Sponsored by AARP
As the upcoming election for Brooklyn’s District 47 heats up, city council candidates share their thoughts on aging in New York.
In this article, Brooklyn Paper sat down with candidates, George Sarantopoulos and Kayla Santosuosso, to hear how they would serve the older residents of District 47.
Q: Many older New Yorkers face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, especially in underserved neighborhoods. What specific policies would you support to improve healthcare access and outcomes for seniors in Brooklyn?
Sarantopoulos: As a cancer survivor myself I will push to fund more accessible early detection programs for all New Yorkers so we can catch diseases early. I will also fight to make sure that retired city workers get the benefits that were promised to them.
Santosuosso: Amidst federal cuts to Medicare, we need to shore up the New York City Health and Hospital system, so that they can provide low- or no-cost healthcare services to older adults across our borough. We also need to fund and support efforts by local nonprofits to help boost preventative care, so that fewer seniors arrive at overcrowded emergency rooms long past the ideal intervention point, when health outcomes tend to be poorer.
Q: Elder abuse remains a serious issue in many communities. How will you strengthen protections and response services for victims of elder abuse, and promote awareness and prevention efforts?
Sarantopoulos: I have heard personal stories of elder abuse in our community and as a councilman will work to make their voices heard. I will also make sure the adult abuse hotline is readily available.
Santosuosso: Elder abuse and neglect is a horrible crime that needs to be treated with the utmost seriousness. If elected I will work with the incoming Council to pass legislation that increases the enforcement of elder abuse laws, and makes it easier for people to report instances of neglect. We will also ensure that the city conducts robust outreach to make communities aware of elder abuse and what it looks like.
Q: Given that the Department for the Aging currently receives less than 0.5% of the city’s budget despite increasing needs, will you advocate for a substantial increase in funding for aging-related programs such as home care, meal delivery, and senior centers?
Sarantopoulos: I support increasing funds for New York’s seniors. My district has a high percentage of seniors and I will fight to make sure that the city is safe and liveable for them. If the city can find 12 billion dollars for illegal migrants it can find more money for our most vulnerable populations.
Santosuosso: My district is home to many Senior Centers and home care programs that face deep funding gaps because of federal funding cuts. Seniors who dedicated their lives to making New York City the incredible home that it is deserve our respect- and that, at minimum, looks like more funding for the programs they rely on.
As the race for Brooklyn’s District 47 heats up, residents are encouraged to carefully consider the perspectives and policy proposals shared by each member.
Check back with Brooklyn Paper for more candidate Q and A’s.
