To the editor:

The Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods is correct in its call for Lawrence to terminate the contract under which the chamber of commerce is paid $200,000 annually to lead the city’s economic development program. An inherent conflict arises when the chamber is given an official capacity in matters in which some of its members have a personal, financial interest. In cases in which all parties agree on the course of action, this conflict is benign. Where there is disagreement, however, the conflict is toxic and erodes trust in the process and the decision makers.

The chamber participates in economic development matters in its official role and, as well, as an advocate for the interests of its members. It is disheartening for citizens who have an interest in a contested economic development matter to find that their adversary is not only an advocate for those who stand to personally gain but also is a paid adviser to the city on the very matter under consideration.

Several years ago as a member of the Scenic River Neighborhood Association, I was caught up in just such a controversy regarding city and county zoning and annexation issues. Eventually, in the Supreme Court of Kansas, we prevailed, but it was bittersweet and undermined my confidence in city and county governance practices. The chamber should be a welcome advocate in economic development matters, but it should be on the same footing as all other interested citizens.