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: 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 fallible 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: Why would you want to be the Mayor in a City Manager form of Government? Isn't it just a figurehead position?
Answer: I believe it is a misconception that under our form of Government the Mayor is just a figurehead. While the city manager is to function as the chief executive officer of the city, overseeing day-to-day operations, how they prioritize that approach comes from the council and mayor. Under our form of government, the mayor can make a significant difference through leadership, advocacy, policy direction and community engagement.
The mayor is the presiding officer of the council, takes votes, and has veto power. The mayor appoints many individuals that serve on boards and commissions, which make and offer policy decisions to the city. The mayor also can set the agendas and bring forward ordinances and resolutions.
The mayor is the public face of the city and must make sure they are actively in the community, including the community in policy discussions, and bringing priorities of the community back to City Hall to ensure those are where efforts are being directed. It is also the responsibility of the mayor to ensure the city manager and staff are following through on the direction the governing body has given them – otherwise things continue to fail to move forward.
The mayor has a role in economic development, being a public voice for the people, driving accountability in city hall and providing leadership in emergency situations. So, while the mayor might not run the day-to-day of the city, they are part of the driving force that creates change and ensures the city is moving forward to benefit the citizens.
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.
- 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, TikTock or Truth Social @SpencerLDuncan or Facebook at facebook.com/duncanfortopeka
- 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
- Listen each week to my podcast, The Civic Circus. You can find it on all major platforms where you get your podcasts or watch it on YouTube here.
Question: What is your Party Affiliation?
Answer: Local races are non-partisan. Party affiliation is not listed on the ballot when you go vote. I am a registered Independent (Unaffiliated) and have been for almost a decade. I was raised in a household by a lifelong Democrat and lifelong Republican, and they have managed to stay happily married for 52 years. So, I know we can work together to solve our problems if we do the work. I have never, nor will I ever, ask what your affiliation is if you need help with a problem. We are all in this together, and my focus is on helping you even if we don't always agree on everything.
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.
