Sunflower School teachers Bonni Higginbotham, back left, and Liz Callaway are pictured with their fourth-grade class of young writers at Sunflower Elementary. Back Row left: Lev Comolli, Logan Smith, Bonnie Reinsch, Spencer Fuller, Michael Heschmeyer, Jamie Skala, and Nicole Kelly. Middle Row from left: Karl Olson, Cy Burghart, Lucas Mackey, Noah Hogan and Meeli Patel. Front Row from left: Kelvin Lopez, Riley Shook, Haley Hobbs, Hannah Keith and Elizabeth Hadl.

Editor’s note: As part of their lesson on writing persuasive text, students in a writing class taught by Bonni Higginbotham at Sunflower School wrote letters on some important community topics. This is a selection of their opinions. All are members of Liz Callaway’s fourth-grade class.

Traffic concern

To the editor:

People in Lawrence are not following traffic laws. They are running red lights, speeding and not stopping at stop signs. I encourage the city to make there be more cops patrolling the streets. It will benefit you because then you won’t have as great of a risk of dying. That’s why I want to improve traffic conditions.

Lucas Mackey

Drinking dangers

To the editor:

I would like to state that I would like restaurants to serve less alcohol. One time I was at a restaurant and a man ordered five or more glasses of beer! He didn’t talk a whole lot, he looked dizzy. I don’t like to think of drunk people driving. It can also be dangerous for Lawrence citizens because people who are drinking can do a lot of stuff they’ll later regret. We could cut down on the number of glasses of alcohol. Maybe one or two glasses. Less beer and alcohol would make Lawrence a safer place to live.

Riley Shook

Secondhand smoke

To the editor:

I think smoking in downtown is really a big problem. It’s a problem because it affects other people who get secondhand smoke. Some ideas are that you can smoke in a corner or on a bench away from other people. But also if there was a law for no smoking by people that would be terrific. Thank you for reading my letter.

Meeli Patel

Lunch choices

To the editor:

I am sending you a letter because I want to change the lunch for elementary schools in Lawrence. The choices are good but we want more variety such as, instead of carrots we would like to see celery, raisins. We would like more cheese pizza for grades 4-6. We should have a choice of milk or bottled water and occasionally juice.

Cy Burghart

Unsafe intersection

To the editor:

I think that we need a light at Bob Billings Parkway and Inverness. I’ve personally seen a crash. We need it because it would be safer for walkers and drivers. My concern is that if we don’t get a light there, it will continue to be unsafe for everyone.

Michael Heschmeyer

Don’t litter

To the editor:

I think that downtown has too much trash on the sidewalk! And I think you should do something about it. So I’m going to help you and see if you like my ideas. I think that we should have more trash cans. That might help. Also, I think that we should have signs that say “don’t litter.” Also, we could have a little place so people can pick up trash and give it to the place and get money for it. If that doesn’t work then try to have people watch people and fine them if they litter. Thank you for reading this. I hope you clean downtown.

Lev Comolli

Less pollution

To the editor:

There is too much pollution downtown. Pollution is harmful to the environment and can cause global warming. Some ways to stop pollution are to put up more “No Littering” signs and set up more trash cans. Littering is bad for people because eventually the trash can rot and if it does, it will be bad for the environment. It would be better for everyone if there was less pollution.

Noah Hogan

Animal abuse

To the editor:

I am writing this letter to you because I love animals but hate animal abuse. Animal abuse makes me furious! I think that people that abuse animals should have consequences for it. This is a serious deal because abuse takes a life from a living, breathing thing. Animals have feelings and need love and care just like us. If you treat your pet nicely, they’ll show love and loyalty to you! So please stop the animal abuse now! I’m begging!

Hannah Keith

Smoking, trash

To the editor:

There are many people who smoke in downtown Lawrence. I think it is dangerous because people can get secondhand smoke. Some people just throw their cigarettes on the ground instead of finding a trash can. There could be people hired by Lawrence or volunteers that could watch and tell people to throw their trash away. Closed off rooms for people to smoke in would be a big help to downtown Lawrence. I appreciate your time and effort.

Nicole Kelly

Kid power

To the editor:

There is not enough political power for kids. I think that kids should be able to run for kid city representatives so the laws will be fair and so kids won’t have to wait till 18 for more political power. Make fair school rules. Kids will have more power than teachers.

Spencer Fuller