To the editor:

My husband retired from the city of Lawrence utilities department Jan. 30. After 30 years of service, you would have thought the city would have at least taken him out to lunch, but I guess that was asking too much. He received no recognition from the city at all. He had a retirement party, that his family gave him, which he enjoyed greatly. He did receive a gift from the men he worked with, but nothing from management. I feel they could have done something for him. I realize money is tight everywhere.

My husband and myself have several family members that still work for the city; I wish them luck when it’s time for their retirement. Most of them work in a different department, so maybe they will get their recognition. You would think working for the same business for 30 years would at least get you a drive through at McDonald’s.

Half of the 30 years, he’s been a supervisor. These are men who work outside in all weather conditions from 110 degrees to 30 below, with ice and wind blowing, to repair water lines to make sure you, the public, have water. In all the years that I’ve had family working for the city, I was always told it was the place to work.

Well, I went to work for the county instead. At least I know when it’s time for me to retire, my superiors will at least take me out to lunch. I believe I made the better choice of where to work!

Linda Grant,
Lawrence