In recent years, an enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work has taken place to move our community to the next level. I’ve been honored to help with many of these efforts, and I have seen first-hand the change in the collective thinking about what Topeka was, is, and can ultimately become. But this is only the beginning. Such as the work to redevelop Downtown, NOTO, and the preservation work to our Historic Neighborhoods.
This work is ramping up and will start creating incredible opportunities in our community. I want to see the next-level Topeka come to fruition. I want everyone to see the Topeka I know and love.
I’m committed to helping our community accomplish this transformation. One of the biggest challenges in our recent past has been Topeka’s lack of growth. We need to have a strong, vibrant urban core and safe, welcoming neighborhoods to encourage the best talent to come and stay in Topeka. In addition, we need to change our image; not just to the world outside of Topeka, but to ourselves and our neighbors.
As you’ve no doubt seen our City’s budget is stretched too thin for comfort and will soon be in deep trouble. Taxes are already unaffordable for most residences and raising them yet again is simply not a viable option. The solution is more people chipping in. This helps fund better infrastructure like roads and water lines, public safety though law enforcement, fire and medical services, and a better standard of living for everyone.
My vision of Topeka is a place where people want to live, have fun, and start families all while feeling safe, connected and engaged in their community. We can have all of this, and we can have it now.
Let’s build Topeka we’ve always wanted today!