Saturday Column: Upcoming city elections important for Lawrence, KU

What kind of city will Lawrence be 10 or 20 years from now?

Will it be a city recognized for its excellence, its sound growth, its vibrant relationship with Kansas University paying positive dividends for the community and the state, or will the city’s growth continue to be relatively stagnant, slower than its peer communities, a city unable to attract prized industrial, manufacturing and research facilities and a city known for its high cost of living?

For years, Lawrence set a high standard for other Kansas communities as well as similar-sized communities in other states that were home to major state-aided universities.

Something happened, however. Maybe a lot of things happened that caused the city’s image to change. In the minds of many, Lawrence lost its enthusiasm, excitement and pride. Maybe this was an inevitable byproduct of growth and success, but the Lawrence of the past few years and the attitude of its residents is not the same as the Lawrence of 20 or 30 years ago.

It is dangerous and wrong to live in the past, but, at the same time, complacency and an attitude of simply accepting things the way they are is even more dangerous.

Does Lawrence have a truly attainable, realistic, visionary plan, goal or dream for the future? We have our various 2020 plans, which sound good and serve as a means for diverse groups of residents to get together every few years to ponder the future and come up with ideas about where and what type of growth will be allowed, but how long has it been since there was a blueprint or statement relative to the city’s goal or target for 2020 or 2030? Not just population projections but some specific goals and how these goals could and should be tied to visionary goals of KU. Not just more buildings on the campus, but goals to be the best, be leaders in specific fields and how this would tie in with what the city would have to do to help bring about these challenging and visionary changes.

Visionary leadership is essential in the city — by city commissioners and other city hall leaders, Douglas County officials and community leaders.

Likewise, visionary leadership is essential by those in Strong Hall — the chancellor’s office and deans who dream of what the university could be and what is needed to bring these dreams to reality. In regard to KU, it’s far past time for the governor to give more thought to whom he or she appoints to the Kansas Board of Regents. This has been a weakness that has penalized the state as well as KU.

Today, there are 14 individuals seeking election to the Lawrence City Commission. The three commissioners elected on April 7 will play a tremendous role in determining what kind of city Lawrence will be 10, 20 or 30 years from now. They can help create an environment of positive, sound growth or they can perpetuate the current argumentative, fractious, what’s-best-for-me attitude and behavior rather than working for what’s in the best interest of the entire community.

City commission elections always are important, but, considering the number of candidates, their varied interests, concerns and possible commitments, the March 3 primary and the April 7 general election become more important than the usual elections.

Is Lawrence going to be one of the nation’s best university cities or float along as an average, run-of-the-mill university city? What will be the hallmark of Lawrence’s city government? There’s a wide variety of candidates with various strengths as well as weaknesses. Which candidates are really interested in dreaming big and working for Lawrence rather than their own interests?

What is the role of the city manager in creating an environment of cooperation and vision?

It’s vital for the future of Lawrence that voters learn as much as possible about those seeking positions on the city commission. What are their skills, knowledge, experience, goals and level of honesty and will they add strength or promote divisions?

It’s an important election.