To the editor:

I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to city commissioners and the city manager for designating a major share of the federal government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program dollars to the Lawrence Public Library. The library HVAC and lighting efficiency enhancement projects are necessary improvements and indeed demonstrate the city’s ongoing commitment to the library.

In addition, the commitment of stimulus money to assist Health Care Access in moving to its more spacious location near Lawrence Memorial Hospital is a welcome decision. This will enable Health Care Access to reapply its scarce resources in assisting people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to affordable health care services.

Given the current economic climate and the number of citizens struggling to make ends meet, it is important that our leaders continue to support institutions providing much-needed services to the community. By its actions, the Lawrence city government has demonstrated that it understands the difficulties people are experiencing, and has taken appropriate steps to support those organizations that can offer assistance. The City Commission’s vote to apply these funds to the Lawrence Public Library and Health Care Access will benefit a large number of people in the community. I want to express my support and encouragement for these efforts.