LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Susan Lukwago, Liberal

Did you attend the State of the City of Liberal Address and Luncheon last week? I hope so because it was so good. If you missed it, let me tell you a little about it.

First of all, it was very well organized. It was announced and invitations spread far and wide. On the day of the event, everyone was welcome. There was a lovely lunch that was suitable to whatever dietary considerations may be important to you. We were each welcomed and thanked for coming and made to feel special.

The best part though were the presentations. First, Ms Diseker, our City Manager presented the overall state of the City of Liberal with an emphasis on where our funding comes from and where it goes. And the presentation was done in 5th grade English. It was not economics in Latin.

Then Keeley Young, our Chief Communications Officer served as emcee as each of the city commissioners introduced themselves and talked about one of the five areas of focus for our City. And these are not random areas of focus - we, the residents of Liberal, came up with what is important to us through surveys and focus groups. Keeley explained this clearly.

It was very nice to see the personalities of the Commissioners come through as they talked about their chosen area and what was important about it. I tell you what, after hearing from our City Manager, Chief Communications Officer and our Commissioners, I learned some new things about my town ... and I have lived here for over 21 years! The presentations were clear and easy to understand. So good.

Hey, fellow resident of Liberal, or really anyone who works, lives or plays or passes through Liberal, the next time there is a State of the City Address, plan to attend. It is over a great lunch. It is clear, engaging and encouraging. We hear of stuff happening in other towns - or big cities - well guess what? Great stuff is happening right here too. Seriously. Visit the City of Liberal website and see. You will be pleasantly surprised ... or maybe you won't because you already know how awesome we are and what a really, really good path we are on. From generosity to prosperity.