To the editor:

Before the coming city election, all citizens should drive to the intersection of McDonald Drive and Second Street/Princeton Drive. Opposite USD 497 headquarters and adjacent to the Hallmark plant is a lovely new Comfort Inn & Suites with 61 well-appointed rooms, a deluxe indoor pool and 65 safe and convenient parking places. I’m told this hotel was built without a single penny of tax breaks, rebates or a TIF! They’ve paid their full share of property tax from day one.

City officials and developers are constantly beating the drum for free enterprise, but always seek corporate welfare for any new project.  As long as out-of-town entrepreneurs and corporations are willing to do their own market research and invest their own millions in Lawrence, there is no excuse for taxpayer funding of local developers’ pet hotel projects.

I’m totally dedicated to free enterprise, especially enterprise free to local taxpayers. I regard the recent developer-financed postcard mailing as a red flag and will vote accordingly.