Topeka Jingles

I catch myself singing jingles in my head a lot. Maybe, it’s just me. Some of you may not want to admit it, but I bet you do too.

How often do you listen to our local radio stations? Either A.M. or F.M.
You probably listen to music, talk radio, sports, or news. What about jingles? Do you ever get excited about good radio or jingles or turn the radio when you hear a really bad jingle?

It is amazing how a jingle can get the mind of consumer, without anyone realizing it. For example, the Topeka Imaging jingle. “Your comfortable place when you need an MRI.” It is an effective jingle.
Carmona Comfort Air, “Call Carmona Comfort Air”. Again another effective jingle.

It’s great to see our local businesses teaming up with radio and television to work together to promote one another.

What are the jingles you enjoy? What are some jingles you catch yourself signing? Do you find yourself utilizing these companies?

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.

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

Topekakidsrock – A new local website

For many young families here in Topeka, it can be difficult to know what is going on. Where to go? What to do?

A new website is here to help  Topekakidsrock.com.

Started by Jamie Borgman and Tiffany Fisher, Topekakidsrocks, helps to fill a void as a reference point from where parents and kids can go to one place to learn about the different events going on in the community.

Check it out at the link above and you can see for yourself how the kid friendly site can rock.

Sales Tax on the ballot or behind the doors?

Here’s what is going on. There is a question regarding the new sales tax issue. Here is a story from this past Friday’s cjonline: http://cjonline.com/stories/020709/loc_385570846.shtml

If you believe the people of Topeka should vote on the sales tax incentive, I would encourage you to contact your City Council representative.

If you believe the sales tax issue should not be on the ballot, I would also encourage you to contact your City Council representative.

You may find their contact information by going to the city website.    http://www.topeka.org/cityofficials/index.shtml

Frankly, is this the right issue or the right time? I am not sure, but we must act.

We can no longer allow for elected officials to make decisions for us. If we are tired of the same problems, if we are tired of the lack of leadership and if we want things to get better, we have to let our voices be heard. The people of Topeka must decide this issue one way or another.

That is my two cents, what is yours?

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