To the editor:

The cost of living and retiring in Douglas County has risen dramatically in the past 10 years. This increased cost hits senior citizens on fixed incomes especially hard since gas and electric costs have gone up about 40 percent as well.

Many seniors are almost forced into selling their homes when faced with limited income and increased property taxes as well as increased energy and medical costs. These are folks who have worked hard all their lives and are trying to enjoy the best quality of life in their golden years.

I have a simple proposal: Cut city and county property taxes (or appraised values) in half for owner-occupants of residential homes when they reach the age of 65. Further reduce the property taxes on their home (or its appraised value) to zero when an owner-occupant turns 75.

If we offer property tax abatements to attract businesses, why not invest in our human resources? This would cost Douglas County, the city of Lawrence and the Lawrence school district a small amount of revenue, but it would ensure a much easier life for our seniors. It is also a great incentive to attract other seniors to our county and community. This seems to be a small but significant courtesy we can afford those who have labored a lifetime and now are trapped with rising taxes, heating and medical costs to balance against a fixed income. The wisdom and experiences of our older citizens stabilize and enrich our community.

Rex V. Youngquist,

Lawrence