To the editor

I would like to respond to Ms. Spurling’s letter “Options needed” in which she talked about the need for a Home Depot in Lawrence and her cost savings by shopping out of town.

I cannot disagree with her point that a large home improvement store will be welcomed in Lawrence. As a professional I do have sources for supplies in town that others may not know about or have access to. And I do not like to see our dollars flowing out of town.

As to her cost savings by going to Topeka I will take issue. Here are some “costs” most people do not consider but are very real:

1. The cost of gas, maybe tolls, and wear and tear on the vehicle.

2. Increasing use of fossil fuels.

3. Release of hydrocarbons and other pollutants into our environment.

4. Wear and tear on our highways and roads.

5. Time spent traveling and shopping that could be spent with family or healthier activities.

6. Increased stress created by fighting traffic and crowds.

7. Did they decide to buy lunch or dinner while they were there?

8. Large retailers generally pay lower wages than some “local” stores. These employees may need more social services, and more tax dollars.

Looking for the least expensive option can be very short-sighted and ultimately cost everyone more than we can afford. The “value” of something is much more than the number of dollars we are willing to exchange.

David Baldwin

Lawrence