Is there any question why entrepreneurs, builders, dreamers and “doers” look upon Lawrence as an extremely difficult city in which to do business? There isn’t just a neutral attitude in Lawrence about growth and expansion; there is a definite “anti” attitude.

Last week alone, there was a news story about some local residents who want to impose a minimum wage for anyone doing business in Lawrence, increasing wages for “ordinary people.”

In addition to the minimum wage, leaders of this effort would have “formula zoning” that would limit the number of chain retailers in any one block of downtown. They say they want to do this to protect the town’s “unique character.” They also want a law that would require health benefits to be offered to employees of major retail chains.

A day or so later, several city commissioners announced they were going to begin talking about creating new impact fees, or taxes, that builders of new homes would be required to pay. These additional dollars would be used, according to the commissioners, to help pay for parks and streets in developing areas.

What’s next? There must be some other policy or law that some city commissioner or other professional do-gooder thinks would make Lawrence a better city and, in the process, discourage anyone from wanting to come here to start a new business or industry, thereby making living here more costly. Come on, there must be some additional barriers to keep new business and new residents from making an investment in Lawrence.

It seems Commissioner David Schauner is quick to get his name identified with these efforts. One has to wonder whether the upcoming City Commission election plays a role in Schauner’s trying to raise his visibility on such issues because he wants to make sure those who put him in office four years ago realize he continues to fight their battles.

Lawrence already faces increasing competition from other far more progressive cities in attracting new industry, new business and new residents. New policies such as those noted above and others that are sure to come do nothing but dampen the enthusiasm about Lawrence’s future and its ability to take advantage of its many assets.

“Progressive government” or “smart growth” sounds good and could be good if applied in a sound, forward-looking manner. Unfortunately, that apparently isn’t the goal of some who champion the cause because their actions and efforts are far more negative and harmful to a community than anything resembling “progressive” or “smart.”