To the editor:

I am a supporter of Kansas University and KU sports, but moving the Oklahoma/Kansas football game to Kansas City, Mo., is, at the very least, questionable. The problem I have is the removal of tourism and tax dollars from the city of Lawrence and state of Kansas.

A home football game represents tourism dollars for the community of Lawrence. Hotels, restaurants, bars and retailers are not the only businesses that benefit from these dollars.

Every tourism dollar spent in Lawrence winds its way through the local economy, going in and out of many different pockets. These dollars enrich Lawrence’s economy by providing wages, salaries and profits. In turn, they are used to pay for other goods and services throughout the community. All businesses and residents benefit from the out-of-town dollar.

By moving the game to Missouri, the loss of local and state taxes seems to be a simple issue. The loss of these dollars affects the quality of life in Lawrence.

The residents of Lawrence may need to start their own development program called “CommunityFirst.” We just need to print some T-shirts.

John Douglas,

Lawrence