To the editor:

Our city’s two largest employers (education and local government) are totally dependent on the profits generated in the private sector. Without private-sector profits there are no tax revenues to provide for the public sector’s salaries, health care premiums and pensions.

The city of Lawrence is not growing. Enrollment at Kansas University has declined by 700 students. Bankruptcies, foreclosures, job loss, tax burdens, Main Street and housing vacancies are at all-time highs.

During a severe recession, City Hall has favored local government employees and the privileged few over Main Street taxpayers. Full employment, free health care and tax abatements do not exist for Main Street taxpayers. The Masonic Temple’s tax abatement is the latest example of taxpayer money being used to reward an individual’s poor business decision. Neither of these edicts are favored by the majority of the electorate.

Negligent fiduciary responsibility and cronyism erodes the electorate’s tax base and increases their tax burden. Prioritizing taxpayer money for special interests over majority opinion is sapping the life blood out of our community.

Any individual or business seeking a public bailout and/or tax abatement should surrender a prorated share of ownership to the taxpayers (deeds, stock, etc.) equal to the amount of the bailout and/or tax abatement. Problem solved.

Our city and community is crying out for leadership than can and will make a difference. We can no longer tolerate the status quo.