To the editor:

It was interesting to read the recent article in the Journal-World regarding the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce plan asking the public to donate tickets to an upcoming basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse. These tickets would be given to members of a visiting squad of economic-development officials, and I think that is a good idea.

However, when the chamber’s vice president for economic development, Lynn Parman, asks that ticket holders “don’t take your wife” to this game, but instead donate her ticket to the cause, I was more than a little disappointed. First of all, the Chamber of Commerce, of all organizations, should be aware of the growing influence that women wield in our economy. Is it not likely (or at least possible) that some of these visiting officials might be women, and, if you follow Parman’s logic, wouldn’t they then prefer the company of a female basketball fan at the game? And then, should “the husband” be left at home?

I hope this little quote is not representative of the general attitude of the chamber, because if it is, we can certainly do better.

Dee Boeck,

Lawrence