Voter guide: Who’s running for Wichita City Council; what they say about taxes, public safety
Wichita voters will choose at least two new council members on Nov. 7.
Three seats are up for a vote: District 2 in east Wichita, District 4 in southwest Wichita and District 5 in northwest Wichita.
In District 4 in southwest Wichita, Jeff Blubaugh faces term limits and cannot run again.
In District 5 in northwest Wichita, Bryan Frye also faces term limits and is leaving office after an unsuccessful primary run for mayor.
Voters in District 2 in east Wichita will choose between an incumbent and two challengers.
Only residents of a council district can vote in each race. To find out which city council district you live in, go to the Kansas secretary of state’s VoterView at myvoteinfo.voteks.org, put in your information and click on districts.
Council members are paid $49,064 a year to pass laws, establish policy direction, adopt the annual city budget and levy taxes, among other responsibilities.
We asked the candidates to answer several questions about issues. Here is what they said. The responses are largely as the candidates sent them in. Some responses have been lightly edited to meet space requirements. Some bio information was reported by The Eagle.
Note: City elections are nonpartisan, meaning party affiliations do not show up on the ballot. State and local party committees often choose sides in city elections with regard to funding and other forms of support.
Find the voter guide for the Wichita mayor’s race here
Find the voter guide for Wichita school board races here
Wichita City Council, District 2
District 2 in east Wichita is bordered by Bel Aire to the north and Andover to the east. It generally stretches from Woodlawn Boulevard to 159th Street East. See a district map here.
Marcey Gregory
Age: 62
Position: Retired
Previously: Goddard mayor, 2007-2017
Education: Wichita North High School, attended Wichita State University
Party: Democrat
Phone: 316-208-3262
Email: maggiedog26@gmail.com
Website: MarceyForICT.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Economic growth, we need to continue to support existing business, incubate and develop new business, and work to bring other business to Wichita. I have done this in Goddard, and I can do it again in Wichita.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
10 years of municipal governance experience, 30 plus years owning two successful businesses. I am a hard worker, and I want to go to work for ALL of Wichita!
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Public Safety, which includes Fire as well as Police. and Homeless/affordable housing.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
There is a nationwide shortage of police and firefighters. This is as much an image issue as a monetary one, and I am committed to work with Police Chief, and Fire Chief, partnering with schools and others to try to change awareness of their roles in our community and what great value they bring. If it was determined that revenue needed to be raised to pay for additional staff, I would welcome discussion of a possible half cent sales tax (similar to what paid for the arena) because Public Safety is critical.
Local property tax revenues have increased each of the last few years. If property values go up again next year, would you support the city capturing more tax money or should the city lower its mill levy?
Rather than lowering the mill levy, I would prefer a discussion about allowing a moratorium that could be applied for by residential homeowners with low or fixed incomes for whom property taxes can be particularly burdensome.
Is Wichita’s current approach to economic development and incentives working? Should the city expand or eliminate any of its incentive programs? Or would you seek any other changes?
I think this really depends on the case. Personally, I am not a fan of incentives. My husband and I created our first business with an SBA loan, which we paid back 100%. The City of Goddard never offered incentives for new home starts because we wanted our city to be special, not “On Special”. But if a project was being considered that would generate jobs, and/or create economic opportunities, I would certainly consider it.
What would you do to increase public safety in the community for all city residents?
We need to figure out how to meet the staffing needs for public safety, and then, I am a big believer in community involvement. The community BBQ that former Chief Ramsey put on did SO much good to bring families together with law enforcement and foster a sense of good will between the departments and the people they serve. We need to create more opportunities like this.
Wichita is growing quickly at its eastern and western edges, requiring new city services to those areas. As a council member, how would you balance services for growth areas and aging areas in your district?
Each council member has a district and they are responsible to its constituents, but when setting policy, we need to be able to act as a whole for the collective good of the entire city. My philosophy to make this work is the 3 “C”s - Collaborate, Communicate and Compromise. It has worked well for me both in my business and in managing a City.
What would you do to make city government more transparent?
Communication requires a receiver as well as a transmitter. It is important that electeds seek out input from the people they serve. I have, and will make personal invitations to the public for budget workshops, public hearings on proposed projects, etc. a favorite quote of mine is “The price of Apathy is to be ruled by evil men”. I think most people understand that, but sometimes it takes the councilperson reaching out and re-enforcing to the public that their input is not only desired, but critical to the process.
Becky Tuttle
Age: 53
Position: Wichita City Council District 2
Previously: Wichita City Council District 2, Community Development Director at the Greater Wichita YMCA, Health ICT Project Manager at the Medical Society of Sedgwick County and Community Health Planning and Performance Improvement Division Director at the Sedgwick County Health Department
Education: Masters of Arts degrees from Appalachian State University in Student Development Administration and School Counseling and a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Dakota in Psychology and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies
Party: Republican
Phone: 316-651-6099
Email: beckyforwichita@gmail.com
Website: www.beckytuttle.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Public safety and the staffing shortage within the WPD. We are making strides to address the salary and morale issues. Technology provides another set of strategic eyes and ears to compliment current staffing. It allows the WPD to track and respond quicker with a more specific approach that limits risk to the public. Cities that incorporate technology into a comprehensive crime strategy see improvements with response times, evidence recovery, lives saved and witness identification.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I’ve spent my career helping make Wichita the best place to live, learn, earn, play and pray. I have professional experience in budget management, supervision and strategic planning. I’ve championed issues that are important to my neighbors, such as food deserts, homelessness, mental health and substance abuse, the arts, childcare, workforce development, public safety and better infrastructure. I have always been a roll up your sleeves type of leader and that won’t change when I am re-elected.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
I want to be part of the solution in addressing homelessness. The City of Wichita and Sedgwick County created a Homelessness Task Force that’s developing a realistic and ambitious plan to address homelessness, engaging the business community, non-profit providers, faith and health entities, law enforcement and community members who have experienced being unsheltered. The Task Force will provide guidance on how the City should spend the taxpayers’ time and treasure to address this critical issue.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
Residents tell me that we should take better care of city streets before expanding more. The priority is and should continue to be maintenance before enhancement or expansion. With 5600 lane miles within the city, it is imperative that we remain efficient and strategic. The City of Wichita has a robust pavement preservation program that aligns with the Capital Improvement Program. The CIP provides the funding in a ten year plan with increased annual invests while I have served on Council.
Local property tax revenues have increased each of the last few years. If property values go up again next year, would you support the city capturing more tax money or should the city lower its mill levy?
I favor holding the line on property taxes. Taxes often have a negative impact on the most vulnerable populations in our community, the low income, and the elderly. With inflation being high, people are struggling to pay their bills. Any additional financial burden could force residents to make difficult decisions that could compromise their safety and health. I believe that keeping taxes low will attract new industries in our core sectors. A low tax environment is key to growing our economy.
Is Wichita’s current approach to economic development and incentives working? Should the city expand or eliminate any of its incentive programs? Or would you seek any other changes?
Tax incentives are a useful tool but must be used appropriately to accomplish the City’s goals. Incentives are designed to encourage development that would otherwise not occur and meet a return on investment. Safeguards are in place to protect taxpayers, including personal guarantees, pay as you go financing and construction benchmarks with definitive timelines. Periodic review of programs must occur to ensure we remain completive with peer cities and bolster small and emerging businesses.
What would you do to increase public safety in the community for all city residents?
Keeping residents safe is one of my top priorities. Dedicating 74% of the City’s budget to police, fire and public works requires strategic decisions for staffing, technology and placement of capital projects to keep people safe. Investments in ICT One and the EMT pilot program demonstrate how to deliver services more effectively and efficiently. Safe and healthy communities do not and will not happen by accident. We must be willing to explore new ways to better serve residents.
Wichita is growing quickly at its eastern and western edges, requiring new city services to those areas. As a council member, how would you balance services for growth areas and aging areas in your district?
We have seen tremendous growth in District 2 over the past decade. This growth has helped the entire city flourish with new amenities to attract and retain businesses and talent. A fair and balanced approach is required to ensure all areas within the District are provided necessary services. We must embrace expansion and nurture the established neighborhoods and business districts that have been the core of the community. Staying connected with my constituents allows me to prioritize needs.
What would you do to make city government more transparent?
My door and my mind are always open. I will champion for transparency, encourage civic engagement and value feedback. Transparency works when people feel they have a voice and the opportunity to be heard. I have and will continue to empower residents to be involved in their city and the City of Wichita. I have listened, I have learned and I have led. I will make every effort to engage the community through forums, the National Community Survey, communication strategies and regular dialogue.
Hatim Zeineddine
Age: 28
Position: Engineer
Previously: Dishwasher, pharmacy tech, factory worker, sales lead, delivery driver
Education: Master’s of Engineering
Party: Unaffiliated
Phone: No response
Email: No response
Website: No response
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Water is my top priority as across Kansas, and even across Wichita we are facing a future where our water supply isn’t secure. Building sustainable water infrastructure now when we still have time rather than years from now when it becomes a critical and unavoidable problem is the only responsible course of action.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I’ve lived in Wichita for over 20 years now and I plan to stay for longer so I am invested in the community and making it better. I hope to see Wichita as a safe, prosperous, and sustainable city well into the future without giving up our core identity.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Transportation and housing. There are many people in the city without access to reliable transportation; walking to your nearest grocery can easily be an hour (or more) each way. By reinforcing our public transport and making it easy to use we can make the city easy to live and work in. The critical shortage of affordable housing is also a major problem. Even if a person isn’t homeless, housing insecurity is a large source of stress, makes it hard to work, and the city should move aggressively on the topic.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
If a budget increase is approved, then I would most likely push towards working on my three primary issues of water, transportation, and housing. It’s entirely possible however to work on addressing this issue within the current budget but having more resources can give more flexibility in finding the best solution rather than the cheapest solution.
Local property tax revenues have increased each of the last few years. If property values go up again next year, would you support the city capturing more tax money or should the city lower its mill levy?
Putting more money in the pockets of people living in the city is a good thing, but there are also always city services in need of more funding, and any decision would have to be made after careful consideration and dialogue with constituents.
Is Wichita’s current approach to economic development and incentives working? Should the city expand or eliminate any of its incentive programs? Or would you seek any other changes?
We should always be looking at our current programs and analyzing to see if there’s room for improvement or increasing their effectiveness, and if the programs are effective, then expanding their use. By working to maintain a mindset of continuous improvement, we can ensure that the city is always moving forwards with an eye for the future rather than being stuck stagnating.
What would you do to increase public safety in the community for all city residents?
I would work to engage with citizens in a more positive manner, to make sure that they’re engaged in local issues and feel a sense of ownership regarding the city. I think that for many people there’s a fundamentally broken trust that the city government needs to work incredibly hard to regain.
Wichita is growing quickly at its eastern and western edges, requiring new city services to those areas. As a council member, how would you balance services for growth areas and aging areas in your district?
While it’s hard to answer this question in general as most issues are highly dependent on the context and need to be looked at on a case by case basis I do want to stress that I would not be leaving behind existing areas in order to make space for new development. I would work to ensure that growth benefits the preexisting community and gives back by either employing members of the community or in some other way.
What would you do to make city government more transparent?
I would work to engage more with the people of Wichita. There is very little enthusiasm for engaging in local issues for a variety of reasons and it’s the city’s responsibility to reach out and work to build trust and communicate with Wichitans so that they’re more engaged with local issues. Once people are invested in their local governance, they’ll naturally want to learn more about how and why decisions are being made.
Wichita City Council, District 4
District 4 in southwest Wichita stretches to the edge of Goddard at its northernmost point and Haysville at its southernmost point. The northern boundary runs along West Maple Street and its eastern edge generally follows South Seneca. See a district map here.
Dalton Glasscock
Age: 29
Position: Starnes Media Group CEO, Wichita State lecturer
Previously: Sedgwick County Republican Party chair
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University, master’s degree from George Washington University
Party: Republican
Phone: 316-648-5613
Email: dalton@daltonglasscock.com
Website: daltonglasscock.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
The primary function of local government is public safety. Violent crime is rising in Wichita; we are short more than 90 police officers. Wichita Fire is facing challenges in response time due to a need for more firefighters. I commit to working with WPD and WFD to find innovative solutions to pay and personnel challenges; retention bonuses, college reimbursement options, longevity bonuses, and healthcare retention incentives. If we don’t do public safety well, we fail as a City.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
As a fourth-generation South Wichitan, I will bring a fresh perspective to City Hall with experience to lead. I am Chairman of the District 4 Advisory Board, a member of the Wichita Metro Crime Commission, a small business owner, and a lecturer at WSU. I previously sat on the Sedgwick County Mental Health Advisory Board, served as interim Sedgwick County Commissioner, and did military and veteran casework for the U.S House. My vision: A City Hall focused on the basic functions of local government.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
District 4 needs a new fire station. We face an increased response time in Southwest Wichita. There is no station west of the Airport and south of Kellogg, one of Wichita’s fastest-growth areas and D4’s most densely populated. I’ve ridden along with Wichita Fire, spoken with the Fire Union, and seen the challenges they face. I will support adding and prioritizing this in the Capital Improvement Plan and championing this with my six other colleagues. We have to give WFD the tools to be successful.
Are you supportive of the City Council’s $6.15 million plan for a pickleball complex at South Lakes Park? What other investments would you like to see made in south Wichita?
City Hall must focus on the basic functions of local government. We face a projected budget shortfall of more than 11 million dollars, and City Hall, like families in District 4, will have to make tough decisions. I will choose a new fire station, improved roads, and a stronger police force over the pickleball complex. Let’s maintain our current city facilities first; Aley Park, Pawnee Prairie Park, and Osage Recreation Center. We can get the government out of the way and let small businesses flourish.
What do you love about District 4, and why?
I love my neighborhood. From our annual neighborhood block parties until 2 a.m. to chatting with people during coffee on their front porch, I feel a sense of community down my street. I love that I know each neighbor by name. We change Wichita by investing in our blocks and empowering neighborhood associations to advocate for our residents. We will only build a Wichita for the future by first loving and being willing to fight for where we live.
Local property tax revenues have increased each of the last few years. If property values go up again next year, would you support the city capturing more tax money or should the city lower its mill levy?
The City of Wichita must encourage our County and State leaders to reform our property tax appraisal process. We all know that their system is broken. What the City must do is to focus on the basics: Public safety, roads, and water are non-negotiables. We are facing an 10+ million projected budget deficit in the years to come and the City Council, like families in District 4, will have to make tough decisions.
Is Wichita’s current approach to economic development and incentives working? Should the city expand or eliminate any of its incentive programs? Or would you seek any other changes?
Developers must be held accountable for what they promise. We’ve seen many examples of the City’s failure to properly vet contracts. If incentives are necessary the process must be transparent, fiscally responsible, and the City must be guaranteed, at a minimum, a 2x return on investment. I support auditing the city’s finances and making sure that we are holding outside contractors accountable for the promises and obligations they have promised the taxpayers.
What would you do to increase public safety in the community for all city residents?
The primary function of local government is public safety. Wichita will continue to face a public safety crisis unless we address the more than 100 officer shortage and lack of fire coverage, most especially in District 4. We must build a new fire station in SW Wichita. We need to continue to implement data driven modeling that can help enable proactive crime prevention. I am trusted by both the Wichita Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #5 and Wichita Firefighters Union IAFF Local 135 to tackle these challenges.
What would you do to make city government more transparent?
I want to look at evening meetings hosted throughout the City. The City Council and Mayor cannot expect residents to come to us – we must also go to them. I would also review the agenda notification process; the quick turnaround from publication to Council meetings limits public input and review of what is to come before the body. Transparency is essential to a healthy democracy, and I am dedicated to enhancing it within our city government.
Judy Pierce
Age: 76
Position: Wichita/Hutchinson Labor Federation president
Previously: Aircraft manufacturing
Education: High school diploma
Party: Democrat
Phone: 316-650-7169
Email: piercedistrict4@gmail.com
Website: pierceforwichita.com/
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Jobs, Services, and Infrastructure. The hard-working people of the fourth district deserve living wage Jobs where they can support their families, save for their future, and look forward to retirement in a safe and well-kept community. We need to focus on infrastructure. Safe roads, sidewalks, safe drinking water, well-kept parks, playgrounds. I will support industries that pay workers well in emerging and current industry. You must keep your eyes and your mind open because there are new opportunities every day.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
In 75 years I’ve seen a lot. I have seen what works and pushed for change in other areas. over the years I have negotiated contracts that affect the wages and benefits of thousands of workers. Taxpayer dollars like union dues are a resource that should not be spent frivolously. I take my responsibilities seriously and bringing jobs to Wichita that increase the opportunity for working families is a top priority for me. Jobs with good wages, Jobs with good benefits, Jobs with American Pride, and innovation.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
I believe our roads and parks have declined and our overall infrastructure needs updating and funding. Taxpayer dollars are a scarce resource that should be used wisely. Money doesn’t grow on trees. the reality is “we the people” are footing the bill. government should fund a basic infrastructure for all taxpayers. I’d cut pet projects, giveaways because nobody wants to raise taxes, so we must prioritize spending. Citizens must pay for the level of services they want and you get what you pay for.
Local property tax revenues have increased each of the last few years. If property values go up again next year, would you support the city capturing more tax money or should the city lower its mill levy?
Nobody likes more taxes, but we have to face the fact that the city may have to capture tax money in this manner rather than continuing to lower Mill levies. if we’re going to attract talent and keep our young people from moving to other cities we’re going to have to step up our game. It’s easier to pay your taxes when you have a good paying job. And we can’t grow industry or maintain our infrastructure with tax brakes.
Is Wichita’s current approach to economic development and incentives working? Should the city expand or eliminate any of its incentive programs? Or would you seek any other changes?
The city is overextended themselves with some incentive programs. We need to be a little more cautious with our spending and make sure those companies are actually benefiting the citizens of Wichita. I would start with limiting incentives for companies that don’t bring in good paying jobs. The taxpayers money is not here to pad the pockets of developers or be corporate welfare. Incentives need to have a good return on investment for the taxpayers and improve their quality of life in someway or they’re not worth it.
What would you do to increase public safety in the community for all city residents?
Our police officers are over extended and over the past 50 years the scope of their jobs have grown outrageous. We all have a responsibility to keep our community safe. My neighbors and me look out for each other. We communicate with one another, and we treat each other with respect and dignity, and frankly, that is the first thing we need to do to increase public safety. Lastly, we need to increase staffing in many of our departments within the city to provide the services to keep our public safe.
Are you supportive of the City Council’s $6.15 million plan for a pickleball complex at South Lakes Park? What other investments would you like to see made in south Wichita?
Pickle ball is extremely popular with the 18-34 demographic, but it reminds me of the racquet ball craze of the 70’s and 80’s. $6.15 million dollars for a pickle ball court is a lot of money. We already have 21 outdoor courts and 16 indoor courts around town. I question if pickle ball is so popular why then aren’t more private companies are opening facilities. I also think that voters should weigh in on issues like this. When taxpayer dollars are involved, the taxpayers have a vote not just the bill.
What would you do to make city government more transparent?
I think over the past few years city government has become much more transparent with technology. Perhaps, maybe the question we should ask is, how do we make city government more interesting. To be honest, there are not a lot of people at many City Council meetings, and unless there’s a particular issue that they care about most people go on about their day without really worrying about how their city operates. As long as it operates. I think the best thing to do is to continue to encourage people to get involved and continue to make the access for citizens just as easy as possible. I also wonder if more people would engage if they felt heard. Perhaps the people sitting in the audience should have an opportunity to be polled as the city council votes. It worked for American Idol. I think they got a decent amount of engagement..
What do you love about District 4, and why?
The people, The 4th District homes some of the hardest working & warm-hearted people on the planet. People in Southwest Wichita are good people. We don’t all have much, but we take care of one another. We’ve been through tornados and tragedies, but we strive on. In as a community we often feel forgotten and overlooked when it comes to City Government. I aim to change that feeling with action, persistence and tenacity that is reflective of my community. It will be an honor to serve my friends & neighbors in D4.
Wichita City Council, District 5
District 5 in northwest Wichita borders Maize and follows West Maple as its southern boundary. Its eastern boundary is generally Hoover Road, although it stretches as far east as Meridian in one place. See a district map here.
Gary W. Bond
Age: 66
Position: Home remodeler
Previously: Real estate agent
Education: Wichita High School Southeast
Party: Republican
Phone: 316-304-8358
Email: bondgar88@gmail.com
Website: www.garybondforwichita.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Public Safety. Everything begins & ends with Public Safety. Our biggest challenge at this point is the number of Police Officers we have & the Dept’s morale. Recruit Recruit Recruit. We need to think outside the box to get the number of qualified candidates to apply for The Wichita Police Dept NOW !!! A pipeline from our regional schools to the Police Dept is needed. There are kids in school that are interested in Law Enforcement and we need to reach them and start helping them to be ready when they come of age.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I am ready to work FULL TIME for the City of Wichita. We need full time workers for full time problems. I have lived in Wichita all my life and have been in the Home Remodeling Industry for the last 25 years. My vision is to be the Best City in the Midwest to live, work, play, & raise a family.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
The basic things that the City should have as a priority. Public Safety is # 1 Police, Fire, EMS. Infrastructure is # 2 Roads, Bridges, Water, Electricity. Transparency is # 3. Every citizen of Wichita should be able to know exactly how & what we are spending their tax money on whenever they want.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
The Wichita Police Dept Officers contract is up next year. We need to look at that and get it up to par with the other Dept’s in the Midwest. We want to attract officers from other Dept in the Midwest so that we can get our numbers up. We currently have the resources that we need to do this.
Local property tax revenues have increased each of the last few years. If property values go up again next year, would you support the city capturing more tax money or should the city lower its mill levy?
Lower the mil levy. Especially if inflation is still high and if we have another surplus. This year we had a surplus of about 12 million. If we left the mill levy where it was last year we would get another 12 million in taxes. Which is what the City Council did. Now we not only have the surplus but also the additional 12 million. WOW !!! Now we have 24 million of the tax payers dollars to spend. We should have lowered the mill levy to help the low income & elderly that we hurt the most when we raise Property Taxes
Is Wichita’s current approach to economic development and incentives working? Should the city expand or eliminate any of its incentive programs? Or would you seek any other changes?
If we worked on improving our Public Safety, Infrastructure, Lower taxes, Quality of Life to be the Best in the Midwest, companies & people would want to move here just because it is the best place to live. We would need less incentives or maybe none.
What would you do to increase public safety in the community for all city residents?
Like I have said before we need to increase the number of officers. The new Police Chief has consistently said that he cannot implement the things he wants to without bodies. (Officers) We also need to to get more people to work in the jail along with more $$ for the Judges. County opportunities.
Wichita is growing quickly at its eastern and western edges, requiring new city services to those areas. As a council member, how would you balance services for growth areas and aging areas in your district?
We need to extend our city services out to where the growth is happening as well take care of the needs of all of the City. This is why we need to concentrate on the basic’s that I have talked about. That should be our priority.
What would you do to make city government more transparent?
I think we need a City checkbook on line so that everyone can see how we are spending their money. Also the DAB meetings and other meetings that are online need to be improved. Whenever you try to watch them you can’t see what their talking about or who is talking. We need better audio & video so that when someone is watching they can tell what is going on.
J.V. Johnston
Age: 63
Position: Executive Director, Guadalupe Clinic
Previously: VP for University Advancement, Newman University and President/Owner of Johnston’s Clothier, Inc.
Education: BS Business; BA History - Newman University/Kansas Newman College
Party: Republican
Phone: 316-640-6442
Email: jvjohnston82@gmail.com
Website: jvforwichita.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
Public Safety is my top priority, specifically our police department. I will work to improve the police department’s relationships with the Mayor, the City Council and staff. Police pay must be increased to reflect what similar cities in the Midwest pay their law enforcement personnel. I will also review the resources we have and reallocate them to improve efficiencies.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I am unique in the District 5 race. I have 20 years of successful business experience as President of Johnston’s Clothiers, six years leading the Advancement Department at Newman and nearly four years leading Guadalupe Clinic. I have nurtured a culture of excellence in each by recruiting and retaining outstanding talent and creating comprehensive plans with roadmaps to achieve our goals. My vision is to create a team approach to build a better Wichita.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Homelessness: I am on the Homelessness Taskforce Committee, which has been meeting since January. The facilitators are effective in leading the meetings and moving the process forward. I am confident a plan will be in place within 12 to 18 months for a campus that includes all the wrap around services needed for the homeless to incorporate themselves back into society. It will be a public/private partnership that includes private businesses, many non-profits, City & County government, and the State of Kansas.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
Roads always need attention and was the number one issue when I was on the District 5 Advisory Board. My experience analyzing budgets and working with city staff should allow for additional funding.
Local property tax revenues have increased each of the last few years. If property values go up again next year, would you support the city capturing more tax money or should the city lower its mill levy?
I believe we should have a revenue neutral budget, not manipulated through property values, but adjusted for inflation. When property values increase more than inflation, I favor lowering the mill levy so as to equal the rate of inflation. Senior citizens and working-class homeowners are hit the hardest by higher property taxes. We should make it as easy as possible for them to stay in their homes.
Is Wichita’s current approach to economic development and incentives working? Should the city expand or eliminate any of its incentive programs? Or would you seek any other changes?
Incentives are important to attract businesses to Wichita, however we must value the businesses that are already here and give them the same opportunities. The council, mayor and staff should analyze and determine which incentives are valuable to prospective businesses while considering existing ones. I developed The Collective at K96 and 21st Street with NO incentives.
What would you do to increase public safety in the community for all city residents?
Increase the pay for the police force to, at a minimum, the market rate. However, just as important is public and city council support. They have frontline jobs and should be shown respect and appreciation.
Wichita is growing quickly at its eastern and western edges, requiring new city services to those areas. As a council member, how would you balance services for growth areas and aging areas in your district?
The market will dictate what grows on the edges of our city. However, we have thousands of vacant lots all around the city, including in District 5 where city service and streets are already in place. Developing incentive programs for private citizens, non-profits and developers to utilize these vacant lots for affordable housing would help provide balance.
What would you do to make city government more transparent?
Most people get their news from their phones. The city communication staff should utilize social media and news platforms to get information to citizens. Citizen involvement is key to a prosperous and vibrant city.
Ben Taylor
Age: 47
Position: IBEW Electrician
Previously: n/a
Education: 5 year apprenticeship at NJATC
Party: Democrat
Phone: 13162090110
Email: ben@ben4ict.com
Website: www.ben4ict.com
What is your top priority and what specifically would you do to address it?
My top priority will be to listen to the needs of all the people of Wichita. For too long, we’ve let the loudest or most well-connected dominate the conversation. If we want Wichita to grow and be a City that our kids want to start careers and families in, we have to start listening to them. The cost of living keeps going up and more young adults can’t afford to move out. I plan to make housing affordable again in Wichita.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I never planned to run for office. We need more people who have worked a real job before in government and that’s why I decided to run. I plan to focus on the work of the people of West Wichita who don’t have time for games or political agendas. I have experience negotiating contracts and looking out for the little guy and I plan to take that experience to Wichita City Hall.
What other issue do you feel strongly about?
Wichita has a shortage of affordable housing. A 2021 study found that Wichita had a gap of about 44,000 housing units. This discussion on housing has been dominated by builders and the elected officials they support for too long. We need to increase our current housing stock. We need to encourage investment in Wichita, even if it’s not the usual players. We need to fix up homes that currently exist. Instead of tearing down old houses, I want to revitalize those homes and get them back on the market.
Is there a particular city service that you think needs more resources? If so, how would you pay for that?
We need to continue to focus on increasing resources for fire services and road repairs to keep up as the City expands. In West Wichita, we are going to continue to see growth and we need to make sure we have the services to keep up with the people. I would look to public safety grants and Federal dollars to add into our general funds budget. By investing more in staff positions for grant writing, the City could easily make our money back in the grants we secured
Local property tax revenues have increased each of the last few years. If property values go up again next year, would you support the city capturing more tax money or should the city lower its mill levy?
The cost of living is too high right now and most people can’t afford an increase. However, we’ve seen that deferred maintenance in our city is catching up to us. It is important that the city provides the services taxpayers depend on. If elected, I would advocate for the state to send our tax money back to the local governments like they are supposed to do under the Kansas law. We would spend our money much better in Wichita than they do in Topeka.
Is Wichita’s current approach to economic development and incentives working? Should the city expand or eliminate any of its incentive programs? Or would you seek any other changes?
Certain districts of Wichita need incentives to help areas that are not already growing naturally. It is also important that the City write strong contracts that are detailed with clear expectations. When I negotiate contracts, I hope for the best and plan for the worst. We’ve seen some contracts the City has entered into in the past that did not protect the taxpayer. I support the current Council holding bad actors accountable when they violate agreements, like the lawsuit against Genesis for the Ice Center.
What would you do to increase public safety in the community for all city residents?
There is a negative opinion of the police from younger residents of Wichita. I would like to change this by promoting more community policing. This would help police to build back the trust and reduce their response times. We need more officers and to look at new ways to recruit the younger generation into the police force. The fire department also needs more resources due to the fast growth, especially in West Wichita. We also need proper staffing of fire inspectors to make sure the developers are building safe.
Wichita is growing quickly at its eastern and western edges, requiring new city services to those areas. As a council member, how would you balance services for growth areas and aging areas in your district?
We’ve seen a huge increase in duplexes, yet the emergency services are still designed for single family homes. Some new housing developments only include one entrance and exit to and from the development. These developments double the original occupancy for each lot, but only provide one point of access to all those people. This is unsafe and needs to be addressed. Increased density also means increased traffic. As plans are presented for developments, our roads must be adjusted accordingly to handle the increase.
What would you do to make city government more transparent?
The City needs to reach out and listen to people who are busy living normal lives. It is difficult for people who are raising kids and working full time to attend public meetings. I appreciate that the City of Wichita puts the meetings on YouTube so you can keep up to date with what’s going on. It’s important to take concerns from the public seriously. If one person has the courage to show up to a meeting and ask, there are many others who don’t have the time or courage, but have the same question.
