To the editor:

The City Commission forum story of March 6 portrays that present commissioners believe the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is to blame for the lack of new jobs.

This is amazing. These commissioners built their reputation, which is well-known throughout the industry and business world, for delays and inconsistent demands. This is not bad enough; when the economic development group gets a business interested in Lawrence they are verbally attacked if the company asks for any consideration extended by other communities.

New jobs from existing business expansion also are challenged by the commission with delays and different rules. The Planning Commission also has been structured by city-county appointments at 5-5 so there is a deadlock on any action, with delays and hoops to jump through.

Small contractors have told me they have to work in Olathe, Kansas City or go west to try and keep their work force together. With this attitude toward business, more working people are unable to afford to live in Lawrence.

This is not the fault of the chamber. The commissioners should take credit where credit is due. If they are proud of their record, then tell the working person who is really responsible for the lack of jobs in Lawrence.

My community service spans over 40 years and includes the privilege of serving working men and women of Local No. 441, Plumbers and Pipefitters, as their business representative. Of all the years working and serving working men and women, I have not seen such a lack of work opportunity in our community since the late ’50s and early ’60s.

Dwayne Peaslee,

Lawrence