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Wednesday, October 22, 1986 / University Daily Kansan
Department protects rights of local renters
By PAM MILLER
Staff writer
Renters living in Lawrence who feel helpless against discrimination by landlords should know that they have rights protected by law.
That is the message that Arvilla Vickers, manager of the fair housing assistance program of the Lawrence Human Relations/Human Resources Department, wants to convey to all Lawrence tenants, including students.
Vickers spoke to a small group yesterday at the Lawrence Indian Center, 1920 Moodie Road, about the rights tenants have and the steps her department can take to help the tenants.
The department, located in city hall, investigates landlords who have had complaints filed against them by a renter or potential renter for discriminatory practices.
Discriminatory housing practices are prohibited in Lawrence by a city ordinance.
Anyone, not just those from lower income sectors, who is not informed of the laws that protect them can be discriminated against, she said.
For example, many people aren't aware that under the Kansas Landlord-Tenant Act a landlord, among other things, has to give a tenant reasonable notice before entering an apartment.
The law also protects renters when
landlords do not return security deposits within a certain amount of time. If any deposit money is left over after expenses for the dwelling are deducted, the landlord must return the balance.
"Your deposit must be returned within 30 days," Vickers said. "If not, you can go to small claims court and sue for $1\frac{1}{2}$ times the amount of the deposit and you will win. That is the law."
Vickers said her department would investigate a landlord after a complaint had been filed. If the department finds a probable cause for discriminatory action on the part of the owner, the department will attempt to resolve the problem with the owner and the complainant.
other tasks. Vickers stressed that the department was not out to get the landlord. It works to educate both the landlord and the tenant so no one will have any problems, she said.
"We want to settle it and have everyone's lives go on quietly," she said. "We go through a very thorough, impartial, confidential investigation."
"I feel it's important that students know more," she said.
Renters need to use the law when it applies, she said. The more it is used, the more renters hear about it and learn their rights.
"If not used, the law stays obscure," she said.
City commission ends in time to see Series
By JOHN BENNER
FROM VIRGINIA
Staff writer
In time to catch the second inning of last night's World Series game, the Lawrence City Commission adjourned.
Commissioners quickly issued three proclamations, celebrated Mayor Sandra Praeger's 29th birthday, recognized 13 city employees for long-time service and considered 13 other items on their agenda — all in less than an hour.
Praeger read a proclamation declaring 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 to be Halloween "Beggars' Night" in Lawrence.
The proclamation asked that children restrict their trick-or-treating to these hours and asked residents to leave porch lights on if
ney had treats for the little ghosts and goblins.
The city recognized 13 employees for their 10 or more years of service. Harrison K. Traul was honored for his 40 years as a customer service representative with the city water department.
Commissioner Howard Hill asked citizens attending the meeting to join the commissioners in wishing Praeger another happy 29th birthday.
In other action, the commission voted unanimously to approve a temporary sewage treatment plant for 13 proposed residences in west Lawrence. It also received a report from the city manager asking the city to spend $12,500 for repair work on the Kansas River Dam.
Freshmen campaign for office
Salt River
Members of two coalitions running for freshman class officer positions proved yesterday that politics can be both a jungle and a circus.
By RIC ANDERSON
Staff writer
To get the attention of people walking in front of both Wesoeo and Strong halls, the Happenin' Coalition campaigned with a man on stilts while the Imagine Coalition used a man in a gorilla costume.
"We use the guy on stilts as an eye-operator," said Vince Long, Kansas City, Mo. sophomore and longtime we have never done before."
Long said he and other members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, 1540 Louisiana ST., had been admitted to college of yesterday in front of Wescow.
The man on the stilts only performed during class changes, he said.
Long said members of the coalition had been working for about a month — painting signs, copying filers and telephoning students.
Members of the coalition also gave out tis with Happenin' Coalition information on them at a sorority rush meeting he said.
Brad Hanna, a Kansas City, Mo., freshman running for president in the Imagine Coalition, said the coalition's mascot provided more than shock value.
"We want people to go ape for us," he said. "We want them to know that we're out here working hard."
Hanna said he was running for the office mainly for experience, but would like to bring new ideas into the position.
Ann Eversole, director of the Organizations and Activities Center, said freshmen should go to the Strong Hall rotunda to vote. The ballot box will be open from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. today.
Another group, the Connection Coalition, was not involved in yesterday's campaigning, but would be on the ballot, Eversole said.
Also included on the ballot are a secretary and treasurer from the Yes Coalition and an independent candidate running for president.
Chris Modrow/KANSAN
Dan Suderman, Newton freshman, drums up support for the Happenin' coalition in front of Wescoe Hall. Suderman was walking on stilts yesterday afternoon, campaigning for a member of his fraternity house who is running for freshman class officer.
CLIP AND SAVE
MAIN ENROLLMENT FOR UNDERGRADUATES
SPRING 1987
(Graduate Students see page 2 of the Timetable)
CAUTIONS
- Advising and Dean's Approval Stamp periods END EARLY (November 7). Make an appointment soon to see your advisor.
- No Early Add-Drop. Plan your schedule well! List a good selection of alternate courses.
KEY DATES
- Enrollment Card Pickup:
  October 22 and 23: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Applied English Center.
  October 22 and 23: School of Business and Social Welfare.
  October 27 through October 31: All other schools.
- Advising Period:
October 27 through November 7: Two weeks only!
November 3 through November 7:
Pre-professional co-advising!
- Dean's Approval Stamp:
October 27: First day.
November 7: Last day.
- Enrollment Center Open:
November 3 through November 21: At the time printed on your enrollment card.
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Saint Crispin
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Downtown
PENNYLINE 844 Mass.
749-4211
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Sat. Oct. 25 Fourth Floor, Wescoe Hall
CONFABULATION Science fiction and fantasy convention
An entire day of
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call 864-5892 for reservations paid for by Student Activity Fee
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Miller Music Series Presents-
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*50c draws
*Register for Great Escape No. 2 to the Virgin Islands!
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