To the editor:

It has been a challenge to find the exact year that the 2 percent for art from city projects paid through the general fund was mandated. The present city staff told us it was during the 1970s.

I have a suggestion that will really make Lawrence a great place to live. The 2 percent mandated for art should be used to help pay the property taxes of seniors on fixed incomes and the low-income families that have to choose among food, medicine, staying warm and property taxes. The 2 percent also could help pay for prescription medicine for those same people.

I know of a senior who was cutting their medication in half, trying to make it last longer because they didn’t have much money. They had to be taken to the hospital.

We were told by a person working at the courthouse that they wonder if some people will have food to eat after paying their taxes.

I don’t see how our tax money can be spent on art when people have to make such choices. If you have to struggle to buy food or medicine you are not going to be thinking about art.

This tax money needs to be used for those in need of a little help. Our present and future commissioners should have the courage to make this change. An art fund could be set up for those who wish to promote art in the city.

Betty Henderson,

Lawrence