To the editor:

IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR A WARRANT WILL BE ISSUED FOR YOUR ARREST.

What an extremely harsh letter to start the week. Would you purchase a home in Lawrence with this headline? Too late. I already did five years ago. What wonderful public relations I have with the City Commission when I’m threatened for not removing the snow from the sidewalk. A simple note in my tax statement sent to Colby regarding the new ordinance would have produced a friendly resolution. I would like to commend Mike Amyx, Michael Dever and Dave Corliss for their communication in this matter. The rest appear to be too busy to return the numerous calls I made.

In every public relations situation, common sense must prevail. The city of Lawrence should have an obligation to provide taxpayers with a list of ordinances on request. Ask for one, or else the game is extremely difficult to play if the rules aren’t available.

Several questions come to mind. Were all the streets in Lawrence cleared in the 48-hour period that is referred to in the notice I received? Why aren’t there sidewalks on both sides of the street? Would an arrest warrant be issued for not paying property tax in three weeks?

The old saying “you can’t fight City Hall and win” probably still applies in this case, but hopefully a new understanding of “public relations” will emerge!