To the editor:

This is in response to Mr. Jon Maas’ comments on the issue of panhandling in the Oct. 22 Public Forum of the Journal-World.

Mr. Maas, our city leaders have already advised the public to “just say no” to anyone who approaches you that is panhandling.

About it being something that Lawrence “should not be proud of,” there are many issues on the table, Mr. Maas, that Lawrence should not be proud of, with panhandling being just one of them, and they are being addressed to make Lawrence a safe, beautiful and excellent place to live.

May I suggest that getting involved as part of the solution instead of complaining about it would most likely expedite the resolution of these issues.

Amy Rush,

Lawrence