To the editor:

I encourage voters to get out and vote in the coming election. It is your right, responsibility and privilege to do so! A clear responsibility in this election with Questions 1, 2 and 3 is to determine what will be the most efficient spending of tax dollars in the tax increase proposals and vote accordingly. One simple way of determining that is to study aspects of the proposals and separate items into categories of “needs” and “wants.”

Let’s review aspects of Question 1 regarding infrastructure projects. Street reconstruction funding (need), stormwater pumping station (need), fire trucks (need), streets and sidewalks maintenance (need), Burroughs Park development : we must vote to approve spending $350,000 local tax dollars to utilize a state grant for the development of the park.

New parks are a nice addition to the city, but is this spending really necessary in order to maintain Lawrence’s infrastructure? The park at this point in time represents a “want” rather than a “need,” so the vote is “no”!

Unfortunately, as a voter, I can’t separate out this aspect and vote “no” for a tax increase to support the park development, while voting “yes” to support the other infrastructure projects that are needs. Since all these aspects in Question 1 are tied together, I am over a barrel. A pork barrel, specifically.

Consider all aspects tied to Questions 1, 2, and 3 before voting. Our economy warrants frugal spending for needs!

Amy Zook,
Lawrence