To the editor:

I am writing as there seems to be some confusion about my identity. My name is Melissa Padgett, but I am not the owner of the Third Planet who recently wrote the Journal-World (Feb. 24) complaining about loitering in her store on Wednesday afternoons.

I am a mother of four children who all attend Lawrence public schools. Unlike Ms. Padgett of the Third Planet, I am grateful for Lawrence Public Schools’ early release program on Wednesday afternoons. The early release program allows my children and I to accomplish tasks that otherwise could not be completed given busy school and activity schedules. (This includes shopping — often downtown.)

I’m sure some of Ms. Padgett’s concerns are valid. However, as is often the case, a few have spoiled something good at the expense of the majority.

Melissa R. Padgett,

Lawrence