To the editor:

The recent curbside recycling proposal set forth by the Lawrence city commissioners replaces a market-oriented private recycling program with a state-run monopoly recycling program managed by a central planning committee. This would increase cost, be mandatory and no longer would individuals have freedom of choice.

Quotes by two of our city commissioners in the Feb. 13 Journal-World summarize the justification for this recycling proposal: “We have such a reputation in Lawrence of being such a progressive community, but when people hear we don’t have a universal curbside recycling program, they are amazed by that,” City Commissioner Aron Cromwell said. “Adding jobs in this town is a very important factor,” City Commissioner Hugh Carter said.

City Hall’s history of cronyism, special tax districts, no-bid contracts, tax abatements, etc., are not the cornerstones on which progressive cities are built nor are they conducive to job creation.

Our forefathers provided us a form of government whereby elected officials would be servants and individuals would be their masters. Any elected official that reverses these roles and would prohibit freedom of choice by individuals or ignore the laws of nature should be removed from office.

History teaches that men and/or women in power must be held accountable or they will destroy a civilization from within. We as individuals must participate in every election in order to preserve our rightful role as masters or we will surely become servants of the state.