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Stand up for our neediest citizens

Herald-Citizen - 5/20/2018

After July 1, it may be a little harder for senior citizens and people with disabilities to get around the Upper Cumberland.

UCHRA's funding from TDOT has been frozen, thanks to an audit.

At a meeting last week, UCHRA interim director Mark Farley told the organization's governing board that they may have to suspend transportation program.

"If things do not change and they decide not to release our funds starting July 1, you may see transportation, for a period of time, shut down until this is all resolved," Farley said.

That's the UCARTS and CATS. UCARTS goes across the 14-county Upper Cumberland region and also makes runs to Murfreesboro and Nashville. CATS has dedicated routes throughout Cookeville.

According to its website, UCHRA's public transit program provides transportation for rural residents of all ages, giving first priority to elderly, handicapped and economically disadvantaged with medical needs.

These are the folks who don't have cars, who need to visit doctors and hospitals. Some need to visit attorneys. The appointments they have aren't optional.

Bottom line, these are people.

UCHRA's former director allegedly did a lot of things he shouldn't have. The results of an internal investigation have not been released, but the board chose to fire Luke Collins at its last meeting.

A lot of the blame goes to Collins. His alleged actions brought on the investigations and audits.

But blame should also be placed with his supervisors. The elected representatives of the 14 Upper Cumberland counties. Was Collins ever evaluated? Who oversaw his actions? Who will pay the price?

The answer to that last question is easy. The people who pay the price are those senior citizens and persons with disabilities who need a ride.

We encourage the members of the UCHRA board to step up and take action. Make changes so someone has clear oversight of the next director.

And we implore our representatives in Nashville to intercede with TDOT, on behalf of our neediest citizens.

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