To the editor:

Editor Chad Lawhorn’s proposals for obtaining $80 million from the STAR bond program make me question why we have to convince the state to give us our money. It involves imagining a plan that satisfies state qualifications. Do we need $80 million dollars? I think so. Can we identify areas where the money could be spent? That should be obvious. In Lawhorn’s plan he cites the need for housing, tourism, nature trails and business infrastructure. The city could include housing as part of its plan. Maybe a rent to own housing complex, or improved public transportation or construction with a sustainable renewable energy system could happen.

I see the STAR plan regulations as confining the imagination to developers’ dreams and pocketbooks while the real needs of Lawrence and Douglas County aren’t met.

Tom Guba,

Lawrence