To the editor:

Lawrence recently witnessed the birth of a new political action committee, funded largely by the construction and development industry. 

Major PAC donors include the million-dollar architect of Rock Chalk Park fame and the company that is digging a sand quarry near Eudora’s drinking water source. The emergence of this PAC begs a troubling question: Can seats on the City Commission be bought? Let’s hope not. 

I am afraid that this PAC doesn’t have the interests of taxpayers, working families or neighborhoods at heart. I think this PAC is more interested in pursuing taxpayer-incentivized sprawl, to make a profit. 

It’s very disheartening to see such undue influence arise in the last weeks of the campaign. Are Lawrence voters smart enough to follow the money, and recognize that the integrity of our election may be at stake? Will any of these candidates have the courage to publicly reject this PAC money and all it represents? Time will tell, I guess. 

If money alone rules on Election Day, regular folks may find it increasingly difficult to get their voices heard at City Hall. 

Please vote, and vote wisely, on April 2.