To the editor:

As a nonpartisan organization, the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County does not endorse individual candidates but we do take positions on issues of local, state and national concern. Several of those concerns are on the ballot in November.

The League does not support the proposed change to the structure of Lawrence City government. The ballot language is ambiguous and does not clearly state what voters are being asked to approve. Additionally, the ballot question does not state the possible changes to the structure of the City Commission such as commission districts that could result from a “yes” vote.

The League also has serious concerns about the future of our county government. Morningstar Church and their media outlet, The Lawrence Beat, have been deeply involved in the County Commission elections. They do not support climate action, renewable energy, vaccinations, public health funding or LGBTQ rights, which are all critical to the future of Douglas County. The League has taken positions in support of renewable energy and energy conservation, LGBTQ rights and public health funding. If this church’s candidates win a majority of seats on the County Commission, their agenda could upend the county’s climate action plan, housing and homelessness plan, and open space plan. They could defund our health department and eliminate our ability to respond to a future health emergency.

We urge voters in Douglas County to research candidates’ positions carefully, and vote for a safe and hopeful future for our community.

Sonja Czarnecki, President

League of Women Voters of Lawrence Douglas County