Panel mulls funding senior rides

Commissioners are considering an appointment to the housing board.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Mimi Edwards says recent cutbacks by the New Castle Transit Authority have left her stranded in her New Bedford home.
Daily bus service she used to do her weekly grocery shopping at the Super Wal-Mart in Union Township was cut two weeks ago. Edwards, 83, was able to ride for free because she is older than 65.
Now, Lawrence County commissioners are considering funding another program that would allow Edwards and anyone 65 and older to get free rides again.
Allied Coordinated Transportation Services of New Castle provides rides to senior citizens for any purpose. Eighty-five percent of the cost is picked up by the Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds. The remaining 15 percent is picked up by the rider.
Angela Elias of ACTS proposed to commissioners on Thursday that the county pick up that 15 percent cost for visits to the grocery store.
"We already take some of them grocery shopping. Our drivers help them with the groceries and to the door," she said. "But some [senior citizens] shy away because of the cost."
Elias said the 15 percent contribution starts at $1.60 and increases, based on the distance driven.
She estimated the county would have to contribute $5,400 to $5,500 per year.
She said the program could start by mid-August if approved.
Commissioner Dan Vogler questioned where the money would come from for the program.
"I don't care if it comes out of the county contingency fund or where it comes from, we're crazy if we don't do this," Commissioner Ed Fosnaught said.
Commissioners will decide Tuesday if they will fund the program.
Other business
In other business, Vogler announced he wants to appoint Michael Mancuso of Pulaski Township to the Lawrence County Housing Authority.
The board has a vacancy since Lawrence County Treasurer Gary Felasco resigned last month.
Vogler said he felt Mancuso, who works at Sky Bank in New Castle, would be a good choice in light of the fact the authority is facing financial problems. Last month, authority members made cuts to benefits after learning it would receive about $267,000 less in federal funding this year.
"He does have a strong background in finance, and I think that would be an asset to this board," Vogler said of Mancuso.
Fosnaught made no comment on Vogler's proposal. Commissioner Steve Craig was not present at the meeting.
cioffi@vindy.com