PUBLIC SAFETY
There is no more essential role of City Government than keeping citizens safe. There is room for improvement, and we must strengthen our efforts. As the only current member of the Council who is a graduate of the Topeka Police Citizen's Academy, I understand what resources are needed to effectively protect you.
I support wage increases for police and fire personnel. I sponsor recruitment programs, advocate for new equipment, and initiated a requested personnel residency change. I work with the Police and Fire Unions on reform issues. I will support our police and fire departments efforts while responding to citizen concerns, so you can feel safe in Topeka.
It is also important the public have a voice in our efforts, and I support working with citizens to bridge the divides between our police department and citizens.
PROPERTY TAXES
As households face higher inflation, spiking energy prices and a slower economy, my goal is to keep your cost-of-living down.
My 2023 resolution lowered the City mill levy for the first time in a decade. I have never voted for a budget that increases the mill levy or other taxes, and continue that pledge. My motion lowered the mill levy an additional 2 mills for 2024 and my motion kept it down for 2025 - the biggest city decreases in 20 years!
I voted NO on water rate increases. I sponsored the elimination of city property taxes for low-income citizens over 65, which took effect in 2024 and expanded the program to Veterans in 2025. I have voted to stay Revenue Neutral.
We must ensure essential services are paid for, but in a way that does not put unfair financial burdens on you. I continue to fight for common-sense solutions that expand our tax base without increasing your taxes and fees.
INFRASTRUCTURE
We cannot keep doing things the same way and expecting problems to resolve themselves. We must exhaust new options and be creative and efficient in how we approach infrastructure issues. I have directed more than $8 million in new spending to District 8 for roads, water lines, curbs, sidewalk and other projects since I was first elected. This is money in addition to projects already slated for the district. We must reexamine our approach to pothole repair.
I believe in fixing what we have before building large new projects.
I will focus on prioritizing our projects to ensure Topeka's infrastructure projects are focused and targeted, particularly in areas long underserved.
TRANSPARENCY
City government must be transparent in all processes. The public has a right to know how and why decisions are made. The Open Records process should be simple for citizens and not costly. Meetings must be easy for citizens to access and speak at while our various departments should be easy to navigate and ready to provide information on a regular basis.
I am the only local elected official who holds regular open offices hours several times each month.
HOUSING & CODE ENFORCEMENT
Shawnee County lacks affordable housing options. Topeka must pursue Affordable Housing initiatives that address real needs. I made it a priority to get $1 million into the city's Housing Trust Fund, and through my efforts we hit that goal. I led the effort to create the Topeka Land Bank to directly address blighted properties.
We must increase code enforcement efforts and our overall program, focusing on the worst offenders and commercial properties and homes that have stood vacant for too long. We must work with the average homeowner who is doing their best to maintain their property, not penalize them for making best efforts.
HOMELESS/UNSHELTERED
The growing number of unsheltered in Topeka is a public health crisis that must be addressed. There are several essential steps we must take:
- I co-sponsored the camping ordinance that prohibits camping within 500 feet of trails and 50 feet of sidewalks. This does not criminalize homelessness but stops long-term encampments from becoming cumbersome to neighborhoods.
- Better enforce current laws relating to trash, fires and the building of structures.
- Review panhandling ordinances to ensure the proper intersections are in current law for traffic safety.
- Continue to support the numerous programs the city assists with, including housing placement, mental health crisis assistance, addiction prevention programs, food and clothing help and programs that house homeless children. This includes our commitment to the Built for Zero program the city recently joined.
- Don't duplicate services! The City needs to support the programs our non-profits and others have in the community and let them do what they do better than government.
- Adopt a Shawnee County First Policy: If someone has a direct connection, then they should be prioritized for assistance. Anyone with no connections to Shawnee County, we need to assist them in getting back to a place where they have a support system.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING
As a small business owner and former member of the Small Business Council, I understand the importance of making sure our city works with businesses, not against them. Creating a government that works with developers is essential to growing our economy and making Topeka a thriving Capital City. I have sponsored multiple ordinances that repealed unnecessary and outdated paperwork and fees for our businesses.
We have to have a planning department that is customer friendly, and works with our community by removing barriers, not creating them. I have worked with City staff to create more efficiencies, and we have to take bold steps to continue to that work.
It is also important to listen to citizens when a new development or business is being built to make sure that it conforms with their needs and the neighborhood. Public input is essential during the planning and development process.
CONSTITUENT SERVICES
A top priority as your council member is to provide high quality constituent services. I am the only elected official in Topeka who holds regular open office hours for citizens. I have a track record of being responsive and accessible.Whether it's picking up shopping carts from front yards, visiting completed road projects to ensure they have been done properly or answering your emails and phone calls - my goal is to take care of the issues that matter most to you. Your Priorities First.
HOTEL TOPEKA
Topeka must sell the hotel, and I am committed to making sure that happens in 2025 while also getting taxpayers money back. This has been my stated goal since it was purchased, and it is the only plan I continue to support. I also do not support taxpayer dollars being spent on renovations.
