City, state, nation will face tough issues in the year to come

This is the time for reflections on the past year but, more importantly, thoughts about the challenges that are likely to arise in the coming 12 months, plus a few New Year’s resolutions.

For most Americans, 2003 was a fairly good year. The economy started to come out of its two- to three-year recession, and the federal government is engaged in a long-overdue crackdown on white-collar crime. Most Americans continue to support Uncle Sam’s actions in Iraq and Afghanistan and agree that the “war” on terrorism deserves top priority. Lawrence continues to enjoy solid growth, but not as strong as in recent years, and the city and its residents avoided any major disasters.

However, even with these favorable conditions, there still are many concerns about what might transpire in 2004.

At the national/international level, there are bound to be continued terrorist attacks on U.S. facilities and installations, as well as against American citizens. No matter how intense our national security efforts may be, it is almost impossible to build an airtight security screen around this country. There are too many miles of unguarded borders, harbors, airports, water systems and any number of other targets for those committed to bringing death and destruction to the United States.

This is not a Republican or Democratic issue, as some are likely to suggest in the upcoming presidential campaign. It is a matter that transcends political partisanship, and all Americans should be doing what they can to minimize the chances for successful terrorist actions.

It is almost certain that American troops will continue to be engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan either as peacekeepers, policemen or active combatants, and, with this exposure, there are sure to be added casualties and deaths.

Uncle Sam’s policies in this part of the world are certain to be hotly debated in the presidential campaign.

The race will pick up steam early in 2004 with the battle among Democratic hopefuls capturing most of the headlines for the next several months. At this time, it would appear Bush has the edge in the November election, but he and his close advisers are sure to remember that his father looked like a lock to win the 1992 election but faded badly in the last few months, allowing Bill Clinton to pull out a win.

Could the same thing happen this year, and, if so, which of the top three or four Democratic hopefuls would have the best chance to beat Bush?

In Kansas, the big question is how the state will deal with its budget and how spending decisions will affect state-aided programs. Gov. Sebelius is not up for re-election next year, but all state legislators are, and it will be interesting to see how many of those seeking re-election will support increased taxes to provide added funding for state programs.

Will the governor show courage and leadership on this matter, or will she continue to try to mesmerize the public with smoke and mirrors? On the other side of the political fence, will the GOP continue to be split, with the so-called conservatives and moderates so engaged in their civil war that the entire state suffers? Locally, this GOP game of political suicide is the only thing that keeps Democratic Rep. Dennis Moore in office, and, at this time, it appears Republicans in the 3rd Congressional District are continuing their contentious behavior.

Lawrence residents are particularly interested in education funding, both for K-12 schools and higher education. Will local leaders call for a special local tax to supply added dollars for the Lawrence public schools or will parents and students be asked to pay more special fees for students to participate in many school activities?

Although KU officials continue to pound the message that KU is a bargain compared with other universities, KU students and their parents will be asked to absorb another 20 percent increase in tuition costs. At some point, more parents are sure to say enough is enough.

The question of staff and faculty morale at KU is likely to become even more of a concern among many of the school’s top educators. It is not a good situation and could become a much greater concern of the public and the Kansas Board of Regents.

The KU medical school continues to have problems, and efforts are needed at both KU’s Lawrence and Kansas City campuses to hold onto top faculty members. The state cannot afford to lose people like former Dole Institute director Richard Norton Smith and many who have left the KU Medical Center.

The question of Lawrence growth is sure to capture headlines in the coming months. City officials now have decided to ask “smart growth” consultants to toss in their advice about how the city should grow. Why can’t more decisions about Lawrence be made by local people rather than relying on out-of-town consultants? Is this to avoid criticism if and when city-approved actions don’t work out?

More attention needs to be given to the question of the city’s supply of fresh water because water is sure to become the most critical natural resource for the city, as well as the nation. Lawrence is going to grow, regardless of the efforts by some in the community, and city officials should be thinking about the community’s needs 50 years from now, not just five or 10 years down the road.

City officials need to stop changing guidelines, rules and policies after property owners and others have used these standards to plan and finance their projects. This applies to roads and land use, as well as other issues.

Lawrence’s health care system has improved in recent years, with major improvements at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, but local residents and those in the health care business cannot become complacent.

One of the biggest challenges of the coming year — or any year — is how to encourage top-flight men and women to agree to become candidates for public office. Another constant challenge is how to maintain honest, intelligent and effective law enforcement at both the city and county levels.

The South Lawrence Trafficway will continue to be stalled by various groups with dubious motives, all the while adding to the cost of the project and the city’s traffic problems.

Lawrence has enjoyed much success in the past, and there is every reason for local residents to be optimistic about the future. However, nothing is guaranteed, and just because Lawrence is viewed as one of the most outstanding communities in this part of the country, KU leaders, city and county leaders and local residents cannot be complacent.

Leaders in nearby cities have renewed their efforts to rebuild their communities, and other universities have stepped up their efforts to sell their programs and show personal interest in students and faculty. Too many in Lawrence and KU seem to think successes are automatic. This is the greatest weakness of the city and the university as we prepare to enter 2004.