To the editor:

The word “taxpayers” should have been added to your headline in the July 3 Journal-World: “State, city, schools, (taxpayers) face budget pains.” It seems that no matter how often or how much we taxpayers vote ourselves increased taxes, the city and county commissioners have the mentality of all who live by bank card charges. Somehow, money just isn’t real to them. Charge it to the taxpayers, and shortfalls will disappear.

I have been waiting for public outcry to David Corliss’ statement that the 2010 “budget includes some new projects, including $300,000 to study and possibly design a new West Lawrence recreation center near Wakarusaff and Overland drives.” $300,000? Possibly design? Recreation center? Outrageous! And what would be the cost to build this folly! There are sufficient recreation centers in Lawrence, plus movie theaters, a public library, swimming pool, open-to-the-public high school facilities, etc.

Wouldn’t the better choice be to spend $300,000 to bus school children who live within 2.5 miles of their school? You, instead, opt to have them walk in these days of child abuse, kidnapping, molestation and murder? You opt to have them walk on icy sidewalks and roads and cross busy highways?

I’m sure glad my children are grown and do not live in Lawrence. Exercise your brains, commissioners. And you, John Q. Public, voice your contempt and disgust. Apathy makes people but floor mats.