To the editor:

Recent City Commission actions and decisions would make one wonder why Lawrence gets “left in the dust” when it comes to new business and tax-base development!

I can recall in 1957, when Hallmark Cards was trying to locate in Lawrence, the opposition then encountered by the “city fathers” and their entourage. Thank God, Chancellor Franklin Murphy and J.C. Hall had the insight and vision to locate here. The benefits to the city’s tax base and philanthropic ventures are just a few of the “reapings” that Lawrence has enjoyed by organizations such as Hallmark Cards Inc. The steady employment base with its payroll is far reaching within the Lawrence and Douglas County areas.

Why would one oppose such a giant as Wal-Mart to become the same such contributor? We have a great city, an excellent place to live, but property-tax intensive. How long can we survive if industry and the Wal-Marts of the world are looked upon as “less than desirable” residents and taxpayers?

City Commission: “You don’t bite the hand that feeds you!”

If you eat as slow as you make decisions, you will all starve to death at the dining room table!

Eugene F. Reding,

Lawrence