We asked Topeka City Council candidates about key city issues. Here's what they said.
The Topeka Capital-Journal posed eight questions about issues on the minds of local residents to the eight Topeka City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal general election.
Those candidates are as follows:
• Incumbent Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala and challenger Craig McCullah in District 2.
• David Banks and Dave Brede in District 4, where incumbent Tony Emerson isn't seeking re-election.
• Marcus D.L. Miller and Craig Dunstan in District 6, where incumbent Hannah Naeger isn't seeking re-election.
• Incumbent Spencer Duncan and challenger Chris Phelps in District 8.
Stories about the candidates' stances on homelessness and population drop will run later in the week.
Topeka City Council, District 2: Craig McCullah
Tell us about a time you put forth a good idea that was put to use and brought positive effects.
I believe one of my strengths is knowing how to set the conditions for others to be successful. For example, while serving at the Secretary of State’s Office I presented a new organizational chart that made our departments run more efficiently and effectively. We developed a more structured hierarchy that promoted personal growth and employment progression.
While leading a civic organization in Shawnee County I organized our group into task- focused subcommittees that resulted in a more engaged, accountable, and effective body. We raised more money, were more active in the community, and recruited more people.
My goal in any leadership position is to do the basics, and to do them really well. For our city the basics are public safety and infrastructure, neither of which are up to the standard our citizens deserve.
The winner of your race will help choose Topeka's next city manager. What will you take into account in reaching that decision?
Prior to hiring another manager, I believe the council should review the charter outlining the relationship between the city manager and the council. I believe the council should have greater visibility on the decisions being made by the manager and the ability to quickly remedy issues with bad decisions. I don’t advocate eliminating all the manager’s autonomy but do believe issues such as position creation need to be monitored more closely.
I want a city manager who has an established and vested interest in our community that is both able and dedicated to executing the council’s vision for Topeka. City administrative processes need to become more citizen-centric and a renewed focus on basic responsibilities should be front and center. This includes anything to reviewing city contracts to ensure suitable concrete is being used for our roads to working with our police department to increase officer recruitment. Although diversity, inclusiveness, and sustainability are important, that shouldn’t be the next manager’s priority; public safety, roads, and clean water should be. Any candidate that doesn’t have a plan to address our most pressing issues need not apply.
What are your thoughts about public safety here?
Public safety is a priority for the council and more needs to be done to ensure our communities are safe. This starts with having enough police officers to service our city and ensuring they’re sufficiently equipped and trained. An undermanned police department leads to a reduction in patrolling, lower than expected response times, and overwhelming caseloads for detectives. Manning issues reduce training time and increases burnout among officers; these issues can lead to police mistakes that tear cities apart. More law enforcement officers will enable better community policing which is essential to improving public safety.
Two other major public safety issues Topeka must be more proactive about is the updating of our water piping infrastructure and reducing homelessness. Ensuring Topeka is safe and clean are the two most rudimentary tasks of a council, but our current approach has not been effective.
What would you do to address the macro issue of poverty in Topeka and its micro issues of homelessness, affordable housing, health care, day care, small business development and park development?
The most effective thing I can do as a city councilman to address poverty is to ensure the resources we’ve allocated are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible. Three of the most common predictors of financial instability in the US are drug use, having children out of wedlock, and dropping out of high school; all of which are better addressed by parents than politicians. However, the city council can make it easier on parents by providing better economic conditions and public safety.
Increasing affordable housing can be addressed by easing building and zoning restrictions to allow for more creative housing options while small business development can be encouraged with simplified business registration and compliance processes. I also believe we can be more efficient with the administration of incentives we provide businesses to expand and grow here.
What should be done to reduce the presence of food deserts here?
As someone who’s spent a great deal of time in some of the worst places on earth, I struggle with the claim we have “food deserts” in Topeka (or anywhere in the US for that matter). I understand access to food is not the same across the board but, food is available.
Current market conditions have prevented investment of new grocery stores in some neighborhoods throughout the city; however, as delivery services become more prevalent these “food deserts” become less of an issue. The population least likely to use grocery delivery services are low-income elderly individuals who may not have access to internet or are unknowledgeable about these services. Perhaps the City could explore avenues to collaborate with civic groups to inform citizens of these types of services and how to access them.
Topeka City Council, District 2: Christina Valdivia-Alcala
Tell us about a time you put forth a good idea that was put to use and brought positive effects.
In 2021, as a member of City Council’s Public Health & Safety Committee, I began research based on a need for a new culture of the City’s code compliance and their interaction with Topeka’s neighborhoods. I was taken with the work of Karen Black of May 8 Consulting and her impact upon urban core areas utilizing a myriad of innovative and proven approaches. I worked hard to get the funding to bring her services to the City of Topeka. With this May 8 Consulting, myself, and other members of the Public Health & Safety Committee, and staff co-created the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance (CoC).
An extension of CoC has been seriously strengthened ordinances to deal with slumlords of multifamily dwellings and a more robust retaliatory eviction ordinance that helps protect renters that have valid complaints on upkeep of homes they rent. Topeka has had serious issues with out of state slumlords and stringent policies are now in place and being actively implemented to hold bad landlords accountable, provide safe and secure housing for renters, and lift Topeka as a whole with stronger code enforcement.
The winner of your race will help choose Topeka's next city manager. What will you take into account in reaching that decision?
One of the main criteria for the next city manager must be the person's seasoned capacity to handle the stressors of the position. A city manager that will be interested, engaged, and committed to Topeka. The ability to understand and work with staff, neighborhoods, businesses, and the governing body. The next city manager needs to understand the real needs of Topeka and all its residents. And the city manager must be committed to work towards city improvements with the realization of the deep climate change shifts happening. I also firmly believe from the initial stages with new city manager applicants, public feedback and involvement should be a part of hiring our next city manager.
What are your thoughts about public safety here?
Public safety is vital to build security and hope for all residents. Residents (in part) can help create safe communities. Because of this, I have a commitment to neighborhoods by working closely with all District 2 Neighborhood Improvement Associations (NIAs). Part of this work is envisioning improved NIA’s that can increase attendance. Recreating NIA’s that help neighbors feel empowered by being involved, give voice to neighborhood successes, express the needs of the neighborhoods they live in and follow up so the city will listen and act. I have been deeply engaged in restarting the Neighborhood Watch and C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) since emergency preparedness is crucial. I fought to help keep fire station 1 open in North Topeka because fire/emergency service access is paramount. I have been vocal and proactive in dealing with the growing unsheltered crisis my entire first term.
Also, I have witnessed how community policing officers that are deeply committed to their assigned neighborhoods can prove invaluable. Our city struggles with violent crime, drugs, and homelessness. There are no quick fixes to any of these problems, yet I firmly believe engaged and involved residents along with the city can help increase several of our overall public safety challenges.
What would you do to address the macro issue of poverty in Topeka and its micro issues of homelessness, affordable housing, health care, day care, small business development and park development?
The lack of a living wage, the impacts of redlining in certain Topeka neighborhoods, broken familial systems, lack of sound formal education, racism, lack of healthcare all add to increasing poverty. Topeka has an abundance of social services agencies, food pantries and resources – yet the issues of poverty persist and grow. Systemic issues of poverty are not being addressed and only band aids are being applied. The 2019 Housing Study had a living wage hovering at around $18 an hour. We have city, county and state employees that do not even make a living wage.
As a city we need to utilize our interactions with the Kansas Legislature, so they truly understand and act as the stresses on families and local governments due to poverty mount. Corporations need to become more involved in developing proactive solutions now to provide onsite childcare. All levels of government need to take responsibility for pushing dollars out into real and decent affordable housing. We are losing our middle class, taxing at too high a rate on homeowners as big corporate profits rise. I am open to having hard conversations about this at the local level – that will lead to action and not just talk.
What should be done to reduce the presence of food deserts here?
Both the city, county, and partners need to develop a shared and comprehensive map of locations in Topeka considered food deserts areas. We know these deserts are in low to moderate income communities. Emphasis should be placed on DISCOURAGING poor excuses for “grocery stores” that have inundated our neighborhoods with highly processed foods we know lead to obesity and a myriad of other health problems for individuals of all ages.
Growing fresh, wholesome produce through the power of community gardens needs to be a part of the city’s community engagement, in partnership with several agencies proficient in this arena. In 2019 I started work with an Oakland neighbor to start the Oakland Community Garden. With the help and vision of hard-working volunteers, we are completing our 3rd year of harvest. We share produce with Oakland folks, across District 2 and the city. Special emphasis is placed on getting produce to the senior centers. Topeka leaders need to start taking the food desert situation more seriously since healthy, accessible food intersects with public health, good fiscal policy, and forward planning for Topeka’s future.
Topeka City Council, District 4: David Banks
Tell us about a time you put forth a good idea that was put to use and brought positive effects.
While working as a Topeka Firefighter I was proud to implement an education program for families that walked through the steps of preparing a fire-safety escape plan in an age-appropriate manner. Over the school year each student would map out their escape route, designate a meet up location, and then go to a neighbor's house to call 911. To bring it all together, I would bring the fire-safety house to the school and each student would practice their individual escape plan. Recently, a former school personnel reached out to me in her new role to discuss training staff who work with senior citizens.
The winner of your race will help choose Topeka's next city manager. What will you take into account in reaching that decision?
The city manager should be qualified for city manager duties including transparency and accountability. The feedback from the community is vital. Open listening sessions and online forms can increase the accessibility for citizens to have their voice heard in the process. This will better equip the council to make an informed decision that benefits the community as a whole.
What are your thoughts about public safety here?
Public safety is more of a complex issue than we think. People need to have their needs met and be successful in order to thrive. When people have increased stress in their lives such as poverty and homelessness for example, we know crime increases. Impacts can be made by working towards a living wage and addressing the need for more low income, safe, housing options. Additionally, keeping fire stations open and functional in all areas of the city assures rapid first responding in emergencies. Community policing efforts that improve the trust of the community and police are steps we should work to strengthen.
What would you do to address the macro issue of poverty in Topeka and its micro issues of homelessness, affordable housing, health care, day care, small business development and park development?
I wouldn’t consider most of those micro issues. For instance, child care is an infrastructure component that we have not given enough attention to. We need to look at our legislative priorities for more funding on the state level to address more city needs. Also, a serious look at duplication of services and services that would benefit our community additionally with the right support.
What should be done to reduce the presence of food deserts here?
According to a recent report on food insecurity by the Kansas Health Institute “The two ZIP Codes (66603 and 66612) with the highest rates of both food insecurity (29.2 percent and 28.9 percent respectively in 2019) and poverty (37.8 percent and 37.6 percent respectively according to 2015-2019 5-year estimates) were both located in Central Topeka.” This is the location where a Dillons was closed causing yet another food dessert in our city. It took citizens banding together and doing the work to organize and raise funds to replace the grocery store with an actual grocery store. Not the type of store that only sells highly processed foods, no fresh fruits or vegetables, and raises prices to exorbitant amounts. We know proper nutrition is vital for children to learn and people to be able to be productive in the workforce. We must provide better incentives and look intentionally at how we can get investors to help neighborhood health. The East side of town has historically been ignored in these efforts.
Topeka City Council, District 4: Dave Brede
Tell about a time when you put forth a good idea that was put to use and brought positive effects:
In my capacity as Acting Special Agent in Charge over the Training Unit at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, I had been assigned to complete a project three years in the making to launch a Learning Management System (LMS) that would allow for the creation and delivery of training material both internally and externally to partner law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The system that had been previously purchased was no longer being supported by the original provider and faced implementation challenges despite IT efforts to salvage the LMS for use. Rather than buy another LMS system for thousands of dollars without assurances it would satisfy immediate and perceived future needs, I identified a system already in use by a state agency that the KBI could “piggyback” on at no cost. This was an excellent interim stop-gap measure that allowed immediate needs to be met and time to identify long-range needs for such an LMS system. Using the eLearning software, I created and delivered the agency’s first such training module on the topic of Bias Based Policing that was not only utilized by the KBI but adopted by several law enforcement agencies across Kansas.
The winner of your race will help choose Topeka’s next city manager. What will you take into account in reaching that decision?
The next city manager needs to have demonstrative experience of having previously been a city manager or a position with an equivalent level of responsibility and possess a master’s in public administration degree (MPA). The applicant’s connection and expressed commitment level to Topeka are essential considerations. The applicant’s character, trustworthiness, integrity, and ethics are important in the selection process and their interpersonal skills regarding working as a team member and supervisor. I expect a track record of management, adherence to budget constraints, and fiscal responsibility in the candidate. The applicant must have the ability to display effective directional communication, decisiveness, and fair treatment to subordinates. It is equally essential for the applicant to possess the ability to relate, reflect, and represent the goals and objectives of the Topeka city government to the citizens, media, and current and prospective business entities.
What are your thoughts on public safety here?
As a retired law enforcement officer, public safety is my primary concern. Every citizen deserves to feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and city. Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office have demonstrated a good working relationship with the community. It is incumbent for city representatives to show and communicate their support and confidence in law enforcement yet hold them accountable for any instances of misconduct. Representatives must be prepared to serve as a conduit to re-establish the lines of communication so that identifiable criminal activity and behaviors can be effectively addressed through proactive policing initiatives, preferably established through the Community and Problem-Oriented Policing models. A prime example of such city support of efforts between the community and police was the enforcement action taken regarding rampant theft of Catalytic Converters and the Council’s approval of the ordinance last January. This approach can and should happen more frequently in response to criminal activity.
What would you do to address the macro issue of poverty in Topeka and its micro issues of homelessness, affordable housing, healthcare, daycare, small business development, and park development?
Economic growth and opportunity are primary factors attributed to the influence of poverty. I intend to support Topeka area businesses, large and small companies, and the Greater Topeka Partnership in their efforts to start, develop, grow, and attract new businesses to create growth and opportunities to address poverty on a macro level. As for the micro level, ensure the Consolidated Action Plan for 2021-2025, where Topeka received roughly $2 Million, is on track to achieve previously established goals and evaluate its effectiveness in providing shelter, housing, and services. If these goals and objectives are not being met, consider reallocating remaining resources and restructuring to create a graduated system where the needs of people experiencing homelessness and those faced with financial hardship receive assistance from existing partner organizations under the Homeless Task Force. Those classified as “working poor” try to address poverty by raising household income by connecting to higher paying jobs or job training opportunities for developing more significant skills.
The city should serve as a source of assistance and encourage the creation of daycare centers and at-home daycares by providing information and step by step pathways towards licensing with the State.
What should be done to reduce the presence of food deserts here?
One relatively inexpensive solution would be establishing a dedicated bus/public transportation route that provides scheduled daily routes to grocery stores willing to actively and financially participate in such a program. Participating grocery stores can contribute by constructing sheltered waiting areas to protect them from the elements of those using the service. The city will build similar structures at designated stops. Topeka can offer tax incentives to grocery chains to build locations within or adjacent to low-income areas to bring food solutions to communities in need. Topeka City Council can encourage private sector organizations to provide mobile food trucks or delivery systems to individuals identified as in need or applied for and in need of such service. Community organizations, food co-ops, and community markets can work with city efforts to make food accessible to communities and individuals in need.
Topeka City Council, District 6: Craig Dunstan
Tell us about a time you put forth a good idea that was used and brought positive effects.
When I was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Judge Mitchel assigned me to two elementary school boys. These boys were missing lots of school and the school was reporting that the parents were just letting them stay home. I spent several months getting to know the boys.
When it was time for the boys’ “Final Disposition Hearing” before the judge, their attorney, court services worker and an assistant district attorney recommended that their case be terminated. As their CASA I knew that the boys’ school attendance was still quite poor, so I recommended that their case not be terminated. I recommended to the judge that they should have perfect attendance for three months before their case is terminated. I also recommended that a single absence during that time would result in the boys being placed in foster care.
The judge took my suggestion, and the boys had perfect school attendance over the next three months and their case was dismissed.
I ran into the boys’ mother several years later and she thanked me. She said I had made a positive difference in both of her boys.
The winner of your race will help choose Topeka's next city manager. What will you take into account in reaching that decision?
The city manager needs to have the skills to manage people and money. They need good written and oral communications skills. Prior experience as a city manager would be helpful. They need to keep the mayor and the council informed and they should follow the council’s agenda, not the other way around.
What are your thoughts about public safety here?
This past week Topeka experienced its 27th and 28th homicides. The victims were young men ages 17 and 18 (Editor's note: The city's 29th and 30th homicide victims this year, females ages 17 and 4, were fatally shot after Dunstan submitted his response). Last week a 25-year-old homeless man was charged in the rape and killing of a 5-year-old Kansas girl. Property crime is also on the increase. Eight of the 28 victims were under the age of 18.
I think Topeka needs to hire more police officers and have more patrols at night. Many of the homicides and much of the property crime take place at night.
What would you do to address the macro issue of poverty in Topeka and its micro issues of homelessness, affordable housing, health care, day care, small business development and park development?
According to welfareinfo.org, the poverty rate in the United States in 2021 was 12.8%. In Kansas the rate is 11.7%. In Topeka the rate is estimated to be 15.2%. Poverty is a complex issue. In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson announced a “war on poverty” in his first State of the Union address. Poverty was about 20% at the time His vision of a “Great Society” called for social welfare legislation. We have not yet won the war on poverty. Issues like poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, health care and daycare are important. As a member of the Topeka City Council, I will study the problem recommendations and use an informed judgement before voting on any proposal.
Small businesses to be successful need less taxes and less regulation. One of the best things we can do is promote “Buy local." Local businesses will need to provide high quality products and fast delivery to compete with companies like Amazon.
The city needs to plan for parks in new development and improve the parks in the older communities in the city. I support adding more parkways in the center lane of streets like we have on 17th street in front of Washburn.
What should be done to reduce the presence of food deserts here?
I was unfamiliar with the term “food deserts” so I had to do a little research. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 2021 more the 33.8 million people lived in food-insecure households. The USDA has defined two types of food deserts. In rural areas it is when someone lives more than 10 miles from the nearest store. In urban areas it exists when citizens experience daily obstacles in obtaining healthy food due to lack of availability or resources.
FeedingAmerica.org put it well when they said, “Part of what makes food insecurity so difficult to solve is that the underlying causes—poverty, unemployment/under-employment, and access to enough healthy food— are deeply interconnected.”
This is another issue that I need to become more familiar with. Like I said earlier I will study the problem and recommendations and use an informed judgement before voting on any proposals.
Topeka City Council, District 6: Marcus D.L. Miller
Tell us about a time you put forth a good idea that was put to use and brought positive effects.
One that is fresh on my mind is offering the program director position to a local high school golf coach last summer. Jane Yi’s efforts on growing the mission of First Tee – Greater Topeka has been remarkable. She was on the Board at one point, but I realized that the paid position of program director would be more beneficial to the organization. Since my golf game personally isn’t much to brag about, her expertise and knowledge became irreplaceable for all of our participants, kids aged 6-18. A 38% increase in program participants from Spring ’22 to Spring ’23, and a 71% increase from Summer ’22 to Summer ’23, shows the impact of having someone like her to provide that quality life and golf coaching. Jane leads a team of coaches that truly make a huge impact for the kids of Shawnee and Jackson counties.
The winner of your race will help choose Topeka's next city manager. What will you take into account in reaching that decision?
Selecting Topeka's next city manager is a critical decision. I will prioritize a candidate with a proven track record of transparent leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to community engagement. Public input will be essential in this process, ensuring that our next city manager aligns with the values and priorities of District 6 residents, and the Topeka community at-large. I would prefer a long term resident for that position.
What are your thoughts about public safety here?
Public safety is paramount. We must support our law enforcement and the tough job they do, while insuring accountability is achieved at all levels. I'll work to enhance community relations, increase officer training, and explore innovative approaches to policing. Investing in community-based programs that aim to proactively deter & prevent crime is something I believe to be extremely important. Accountability goes in all directions if it’s going to effective, so I call on our citizens to take part in helping keep our communities safe. The more we speak to each other, and the more we take an active part in our communities, the safer we will be.
What would you do to address the macro issue of poverty in Topeka and its micro issues of homelessness, affordable housing, health care, day care, small business development and park development?
Addressing poverty requires a comprehensive and open-minded approach. My commitment to this involves advocating for a range of initiatives, regardless of someone’s faith or sexual orientation. I will work to promote affordable housing options, with the aim that everyone has access to safe and stable shelter. Additionally, I'll advocate for the expansion of healthcare access, making sure that healthcare is a fundamental right for all individuals, regardless of their economic status.
To further assist working families, I will push for daycare subsidies, making it easier for parents to balance their jobs and family responsibilities. Simultaneously, I'll focus on fostering small business development, as they play a vital role in job creation and economic growth. The Greater Topeka Partnership does a fantastic job in supporting small business development, and I want to help support those efforts for the prosperity of our community.
I will lead efforts to revitalize and update our parks, not only as recreational spaces but as hubs of community engagement and improved overall well-being. By implementing this into a comprehensive strategy, we can make significant strides in alleviating poverty, enhancing the quality of life for all residents, and building a stronger and more inclusive community for everyone.
What should be done to reduce the presence of food deserts here?
This issue is near and dear to me, as we currently have one where Dillons left at Huntoon and Washburn in 2016. Supporting groups like Central Topeka Grocery Oasis, that aim to fix that problem by providing grocery stores in underserved areas, is incredibly important for our residents. It should not be a pain-staking process for you to provide food for your family, and that includes having to travel far from your residence. I also support bolstering local farmers' markets, and in our capacity as a city, we must explore the potential of a Mobile Market initiative. It is important that our City Council takes the necessary steps to endorse this project. I am committed to championing community gardens, with a particular focus on fostering them in various neighborhoods.
Topeka City Council, District 8: Spencer Duncan
Tell us about a time you put forth a good idea that was put to use and brought positive effects.
For two consecutive years, my proposals to lower the city’s mill levy were adopted. In total, this has led to a reduction of 3 mills in two years – the largest decrease in 20 years. The Council also adopted my proposal to remove city property taxes for low-income seniors, create a land bank and fund our Housing Trust fund up to $1 million. Combined, these initiatives are reducing the tax burden on citizens while addressing our housing shortage.
The winner of your race will help choose Topeka's next city manager. What will you take into account in reaching that decision?
Citizens will play an important role in the selection of the city manager. I will look to them to tell me what they expect from the next city manager, what qualifications they are looking for and what qualities they want in this person. I believe citizens want a city manager who will take time to participate in the community and listen to where they want resources prioritized. I look forward to working with Topekans to make this next hire.
What are your thoughts about public safety here?
Improvements are paramount. A primary goal is to fill the vacancies in our police department. There are nearly 40 open positions we are struggling to fill. I have supported several wage increases, introduced changes to improve and assist recruitment efforts and personally supported our intern program. The money for these positions is budgeted, but finding individuals wanting to serve is a growing problem. For us to improve community policing, which will reduce criminal activity, we must step up efforts and increase resources into the recruitment of our police department. I have also worked with our fire department and have the support of Topeka Local Firefighters #83.
What would you do to address the macro issue of poverty in Topeka and its micro issues of homelessness, affordable housing, health care, day care, small business development and park development?
We must improve the availability of affordable housing and invest in job programs. I led the effort to fund and activate our Affordable Housing Trust Fund to assist with creating more affordable housing. We must also develop in-fill housing incentives to encourage development in existing neighborhoods instead of only new development creation. The city does little to no investment in job programs, which is a mistake. Those programs provide opportunities for individuals, lead to long-term household economic stability and help small businesses hire and retain qualified employees. As a member of the Shawnee County Childcare Task Force, I am personally working in our community to improve childcare opportunities, working with providers to open more spots and bring grant dollars to Topeka. We also must work with banks to provide better access to services for individuals and create more capital for small business investment. Lack of this access makes it difficult for individuals to get out of poverty and creates a burden for small businesses. We also need our community centers to stay open longer hours into the evenings and on weekends.
What should be done to reduce the presence of food deserts here?
The grocery business is difficult and competitive. We must make it appealing for a national chain or independent grocer to want to invest in an area where there is a food desert. This will take a public-private cooperative effort. We also must be creative. With home delivery offered by many grocers, there should be no true food deserts in our community. We need to work with grocers to make delivery service affordable, which could mean the creation of a voucher system or promise of fee reductions to certain areas of the city. I also encourage people to support the Central Topeka Grocery Oasis Project.
Topeka City Council, District 8: Chris Phelps
Tell us about a time you put forth a good idea that was put to use and brought positive effects.
While employed at a Telecom company, I was instrumental in identifying huge gaps of revenue due to improper/ lacking documentation of the customer base. I did the needs analysis, risk vs reward. Ultimately implemented a new CRM and managed it creating millions of dollars in recovered revenue.
The winner of your race will help choose Topeka's next city manager. What will you take into account in reaching that decision?
I will be looking for a city manager that makes responsible decisions when it comes to budgets. The concept of buying a hotel, is incredible irresponsible. The money used to buy the hotel along with the money it is losing on a monthly bases could be used to help support the “homeless” community and by all means solve some of the safety issues.
What are your thoughts about public safety here?
I first want to commend our Law enforcement and first responders, they are doing an excellent job with the tools and budget they have been given. Sadly at the time I am writing this, we have 28 homicides in Topeka and 2 and a half months left to go in the year. I would love to stand on a roof top and shout continually about how irresponsible it was to buy a hotel. The 7.5 million Dollars spent could have paid for 16 new police officers and paid their salary for 10 years. That doesn’t take in consideration of the hotel loosing $250k a month. Our streets are not safe and it should be addressed immediately.
What would you do to address the macro issue of poverty in Topeka and its micro issues of homelessness, affordable housing, health care, day care, small business development and park development?
Many of these topics have been addressed above, Let’s talk about affordable housing. The issue is rent is too high, the question is why. First is the increase in property taxes and inflated home values. It looks real good to be able to tell people that you voted to keep the mil levy lower than what was budgeted, however when property values are inflated the end result is higher taxes. Secondly property insurance premiums are calculated in part by a score of how safe the city is, in crime, in response time and other factors. So to help with affordable housing, we first need to stop allowing the county to inflate the home values and second we need a safe city. Those are 2 of many components to have each and every soul living in Topeka a better quality of life.
What should be done to reduce the presence of food deserts here?
Thank goodness there are places like Harvesters that help with food, there are food banks throughout the city, but what we need is a food bank that travels to those that can’t get there on their own.
Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Here's what Topeka City Council candidates said about local issues
