GOVERNMENT

Council candidates share thoughts

Tim Hrenchir
threnchir@cjonline.com
Will Pope is a candidate for the District 2 seat on the Topeka City Council. [Submitted]

The Topeka Capital-Journal reached out to local election candidates this past week in an effort to help residents decide whom to vote for in the Nov. 5 elections.

The newspaper posed three questions to each candidate for seats on the Topeka City Council and the board of education for each school district that includes Shawnee County. Most were contacted by email, with letters being sent by regular mail to candidates for whom the newspaper had no email address.

This article shares the responses received from candidates for Topeka City Council seats that are up for a vote.

Those are Will Pope, Tamika Terry and Christina Valdivia-Alcala in District 2; Councilman Tony Emerson, who is running unopposed in District 4; Hannah Naeger, Lucas Ryan and Clark W. Trammell in District 6; and Spencer Duncan and Councilman Jeffrey J. Coen in District 8.

In coming days, articles will be published sharing the responses provided by candidates for area school board seats.

Here's what the council candidates had to say:

District 2: Will Pope

Why are you running?

I am running for city council to fight for fairness. I grew up in North Topeka, and lived in Oakland during college. I have felt the conditions in these neighborhoods, and I’m frustrated by their neglect compared to other parts of town. This disparity is not fair to residents. Our city should treat all Topekans equally regardless of neighborhood or economic condition.

I am running because Topeka is stagnant. Our population in 2019 is the same as in 1970. Continuing the same approach will not change outcomes. As a city we need to create fair economic conditions, reduce barriers to business activity and pursue transformational approaches to managing local government.

I am running because I love Topeka and have the courage to take on the difficult challenges we are faced with. Change won’t come by avoiding tough issues, tough conversations and tough action. The people of Oakland, North Topeka and East Topeka want representation that puts their interests first and produces results. I’m not here to play eggshell politics. I’m pushing bold ideas and running as the candidate I would want to vote for; a candidate who will tackle the tough issues in our community and get the job done right.

Why are you the best candidate in your particular race?

Having lived throughout District 2, I’ve been shaped by the conditions in these neighborhoods. I understand the needs of the people who live here, and feel the same frustration they do. Because of that, I am able to effectively communicate the change they want to see.

I know Topeka well, but I also broadened my worldview by living in other places. During the great recession I left Topeka looking for work. That led to jobs in the National Park Service and other organizations throughout the United States. The communities I lived in took many approaches to local government and economic development. That exposure showed me what works and what doesn’t. I now have many different perspectives to draw from when considering public policy.

I also have local experience. Years ago, I graduated from police academy. I have also been the events supervisor for Shawnee County, and an auditor for the State of Kansas. Currently, I commute to Manhattan to teach at Kansas State University, where I study leadership communication.

I intend to challenge local group think. Diversity of ideas should be encouraged in this community, especially when the status quo is failing. I’m running on original thinking and creative ideas.

What do you see as being the key issues in your district's election, and where do you stand on them?

The two biggest issues are neighborhood conditions and economic development.

District neighborhoods are battling decay and blight. As a city we need to get tougher on absentee property owners. Code enforcement should classify blight cases by severity and prioritize offenders. We need to clean up the worst properties first before going after good owners who may have minor noncompliance issues.

Our neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by homelessness. We need to get rid of the camps, protect our bridges and infrastructure, and offer solutions for individuals trying to get back on their feet. The city has struggled to keep up with blight abatement and mowing because they don’t have enough work crews. Hiring the homeless will aid the city’s fight against blight and give the homeless a pathway to a better life.

For economic development, I would like to end corporate incentives and use that money to improve our roads. We also need to quit using TIF and CID districts, which lead to market inequity. The TIF districts also steal revenue from our schools. The Topeka and Shawnee County governments need to merge to eliminate duplicate expenses. That will allow us to significantly lower the mill levy and attract new development.

District 2: Christina Valdivia-Alcala

Why are you running?

District 2 has multiple issues it's facing. We have many streets with no curbs and gutters, an increase in theft and break-ins due to "bicycle bandits." Drug houses pose a risk to children, families and our elders. We must look at the aging underground lead pipes and replacement. We need humane answers now to the homeless camping along the river, under the Kansas bridge and on private property. We have senior centers stripped of funding by the city council. These senior centers provide transportation to elders across Shawnee County to needed medical visits (including dialysis) and provide a space for elders that would otherwise be alone in their homes. Yet too, we have wonderful historic districts, cultural events and NOTO Arts District here that deserve marketing by Visit Topeka and those that seek to create a visitor friendly environment. We are ripe for dollars to help current small business owners and to encourage new entrepreneurs. If we want people to move to Topeka, we must take care of all districts, including District 2. As one of the oldest districts in Topeka, our tax dollars paying into the city (and county), we expect to be part of Topeka’s move forward.

Why are you the best candidate in your particular race?

I was raised in District 2 and spent decades of my life involved in District 2 as a volunteer as well as throughout Topeka. I have a strong work ethic. I am a wife, mother and grandmother of two. For years, I was a single mother working two jobs while raising my daughter — I know these struggles. I am now retired from the Veteran’s Administration. During my employment, I served thousands of vets from elder to young. I have over 30 years of customer service experience, working in high stress environments and delivering service and resolution. My campaign has been based on relentless door to door, NIA’s and community events to get to know people face to face. I have committed to District 2 to be their full-time, accessible, accountable and transparent representative. Transparent to how their tax dollars are spent, what is going on in Topeka city government and being vocal in what our district needs and deserves. I will obtain these goals when I win. I believe in coalitions and the need for partnerships. Topeka is bursting with possibilities and I will work with city leaders to make it the best it can be for all.

What do you see as being the key issues in your district's election, and where do you stand on them?

Crime — I’ll work with residents/city leaders to reduce both violent and property crime in District 2 and the city. Approaches are increasing police patrols and shutting down drug houses. Re-create community watch programs and invigorate NIA’s. Ordinances to combat slum lords. We need law enforcement responsive and vested in District 2.

Infrastructure — I’ll be vocal and diligent to obtain better curbs, gutters, water lines, bridges, parks and pools. Everything should be reviewed, re-invested and quality as in other districts. District 2 residents deserve to feel valued while city leaders also continue to focus on attracting new residents and downtown renovations. How to pay for District 2 needs? Potential use of half-cent sales tax monies.

Homelessness — Our district is unique in its relationship to the Mission and homeless residing outside the Mission. I support a humane approach to homeless individuals, especially children. The Mission appears vulnerable. I will move immediately for open and honest dialogue with those that house the homeless. There is no communication with residents and they deserve answers. District 2 wants action rather than silence. Job training, prohibited camping spaces, drug and mental health treatment are all possibilities. Homelessness impacts the entirety of Topeka’s potential.

District 4: Tony Emerson

Why are you running?

I have had the privilege of serving as the District 4 councilperson since May of 2016. I am running so that I can continue to serve the needs of my constituents in southeast Topeka.

Why are you the best candidate in your race?

I grew up in Highland Park, graduated from Highland Park High School, and now have children in the Shawnee Heights District which makes up approximately half of District 4. I know the issues that affect my district and how to address them. In addition, I have been a business owner for 30 years in the heavy construction (infrastructure) industry. I believe the experience I have in this field is beneficial to the city and my constituents as we tackle the challenges of maintaining and improving our roads and utilities.

What do you see as being the key issues in your district’s election, and where do you stand on them?

Economic development — While we don’t want to be "Wanamaker East," my constituents have expressed a desire for more commercial developments on our side of town — particularly shopping and restaurants. I am working to establish incentives to help spur some of these.

Street improvements — There have been many improvements made over the three years I have been in office — California Avenue between 29th & 37th (37th to 45th in 2022), replacing Adams Street between 29th & 37th, the overlay of many streets in Highland Park (from 21st to 29th), and the microsurfacing of most of Aquarian Acres this year; but much work remains. The Pavement Management plan we passed during my initial term will result in the needed improvements, but we must continually guard those dollars to ensure the completion of it.

Mill Levy — Many of my constituents are on fixed incomes. While we have held the mill levy the same for my entire time in office, property values have risen, thus we are spending more each year to fund government. Some inflation is inevitable, but we must work to ensure government is using every penny wisely and cut back where possible. Government cannot and should not do everything.

District 6: Hannah Naeger

Why are you running?

I grew up in this community, graduating from Topeka High School in 2008. I was loved and supported by our city as a kid. I was very involved at school and in the community, was an excellent student, and was told I would go far in life. However, many believed that meant I would be successful far from Topeka because opportunity was not here. This entrenched belief flew straight in the face of what my parents taught me growing up — you give back to the community that gives so much to you. When I was looking where I would practice following school, I knew that I wanted to serve the many people who nurtured me when I was a child. So I moved back, bought a house, bought a practice and leapt on volunteer opportunities at our schools and in our community. It is in this same spirit that I am running for City Council. From fixing our streets to attracting others to Topeka, I want to serve the city by making awesome things happen.

Why are you the best candidate in your particular race?

Serving as a City Council member is a balance of leadership and teamwork. It is a position that allows you to consider the big picture of how Topeka functions and to shape where we want to go, rather than micromanaging our city departments. You must consider the opinions and concerns of the citizens alongside the recommendations of experts. If your ego is too big, you cannot manage this balance.

I am a thorough listener and open-minded. I know how to work as a team member as well as lead a group. I empower those around me in order to get better results. I appreciate feedback and others' ideas. My ultimate goal is to find and implement the best plan going forward, whether or not my name is associated with it.

In a position of leadership, you have to be confident and able. However, in a position like City Council, you have to be a member of a team. I believe I am the candidate who best achieves this balance.

What do you see as being the key issues in your district's election, and where do you stand on them?

Roads — We must improve our city services from the ground up. The Complete Streets plan is based on thorough research and engineering to update water mains, sewers and roads to improve quality of life and to support us in the future. My plan is to continue support for this program, making sure it is being carried out well.

Safety — We need to improve the safety of our community by establishing positive, stable relationships with law enforcement. Many only interact with law enforcement in times of crises, when none of us are at our best. We must promote healthy interactions in everyday life between officers and those they swore to protect. Incorporating and supporting our law enforcement so that they better understand our community is essential to a safer city.

Growth — Encouraging community investment and growth is slow moving because it is a change in culture. Luckily for Topeka, that is a change we are in the midst of. There are many working to make this shift, and City Council needs to be a part of it. I am excited to plan the next phase of improvement, growth and development to attract and retain businesses and talented people in Topeka.

District 6: Lucas Ryan

Why are you running?

I’m running because I believe in Topeka. I believe this is a city that we can be proud of, and that has potential beyond what we are currently using. I believe that the City Council needs to take a more active role in engaging the mindset of the city, through direct interaction and increased transparency, to show Topekans what we can be. I bring a problem-solving mindset, and focus on root causes. After serving on the Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships council, I believe the city leadership needs more of this approach.

Why are you the best candidate in your particular race?

I am a Topekan raised here, with a background in real estate, business, customer service and political science. I have a thorough understanding of why the system is broken, and have several ideas on how we can fix it. I am a member of the lower-income community in Topeka, and bring diversity to the council in a way that is necessary. Beyond this, I want to reiterate my firm stance on using research-backed solutions to fix the root causes of problems. I believe it saves us money in the long run as a city to invest in solutions. I am the best candidate because of my energy, commitment, understanding of the political process and willingness to engage with citizens directly.

What do you see as being the key issues in your district's election, and where do you stand on them?

One of the largest issues in District 6 is the rise in crime in our neighborhoods. This crime is drug-related crime. I advocate for a multi-pronged approach. On the city level, we can invest in economic opportunities for our youth. Provide viable pathways to long-term, sustainable careers to remove the allure of the money that can be made selling drugs. Secondly, I support the Gun Violence Intervention initiative that is being undertaken in the city by several of our community leaders and elected officials. Thirdly, I believe that we should be taking a more aggressive approach to how we talk about Topeka in our schools. Many of our teachers, parents and students' peers are telling students that Topeka isn’t a safe, fun or desirable place to live. That there isn’t a future here. That’s just not true, and we need to be combating that narrative directly. Finally, I believe our city must work with other municipalities to lobby for state reforms that could alleviate our issues here. There are many other issues facing District 6, and I have outlined stances on several on my website, www.lucaszryan.com.

District 6: Clark W. Trammell

Why are you running?

Proven life and professional experience coupled with competent, skilled leadership and strong communication are the keys for Topeka to drive the community to success. My professional background covers in-depth experience in business, banking, entrepreneurialism, transportation and economic development. We need real decisions that work, not circular conversations. I am running to be an active, inclusive, positive part of the community's conversation and decision-making process. To provide leadership and ideas that will increase our quality of life/place goals and objectives. I will be 24/7, full-time working to do what is right for District 6 and Topeka. My professional experience and training has given me the business tools to enhance the community conversation for better and more effective decision making. I have been there in all aspects of what this job needs at this time and I am ready to do it.

Why are you the best candidate in your particular race?

I have my years of life and successful business experience to draw on for City Council and JEDO decision making. I have a vast, engaged and knowledgeable local network of active community professionals to draw information and ideas from on any given community subject or issue. I know Topeka, its people and issues/concerns. I have worked for years throughout this community as a community activist/advocate and sat on several local boards of directors and been an active member of numerous community groups. I have been actively involved with the City Council and County Commission for years participating in meetings and providing community input to assist with their decisions. Recently I was part of the Central Topeka Grocery Store Oasis neighborhood group to alleviate the food desert created by the closing of the Dillon's grocery store at Lane and Huntoon. I have hands-on experience to draw from working closely with four separate city governmental leadership styles (Oklahoma City; Denver; Bartlesville, Okla.; Topeka) including both the mayoral and city manager leadership structure. In my professional background I have lobbied at the local, state and national levels. I will be a full-time, 24/7 city councilman working in the two full-time jobs this position carries: City Council and all related city business oversight/involvements, active board member of the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO).

What do you see as being the key issues in your district's election, and where do you stand on them?

Key District 6 issues:

• Leadership/action and quality communication from the District 6 city councilman. This has been an ongoing criticism and concern voiced throughout the district. I will resolve that by being accessible 24/7 and engaged on an ongoing basis throughout the community in its various neighborhood organization meetings and events.

• Streets/potholes: The city must do a better job of doing this job and communicate better to the residents of District 6 the plan and its ongoing implementation. There is a major concern about the narrowing of 12th Street and later Huntoon.

• Safety and noise abatement: There is and has been ongoing complaints of noise issues around Washburn University and other neighborhood areas that are not being dealt with to the immediate neighborhood satisfaction.

• Food Desert: District 6 is basically central Topeka and with the Dillon's closing it has left a major services hole that needs to be filled. The Central Grocery Store Oasis group is making headway for an acceptable solution, but the city must become engaged in a public-private relationship to do its part to find an acceptable solution.

• Parks and recreation: There is a major dysfunction between the city and county in overseeing and maintaining the city parks which are a major asset to our District 6 community as well as to the whole city. As a councilman, I will work to create a better working relationship between the city and county in this area.

District 8: Jeffrey J. Coen

Why are you running?

I am running because this last council has created a huge momentum of change. We’re focusing on fixing streets again. Great things are happening in Topeka right now, and we need to continue moving all areas of Topeka forward.

I am running because there is unfinished business. I am currently working on legislation that will put term limits on the City Council and Mayor to a vote by the people. It is very important to have changes in leadership because it allows new people to bring ideas.

As we found out at our last City Council meeting, very divisive and controversial East and West Coast social issues including “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” laws are coming up for a vote soon.

Why are you the best candidate in your particular race?

When I was elected in 2015, I promised to listen to the voters. I felt our council representative at the time was no longer listening to their constituents; that’s why I ran for election in 2015. I now have a record of listening and acting on constituent concerns.

When I ran in 2015, I heard a lot about fixing the streets. So I was successful in adding $2 million in new street funding for each of the last four budget years without raising taxes. Our roads are getting better, but they still need a lot of work.

My vote helped get the city out of the Heartland Park deal in 2015. The racetrack is now in private hands and doing well. I voted with my neighbors in Sherwood Park because they didn’t want a new development to the north of the area.

I believe that I have represented my constituents’ interests these last four years by going to neighborhood meetings as well as listening to and responding to their concerns.

What do you see as being the key issues in your district's election, and where do you stand on them?

One recent issue I’ve heard door-to-door was, “Who was responsible for mowing easements along Indian Hills Road at 29th Street?” We discovered the township is responsible for maintaining that area and now the area is cleared.

People are concerned about crime, they want us to continue fixing street infrastructure and keep our property taxes down. The hot-button issue I’m hearing about now is the $10 million pickleball court the Shawnee County Commission is planning to build at 21st and Urish. The voters are very concerned that their county tax money is being wasted on this new building while older community centers in town need maintenance. I am also hearing that we need to focus more on fixing the water mains in the Crestview area.

The Westport, Brookfield and Sherwood Park neighborhoods have big failing cracks that go across the road, and the neighbors would like to see those streets repaired someday. I have discussed those concerns with city manager Trout.

Voters have noticed what we’re doing with street sealing, and they approve the recent mill and overlay repair of 17th Street.

A final concern is the never-ending construction at 29th and Fairlawn. That intersection has been under construction for two years and needs to be wrapped up.

District 8: Spencer Duncan

Why are you running?

I’m a lifelong Topekan who grew up in District 8 and we are now raising our family here. We must make Topeka a better place for residents and I want to work with you to solve these problems. My wife and I are small business owners actively involved in the community, and we want to make sure this city is one all Topekans are proud to call home. I want increased transparency within city government along with a renewed effort to include citizens in the decision-making process. We will not solve our problems or improve the city unless we listen to the people who live here, respond to your needs and focus on issues important to you. I am running to work for you, and with you, to make my hometown the best capital city in America and to make sure your voice is part of that process.

Why are you the best candidate in your particular race?

District 8 deserves representation that responds to your needs and listens to residents. Simply voting "yes"or "no" on an issue is not enough. You deserve a City Council representative who will be vocal about your needs, speak up at council meetings, work hard behind the scenes to solve your problems and keep you informed about why and how decisions are made. In the last four years, the incumbent voted to increase his own council pay, voted for sales tax increases, our police force continues to be understaffed and there has been a lack of action regarding concerns about road projects being poorly coordinated in the district. I am a Topeka native invested in this community who is here for the long haul. My only goal when elected is to make sure we do things in new ways that directly improve this community I love. I also pledge to be easily accessible, including a phone you can call me on when you need help (785-207-8985). You can find other ways to contact me at www.duncanfortopeka.com.

What do you see as being the key issues in your district’s election, and where do you stand on them?

Public safety — We must address crime. Solutions involve changes in approach. Police department is understaffed and shouldn’t be. We need improved relationships between police and citizens with comprehensive community policing. Police and fire departments need to be able to select from a larger hiring pool by expanding where they hire. Fire department should explore medical services. We need strong recidivism programs to reduce repeat offenders. We must strengthen municipal codes on violent offenders and reduce them for low-level offenders.

Infrastructure — Roads need improved and just putting more money into them is not a solution. We need to reduce redundancies during design phases and focus on better coordination. Water lines, sidewalks and drainage systems must be maintained for public health, to maintain property values and stop neighborhood blight. We must have better incentives and disincentives for finishing projects in a timely manner.

Outward migration — It’s imperative we stop people from leaving Topeka and attract new citizens. Master plans, short- and long-term planning must be done from the perspective of what keeps people here and attracts new residents. Otherwise, we will continue to have an eroding tax base. The most effective ways to do this are improvements in quality of life and job development.