Note: The Lawrence Times runs opinion columns and letters to the Times written by community members with varying perspectives on local issues. These pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Times staff.
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Dear Editor,
On Oct. 24, 159 Justice Matters members gathered at St. John’s Catholic School to identify our next problem to tackle: youth trauma. We also gathered to urge our members to support Question 2 for affordable housing on Nov. 5.
As people of faith, we are called to care for our neighbors, especially those in need of safe, stable housing. We have seen this value throughout our Douglas County community as people step up to aid and support those who are struggling.
Related news article:
• City asking Lawrence voters to increase sales taxes for affordable housing, homelessness programs, Oct. 23, 2024
On Nov. 5, as a community, we can make a lasting impact by voting “yes” on the affordable housing sales tax. Since 2017, this tax has helped create more than 700 affordable housing units, but the demand for affordable housing in Lawrence and Douglas County continues to grow.
Justice Matters, with members rooted in faith and justice, urged getting this measure passed in 2017 and has championed efforts like “A Place for Everyone” and the Built for Zero model. Now is the time to build on that progress. Elected officials have placed this new measure on the ballot, and now it is our responsibility to support it with our vote.
Through this small sales tax, we can provide dedicated funding to make Lawrence a more affordable place to live and to end chronic homelessness by 2028. By voting “yes” on Question 2 on or before Nov. 5, we can make Lawrence a community that reflects our faith and values by ensuring everyone has a place to call home.
Sincerely,
The Justice Matters Board of Directors: Chelsy Larson, Judy Pope, Kay Scarbrough, Margie Dyck, Wanda Haney, Bob Day, Cynthia Eubanks, Ann Hossler, Rev. Ted Mosher, Annette Camlin, Ann Spangler, Janelle Johnson, Hamideh Gerami, Brad Wall, Joe Casad, Rev. Caroline Dean, Ruth Entwistle, Pr. Randy Weinkauf, Patricia Patterson, Wayne Ricks
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Letter to the Times: City should create oversight committee to guide pool renovation project, rebuild trust
”Our petition’s 1,764 signatures, our supporters’ 75 letters, and our research into the extensive flaws in the (pool renovation) community engagement process all indicate that the previously proposed plan did not reflect public opinion,” Holly Krebs writes in this letter to the Times.
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