To the editor:

I agree with Jim Martin in Sunday’s article, “Developing a new attitude,” that Douglas County needs a new balance in rewriting the economic development chapter for Horizon 2020. In contrast to Mr. Martin, I believe we need to balance a commitment to planned growth with a commitment to quality jobs.

Economic growth must pay for maintaining the high quality of life we enjoy in Douglas County. Any tax abatement we give to a business must be tied to their commitment to provide a living wage for their employees. A living wage covers the basic needs for food, housing, health care, child care and transportation. Studies from Baltimore to Los Angeles show that business investment does not decline following living wage ordinances.

Jerry Jost,

Lawrence