In a recent letter to the Journal-World’s Public Forum, a local resident stated, “: whatever your political persuasion, Lawrence will continue to evolve, grow and change.”

The letter writer is right on two of three counts: Lawrence will continue to evolve and change, but there is no guarantee Lawrence will continue to grow. As good as Lawrence’s history has been, there is nothing automatic about its future growth and excellence.

Already Douglas County’s growth is showing signs of slowing while nearby counties are seeing larger growth rates.

Yes, Lawrence is sure to evolve and change, but this easily could be for the worse rather than for the better.

It all depends on the vision and courage of local residents and sound, visionary, courageous city government. There is no place for self-serving, partisan, egotistical individuals sitting as city or county commissioners.

If Lawrence is to have any chance of reaching its potential, it must have excellent, honest city government.

That is why the current challenge facing city commissioners, selecting a new city manager is so important. What kind of job will these commissioners do in carrying out this rare opportunity? The manner in which they approach this task will have a great deal to do with how Lawrence “evolves, grows and changes.”