To the editor:

In the May 16 issue of the Journal-World, a significant property tax rate increase from City Hall was announced. An increase in sewer and water rates will also be asked for. The City Commission needs to think hard and consider how their decisions will impact about 27 percent of Lawrence residents.

The following information is from the Chamber of Commerce. In Lawrence, there are 7 percent unemployed, 10 percent of families live below the poverty line, and 10 percent of the population are seniors, who have not had a Social Security raise for two years. If the tax increases are passed, you will push some people out of their homes. At a time when the price of gasoline has pushed food prices up, $69 a year can mean a choice between food, medicine, gas or mortgage payment. Why do the City Commission, school board, and County Commission use the same phrase when they want to raise taxes? “That’s not much” of an increase can be more than some people can afford.

The City Commission thinks they may have trouble making ends meet without this increase. Wrong! Study groups are used to come up with solutions/suggestions on issues. Get another study group together. Use people who are out of work, in low-paying jobs, and seniors. Let them look at expenditures and the city budget. They will tell you where to cut costs and how to make ends meet. They do it every day. These people are not running out of money, they are out of money. Look at the bankruptcies and foreclosures listed in the paper. We The People need help.