To the editor:

Where has common sense gone? We can only get the services that we are willing to pay for. Mr. Stussie (Public Forum, March 21) compares Kansas tax levels to those of Missouri and finds that Missouri residents pay less. What aspect of Missouri schools or highway conditions are enviable as well?

Throughout its history Kansans have been willing to invest in education and other state services to enhance opportunities and the quality life for its citizens. We are often told that a major selling point for encouraging companies to locate in Kansas is its quality of life, which includes good schools and transportation infrastructures and firm property values.

Morgan Quitno Press has ranked Kansas sixth, and Missouri 23rd in their Livable State Award (one is “most livable”; 50 is “least livable”), based on 43 factors selected from updated editions of its annual reference book, State Rankings. Many in my extended family moved from Missouri to Kansas just because the schools were better, knowing full well the taxes were higher in Kansas. They understood that you must pay for what you get.

Some states may be able to continue to attract industry and people despite poor services and schools by offering ocean or mountain views. Kansas does not have this luxury of distraction, so if we lose our good schools and degrade our other support services, we will not have much left to offer. Heck, we might as well be living in Missouri.

Linda Frost,

Lawrence