Working closely with the city of Lawrence and the Lawrence-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce is an important element in luring new businesses and industries to the area, said Grant Eichhorn, a 2nd District candidate for the Douglas County Commission.

Eichhorn talked about economic development, budgeting and other issues during a 30-minute online chat Thursday on the Journal-World’s Web site, LJWorld.com.

When it comes to budgeting matters, Eichhorn said, his priorities would be providing infrastructure and safety, cutting waste and scrutinizing payroll and benefits.

“It gets tougher after that,” he said.

The Journal-World intends to have other candidates in for online chats. So far two other commission candidate chats have been scheduled for this month. Jim Flory, a Republican running for the 3rd District seat, will be online at 2 p.m. July 14. Clenece Hills, a Democratic 3rd District candidate, will chat at 11 a.m. July 28.

Anyone wanting to submit a question in advance can go online to www.LJWorld.com/chats.