To the editor:

I agree with Bob Schumm. I don’t think new businesses, especially those from out of town, have any right to ask for the taxpayers to fund their own property improvements. Those pertaining to curbing are the city’s improvement in streets, but NONE of the rest. All should be treated fairly, and that part about “voting with their feet,” as one commissioner puts it, is a bunch of crock.

Who knows beforehand which businesses are getting the extra tax breaks? That will only mean that the city has to post these signs on each business, meaning that the city has to pay for making these signs (taxpayer money too). Who will enforce these signs? As homeowners, we are all responsible for PAYING specials on our property, like for the sidewalks, sewers, etc. Now these businesses want to raise OUR taxes to pay for their specials. Why didn’t the city allow Lowe’s to be in Lawrence if the city is wanting more jobs and business here?

I know. It’s going to take a lawsuit for Lowe’s, like Walmart had, and then the city can pay for that as well. Right?