Respecting Our Seniors
With a median age of 50, Macon County is a community of experience. I will initiate a long-term plan to build a modern, accessible Senior Center that provides the dignity and safety our seniors deserve.
Macon County is a place defined by its history and the people who built it. With a median age of 50, our seniors aren’t just a segment of our population—they are the heart of our community. From Franklin to Highlands and Nantahala, our elders deserve a county government that prioritizes their safety, their health, and their dignity.
The Challenge
Our current Senior Services facility has served us for years, but it is no longer fit for the needs of 2026:
- Accessibility Barriers: The aging architecture makes navigation difficult for those with limited mobility.
- Logistical Hurdles: The current layout creates safety risks during transit drop-offs and pick-ups. Our most vulnerable residents are often left navigating difficult entryways in inclement weather.
- Capacity Limits: As our community grows, our building has simply run out of room for high-quality programming, meal services, and social connection.
The Plan: Building for the Future
I am committed to moving past “temporary fixes” and starting a real, long-term plan for a Modern Macon County Senior Center:
- A Modern, Accessible Facility: I will initiate the planning and site-selection process for a facility designed with universal accessibility at its core—no stairs, wide hallways, and automated entries.
- Streamlined Transit Solutions: We will design a dedicated, weather-protected transit hub at the new center, ensuring county vans can safely and efficiently transport seniors directly to the door.
- Expanded Wellness & Connection: A new facility means more room for veteran services, health screenings, nutritional programs, and the social activities that keep our seniors active and engaged.
- Fiscal Responsibility: By starting the planning process now, we can identify state and federal grants to offset costs, ensuring we build a legacy without placing an undue burden on local taxpayers.
“A community is judged by how it treats its elders. It is time for Macon County to build a space that reflects the respect and gratitude we have for the generation that raised us.”
— Russ Lunn