To the editor:

“Job loss numbers surprise city leaders” (Journal-World, Jan. 30). Leaders should know what is really happening under their watch and not just with Kansas University and the local downtown. The so-called leaders over the past 15 years created a bedroom community out of what once was a well-grounded community with real local jobs.

The latest jobs they have let come in are bedroom jobs. These businesses come to town without any top management, R&D department or financial departments; all these are left at the main site out of state so when the free money runs out and/or times get tough, they too can pack up and move back to headquarters.

Maybe it’s time these so-called leaders look at the whole picture and not just that which is presented at some ego-busting get-together on the hill. True companies with real jobs will be here with all these departments and become a real part of the community by making payroll here, R&D development here and top management here so they too can feel the true heartbeat of the community.

Leaders, maybe it’s time you get past your egos and talk one on one with the real people while they’re mowing their lawns, working on their houses or cars so you can hear real stories and not just those from well-orchestrated special-interest groups.

Jerry Kemberling,
Lawrence