Mike Amyx has enjoyed a successful public service career as a Lawrence city commissioner, a Douglas County commissioner and a four-time mayor of Lawrence. As a Massachusetts Street barber, he probably has better knowledge of the issues and concerns of the average Lawrence resident than any other commissioner.

It’s obvious he enjoys the respect of Lawrence residents who have elected him to public office numerous times.

That is why it is surprising to learn of Amyx’s remarks at a recent gathering of local and state officials with members of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to discussing issues likely to come before Gov. Sam Brownback and state legislators this year, Amyx also discussed the Lawrence economy. He suggested the Brownback administration should look at Lawrence as an example of how communities develop businesses. He said, “We can be the model.”

This is surprising considering Lawrence has developed the well-earned reputation of being an extremely difficult city in which to start a new business or industry. The reputation of Lawrence’s city hall relative to accommodating new business or industry is not good.

For example, Lowe’s, one of the nation’s most admired “big box” stores, wanted to build a large facility in the Bauer Farms development on West Sixth Street. It would have employed 120 people with good wages in an environmentally sound operation. The taxes generated by the store would have been significant, and it would have attracted new shoppers to the Lawrence market.

They were turned down by the Lawrence City Commission. This at a time when city and chamber officials are becoming increasingly concerned about the loss of sales to nearby cities and when the city needs additional tax revenues. They reject a large new retailer.

Consider how long it took for Walmart developers to get the OK to build near Sixth Street and Wakarusa Drive or the efforts of Dillon’s officials to upgrade their store at 1740 Mass.

It is puzzling why Amyx thinks Lawrence could or should be used as an example of how to develop businesses.

True, many businesses and industries like the Lawrence market and what it offers, but far too often, they experience the reality of trying to work with city hall officials and citizens who are opposed to growth.

It’s not a good example for the rest of the state.