Dear Members of the Lawrence City Council,

I hope this letter finds you well. As a resident of Lawrence for over 35 years, I feel compelled to express my deep disappointment regarding the recent approval of candidates for city positions who lack the necessary qualifications—both educationally and experientially—yet are being offered disproportionately elevated salaries.

I hold a bachelor’s degree and have navigated through three different careers, and I have raised my four children in this community. Each of them has pursued higher education and established successful careers: one has a master’s degree in business entrepreneurship, another is an electrical engineer, one is a registered nurse, and the youngest is a double major in pre-law. While my family is just one example, it reflects the many professionals and well-educated individuals who live in Lawrence. We do not need to rely on hiring individuals without the requisite qualifications, especially when there are so many capable candidates within our community.

It is concerning to witness the city council approving such hiring practices, particularly when they seem to undermine the hard work and dedication of local residents who are qualified and eager to contribute to our city. If any of you are considering re-election next year, please be aware that the community is watching closely. We are aware of the decisions being made in our local government, and we are concerned about the implications of these choices.

While I am not running for any city positions next year, I want to assure you that I will be actively engaged in uncovering and shedding light on any misinformation or manipulation of facts during the upcoming campaign. In a land of blindness, the one-eyed is king, and I intend to be that voice of clarity for our community.

Additionally, because I will not be able to attend the next full council meeting, I kindly ask my city council member, Stephanie Infante, to read this letter to the public so that it may be recorded and acknowledged.

I urge you to reconsider the direction in which our city is heading regarding employment practices and salary allocations. The community deserves transparency, accountability, and a commitment to hiring qualified individuals who will serve our city effectively.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope for a future where our local government prioritizes the values and talents of its residents.

Sincerely,

Sarah B. Perez

Lawrence, MA