To the editor:

My wife and I have been fortunate that we have never needed to call the police, nor fire/medical assistance in our 15 years in Lawrence. They are all costly services. We are quite willing to pay for them, and the educational part of the schools, as long as they are objectively monitored for costs. These are critical community services.

We believe that our city/paratransit system is an equally critical service. All of these services are critical to some segment of our community at some part of each day. Also, they all have “down” time when they are not needed, and schools are closed.

Unfortunately, three of our commissioners have put Lawrence in a double bind regarding the T: either a regressive tax or no buses. I believe this is a moral issue. Most of those needing the bus/paratransit system are financially or physically challenged, with little political power. Certainly there will be more in that situation soon. It is appropriate to say, “there but for the grace of God…”

We use the bus at times just to save. Sure, the system needs improvement, but don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Can we not, as a caring community, rise to this crisis thrust upon us by our “leaders”? I think we Lawrencians are made of better stuff. Please, vote “yes” on Questions 2 and 3.

Bob Bechtel,
Lawrence