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Opinion: Lawrence unfriendly to new business? You bet!
April 27, 2013
I am always stunned when I hear city or planning commissioners defensively arguing that Lawrence is not unfriendly to new business. Of course it is!
Your turn: Baseball far from dead
March 25, 2013
During my tenure as president of Major League Baseball’s American League (1994-2000), I encountered critics who espoused the belief that baseball was doomed, near death, actually. “Those people have gone away,” Commissioner Bud Selig told me in a recent conversation about the state of the game.
Your turn: DD policy shift would mean higher cost, poorer service
March 18, 2013
To the public, and especially to those who happen to know an individual with developmental disabilities, it looks like these individuals have a good life. But what the public doesn’t see is the complex network of support that goes on behind the scenes, making that person’s life meaningful and successful.
Your turn: Market move raises concerns
March 12, 2013
Over the last 30 years, I have witnessed downtown Lawrence change from a retail shopping district to a bar and restaurant district. The commission has intentionally or unintentionally set priorities that benefit bars and restaurants when balancing the interests of special events like the Farmers’ Market.
Your turn: Long-time resident shares local memories
March 6, 2013
Lawrence is a fun place to live. Yep, I’ve tried it, compared it, and don’t find it wanting. Well, there may be a thing or two that could improve it — like having a mountain on the west side of town, maybe a lock on one side of the Jackman Dam so canoes and small boats could navigate the Kaw. We love what we have though — just the way it is.
Opinion: Fluoridation debate fueled by junk science
February 11, 2013
Adrian L. Melott, professor of physics and astronomy at Kansas University, and a fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, explains how junk science could be driving public policy in Lawrence.
Opinion: Secretary defends programs for needy
January 21, 2013
The Lawrence Journal-World’s Jan. 10 editorial characterizes state policies for the administration of the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program as a “cause for concern.”
Opinion: Advisory board member backs rec center
January 8, 2013
The City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has spent an extensive amount of time the past six years studying our community’s recreation facilities, conducting public forums and gathering input via surveys. We’ve evaluated existing resources and partnerships. The fact that we are woefully short on gym space is just that, a fact.
Opinion: Changing our culture of death
December 29, 2012
In the wake of the Sandy Hook massacre, a variety of proposals have been offered to stop such violence, ranging from stricter gun control to more care for the mentally disturbed. Unfortunately, there are no simple solutions. And for us average citizens, any of these proposals are beyond our individual capacity, given today’s political, economic and scientific realities. We can suggest or demand action, but when and what action is ultimately taken is beyond our control.
Letter: Commissioners give rec center update
December 22, 2012
We wish to provide the citizens of Lawrence with more details about the Rock Chalk Park and Recreation Center project. On behalf of the city, we have attended nearly all meetings regarding this project as it has progressed over the past year.
Opinion: The world is still with us
December 22, 2012
This is being written on Dec. 17, 2012. If the world comes to an end on Dec. 21, as followers of the Mayan calendar choose to believe, you will not read this op-ed piece in the Lawrence Journal-World. But the chances are surefire that you will. Why? Because being archaic does not mean being all-knowing.
Opinion: State’s judge selection undemocratic
November 29, 2012
In a democracy like ours, should lawmakers be selected democratically? Not according to the Journal-World (“Court, politics,” Nov. 23), which wants some of our state’s most important lawmakers selected in a deeply undemocratic process that makes the votes of some residents count far more than the votes of others.
Opinion: Rethinking our transportation needs
November 27, 2012
It is a tiny tragedy that we will pave over a few acres of designated wetlands. The real tragedy is our failure to imagine transportation solutions that both work and respect our natural and human world.
Opinion: Safety paramount for Scouts
November 20, 2012
Mark Gleeson, Pelathe District chair for the Boy Scouts of America, reminds others of the importance and responsibility of keeping children safe.
Opinion: Imprison politicians for failing to heed science?
November 17, 2012
If we can put scientists in the dock for failing to predict a natural catastrophe, should we not also put politicians in the dock for failing to heed scientific predictions of a natural catastrophe? Particularly ones backed by overwhelming evidence?

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