To the editor:

Lawrence residents should be appalled by the way Wal-Mart is trying to bully its way into having a second location on Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive. Yes, proper procedure must be followed — I even agree with that — but Wal-Mart has promised to fight even after it is rejected “legally.” That is blackmail. It will cost the city thousands more dollars to defend itself, and Wal-Mart knows this. I guess Wal-Mart is not concerned with its already tarnished image. Bullying a city is just one more added on to a long list of improper actions taken by the company.

When Wal-Mart looks at Lawrence, it sees dollar signs. The residents of Lawrence see something much, much more than that. The people of Lawrence demand thoughtful planning in the way their city develops. That message was heard loud and clear at the last elections for the Lawrence City Commission.

Go away quietly, Wal-Mart, and I might respect you again. If you don’t, I will do everything in my power to get the word out that Wal-Mart is just another large chain unconcerned for the cities in which its stores are located.

Tina M. Mengler,

Lawrence