To the editor:

The street repairs around town, while certainly needed, have unnecessarily disrupted many businesses and homeowners. As the owner of the Orchards Golf Course, I can speak from experience. I understand the general inconvenience for my golfers. However, for many hours on several days my course was completely inaccessible. I watched my course being blocked off as many trucks and heavy equipment sat idle for hours.

City Commissioner Mike Amyx promptly responded to my concerns and apologized for the disruption. However, City Manager David Corliss never returned my call. I believe the city manager’s failure to respond to my complaint and failure to monitor the road construction is typical of the city’s general attitude toward business. Lawrence is losing businesses and discouraging new businesses, while at the same time increasing the mill levy to fund government projects. This combination is a recipe for a lower standard of living for all of our citizens.