That way by the time the project is voted upon at a commission meeting, it's usually a done deal. The vote is pro forma and public comment is ignored . It is therefore an uneven match for grassroots neighborhood preservation, historic preservation, pro-public transportation, and environmental activists who have to spend their time working hard for salaries. Since a good proportion of Lawrence businesses are members, this is no idle threat. Since the Chamber is controlled by large corporations, bankers and developers, it promotes a philosophy that the almighty dollar is the ultimate good.
Profits are to be made at the expense of employees, consumers and the community at large.
Of course in the Chamber's system, profits go into the pockets of a few shareholders, many of whom live out of state. If new highways and developments ruin the environment and ambience, so what, as long as they can make money, big money. The current City Commission is the most reactionary since 1978 and is completely dominated by Chamber supporters. Political analysts predict that Lawrence may never have a truly progressive City Commission due to demographic trends. New residents generally have no ties to the community and might as well be living in any other bland and bleak suburb near a major city.