Lawrence City Commission candidates Michael Limburg and Jake Davis on Friday concluded a week of candidate chats here at ljworld.com.

Both men criticized the city’s ban on smoking in public places.

“I think the city overstepped its bounds when they did that,” Limburg said. “Just let the bars (and) eating places make the choice.”

“I would be fine with the ban if it were in line with policies of other communities in the region and didn’t leave our businesses at a disadvantage,” Davis added.

Other topics addressed Friday:

¢ Limburg said he opposed a second Wal-Mart at Sixth and Wakarusa, particularly given the recent expansion of the South Iowa store.

“I think that another (company) would be better as a cornerstone for that area,” he wrote.

But Davis said he wouldn’t see a problem with the new store.

“I don’t see a second Wal-Mart as a problem for anyone but Target,” he said. “The first one already took away the business from anyone it would affect. It does need, however, to be placed within the proper zoning and not be a burden on existing infrastructure.”

¢ Both men disputed suggestions they were underqualified or their campaigns underfinanced.

“I’ve already spent a lot of time on my own, learning about different perspectives on planning and have seen nothing at the commission meetings I couldn’t handle,” Davis said.

“To tell the truth I don’t know why you would spend $20,000 on a job that pays only $9,000 a year,” Limburg said of some of his competitors. “If you think that is wise and good sense, then by all means let them run the city.”

The primary election is Tuesday; the top six candidates will advance to the April 3 general election, where three will be chosen to take office.

All nine candidates chatted throughout the week. All chat transcripts can be found here at ljworld.com.