Topeka Transit: What is the long term solution?

As I am sure many of you have seen in the news recently, Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority Board is both asking the city for a mill levy increase, as well as cutting Sunday & evening service (http://cjonline.com/news/local/2009-06-16/cuts_in_transit_service_nearing).  I am happy to see the City Council limited the mill levy increase to only one year, but I do not see the TMTA board coming up with long term solutions, so they are not back next year looking for more money again.  A city the size of Topeka should have a public transportation system, but it should also not cosume huge amounts of tax dollars.  At this point to come to a long term solution, it seems the entire operations of the TMTA need to be reviewed.  Read the rest of this entry »

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City Manager for the Day

In April, my family (Aaron, Travis, Denise, Ryan, and Gwen) and I attended an event to raise money for The Capper Foundation called An Evening As A Child.  This event, at the Expocentre, was a fun event filled with food, games, wine, live auctions, and silent auctions.  It was at this fundraiser, that the events of June 12, 2009 were set in motion.

I was walking through the silent auction, wanting to see what auction items were available, when I saw it… It was the chance to bid on an item called, Spend a Day with the City Manager.  How awesome was this for an auditor and TransformTopeka board member, like myself?  I wrote in a bid with less than 5 minutes left in the auction.  A nominal donation to The Capper Foundation, and it was done.  Little did Norton Bonaparte know what he was getting himself into by placing this item on the auction block… Read the rest of this entry »

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Mayor’s Health Status

I’ll update this category with Press Releases that are sent out by the City of Topeka (The Official Web Site of the City of Topeka)

Mayor’s Health Status

Update No. 1, Thursday noon (June 18, 2009 )

Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten is doing better and anticipates going home from the hospital later today. Bunten was admitted Tuesday evening to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center for 24-hour observation and care for pneumonia and rapid heart rate. He stayed a second night at the hospital Wednesday after his heart rate was brought under control.

Mayor Bunten said he appreciates the kind thoughts and prayers regarding his health. He asks that there be no cards, visitors, or phone calls, please, upon returning home, explaining that he needs to rest.

Mayor’s Health Status


Update No. 2, Thursday 4 p.m.
Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten is home from the hospital and resting. It has been reported he is doing much better than he had been during the past few days. Read the rest of this entry »

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Thank you TIBA

Today, on behalf of Transform Topeka, I was given the opportunity to speak before the Topeka Independent Business Association. The purpose was to introduce TIBA to the mission, purpose of Transform Topeka.

Transform Topeka would like to express our appreciation to TIBA for providing us an opportunity to educate, learn, and share with your membership.

Thank you

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Topeka Transit: To raise the mill levy?

Tomorrow night, May 12, 2009, our City Council along with our Mayor will have a very tough decision to make.  They have to decide whether or not to vote to add a charter ordinance which will increase the mill levy cap for Topeka Transit.  It essentially is a two-mill increase which would raise the property tax on a $100,000 house by $23 a year (CJOnline: Council to vote on TMTA Proposal).  There is no denying that Transit is essential to the economic development of our city.  There needs to be easy access to public transportation for its residents to get to and from their jobs and for tourists who want to easily navigate the cities attractions.

TransformTopeka has in the past asked guest bloggers to post an argument for each side of these type of important issues, but due to the time constraints (the charter ordinance will be voted on tomorrow night), we felt it best to just present as much information about the issue and allow for comments to argue both sides.  I have a very strong opinion on this issue, but will try and keep my opinion to myself as I share the information about the issue. Read the rest of this entry »

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Looking for something to do this weekend?

Check out the Chords & Oil Neighborhood Art Walk on Saturday, May 9 from 6-10:30!

artwalk They are featuring 7+ artists and two bands at four different houses in the Historic Ward Meade Neighborhood located between Ward Meade Park and Potwin. In the spirit of being neighborly, there is also a potluck!

There is NO ENTRY FEE for this event, so you are encouraged to bring snacks and beverages to share with your friends and neighbors as you enjoy the work of our local artists and celebrate the evening with some live music at the Broadmoor house! We hope to see you in the neighborhood – I know that Brandon & I are planning to attend. : )

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TopekaKidsRock.com Launch Party

For any of you with young kids, there is a great event going on Saturday! Here are the details & check out http://www.topekakidsrock.com/ for more info.

Saturday, May 2nd
10:00 – 1:00
Gage Park Amphitheater
Performers include the Topeka High Drumline, A kid-friendly blues band.. and Topeka’s own rock star for kids, KYLER!

If you get hungry Via’s Pizza and Jason’s Deli will be there.. you can also get free pictures taken from Portraits by Brandy.. and much more!

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