To the editor:

In any given election, approximately 85 percent of Lawrence’s eligible voters do not cast ballets. Consequently, voter apathy allows city hall and city officials to perpetuate and expand their destructive ideologies. Ideologies of cronyism, greed, arrogance and a total disregard for majority opinion have fostered a city of stagnation and no growth.

The Milken Institute’s 2012 national economic study, “Best Performing Cities Index,” ranked Lawrence 178th out of 179 compared to other small metropolitan areas. This study primarily focused on growth. After this growth study was published, by a unanimous vote, city commissioners increased the city manager’s salary by $10,000 per year plus an increase in his yearly benefits. This is but one of many reasons why city hall has zero credibility.

It is imperative that government entities are held accountable in order for our city to begin growing. The $25 million Rock Chalk recreation center and proposed citywide recycling program are painful reminders of the costs of acutely dysfunctional government officials. The process by which these projects were initiated violate every attribute of fiduciary responsibility. Both projects will expand the number of government employees while forcing private recycling personnel to join the ranks of the unemployed.

We the electorate must cast apathy aside and become fully engaged in the political process in order that our city might reach its fullest potential. We must elect world-class leaders in order to have a world-class city. Please vote in each and every election.