To the editor:

A letter in Thursday’s Public Forum titled “Why not here?” asked for reasons that public employees may not live in Lawrence. I am certain their reasons are not sinister or secretive and often indicate a personal decision that supports their family and a work-life balance. I know people in this situation and their reasons include:

• A spouse whose role as a first responder requires residency;

• A child completing their education before the parents move to Lawrence;

• A rural lifestyle including livestock that cannot relocate from the county.

These friends shop in Lawrence, attend and support Lawrence events, and their work benefits Lawrence residents. We should stop looking for malicious motivation at every turn and appreciate that these good people want to be a part of Lawrence. If we make them feel welcome, maybe they will move here when they can.

Gayle Sigurdson,

Lawrence