To the editor:

Despite having one of the most educated populations of any city in the state, the city leaders once again feel they must protect us from ourselves. According to the Journal-World, Lawrence Parks and Recreation plans on requiring city-owned concession stands to have at least half the offerings meet their “healthy” guidelines. The requirements go so far as to regulate the cost of these items must be equal to or less than comparable “unhealthy” items. 

It appears the city leaders have no faith in the free market system our country was built on. I believe the contracted vendor, if requested by their customers, would be happy to provide “healthy” items for purchase at a competitive price. The vendor reports “healthy” items were offered in the past, but sales were poor. Requiring at least 50 percent availability of these items, food waste will likely increase. Wasting of food should be considered a sin in light of the number of people struggling to feed their families in this community. Increased waste will result in increased prices to maintain vendor’s profit margins.

While the city may have good intentions, government regulations will never be as efficient as the free market system in responding to the desires and purchasing habits of its citizen customers. Let’s not even think about our tax dollars spent on salaries of city employee to sit in meetings to develop, implement and monitor these unnecessary requirements. 

What’s next? Will the city have employees monitor each concession stand transaction to make sure at least 50 percent of an individual’s purchased items are “healthy”?