9 April 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) — The city of Topeka is one step closer to finding its newest city manager.
Five Topeka city manager finalists met up Monday evening at Hotel Topeka to meet community members. Beforehand, they spoke about why they feel they’re the best choice to lead the city.
Working for you, 27 News asked the hard hitting question, what does each finalist believe is the cities biggest problem. Those answers ranged everywhere from economic development, to homicide rates to infrastructure.
“The biggest challenge facing Topeka is the rising rates of homicides here within the city,” Topeka City Manager finalist William Jones said. “If I were chosen to be the next city manager of Topeka, I would work collaboratively with the Police department to fill the chief’s vacancy, make sure we have all the sworn possessions filled in a timely fashion.”
“Economic development is probably the biggest challenge in Topeka,” Topeka City Manager finalist Robert Perez said. “Prioritize our funding because I think one of the challenges in government is limited recourses and so what I’d really love to see is the opportunity to maximize and prioritize our economic development efforts along with the public safety, along with the infrastructure.”
“The challenge around the increase in Topeka’s homicide rate,” Topeka City Manager finalist Alan Howze said. “So how do we find ways to have great livable neighborhoods that promote opportunity for people and a high quality of life that begins to help address some of the upstream challenges, or opportunities around reducing violence.”
“The infrastructure challenges that it faces,” Topeka City Manager finalist Jeffrey Dingman said. “Those are the types of things that take a measured approach towards capital improvement planning.”
“In implementing the strategic plan we talk about the neighborhood revitalization through the infrastructure, talk about public safety, talk about long term physical discipline and planning, but I think the most visible item to be working on as quickly as possible is that long-term infrastructure planning and capitol improvements,” Topeka City Manager finalist Abbe Yacoben said.
All qualified candidates with a lot of dedication. This candidate search started with 42. It was cut down to 14 by the governing body, and now left with five. The city however has not said when it will select a new city manager, but working for you we’ll update you when that happens.