To the editor:

Thank you, Cindy Yulich, for your letter to the editor supporting KU and citing the benefits to Lawrence of a successful university and athletics department. Given that it is easier to question than to support, hats off for expressing your opinion.

I know that in recent years Kansas University and Kansas Athletics Inc. have been criticized for moving the KU-Missouri football game to Arrowhead, for initiating the points system for seating at sporting events and favoring those outside of the Lawrence community. To this criticism, I would offer another perspective.

First, KU is not located in Lawrence for the sole benefit of Lawrence. It is easy for residents of Lawrence to feel that the university should make decisions based on what would be best for our community. But as a nationally recognized major state research university, KU needs to focus on the greater constituency, which is actually outside of Lawrence. Those of us who have lived in Lawrence for a number of decades may not welcome this perspective, but it really is best for KU.

Finally, if it was announced that a local employer was going to add jobs, especially high-paying jobs, and double its revenues, which come primarily from outside Lawrence, that employer would be loudly praised by the community. Guess what? That is exactly what the athletics department has done over the last few years. Change is not always enjoyable, but what is best for KU will ultimately benefit Lawrence. Rock Chalk Jayhawk.

Chuck Warner,
Lawrence