FAQ

These are some frequent questions I am asked in the community about my desire to serve. 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. – 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/Twitter, Threads or Instagram @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.

Question: What is the plan for Hotel Topeka?

Answer: The Conference Center and Hotel is an asset to Topeka. I voted to protect this asset. I did so with a clear understanding this is a turnkey project - the city will NOT be the long-term owner of the property and is working with a legitimate owner/operator to take control who will do renovations and take ownership.

That is the only plan I support and will continue to push for that moving forward. The city does not need to be in the long-term hotel business. I also do not support any plan that has taxpayers paying to renovate the hotel. That must be done by the private operator, not taxpayers.

At the time of my initial vote, we had a contract with a reasonable purchase price that made fiscal sense. Despite believing a deal was done, it fell through, and the hotel went to auction.

I didn't think it was best to participate in the auction once it was public the city’s intent to purchase. However, at that point, the city had a resolution from the Governing Body and participated.

We have seen what happens when outside investors acquire property and fail to improve it: this has played out with Westridge Mall, where nearly $8 million was spent to purchase the property, yet little has been done to redevelop it. Finally, local investors have purchased it and have a plan.

As part of the Stormont Vail Event Center, Hotel Topeka provides our city with a comprehensive Conference Center. It brings in significant business and tourism. However, the facility has been in receivership for several years and that has impacted operations. We are losing conference business. That is a negative, as we need to bring conferences to Topeka. It benefits our entire community and brings in outside revenue. Prior to receivership, the hotel was successful (previous owner issues had to do with other operations, not Topeka).

I’m disappointed the County, which has spent nearly $50 million in tax dollars to renovate the Stormont Vail Events Center, was not open to partnering with us on the effort and protecting their assets on behalf of taxpayers.

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.

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