Sue Hack is serving her second term on the Lawrence City Commission. She’ll take your question about any issue involving City Hall.

Moderator

Good afternoon. I’m Dennis Anderson, managing editor of the Lawrence Journal-World. I will be moderating today’s online chat with Lawrence City Commissioner Sue Hack. Welcome, Sue.

Sue Hack

Hi Dennis – glad to be here.

concernedvoter

Sue – Thanks for your service to the community. What suggestions do you have for our planning process? It seems like we hear so much about the need to reduce the burden on the residential homeowner but when opportunities present themselves, we aren’t able to make them a reality. When the planning commission approves a plan (I’m thinking of the recent Mercado presentation) with a 9-1 votend the city commission cannot approve the development, what’s the answer? Thanks.

Sue Hack

Thanks for the question. First of all as for the planning process, we will tonight be reviewing a report by our consultants regarding planning and permitting. They have made some very valuable suggestions about how to better serve this community. These suggestions do not come without a cost, but it is extremely important to make sure that our standards are met and that this is done is a predictable and fair way. Primary among the proposals is a “one-stop shop” combining those departments that are involved with development. Another is to increase our staffing levels and to purchase software to allow for greater tracking. I am hopeful that the commission will approve these proposals and that we are able to move forward quickly.

As for Mercato, I was very disappointed in the fact that the decision was deferred. It seems to me that when studies are done, staff recommends approval and the Planning Commission gives overwhelming support, an applicant has the right to expect approval.

justthefacts

Do you think Lawrence will ever see a minority race individual as our mayor? The city prides itself on being diverse, and yet anyone who is not color blind can see that the governing body is almost always 100% white.

Sue Hack

Hi – thanks for the question. I would hope that anyone who understands the need for service to this community will be able to run and be supported regardless of race.

Moderator

I have a question. What are your thoughts on the city’s need for a new or expanded library?

Sue Hack

Great question. I am very supportive of our library and think that Bruce and his staff have done a remarkable job with what they have been provided in the way of funding. Lawrence deserves a much better facility and whether that is at the current site or another one is a decision that is still being made. I appreciate the fact that the Mayor has called for staff to provide us with the necessary information so that a decision may be made in the not too distant future…allowing for the possibility of a vote by the public in April.

The plans calling for an increase in the collection of books and other materials available to the public, expanded teen areas and an improved childrens’ library are particularly appealing to me.

Moderator

Your other job is director of Leadership Lawrence through the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. The new class started about two months ago. What can you tell us about the new class?

Sue Hack

Thank you for this question…as a graduate of the Class of 2006, you know what a terrific experience Leadership Lawrence is. This class is made up of a wonderful group of individuals who are anxious to learn more about Lawrence and to increase their own leadership skills. They enjoy each other, are not afraid to ask difficult questions, are respectful of differences of opinion and anxious to take part in all of the activities that are presented to them. I enjoy the chance to be with them and to get to know them better. We have a group of very dedicated volunteers who plan curriculum for the class and their work has been terrific.

Moderator

How will the election of Nancy Boyda to Congress affect the city in regard to trying get the South Lawrence Trafficway completed?

Sue Hack

Hmmmmm. Gee, thanks so much for this one! I really don’t know what role she might play in this issue. We have some aditional funding that was secured by Senator Roberts but until the Federal Highway Administration makes a final ruling, we are not able to spend that. This really is a state highway issue with input from the US Army Corps of Engineers and Nancy has not weighed in on it as of yet.

Moderator

I want to thank Commissioner Hack for stopping by and answering our readers’ questions. Please come back again.

Sue Hack

thank you Dennis. I enjoy the opportunity to answer questions about this community and all that we have going on. We have had a very busy fall on the City Commission and we feel that with our new City Manager in place and the opportunity to make some necessary changes in our planning and permitting process, we will be a great shape. We have a very dedicated staff and it is made up of people who give so much to this city. I am always grateful for their help.