Community Members, AARP Advocates Speak on Significance of Measure M

Bobby Quillard

 

Esther Wise has a full schedule. The 79-year-old La Puente resident spends her weeks zipping from Tai Chi to Zumba and calligraphy classes; next she’s thinking of taking up line dancing. Currently, Wise maintains her full schedule from behind the wheel of her automobile, but she’s aware that she will soon join many of her friends and classmates in relying on public transportation in order to stay active.

“I don’t want to be programmed out of everyday living,” she said.  “I’ve been an independent woman for a lifetime and I would like to continue as long I can, so public transportation will give me that ability.”

Indeed, Esther’s story illustrates the central role mobility plays in the lives of many of Angelenos and their families, and it explains why for the first time, AARP is actively endorsing and campaigning for a local ballot measure in California. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization is not only educating its members about Measure M via mail, radio and online, but collaborating with key partners throughout the county.

While this level of involvement with a local campaign is unprecedented for AARP in California, State Director Nancy McPherson says it falls directly in line with the organization’s core mission of enhancing the quality of life for all as we age. “Transportation is a vital link connecting people of all ages to their communities,” McPherson said. “We’ve been listening to our members, and we’ve learned that the ultimate positive outcome for Angelenos– for children playing on the sidewalks, for adults on bicycles, for grandparents out for a stroll – is feeling like they can safely live healthy active lives within their community. Measure M will help make this a reality.”

In surveys of AARP’s nearly 38 million members nationwide, more than 87% of respondents have said they want to remain in their homes and communities as they age. When asked what would make LA a better place to live, people have told AARP that their top priority is safer, more accessible transportation options.

AARP is working closely on this effort with like-minded partner organizations, such as the nonprofit transportation advocacy group Investing in Place, to ensure all Angelenos have the information they need to understand Measure M and to be confident that their “yes” is a vote for a community that offers transportation and mobility options for all residents, regardless of their age, ability or zip code.

"We are committed to better and more affordable transportation options for all, especially for our youth and older adults — two groups often overlooked in transportation planning," said Jessica Meaney, Executive Director of Investing in Place. “But Measure M doesn’t make that mistake. Measure M will improve our quality of life by repairing sidewalks, crosswalks, and roads, provide affordable fares for older adults and students, and make it easier for all members of our families to get to where they need to go — for example, to get to school, to see the doctor, to the grocery store, and most importantly to be with their family."

With Metro bus and rail ridership for the 45 plus population at about 35%, and with a younger population becoming more accustomed to taking public transportation, Measure M responds to the needs of many generations.

"As a resident of Whittier who gets around by my own two feet and by transit, I strongly support Measure M. Measure M would help to address the very few transit options we currently have in this part of the county, including extending the Metro Gold Line to Whittier,” says Caro Jauregui, Southern California Policy Manager at California Walks. “More transit options will make it easier for everyone, especially seniors, to travel safely across the county."

AARP’s vision for a 21 ^st-century public transportation system links people of all incomes to jobs and essential support and services; offers options for reducing isolation and increasing social connections that keep residents healthy as they age; has streets and sidewalks that are safe for walking, biking and pushing a stroller or a walker; keeps transit fares low for seniors and persons with disabilities; and has an independent accountability process, which ensures that promised results are high quality and cost effective. That’s why AARP is strongly urging Angelenos to vote YES on Measure M.

 

 

 

 

About AARP

Serving 38 million members nationwide -- 3.3 million in California -- AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/losangeles or follow @AARPCA on Twitter.