To the editor:

On behalf of the Oread Neighborhood Assn., I would like to thank the many individuals in our neighborhood and throughout the city who acted with thoughtfulness and integrity to present a fair and balanced perspective of the issues that surrounded the Ohio Street controversy. The time and effort you took to gather information and ask questions to become better informed about these complicated issues was much appreciated.

As with all actions that affect a large number of people and various segments of the population, there will always be different perspectives and overlapping interests. An open and welcoming venue that provides an opportunity to discuss concerns and share information is a place to begin finding solutions to difficult issues. It was disappointing to have the governor make a decision for our neighborhood. The university and the community have the ability to resolve their own issues and find mutually satisfying solutions.

Representatives from the university, the community and the neighborhoods have an opportunity to set an example of leadership and diplomacy in working together in the newly formed KU Neighbors Group. The purpose of this group is to provide a process of input and discussion for issues and projects that affect the university, the neighborhoods and the city of Lawrence. We support this group and other such groups that help give voice to various concerns and interests. Working together it is possible to discover better and more effective solutions.

Candice Davis,

Oread Neighborhood Association President,

Lawrence