A Journal-World news story earlier this week pointed out a situation, or mind-set, of many in Lawrence that poses a challenge for city leaders and those who dream of a better community in the years ahead.

A lot of local residents want a lot of things, most of which cost a lot of money, but they don’t want to pay for these things.

The most recent case in point is the possibility of all-day kindergarten in Lawrence’s public schools. According to the news story, 551 parents of incoming kindergartners were surveyed about all-day kindergarten. Although 73 percent of these parents wanted all-day kindergarten classes, only 46 percent were willing to pay $240 a month to cover the costs of extending kindergarten from a half day to a full day.

Proponents of the all-day plan point out that youngsters benefit in many ways from such a schedule. It is unknown how many of the parents surveyed would need child care with a half-day schedule, but it would seem those in that category would have been almost unanimous in their support of the plan regardless of its educational benefits. Certainly, child-care costs would have exceeded the $240 per month. How about the inconvenience of picking up children in the middle of the day?

Regardless of the merits or weaknesses of all-day kindergarten for Lawrence parents, this matter illustrates how so many people want something – some service, some extra, some convenience, something they have seen in another city – but don’t want to pay for it.

They expect someone else to pay or to have it provided for them at no added cost. It would be nice if things worked that way, but there always is a price tag associated with “extras” or, these days, even some of the standard or regular services. The Lawrence school district, as well as Kansas University, now is charging for many “extras” that used to be standard services.

New Lawrence residents frequently mention they are surprised by the lower taxes they pay here compared with those in their former home communities. It would be interesting to know whether they enjoyed more city or school services in their former locations than they find here in Lawrence. Would they be willing to pay higher taxes here to have the added services? Are Lawrence residents getting efficient use of their tax dollars? Or should local taxpayers rightfully expect better use, more services for their tax dollars?

We want better streets, more parks, more recreation facilities, more this and more that, but who is going to pay for it? Are Lawrence residents willing to pay higher taxes to receive more services or more “extras”?

The school district poll indicates a large number, perhaps a majority of residents, do not favor paying an extra fee or assessment for added enhancements to make living in Lawrence an even more rewarding experience.

At the same time, it’s probably reasonable to suggest Lawrence residents want the best the city can afford and that they expect their city leaders to get the maximum benefit out of every tax dollar. They expect results, they will not knowingly tolerate waste and unnecessary spending, and they expect their elected officials, whether in city or county government or on school boards, to spend money wisely and effectively.

¢ Last week, this writer discussed the distinguished professors at Kansas University and the true leadership role they play at the university. They are, indeed, the backbone of the university and represent a tremendous treasure of nationally recognized teachers and researchers. They set the academic tone for KU and should have a significant voice in how the school can, and should, seek to achieve even higher levels of academic excellence.

At a time when many at KU are concerned about the university not keeping pace with other comparable institutions, perhaps it would be a good idea to pay more attention to the distinguished professors.

In last week’s Saturday Column, this writer listed the names of current distinguished professors. Not included were distinguished professors emeriti. These individuals also continue to play an important role in the academic excellence and reputation of the university. They are (without their respective “Dr.” titles):

Kenneth Armitage, James Brundage, John Brushwood, Robert Casad, Rue Cromwell, Paul Enos, Francis Heller, Maurice Joy, Theodore Kuwana, Chu-Tsing Li, Russell Mesler, Charles Michener, Richard Moore, Harold Orel, Calder Pickett, G. Baley Price, Richard Robison, Jan Roskam, Richard Schiefelbusch, Richard Schowen, Roger Shimomura, Marilyn Stokstad, George Swift, Arthur Thomas and Po-Lung Yu.

As noted in last week’s column, these also are names – and people – you should get to know.