To the editor:

It’s really too bad. I know there are some in Lawrence who hope our City Commission passes a “living wage” ordinance this year. I and many others, however, fear such a scheme, one that is so completely anti-business, anti-growth and anti-community.

Those who know a thing or two about economics can easily comprehend the following truths about a “living wage:”

Workers should earn their pay through time on the job, by developing practical skills and by getting an education. Why on earth would anyone work hard, develop job skills or even finish high school if the government is going to strong-arm businesses in Lawrence to pay them what skilled laborers and college graduates earn? A “living wage” would cheat laborers who have earned a degree, completed advanced training or earned union certification.

A “living wage” would be like ringing the dinner bell for people from other parts of the state who would flock to Lawrence and compete with Lawrence families for jobs.

Fearing intrusive government mandates, a “living wage” would drive many businesses away from Lawrence and scare others from locating here.

It’s pure ignorance to believe for even one second that the Progressive Lawrence crew won’t eventually try to shove a “living wage” down the throat of every other Lawrence business at some point in the future.

City commissioners, please don’t neutralize the needed incentives we’ve offered job providers in the past with this smack-across-the-face disincentive labeled a “living wage.” A “living wage” is truly bad for Lawrence.

Eric Haar,

Lawrence