To the editor:

Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. For six or seven years, it seems like every special interest group (whether it’s the T, Eagle Bend, folks wanting traffic-calming devices, neighborhood associations or social service groups) coming before the city has been given money, while basic infrastructure, emergency services and repairs have been underfunded. So much so that some of these entities feel “entitled” to the funding. This was money the city did not take in, but borrowed from reserve funds. Now, it has little left to give out.

At the same time, the city has made it very clear that it is, at best, difficult – if not impossible – to work with. A good number of businesses that considered Lawrence as a location have turned away. Even some of our own local businesses have left. That’s sales tax revenue lost, property tax base unrealized and jobs not materializing.

Now the bills have come due. Does the city budget have to be cut? Absolutely. However, continuing to underfund road repair/replacement, public safety agencies and emergency equipment repairs/replacement will only make today’s need more expensive. It may also open the city to a suit for willful neglect when someone is injured on its unsafe streets or because emergency equipment was unavailable to respond in a timely manner.

This financial dilemma will not go away with the 2007-08 budget, but will be here for several budgets to come. Those who relied on the city may have to become more reliant on their own ability to generate income.

Ken Meyer,

Lawrence