Efforts to improve the appearance of Lamesa, particularly the downtown area, continue to be a major focus for local economic development officials. Whether to use a “carrot” or a “stick” approach to the effort was part of the discussion during Monday’s regular meeting of the directors of the Lamesa Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and Lamesa Economic Alliance Project (LEAP). A “carrot” approach would offer encouragement and incentives for property owners to improve their storefronts. The “stick” would involve initiating procedures to require owners to take action. Board members indicated they prefer offering the proverbial carrot – at least for now. As a first step,