To the editor:

Comparisons between funding needs/campaigns at KU and Kansas Athletics and funding community needs presented as moral choices only serves to polarize or create false dichotomies that are not productive nor grounded in sound economic reasoning. Most of the funding for the stadium initiative is not from private or public funds of Douglas County, and donors in this community that invest in KU also invest in community nonprofits. Further, were it not for the academic and athletic performance, innovation and energy that KU brings, we would not have the economic vitality that supports our tax base. A base from which citizens elected to fund initiatives in mental health and affordable housing, a marker for care and morally sound decision making.

As was noted in the article, the solutions are found in the “both and” of investing in upstream solutions while caring for overwhelming needs, which the open arms of this city and county have welcomed to our own obligation. Collaborative structures are in place and have grown with human talent commitments by the city, county, LMH Health, the public health department, the Chamber, United Way and KU. That committed spirit extends much wider and broader to organizations that prioritize resources and time toward a shared vision for our collective and individual well-being rather than that of a single organization. Appointed or elected leaders should be held to that accountability. I see a challenging but vibrant future for this community because of its moral choices, rich resources, committed leadership and engaged citizenry.

Beth Llewellyn,

Lawrence