To the editor:

Rex Youngquist’s recent letter (Public Forum, Jan. 18) proposing senior property tax reduction and elimination is a sound one.

By letting owner-occupants of residential housing reduce their property tax appraisal to 50 percent at age 65 and to zero percent at 75, it makes Lawrence extremely attractive as a high quality retirement area. Seniors would have the option of reducing their property taxes (like an all-inclusive homestead program). This means citizens who feel a need to pay property taxes to support the city and school projects can do so.

Those who are being squeezed by increased heating costs and 10 percent annual appraisal increases can use their money better to support themselves and programs THEY choose. The 8.4 percent valuation increase for this year is essentially an 8.4 percent increase in tax revenue for the city and schools. This is a hidden way to increase taxes without voter approval.

Seniors have retirement income which comes from pension programs outside Lawrence, so it is a low-impact way to get dollars into Lawrence. They spend their money locally, and their wisdom and experience enrich and stabilize a community based on a college student cycle. It makes Lawrence an attractive center for retirees from the university and other economic areas.

Why not emphasize our human resources more and light manufacturing less? I don’t want Lawrence to become Lenexa! Let’s begin a ballot initiative, if necessary. Local government doesn’t need more money, it needs better solutions and growth.

Craig Sundell,

Lawrence