To the editor:

I am deeply concerned by the formation of a coalition of city commission candidates based on isolationist policies such as denying future tax abatements. Beyond the divisive nature of coalition building, by “pledging” to broadly oppose such basic economic development tools, the candidates are pledging to shift an increasing tax burden to the homeowner. Does that make housing more affordable?

They are also promising not to attract the high-paying careers of the bio-tech and high-tech industries that we claim to invite. While neighboring communities offer 100 percent abatements to attract new jobs, we would compete by “pledging” to offer nothing? I believe that we should keep our options open. We are a community known for carefully weighing alternatives, filtering possibilities and setting very high standards.

The biotech company Serologicals recently committed $28 million in capital investments in our community, promising many of our citizens and graduates a good job right here in town. Even with an 80 percent abatement, the community will gain $1.3 million in new tax revenue over 10 years. The company would not have looked at Lawrence without an abatement; the new tax revenue and jobs would not exist.

Growth and change are inevitable — careful planning is the variable. We should reject politically contrived restrictions that will limit the future of Lawrence. Please vote for independent, open-minded people with vision and optimism.

Jason S. Edmonds,

Lawrence