To the editor:

There are three proposals for sales tax increases on the upcoming November ballot. Two will fund the T. Why is the city confusing the voters by splitting the necessary tax increase to keep the T funded into 2 parcels, knowing that each separate proposal will not be enough to keep the T going?

The third is for “new infrastructure projects.” The City Commission needs to explain precisely what this means. How can the City Commission present a tax proposal without knowing exactly what these “new infrastructure projects” are? This City Commission is not playing fair to its constituents.

The Burroughs Creek Bicycle Path is one item. This will receive matching funds from the state for completion. This path that has received citywide support and has been sitting on a back shelf the length of this commission’s term will complete a vital link in the city’s pedestrian trail system.

But what are the other items? North Lawrence airport project? Farmers Turnpike project? Other controversial projects that this commission would like to accomplish? Or are they infrastructure needs that must be dealt with soon, to stop the older areas of our city from crumbling further? Perhaps sidewalk (a desperate situation) and street repair in North and east Lawrence.

Taxpayers will not support a vote on sales tax without knowing how the money will be spent. The commission needs to give the voters clear, precise details on the tax increase proposals. Exact dollars attached to each infrastructure project represents fiscal responsibility.

Beth Anne Mansur,
Lawrence