Published in the Chestertown Spy
I read Nensi Fiorenini’s recent letter on behalf of the Kent County Commission on Aging with appreciation. Her call for county leaders to work more closely with the commission resonated with me, especially her recognition that improving life for older residents benefits our entire community. I welcome that invitation, and as a candidate for county commissioner, I am ready to listen, serve, and help put that partnership into practice.
Residents age 65 and older make up roughly 30% of Kent County’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is nearly one in three of our neighbors. County government has a responsibility to take their needs seriously and ensure they are reflected in decisions about housing, transportation, health care access, and public services.
Those needs vary, though. Some older residents have the resources and support to enjoy retirement comfortably. Others live on fixed incomes, care for a spouse, or struggle to reach a medical appointment. A person who has managed independently for years may need help after an illness or the loss of a partner. Our approach must recognize those differences and respect each person’s independence.
The broader principle that I'm taking away is straightforward: what benefits our seniors benefits all of Kent County.
Consider health care. Older residents need reliable access to primary care, specialists, and other medical services. For someone managing an ongoing condition, a long trip to an appointment can become especially difficult when driving is no longer an option. Working with providers to improve local access, and with transportation partners to help residents reach care, would also help working families, people with disabilities, and others who face similar challenges.
The same principle applies to how we design our communities. Curb cuts, accessible ramps, and well-maintained sidewalks help people who use wheelchairs or walkers move about more independently. That same ramp helps a parent pushing a stroller or someone recovering from an injury. Universal design means planning spaces so people of different ages and abilities can use them. Keeping seniors’ needs in mind can make our public buildings, homes, and neighborhoods more welcoming and usable for everyone.
Housing deserves that same attention. Many seniors rely on fixed incomes while the cost of remaining in their homes continues to rise. We need to support the construction of senior housing they can afford, with accessible features and convenient access to services. We should also explore ways to help residents make repairs and modifications that allow them to remain safely in their existing homes.
Affordable housing must be accompanied by services people can afford to use. Low-cost and no-cost options for meals, transportation, and other essential support should be part of that conversation. The planning and partnerships that help us serve seniors can also improve how we assist financially vulnerable residents of other ages.
There are equally valuable opportunities to bring our seniors and young people together. Older residents have professional experience, practical skills, and personal histories to share. Young people have knowledge, interests, and talents of their own, and both generations deserve opportunities to learn from each other.
I have proposed exploring a partnership between Heron Point and the new Kent County Middle School planned across the street. Interested residents could mentor students, share career experience, or participate in classroom projects. Students could share their own skills and bring music recitals and theater performances to their neighbors. Even an annual bocce game could give students and residents a reason to spend time together and develop friendships.
That partnership would need to take shape with residents, educators, students, and families. Participation should reflect what they find meaningful and enjoyable. It is one example of what stronger relationships between our senior organizations, schools, and youth programs could make possible throughout the county.
As Ms. Fiorenini recognizes, Kent County has limited resources and organizations already doing valuable work. County government can help by listening to their experience, identifying unmet needs, and coordinating practical responses.
If elected, I will seek regular conversations with the Commission on Aging, seniors, caregivers, and organizations serving older residents. I want their input early enough to shape decisions, along with clear follow-through on the concerns they raise. Together, we can identify priorities, understand costs, and pursue improvements that make daily life easier.
I am grateful to Ms. Fiorenini and the commission for asking us to give this work the attention it deserves. Our seniors deserve to remain connected, live with dignity, and have a meaningful say in their county’s future. I am ready to work with them toward a Kent County that supports people at every stage of life.
Sam Shoge
Candidate, Kent County Commissioner
