Peabody Mayor Larry Larsen sent a letter to Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback on Oct. 2 protesting the end of the Kansas Main Street Program. Below are the contents of that letter.

Dear Governor Brownback:

The City of Peabody Governing Body expresses their concern and displeasure with the recent announcement that the State of Kansas was abolishing the Kansas Main Street Program. The Governing Body believes that the manner in which this announcement was made was a slap in the face of all smaller communities in the State of Kansas. What amazes the Governing Body is the fact that you and your administration have advocated the preserving and promoting of smaller communities in Kansas. Even more disconcerting is the fact that when asked, the staff at the Department of Commerce could not identify what programs had been eliminated or which programs would be continued, if any.

The City of Peabody Main Street has been in existence and very active since 1989, and a very viable community partner. We wish to advise you that the City of Peabody and residents of Peabody will continue to support the Peabody Main Street Association, both financially and with volunteer efforts. We ask that you and the Department of Commerce reconsider this action to abolish the Kansas Main Street Program.

Regards,
Larry K. Larsen
Mayor