And the wheels stop (Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority)
Did you know, Kansas & Alaska, have something in common? Hard to believe, but true. This has nothing to do with Republicans or Mario Chalmers.
Last week, the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), along with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released a report, “How Obesity Policies are Failing America.” According to the report, Kansas & Alaska are tied for the 18th most obese states in America.
Yesterday, Mayor Bunten annouced, he would be vetoing a measure to spend $15,000.00 to help cover costs to hire a consultant to develop a bikeway masterplan for the city. In a story on cjonline.com, Bunten vetoes bikeway expense, $60,000 of the $75,000 study would be paid for with federal funds.
The bikeway proposal was presented before the city council after the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization. The organizations consists of three council members and one representative each from the Shawnee County Commission, Topeka Planning Commission, Kansas Department of Transportation and Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Before vetoing this proposal, I think Mayor Bunten failed to examine some questions, which need to be asked.
First, does the City of Topeka have anyone on staff who has had previous experience in designing a master plan for bike ways? If so, where is their proposal? Why has this not been addressed previously?
Second, Mayor Bunten contends we have compent city staff to design the masterplan. Really? I may be incorrect, but was this not the same department, who attempted to convience people, a roundabout at 17th & MacVicar was a good, feasible idea?
Third, does anyone live in the City of Topeka, have previous expirence in desiging a masterplan for a bikeway?
Fourth, is the Mayor’s veto consistent with what the City of Topeka needs? Consider the state of Colorado. Throughout the major cities in Colorado, there are bike ways. Whether or not they had a master plan, I am not sure. Oh, and Colordao, is the LEAST obese state in America.
The City of Topeka needs to promote healthier living in order to attract people, attract business, and retain the people who already live here. Yes, the quality of life must improve in order for this community to obtain its full potential, regardless if others want to accept this reality or not, its the truth. In fact, there are plenty of other expenses the cities incurs that are far more wasteful and unproductive than this. How much staff is there between the Mayor and City Council?
I would encourage everyone who lives in the City of Topeka to contact the Mayor and the City Council to inform all of them to overturn the veto.
