To the editor:

There has been much discussion, both pro and con, about Questions 2 and 3 on the ballot in next month’s election that will determine the future of the T. What I haven’t seen is a comparable amount of discussion regarding Question 1 to provide a 0.3 percent sales tax increase to be spent on improving our streets and infrastructure, updating our fire trucks and replacing the 1930s-era storm water pump and piping at Fifth and Maple in North Lawrence.

The North Lawrence Drainage Study completed in 2005 at the City Commission’s request identified the replacement of the pump at that location as the No. 1 priority to alleviate flooding in North Lawrence. The current pipe serving that pump is one 9-inch pipe that carries the water to the Kansas River. The drainage study recommends replacing that pipe with two 40-inch pipes. This project will alleviate flooding, standing water in yards and ditches and discourage rampant mosquito population.

The total sales tax increase for all three questions is 0.55 percent increasing our current sales tax rate from 7.3 percent to 7.85 percent for a period of 10 years. A sales tax oversight committee will be appointed to monitor and audit the use of this tax money to be sure it’s spent on the items it was approved for by voters.

I urge everyone to vote “yes” on all three questions on Nov. 4. Vote to keep Lawrence a great place to live.

Ted Boyle,
Lawrence