To the editor:

The city/county appointed economic board has every reason to wonder how the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will spend the money it receives from private pledges and taxpayers for economic development. While economic development plays a large role in a community like Lawrence, “sustainable development” would better reflect the improvements that this eco-minded town wants to see. Promoting the standard of living and fiscal health are imperative for Lawrence to remain an attractive community, but more importantly, we cannot compromise our natural resources and the ability of future generations to capitalize upon them.

As an advocate for carbon tax legislation, I understand the political barriers the average citizen faces, with transparency the most rigid of all. That being said, Lawrence deserves an economic plan that addresses issues more than five, 10 or even 15 years down the road. We need something to raise the bar high, and to leave it there for good, setting precedents for surrounding communities not only to reach their level but to surpass and inspire similar innovative approaches to increase our environmental security.

The economic board deserves a standing ovation for questioning where this money goes, specifically the $400,000 a year in taxpayer money, for who else is willing to take the time to ensure that our tax dollars are allocated responsibly?