It’s interesting to note that while many American communities are trying to devise ways to become “greater” in a wide range of categories, Seattle is engaging in what amounts to a shift to a Lesser Seattle.

In Lawrence, of course, many believe the City Commission has a bias against, even hostility to, growth and activities that might expand the tax base with new businesses. Some on the local commission might be quite pleased to talk things over with some of the downsizers in Seattle.

Cases in point:

Seattle voters gave a walloping “no” to spending public money on a new professional basketball arena even though some said the denial made it almost certain that the NBA SuperSonics would leave town. Of interest here is that nearby Kansas City, Mo., is building an attractive arena in the downtown area and a professional basketball franchise is high on its wish list of tenants.

If the Sonics are unhappy in the northwest and looking for a sparkling new home, which the Sprint Arena is supposed to be, they might find a home in these parts – a move that would let area fans see former Kansas University star Nick Collison, currently a pro on the Sonics roster.

Seattle people also have strongly opposed their mayor’s plan to create a Big Dig transportation tunnel project along the waterfront. There is great awareness of the $15 billion “tunnel” boondoggle that has plagued Boston for years and the Seattle residents want no part of such a costly fiasco.

Many, though tongue-in-cheek, want to use the weather as a means to discourage growth. They note that the National Weather Service announced that November is already the rainiest month there in nearly 75 years. That could scare away potential newcomers, they contend.

People seem pleased that such incidents may lead the way to a Lesser Seattle. Others are downright jubilant.

“Lesser Seattle” was a term coined in the 1980s by a newspaper columnist, Emmett Watson, as a joking way to play on questionable Greater Seattle efforts. He felt the community was big enough and hoped for some withdrawals rather than expansions.

Now it would appear the late columnist would be pleased, because Seattle is thinking more “lesser” than “greater.” Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if Kansas City promoters already are in touch with the Seattle SuperSonics to see if they would like to move to their Sprint Arena.

Unfortunately, there are some in Lawrence who belong to a “Lesser Lawrence” fraternity when, in fact, the city needs dreamers, entrepreneurs and residents with the vision and enthusiasm to build Lawrence into an even finer and stronger city.