24 January 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – City leaders are getting closer to selecting Topeka’s next permanent city manager.
Richard Nienstedt has served in the interim position since June, 2023 when former City Manager Stephen Wade took an extended leave of absence and was ultimately fired. Alongside Mayor Mike Padilla at a city briefing Tuesday, Nienstedt said the city is working with a consultant to hire a long-term city manager. He said he anticipates the city council will have a list of candidates by mid-February or the first of March.
Nienstedt said finding the right city manager for this city will take time.
“This is an important city in the state. This is the Capitol City, one of the largest cities, and it deserves the best city management that the council can get. So, taking their time helps ensure that.”
A city spokeswoman told 27 news Wade was fired for having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. Wade is demanding $100 million from the city for wrongful termination.