To the editor:

Lawrence voters will soon decide yes or no on the question of constructing a new building for our city police. It has been estimated the proposed facility will be adequate to meet department needs for the next 20 years, possibly less. Time passes quickly. Exactly the same question will come up again. Why?

We too often elect city commissioners who seem to be driven by an obsession with endless expansion and growth of Lawrence. That results in creation of undesirable and unnecessary urban sprawl. The police, for example, may soon again realize a need for an even larger building and hiring of additional officers. A list of other government offices and community services may also show a need to expand. Required construction and maintenance of infrastructure to support an ever-expanding Lawrence will easily become a serious perpetual financial burden to the community. The high cost of city expansion, as always, will be paid through property and sales tax increases.

Lawrence has a well-trained, citizen-friendly and valued police force. I won’t suggest to anyone how to vote on Nov. 4. I do know this: It appears that our city commission placed greater importance on the expensive and dubious need for another recreation center than it did in considering the needs of city police. I will be more cautious when voting again for city commissioners. I hope you will also.