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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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 of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County does not support the proposed change to the structure of Lawrence city government.
Related news article:
• What Lawrence’s ballot question on the city’s ‘form of government’ actually means, Oct. 9, 2024
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 have been deeply involved in the Douglas 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 (she/her), president, League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County
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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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Letter to the Times: Are veterans’ sacrifices for democracy worthless?
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