Students receive a certificate at the conclusion of the 7 week program.

VOTE FOR DEMOCRAT BEN KONOP FOR LUCAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER…IT’S TIME TO STAND UP FOR SENIORS!