To the editor:

Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but I received my 2020 (increased) property tax appraisal on the same day city leaders announced they were considering “hiring [an] equity adviser” (March 2 Journal-World). From the headline, I initially thought the city was looking at how to maximize profits on the property it owns, so it might reduce taxpayer burden. Nope — just the opposite.

Our city leaders are contemplating spending $100-125K to hire someone to “facilitate courageous conversations” and “serve as a strategic change asset.” Sounds like the perfect sinecure! The city would never be able to fire this person. Rather than throwing my name into this lucrative, ill-defined hat, I would suggest that these funds would be better spent by increasing the pay of those responsible for collecting the trash, fixing potholes or policing the streets.

Ray Finch,

Lawrence