Free legal help for elderly is town council topic

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Representatives from Legal Services For the Elderly (LSE) made a presentation at Monday’s town council meeting and discussed the non-profit organization’s free services to Maine residents who are at least 60 years of age.
    Jayne Martin, executive director, and Suzanne Russell, staff attorney, explained various services aimed at assisting elderly residents who face issues such as financial exploitation, access to benefits and “basic human needs like shelter and fuel.” In Aroostook County, alone, Martin says LSE has seen an increase from 395 cases in 2007 to 450 in 2008, with a projection of going over 500 cases this year in achieving civil and legal remedies for clients.
    The pair of attorneys stressed that services are free with no financial criteria for eligibility. Martin said interested seniors can call the agency hotline (800) 750-5353, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. LSE’s Internet address is: www.mainelse.org.
    Russell is locally based and can be contacted at 538-5938. She encouraged interested senior citizens to participate in the upcoming free legal services clinic at the Houlton courthouse on Thursday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by calling either of the numbers for an appointment. LSE also has French translators for non-English speaking clients.
    In other business, the council withdrew the first reading of a proposed plan to change the way it televises public comments and will consider alternatives to accommodate residents who prefer not to be televised    The council passed a motion to fund Roads 2000 by one mil in future years. A preliminary list of roads and sidewalks is available at the town office. Invitations to bid will be advertised.
    The council accepted the low bid of $4,424,256 for Sargent Corporation to rehabilitate Runway 5-23 at Houlton International Airport. The town manager was authorized to enter into a contract with the city of Caribou for billing services for Houlton’s ambulance department. Town Manager Douglas Hazlett said there will be no co-mingling of funds and special computer programs have been installed to monitor the Houlton account.
    Several donations were accepted without any requirement of matching funds. Walmart donated $1,000 and Savings Bank of Maine donated $375 toward rehabilitating the Just for Kids playground. The Brandon Cottle Memorial Fund donated $1,000 toward improvements of the gym at the Gentle Memorial Building. And, the United States Tennis Association of New England donated $1,000 for a tennis program this summer.
    The application of the Courtyard Café for renewal of a liquor license was approved.
    Councilor Sue Tortello encouraged residents to participate in Memorial Day Services. Chairman Paul Cleary said the public is invited to attend a council work session at the Gentle Memorial Building, Monday, May 18, 6:30 p.m., to discuss the future of the Rec Center.
    The next regular council meeting is Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. due to the Memorial Day Holiday that Monday.