To the editor:

I take my hat off to the Direct Action Organizing demonstrated by those seeking to increase my taxes to pay for our T. Two letters a day in the paper, handouts at various stores around town, questions at all the legislative forums; they know how to make it look like there is strong support for their cause.

If I understand it properly, the primary reason given for keeping the T is to provide transportation for the poor and underprivileged. I do not see a groundswell for a commuting solution for most of the rest of us; besides the Kansas University system already moves about 15 times the number of people the T moves in a classic public transportation solution serving our largest employer.

I have been told that there are transportation solutions for the targeted population that support their needs but that do not require a full bus system. I am told these solutions are cheaper than a full T and that state and federal help would be available.

So why are we having this spat? Could it really be about “bragging rights” for the advocates? Maybe the advocates are shielded from financial reality. Do they pay taxes like the rest of us? Are their incomes stagnant? Our local taxes have gone up over 30 percent in just a few years while for many of us income is stationary. We are not talking pennies; we are talking a lot of money. The poor are not being forgotten! We are not callous!

George Lippencott,
Lawrence