"Topeka can do better - and it starts with responsible leadership"
AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUE
Affordable housing isn't just a social issue, it's an economic one. When teachers, nurses, police officers, construction workers, and young professionals can't find a place to live, businesses struggle to hire and grow. Talent leaves. Neighborhoods decline. And Topeka loses opportunity. Every Topekan deserves a safe, affordable place to live. I'll push for housing policies that protect renters, support first-time homebuyers and encourage infill development so we can grow without displacing families. Let's get it done: • Infill development to revitalize older neighborhoods without sprawl • Tenant protections and support for first-time homebuyers • Fast-tracking affordable housing projects by cutting red tape
"When families have stable homes, communities thrive."
BUDGETS ARE MORAL DOCUMENTS
We can be both fiscally responsible and socially responsive by spending wisely and investing in what lifts people up: housing, safety, infrastructure and local jobs. We should focus on diversifying revenue sources for the city to reduce over-reliance on residential property taxes. Let's get it done: •Prioritize neighborhood-level investments that directly impact quality of life • Make sure economic incentives actually benefit working people and the community • Hold city contracts and spending accountable to the public • Push for a performance audit on city programs and departments
"We can grow responsibly - without wasting tax dollars."
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
I support economic growth that works for everyone – not just the well connected. That means support for small businesses, local hiring incentives, and community-focused development that creates jobs and opportunities in every neighborhood. By growing commercial, retail and mixed use properties - and increasing overall property tax values through revitalization - the city can reduce over-reliance on residential property taxes. Let's get it done: • Support small businesses and local entrepreneurs • Push for community benefit agreements on large developments • Tie tax incentives to local hiring and living wages • Hold contracts accountable for not meeting benchmarks
"A stronger Topeka starts with a growing and fairer economy."
OPEN GOVERNMENT & ACCOUNTABILITY
I believe in open government, public accountability and making sure every resident – not just the insiders – has a voice at City Hall. Lets get it done: • Transparent budgeting and city council proceedings • Community input before major developments • Increased accessibility for working people to engage with city government
"If it's public money, it should serve the public good."
REDUCING CITY DEBT &
SPENDING SMARTER
Topeka families manage their budgets carefully - City Hall should do the same. The City of Topeka carries a high level of debt, which limits our ability to invest in essential services and forces us to rely too heavily on property taxes. As your City Council representative, I will work to reduce city debt responsibly and shift toward more sustainable, accountable spending. Let's get it done: • Audit and Prioritize City Spending - I'll push for a full review of spending priorities to make sure we're funding what matters most - infrastructure, public safety, and core services - and cutting waste where needed. • Invest in What Saves Money Long-Term - Sometimes the smartest investment is the one that prevents future costs. I'll support projects that reduce maintenance needs, improves efficiency and avoid costly emergency repairs. • Limit New Debt Unless It Directly Serves Residents - I'll oppose new borrowing unless it delivers clear, measurable public benefit. Big projects must have public input, full transparency and realistic payback plans. • Communicate with the Public About the City's Financial Health - Topeka residents deserve to understand how debt affects their taxes and city services. I'll work to increase transparency around city debt, bonds and major financial decisions.
"Reducing debt isn't just a budget issue - it's about restoring trust, lowering long-term costs, and keeping Topeka strong for the next generation."
INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure should work for everyone. Topeka deserves streets, sidewalks and city systems that are safe, reliable and built to last. As your City Council representative for District 7, I'll focus on infrastructure that supports quality of life, public safety, and long-term growth - not short-term fixes. Let's get it done: • Fix It Right The First Time - Too often, we see roads patched instead of properly repaired. I'll push for cost effective, long-lasting street projects that reduce repeat spending and improve driving conditions. • Sidewalks, Crosswalks, & Safe Routes for All - Everyone should be able to walk safely in their neighborhood - especially kids and seniors. I support sidewalk improvement funding and safe routes near schools and transit stops. • Water & Stormwater Systems That Can Handle the Future - Aging pipes and outdated stormwater systems increase risk and cost. I'll advocate for upgrades that protect homes from flooding, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and promote environmental responsibility. • Transparency in Project Planning - I'll fight for clearer timelines, neighborhood input, and budget accountability on every city-funded infrastructure project. Taxpayers deserve to know where their money goes - and when it's coming back to their street. • Building Infrastructure That Supports Growth - Smart infrastructure planning brings businesses, supports affordable housing and creates jobs. I'll champion projects that make Topeka a place where families and businesses can grow.
"Infrastructure is about more than concrete and pipes - it's about how we live, how we move and how we grow as a city."
HOTEL TOPEKA
The City of Topeka currently owns Hotel Topeka - but operating a hotel isn't a core function of local government. It's time to move on from city ownership, but not just any deal will do. Some buyers want tax breaks, city-paid security, or even for the city to cover hotel operating costs. That's a bad deal for taxpayers. My Priorities for the Hotel Redevelopment: • No blank checks - The city should not pay to run a private hotel business or cover its losses. • Community benefit required - Any new owner must commit to creating good-paying jobs, using local workers, and revitalizing downtown. • Transparency in the process - The public deserves to see who is bidding, what they're offering and what the city is agreeing to. • Stronger tax base, not more debt - A successful hotel deal should generate property and sales tax revenue - not drain city resources. This hotel is more than a building - it's a test of how we manage city assets, grow our economy and earn the public's trust. I will work to get this right for Topeka.
"Topeka deserves a hotel project that helps the city grow - not another drain on public dollars."