To the editor:

Two recent Journal-World articles on Justice Matters’ Nehemiah Assembly have focused on whether or not it was going to be a scene of confrontation, the reporter relying extensively on the opinion of one county commissioner. The reporter on this beat seems to be suffering from a lack of imagination when it comes to stories worth covering.

In the spirit of generosity and commitment to the good of the whole community that pervades Justice Matters, I would like to suggest some angles for this reporter to pursue for future stories:

l Many people working full time in our community cannot afford to live here. Hundreds of individuals and families lack a secure roof over their heads.

l Women are trapped in abusive relationships because there is nowhere else for them to go.

l Our community is not meeting the needs of people who are in the midst of mental health crises. The current default option is to send the nonviolent sick to jail.

l At least one in five children growing up in Lawrence today are experiencing high levels of stress from economic and social challenges that will limit their life chances.

l More than 2,000 people from 21 diverse faith communities, following the principles of their holy texts, have made a commitment to discern where justice is lacking in our town, the sources of these problems and ways other cities have found to address those issues.

I’d also suggest the reporter broaden his sources to better understand the groups and the problems he his covering.