These are some questions I am asked in the community. If you have questions of your own, I’m glad to answer! Visit the Contact Us page and send me a message, and I will respond as soon as I can. Also, check back here regularly, as i will updated this page. – Spencer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: How do we find out your position on issues or what your initiatives are for Topeka?
Answer: Few simple ways:
- Just ask! Go to the Contact page and send an email or give me a call. It may take a day or so to get back to you, but I will. And I will answer any question you ask.
- Check this website often for updates.
- Invite me to speak. If you have a group or club that you would like me to speak to, contact me and I will be there.
- Follow me on X, Threads, Instagram, Blue Sky or Truth Social @SpencerLDuncan or Facebook at facebook.com/duncanfortopeka
- Most important: Tell me what kind of elected official you think I should be. Nothing is more important than ensuring the voice of ALL Topekans is heard and represented. Initiatives will only be successful if they have support of the citizens. Let’s work together to find out what initiatives are most important to you, and make things happen.
- Check out my Substack: https://substack.com/@spencerlduncan
Question: What is the plan for Hotel Topeka?
I don't know, in retrospect, if buying the hotel was the right decision. I know we were provided information at the time by a city manager we fired that may not have been accurate. I know we were led to believe, up until the last minute, that the County would be a partner in this effort, which would have made a difference. I know I am infallible and make mistakes, like any person, and I understand everyone's stance that this was one of those mistakes (no disagreement here).
Regardless, the city owns it now and will sell it. I have, from day one, said I only support selling it and not spending taxpayer dollars on renovations. I have stuck to those commitments. We are confident a sale will happen this year and we will recoup city funds. Then, no longer, will it be a city owned property and we can move on.
I cannot go back in time. We can only move forward. That is the only plan I have always supported and will continue to push for that moving forward. The city does not need to be in the long-term hotel business.
Question: We see that in your day job you also are Government Affairs Director for the League of Kansas Municipalities. How is that good for the citizens of Topeka?
Answer: The League of Kansas Municipalities is a statewide organization representing all the cities of Kansas. Working with cities from across Kansas on a daily basis, who are represented by many different elected officials, gives me an opportunity to see what works best in cities. I use what I learn to help Topeka make progress in improving our community.
Prior to working with the League, the groups I represented were primarily small-to-mid size businesses, non-profits, cities and counties. I worked closely with businesses and non-profits and understand their needs. Our city must attract jobs and businesses to build a strong tax base, create safe streets and develop good quality of life. My history of working closely with business owners and non-profit groups keys me to their needs and allows me to create an environment in our city that helps them prosper.
I travel the state extensively, to nearly every county in the past several years and many cities. I have seen firsthand what tools and programs others use to retain and attract businesses and citizens. Some of the work they have done to improve quality of life is tremendously successful and we need to apply those efforts to Topeka. I have traveled to other cities across the country and seen the efforts they use to improve their communities.
