To the editor:

Recently, we’ve been told by city leaders that this is a time to tighten our belts and cut back on programs. Economic times are tough, so we will have to do without some services.

While no one can argue that these are tough economic times, I wonder if there isn’t a more proactive approach we can take to help our Lawrence economic outlook. I understand that some services may need to be cut, and some jobs might need to be suspended. But what about concentrating on improving our future? How do we do it? We encourage businesses to locate in Lawrence. We get aggressive and competitive. For too long, we’ve been the community that said “no.” Let’s say “yes” to job growth and “yes” to economic growth.

City Hall is the place where it has to begin. We need leaders who will welcome new business and industry to our community. We need a planning department who will be there to assist in the process instead of standing in its way. And we need a City Commission who stands up for job growth and new business even though the outspoken minority might not find it pleasant, because of an unwillingness to be open for change.

Lawrence for too long has held the belief that we can be picky about whom we invite to our city. Let’s encourage new job growth and be open to all possibilities. The more opportunities we have to choose from, the better choices we will be able to make.

Matt Lawlor,
Lawrence