Editorial: Details, details

I respectfully disagree with the Editor. This project has had far more intense inspection than any in recent memory with hundreds of critical column inches from this paper alone.

I believe our commissioners are representing us well, have been transparent and are acting in good faith. They are people of integrity and are owed our mutual respect and thanks for their service.

The editor points out some potential problems yet to be worked out.

"What happens, for instance, when city events or just routine use of the recreation center conflicts with a major event at the KU facilities? How will parking be apportioned? Will people attending a KU event take up all the free spaces that should be available for patrons of the city’s center? How will parking be allocated if the city center is hosting a major event?"

Aren't those exactly the kind of problems that accompany success? I am excited for that day to come...

This project has been delayed long enough. Commissioners, please approve this project.

March 5, 2013 at 8:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Chamber still considering major, private capital campaign; eco devo leaders hoping to get an assist from Phil Mickelson

It might be time to take another look at the Chamber of Commerce. All things change over time and from what I have seen of the Chamber, the work they do is good and for the benefit of Lawrence, not themselves.

•This Chamber has a fierce and loud pride for our city and is out across our country telling our story
•This Chamber is more active than ever in the search for great job opportunities we will all benefit from
•This Chamber is independent of the state group and has policy based on the needs of our city.
•This Chamber brings candidates from all parties to our city to hear about our issues. Not Republican or Democrat. Not Liberal or Conservative but for all of us.
•This Chamber runs programs like Leadership Lawrence with members from all over our community helping us come together to solve our city’s issues.

This is great work and I think deserves recognition as being good for our city. Good for those who need jobs. Good for our future. Maybe it is time to our past behind us and find a way to work together? Maybe it is time to give this Chamber of Commerce another look.

February 21, 2013 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Letter: Commissioners give rec center update

The Rock Chalk Sports Park will be a benefit and asset to Lawrence for decades to come. We can no longer afford to be held hostage by paranoia or a lack of vision. Anyone really watching the details of this VERY complex deal can easily see all of the Commissioners, KU and the Developers have acted with integrity and transparency. Build it!!!

December 26, 2012 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

City Commissioner Hugh Carter takes job with Lawrence Chamber of Commerce; announces he won't seek re-election in April

Sincere congratulations to Hugh Carter and to Greg Williams. To Mr. Carter for a well-deserved opportunity and to Mr. Williams for making a great hire.

I hate losing Mr. Carter from the City Commission because he is always such a well-reasoned and thoughtful contributor to Lawrence. I know however that your skills and passion for this great community will not go wasted at the Chamber. The direction Mr. Williams has set and the energy on the board created by very strong leadership paints a great future for our community. This is an exciting time be in Lawrence!!!

December 14, 2012 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce engages private sector

Lawrence is lucky to have found Mr. Williams and will certainly benefit from his leadership in both the very tough and competitive jobs marketplace and, as important, in his demonstration of respectful dialogue.
We are up against a very tough marketplace and the competition for jobs is furious. Like it or not, the reality is we need a great story and a strong war chest if we want to compete and win jobs. While Lawrence has many wonderful attributes, we have not historically presented a winning case sufficient for business outside Lawrence to choose us as a place to call home. The Chambers renewed energy and that or the Board and Board Chair John Ross, are on the right track.
I agree there is a quiet majority in Lawrence willing to support these efforts. Let’s also agree not to be distracted by the vocal few who throw mud behind an anonymous blog posts. Most are serious and eager to engage in a dialogue about how they can help us arrive at good decisions for our community.
It is time for Lawrence to realize the world is changing around us and if we want to create jobs and shift tax basis off of residents, your work must be successful. I am behind you.
Gary Rexroad
785.226.2908

October 22, 2012 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Rec center vote

This project and all its possibilities continue to receive overwhelming positive support at town halls and public forums. Sure there are concerns about costs but if you actually listen to our city experts, there is a very solid plan to assure success.

I am fiscally conservative and look very closely at spending to assure we are living within our means. That is a fundamental of responsible leadership. So too is a responsibility to seize opportunity when presented and that is precisely what the Rec Center represents, a unique and extremely rare opportunity for Lawrence and the whole area. The number of parties coming together to make this project happen is unprecedented and the resulting facility will have few equals in the country.

I for one believe in the rec center. I believe our Commissioners and City Leadership are watching the dollars very closely and I believe their plan is sound. I also believe the majority of Lawrence sees the positive and are excited to have yet another reason to proudly call Lawrence home.

August 9, 2012 at 6:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

All in favor? New group making voice heard at City Hall

Pizzapete

First of all, thank you for the dialogue. While we may see things differently you make very good points which are important and should be heard as decisions are made in Lawrence.

You have some very interesting and positive ideas for attractions to draw people to Lawrence and I hope those ideas develop. As they do develop, and people begin taking personal risks to see them through, I hope they are supported and cheered on by our community. Business growth helps create jobs and helps shift tax basis off of residential. That is the ideal behind CadreLawrence…

Thanks for this dialogue Pizzapete

Gary Rexroad - grexroad@live.com – 785.226.2908

July 20, 2012 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

All in favor? New group making voice heard at City Hall

Pizzapete I had some of the same concerns about the tax abatements and the TIF district but the more I learned I realized there was more advantage for residents than I knew. These points made sense to me…

•Financial benefits that come from jobs, bed tax, increased shopping in downtown, tourist dollars sticking in Lawrence etc.. from this development can be far greater than property taxes the city would receive in the same period of time.

•The property will only increase in valuation if the developers are willing to invest their money in the project . Without the development, there is no gain in other benefits and without the TIF program, the development may not be feasible.

•The TIF district as proposed is a part of the financial feasibility of the project in total. 100% of all taxes will be collected with a portion being returned to the developer as defined in the program. Some taxes are retained which otherwise would not even exist

For me this seems like a good approach to encourage people to invest their money in Lawrence. TIF districts are used broadly across the US for this very purpose and the city commissioners and staff have structured this program to assure the city will not carry any risk. (Good job commissioners)

Sure, the developers will profit, as they should, but so will Lawrence. Lets talk more if your interested in some of these details...

Gary Rexroad - grexroad@live.com - 785.226.2908

July 19, 2012 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

All in favor? New group making voice heard at City Hall

I love this community. Passion and opinions from people who care about the community we live in. CadreLawrence is about all people in Lawrence having a conversation about the things that matter to you. We encourage a facts based conversation of issues and by working to understand and respect each other’s points of view even when we disagree.

The idea of CadreLawrence, and those involved, share a common desire to support efforts which provide jobs, to help reduce the tax load on residents and to provide a balanced perspective to our elected officials. To be positive in support of prosperity. I believe most of Lawrence would agree these are good things for our community and all the people who live and play here, we just sometimes see different ways to get there.

I personally believe this is important work for all of us and that the time is right. Opportunity comes and goes each day and is lost if we are not working together to capture it.

It is our real hope Lawrence will join in this conversation, working through our differences to find common goals we can all share. Please contact me directly to discuss further…

Gary Rexroad - grexroad@live.com - 785.226.2908

July 19, 2012 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Revised Ninth and New Hampshire project still fails review

Speaking as a resident and a taxpayer in Lawrence I feel the latest proposal from Compton/Treanor is a plan the Commissioners should eagerly approve. Our City Commissioners, staffers and the HRC have done a brilliant job listening to and working with all interested parties in an attempt to do the impossible, find a 900 New Hampshire plan perfect for all. While the process is important, the goal should be progress and the current plan provides.

The facts say our commissioners should approve. The plan meets city requirements and codes, has made considerable accommodations to assure the historical nature of the neighborhood is protected and as important, when complete will be a great asset to Lawrence bringing more jobs and people and new money to our community and our Downtown merchants.

I for one support this project because it is good for Lawrence as a whole, creates jobs and helps build business making Lawrence a stronger community.

May 1, 2012 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )