To the editor:

As government budget cuts plague our city and state, there is an increasing concern that the eventual tax burden will fall on personal property owners. Rather than cut extremely important and needed programs, personal property taxes will eventually be raised to levels unseen by Lawrence residents. Accentuating the personal property tax increase is the possibility that as economic development dries up, a significant source of commercial property taxes will be unavailable to tap — property which is taxed at a much higher rate than residential property.

The city of Lawrence has a clear focus of its economic development goals — keep and attract the best, altruistic firms possible. Unfortunately, we’re not without stiff competition from other diverse communities similar to our own. Concessions to keep these entities local are necessary for the “greater good” of the community, including a larger charitable giving base, increased local investment and a greater tax pool to fund not only community projects but also minimize our own personal property tax burdens.

I’d ask Lawrence residents to make an honest effort to research the “intangible benefits” of our city offering tax abatements and each candidate’s stance. Eliminating or greatly reducing the effectiveness of this tool leaves Lawrence residents without one option of minimizing our own personal tax burdens.

Ryan Wedel,

Lawrence