City Commission Candidates: Questions & Answers

Over the past 5 weeks all of the City Commission Candidates have fielded questions from the community.

Here is the compilation of those questions and responses.

Trent Davis:
Our budget should reflect our priorities.
Our priorities reflect our mission as a community.
Our mission as a community reflects the inner soul of each individual and the corporate welfare of us as a unified body of people.(known as “Salina.”

The City Manager, his staff, and the City Commission (of which I have been a part) have reduced (sometimes in the form of not increasing, even in the face of inflation) expenditures, improved operational efficiencies, and at the same time listened to our constituents and tried very hard to be more user friendly with citizens. Who’s willing to give up something near and dear to them?

Randall Hardy:
I think it is always good to consider a reduction in property taxes if it is possible to do so.  I also think it is prudent to ensure that we provide the services for our citizens that provide for a decent quality of life.  

Doug Rempp:
I would like to see property taxes reduced. Having said that, reducing property taxes will be an uphill battle. The City of Salina is only 21% of our total property tax bill. I read about businesses almost daily that are streamlining their work forces to take advantage of automation and/or AI. Government seems to never streamline. There also may be private entities that can handle services at lower costs than the City. Someone has to be willing to look for ways to reduce costs. I have spent most of my life running businesses. In business, there are many different hats I needed to wear over the course of a day. Facilities needed to be maintained. People need to be managed. Issues need to be dealt with. Not as complex as running a City, but many aspects are similar. Many large decisions had to be made. Budgets developed annually and managed daily. Short and long term reinvestment plans. 

Doug Rempp:
Absolutely, I would like to review every aspect of the budget. Governments feel they are controlling costs if they keep the total expenses in line with inflation. Just yesterday I watched perhaps 30 City employees having a field day along with a fleet of dump trucks and the big loader along Markley Rd. Probably 30 City Vehicles. They seemed to be practicing for the upcoming Winter. When the Logjam occured, I would have hired a crane with an operator to get the logs out of the river asap. Then the City could have practiced with their loader and dump trucks hauling the debris. The City wanted a "Turnkey" solution where no one had to lift a finger with the City. 

Trent Davis:
All of us have our pet projects – dog parks, people parks, sidewalks, bike lanes, clear odorless water, smooth streets, fast firemen, smart paramedics, dependable trash pick up, and on and on.

Property taxes aren’t going away if the quality of life is to continue as is.
When our appetites for our own pet projects has been satisfied and we anticipate bringing in much more money than we need, a reduction in property taxes would certainly be reasonable.

Remember, you don’t get what you don’t pay for……….yes, even that (…..whatever it is!)

Randall Hardy:
I think that all budget decisions should include discussions about whether items are needed or not.  

Randall Hardy:
That policy was introduced because only about 12% of the police force in the US are women. The police force is better if it addresses the unique needs and experiences of women policing. I consider this policy as a temporary recruiting measure that will be discarded once we have more women in the police ranks.

Trent Davis:
The “30x30” initiative………….30% of law enforcement to be women by 2030….
Random thoughts on an issue much larger than Salina in some regards!
a. If our law enforcement department should mirror our general population, 50% of the force should be women, not a measly 30% (just doing the math!)
b. Maybe some expert somewhere feels women make better law enforcement officers, particularly when it comes to community policing (I don’t have literature suggesting this; remember, these are just random thoughts to ponder!) Anyone with a big sister knows they can handle the job.
c. The whole issue of diversity programs was never based on promoting or hiring unqualified candidates (as has been knowingly wrongly suggested by some of our national politicians.) A good candidate wants a fair shot at a position because of qualifications, not based on something relatively immaterial to the job.
What diversity emphasized was getting decision makers to get out of the habit of arbitrarily not considering a person for a position solely on the basis of that same characteristic (that is relatively immaterial to the job.)
d. This question highlights how Salina mirrors much of the outside world and the need for leaders who can address issues that extend “beyond the county line.”

Doug Rempp:
SPD or physical jobs need to be based on merit. If you have 2 candidates that both fit the bill, one male and one female, then that can be a tie breaker. We need the best people in our SPD and our SFD!

Doug Rempp:
I know 1st hand the challenges of dealing with City Staff. They can be difficult. I would like every new business to have one of the Commissioners as a Liason. A person they can reach out to if needed during the initial stages.

Trent Davis:
There have been, and continue to be, start-up businesses in Salina. Not all new businesses survive, and not just in Salina. Some fail because they were undercapitalized from the start; not many businesses make enough to cover expenses the first month! Business plans might be inadequate to anticipate the market for the new product or service, or how to weather the storm until income exceeds expenses.

It helps to have a guiding hand from an established business person, the Chamber of Commerce, or other mentors. This would be analogous to an apprenticeship in the trades.

The “government” typically does not start these new businesses, or run them. It can work with the Chamber to provide mentorship skills and services for those bold enough to bring a new idea into the local market. The inspiration, innovation, determination, and education must be brought to the table by the entrepreneur.

“Pain is temporary……..quitting is forever.”

Randall Hardy:
There are no barriers to “startup businesses” in Salina. The business environment in Salina is a function of market conditions and consumer behavior. We have seen dramatic growth in new businesses downtown, and we might see the same happening at the mall. The key to success is to have a great idea that resonates with consumers!

Trent Davis:
Regarding the pit bulls you see, I suspect it is more often someone knowingly flaunting the law. There is enough notoriety of our rules that it would be hard to be totally ignorant of it. In addition, I suspect the dogs are not registered, and not getting their shots, as another opportunity for education would have been encountered.

This underscores the reason that any new legislation must address not only “bad dogs” but “bad owners” (who afterall, are typically the reason the dog has turned “bad”, no matter the breed.)

Randall Hardy:
Persons moving to Salina may not be aware of our BSL policy. So, the policy can be enforced as city personnel observe illegal breeds moving around outside, or citizens can alert our animal shelter of their location. Our policy is not perfect, but it provides a good level of protection for the city.

Dean Klenda:
I think bsl is a bad policy in general, but also think that its more of the animals owner then the dog breed. I also have issues basing rules off animal breeds that are hard to judge and result in lab/dna tests that take weeks to resolve.

Keith Cooper:
I am for it because the citizens voted for it, now with that said, if a petition gains the required number of signatures to put it on another ballot I would probably vote to repeal it as a citizen of Salina. I do not believe a group of 5 commissioners that only needs 3 votes should overturn something that the entire community has already voted for.

Doug Rempp:
I know those looking to overturn the ban have put a lot of effort into it. I know there are public safety officers that have seen 1st hand the damage that a Pit Bull can do and memories still bother them. City Leadership decided to enact a ban in 2004. 21 years have passed since the ban was implemented. How do we keep ending up with Pit Bulls in the Shelter? I know these dogs or any dogs don't live that long. At this point in time assuming enough signatures are accumulated, I would think it needs to go to the Voters.

Bill Longbine:
Housing and available childcare has been a huge challenge for young families. Workforce shortages in healthcare and manufacturing remain an issue. Companies have made significant investments in Salina and continue to need employees now and in the future. Retention of our young people and ensuring they have good opportunities and quality of life amenities in a changing world.

Dean Klenda:
Education and getting more actual affordable housing, not housing in the 200+ range, the theory is that will cause people to move out of the lower priced housing to release that for the young and lower incomes to get for starter homes. But I think the current generation of new housing is not being built to great standards and more and more people are perpetually living in rented homes. Salinas challenge for the next ten years to to remain functional and work to become more efficient with funds and help curb rising costs and continuing to provide services that citizens demand and require.

Doug Rempp:
Salina does not have enough industry or more specifically, higher paying jobs. We as a City seem to have Retail Businesses and Restaurants on the Radar Screen. Those jobs don't cover the cost of our average homes even with 2 income households. It may take 10 years or more to change this. Perhaps we missed the boat 10-20-30 years ago! McPherson seems to have added several along 135. We are at the Crossroads in the heart of America with an airport that can handle any size plane! We need to leverage our strengths!

John Price:
Salina has a lot of retired citizens. Retirement on social security in Salina with property taxes rising is very hard. We are in a recession and need to stop wasting money.

1. Such as lawsuits on paintings downtown, roundabouts south of town, economical development should be spent on important things.
2. Kansas State is great for Salina.
3. Business brings better paying jobs.
4. Airport authority has brought a lot to Salina with great flights out of Salina.

The current Salina Commission only meets twice a week. They are not even in charge, just puppet for Salina. They are elected to represent the people. Start taking charge.

The County and City could combine several things and save money.
Maybe we should look at Riley County. They have combined the city and county with one law enforcement. We could have one maintenance shop. Something to think about. Lets make some changes and help our citizens.
When I was county commissioner some things we did.

1. Keep the old Expo center, The fair could be combined with Dickinson County.
2. We lowered the mill levy
3. Rebuilt the health department.
4. Rebuilt the Road and bridge department.
5. Sent prisoners to other countries. at a lower expense then we could take care of them.

Too many things to mention just use common sense
SALINA NEEDS A CHANGE.

Greg Lenkiewicz:
It’s clear to me that workforce recruitment, development, and retention will be pivotal issues for years to come. Depending on the level of success in these efforts, housing may become a challenge that needs to be addressed again.

Trent Davis:
The Salina City Commission has done a good job of avoiding doing that very thing. To the extent possible, we have gone to great lengths to allow the citizens to participate and be the arbiters of our “public art.”

All in all, there’s something here for everyone.
Like clothing styles, music, cars, mates, houses, gardens, hairstyles, personalities, and the like, there’s very little in life that appeals to everyone.

Greg Lenkiewicz:
The primary role of city government is to provide solid infrastructure and reliable public safety services. We also utilize state and federally funded programs that facilitate responsible development and economic growth whenever possible. I don’t view it as a matter of “wants,” but rather as providing a solid foundation—properly maintained roadways and parks, safe and reliable water and wastewater treatment facilities, and professional, highly skilled public safety personnel. These are essential (needed) components of a prosperous community. Establishing and maintaining this foundation encourages housing development and creates incentives for businesses to start up or relocate here.

Dean Klenda:
I believe the government is here to provide projects and stewardship of the land, and ensure people want to move here. Also I believe that the government has a duty to keep people safe and help the less fortunate.

Doug Rempp:
No to both wants and needs. And I think our current leadership has focused more towards wants and less towards needs. Needs should come 1st and be a priority.

Bill Longbine:
A government that provides for all the wants or needs of citizens does not exist. We must find a balance. We are very fortunate in Salina in the fact that many of the wants come in the form of Public-Private Partnerships. Salina has done great things in the past 10-15 years collaborating with the private sector and sharing costs on large projects.

Trent Davis:
The Tony's Pizza Center was built at a time when live shows were a greater percentage of entertainment than now. To be sure, live streaming, videos, TV, and the like have reduced audience sizes for certain types of entertainment. Rural locations, with smaller population bases to begin with, may have a tougher time, particularly if within a 90 minute drive of a large city. On the other hand, could you imagine a city of Salina's size and activity NOT having a venue large enough to host large sports and entertainment events, conventions, trade shows, circuses, etc.?

It may well be time that a regional entertainment consortium be established to assist with a coordinated local procurement of live entertainment so that our facilities are complementary to each other, not fiercely competitive with each other. Consultants may be needed to figure out the best operating model. Sometimes someone with a fresh "outside" perspective is needed to drive the discussion; that person can be free of pre-existing bias and "baggage." While TPEC doesn't have to pour millions into our treasury, the annual subsidy is higher than most folks' comfort level. Closing it down in the near future is not a likely step.

Doug Rempp:
TPEC sustainability is questionable. Many in our community in leadership positions say we need Convention or large meeting space. TPEC has the space but we pay upwards of a million a year to have an entity manage it. We have Kenwood Cove adjacent. What if we had a Putt Putt Course, Roller Rink, and Adult Gathering Area in that footprint? See https://truckyard.com/. Fun for all ages!!

Johnnie Keller:
If the Tony Events Center is to be the big convention and activities area for Salina, why didn't the local developers build the hotels there? Wouldn't having the hotel(s) next to and connected to the Events center make it more attractive to users? You would think that the developers and free enterprise system would have seen the potential by now. I think it makes more sense to develop the Tony Event center area over rethinking a mall that is dying.

Randall Hardy:
The event center was a topic for debate when I was on the commission. I think it can be a great asset for Salina. But it should not be heavily subsidized by the city. The city should have arrangements with booking agencies and the Salina Chamber to keep the event center busy.

Dean Klenda:
Under proper management it could be sustainable.

Bill Longbine:
The center will not likely ever be self-supporting. It is considered a community resource which benefits many.

Dean Klenda:
I think West Crawford functions great as it is.

Trent Davis:
West Crawford is another example of how most of the Commission's actions are on ideas brought TO the Commission rather than initiated by it. We have fielded complaints about W. Crawford traffic being too fast, too dangerous for cars and pedestrians alike. Ideas were solicited to solve these concerns. There were similar concerns when Santa Fe was narrowed to one lane in each direction through the renovated downtown. All things considered, that was a smashing success.
Again, the key is to not rush to a conclusion before hearing the facts. This was presented in an orderly fashion by folks with a vested interest in improving quality of life along W. Crawford. Was this high on the Commission's list of items to tackle at our Strategic Planning session? Of course not. Was it an interesting idea deserving consideration? I think so. Who will likely not like it? Someone currently driving 50 mph down W. Crawford as if it's a highway. We must trust engineers to take into account all of the traffic patterns that will be impacted to make necessary adjustments as the project unfolds.

Doug Rempp:
While we paid for a "Study" or a "Consultant" for recommendations, I would pass on this recommendation. A lot of driveways along that stretch and a single lane after being bracketed by 2 in each direction seems odd to me. Leave it be.

Johnnie Keller:
I am not at all in favor of narrowing Crawford Street! Crawford is way to busy to squeeze the traffic down to two lanes. It will put the traffic from the side streets into dangerous situations as that traffic trys to cross two lanes of traffic depending on which direction that traffic is trying to go. It's absolutely not thought out and is a typical knee jerk reaction made by leaders who dont live around that location.

Randall Hardy:
I think that traffic studies by the city engineer should guide the commission about the need for changes to our road system.

Bill Longbine:
Yes. A traffic study was conducted, Safe Streets for All’ with grant funds to reconfigure the high accident portion of Crawford. Pedestrian safety was a large part of the recommendation.

Trent Davis:
This is more easily answered if the question is "Am I Opposed to Roundabouts Anywhere in Town?" The answer to that is "No." City Commissioners are not out on the pavement, performing traffic counts or assessing traffic flow studies. We allocate funding to hire very smart people whose expertise in these areas dwarfs that of a Commissioner.
Growing up in a city with traffic circles, I learned to drive them early in my driving career. They take a while to get used to. One advantage is that unless traffic is extremely heavy, traffic keeps moving and long delays at red lights are avoided. Salina will not be the first city in the U.S. doing a pilot study on effectiveness of roundabouts. Several neighboring cities have them.
I would assume that if we build any, the size, lane width, curve radius, etc, will be adjusted for maximal efficiency, safety, and ease of navigation. Part of problem solving is being open to explore several options, not necessarily being locked in to "what we've always done." Sometimes the old way is the best, at other times it's time to move in a different direction. Remember when we had to go downtown and stand in line to buy a plane ticket? Now, international travel is but five minutes away on our cell phone. Relax, let's see what the engineers suggest!

Doug Rempp:
Roundabouts have a proven record for less serious accidents when they occur. If traffic warrants a roundabout and we are getting Fed or State dollars to greatly reduce our cost, then we consider. They are much easier to do in growth areas during the initial construction process.

Johnnie Keller:
If round abouts are being put in because it will help with heavy traffic flow and can safety accommodate the forecasted increase in truck traffic. Then at the right locations for the correct reasons, then I would entertain the idea. If its only because everyone is doing it and it has a cost to tax payers (even if its funded by the state, its still a tax) that we as a city don't truly need, then I am against it.

Randall Hardy:
I am not a fan of roundabouts in general. But, I am a big fan of saving taxpayers’ money. So, I would like to consider all options, then decide which option is the best and most cost effective for our city.

Dean Klenda:
Yes, roundabouts are a great tool and properly driven make traffic easier. I don't understand the hate for them at all.

Bill Longbine:
Actually, we already have existing roundabouts in Salina. Ones on Sunset Dr. and W. Beloit near Sunset Park have been in place for years. Another example is at the south end of Marymount going into Great Life. Once you drive a roundabout a few times it’s not that big of a deal. I favor roundabouts when traffic engineers determine they are an effective way to safely keep traffic flowing.

Bill Longbine:
Landscape design should be taking this into consideration. East Magnolia needs some attention for being overgrown.

Trent Davis:
Yes we do, sometimes we have to, and we're trying to find the perfect tree, respectively. I personally find trees in medians to be very pretty and calming. Over time, experience will match the perfect tree with the perfect location. At the slow rate of tree growth we're dealing with, this problem is quite fixable, and probably not high on the "problem" list. But, good ideas and observations come from every facet of our citizenry, and the comment is definitely worth looking into.

Doug Rempp:
Trees add character and beauty. Recently the City received a grant along I-135 to plant trees. The plan is to put them every 8'. Seems overkill once they grow for a few years. Maybe we need less trees but bigger trees from the beginning. Why plant if you are going to cut them down.

Johnnie Keller:
Easy fix, don't plant trees that cost money and there will be no need to spend time and money maintaining those trees.

Randall Hardy:
I believe that plantings in the medians should be appropriate for the median size, and be relatively low maintenance.

Dean Klenda:
I have never heard of a tree that only grows to a certain height and stops? Maybe we could look other decoration options then trees.

Doug Rempp:
A lot depends on where it's displayed. I would rather see a Citizen Committee decide if/once the City's approval is needed. We already have a lot of Advisory Committees but I know people who have served who feel that their committee's input makes no difference.

Randall Hardy:
In the specific case of the Cozy Inn, the city tried to apply a sign ordinance to what I would’ve considered to be a mural. Sign ordinances are healthy and good for a community, so that the city maintains a consistent and pleasant city. It is possible though, to have one set of rules regarding murals in a business district that is defined by certain rules and regulations, and a more lax standard for a mural on a freestanding building outside of the business district.

Trent Davis:
Several years ago, when working on the City’s new employee pay plan, I pushed hard to include a relatively inexpensive evaluation offered by the consultant; namely to see if Salina’s personnel hiring and advancement decisions suggested bias or prejudice against certain groups of employees. This was a bold recognition on Salina’s part that we often don’t know how we have truly behaved until we take an impartial look.

To those discriminated against, results suggesting bias would not come as a surprise. To those unknowingly influenced by bias, results suggesting bias would offer an opportunity for self-awareness and improvement. “You don’t know what you don’t know until you take a look.” Salina becomes more attractive to forward thinking companies and families when it is known to be a self-analyzing community striving to treat all persons equally and with dignity.

The whole issue of diversity programs was never based on promoting or hiring unqualified candidates (as has been knowingly wrongly suggested by some of our national politicians.) A good candidate wants a fair shot at a position because of qualifications, not based on something relatively immaterial to the job.

What diversity emphasized was getting decision makers to get out of the habit of arbitrarily not considering a person for a position solely on the basis of that same characteristic (that is relatively immaterial to the job.) This question highlights how Salina mirrors much of the outside world and the need for leaders who can address issues that extend “beyond the county line.”

Doug Rempp:
I am not aware of any DEI policies and would not be in favor of. Hire the best person for the job. Race or sex can be a factor if 2 people have equal qualifications. Our City is diverse and in an ideal world City Staff should reflect that but the best person 1st!

Randall Hardy:
I would like to think that Salina incorporates practices in hiring and inclusion that would not make any strict policy necessary.

Doug Rempp
I know those looking to overturn the ban have put a lot of effort into it. I know there are public safety officers that have seen 1st hand the damage that a Pit Bull can do and memories still bother them. City Leadership decided to enact a ban in 2004. 21 years have passed since the ban was implemented. How do we keep ending up with Pit Bulls in the Shelter? I know these dogs or any dogs don't live that long. At this point in time assuming enough signatures are accumulated, I would think it needs to go to the Voters.

Trent Davis:
If the required number of signatures on a petition are received, the issue goes on the ballot, no matter how any commissioner or citizen might feel about the topic – that’s the law! It so happens that I would welcome the ballot initiative so that Salina can find out exactly how the majority of citizens feel (at least the ones who turn out to vote.)

With or without BSL, with or without a ballot initiative, Salina needs to update it’s “bad dog” (for lack of a better term) regulations. In fact, if we have a tough, enforceable law on the books, BSL is theoretically no longer needed.

“Bad dog” laws are really aimed at “bad owners” as well as “bad dogs.” Both must be addressed for me to look the parent of a child mauled by a bad dog squarely in the eye and say, we’re dropping BSL because we have something better. For neighbors afraid to walk past certain yards in their own neighborhood because of a nuisance dog, our police and animal control departments must have authority that will be backed up by the D.A and the courts.

It can be done.

Randall Hardy:
People are very passionate about breed specific ordinances in the city. I think that the best way to resolve the issue is to place a question on a ballot in the next regularly scheduled election, provided enough signatures are obtained, similar to the effort that was done last year.

Trent Davis:
Until the State Legislature enacted new rules on local budgets requiring a “revenue neutral” budget without having a public hearing, we have always paid property taxes based on the local appraiser’s estimate of it’s value. The flip side of that coin is that people could get second mortgage loans on the equity in the house and they would realize financial gain if/when the house was sold for much more than it originally cost.

Local improvements such as new schools, parks, water fountains, streets, fire trucks, libraries, etc are more easily provided when the natural gain in value of property produces more tax revenue. The State suddenly told us that without a public hearing we could not tap into the increased value we worked so hard to obtain. How would you like to be told that you can’t ever sell your home for more than what you paid for it?

If total tax revenue does not increase, inflation alone will eat into the ability to continue “last year’s programs.” Don’t even think about asking for your street to be repaired or for more firemen to respond more quickly to your 911 distress call. While we all would prefer to not have to pay taxes, look at what we lose if some form of tax is not levied. You don’t get what you don’t pay for. (Witness Kansas DOT a few years back.)

Salina has, and continues to, refined it’s operations to be more cost-effective. It’s budget now incorporates a verified inventory of assets and long range planning of repairs and replacements. Our budget should not be shot full of holes by unexpected big ticket items for routine operations. When increased valuation more than covers our reasonable needs, the opportunity for a mill levy reduction is present and the Salina City Commission has exercised that option in our recent budgets.

Randall Hardy:
I believe that it is inevitable that property values will rise over time in Salina, and that is a good thing. But as those property values rise, I believe that the mill levy should be reduced so that the property tax bills remain steady.

Greg Lenkiewicz:
The claim that the current property tax structure is “taxing unrealized gains” is inaccurate. Taxing unrealized gains means collecting taxes on the potential profit of an investment or asset that has increased in value but has not been sold. Property taxes are not structured this way—they are not a tax on unrealized profits. Frankly, I’m very thankful that no form of unrealized capital gains tax is implemented in the U.S. According to our 2026 budget, by going revenue neutral, we effectively lowered the mill levy by 0.849 mills compared to the 2025 fiscal year. It should also be noted that the City of Salina went revenue neutral in 2025 and has not raised the mill levy since the 2024 budget year.

Doug Rempp:
Property Taxes, keeping the Mill flat is certainly better than it going up. Unfortunately, the city portion of our property tax bill is only 21% so 79% is an issue out of our control. I have seen/heard in the last few months that 36% (I think) of our Taxable Property is not on the tax rolls. Now we are considering a massive tax incentive package for Central Mall. That probably would push that 36% number closer to 40%. That would mean the remaining 60% of taxable property has to pay 40% higher bills to make up for the Tax Exempt or Abated Properties. This is a longer term issue as I believe these deals (For the Developer/Owner) typically last 20 years. Seems like if it's a viable business idea, it should stand on its own and not Burden the taxpayer and pull business from already established businesses in town. We need to decide what we want to be when we grow up. We are never going to be Overland Park West or have a Shopping Center like The Legends. Focus on our attributes we have going for us, a Regional Hub and the Crossroads of the US!

Johnnie Keller:
Why do we say we own a home, yet if we don't pay the taxes on it after we already have bought it the city will take it. Why do seniors, those on fixed income and disabled veterans pay taxes? Haven't they already done their fair share? I think so! Why since 1997 (in Salina), has our property taxes gone up more than TWICE that of inflation? Why has the mill levy by the city increased by 15% during that same time frame, yet we have only had an increase of only 4% in population growth? In the last five years, Kansas has lost 7% of its population while states like Tennessee have grown by 10% during that time frame. Why is that? Taxes are lower in Tennessee and there isn't any income tax that's why. Why are people moving to Florida and Texas? Taxes are part of the problem and I am for reducing the mill levy and making the government operate much more efficiently and responsibly to make the tax burden less on our citizens.

Keith Cooper:
Yes, I guess in a way they are taxing unrealized gains if you buy a house for $200k and it's now worth $300k but you haven't sold the property you haven't received that profit yet. Maybe we could look at something like you pay the property tax at the valuation when you purchased or built the property for the duration that you own the property? I am open to new ideas that keep more money in the pockets of the people. They have to be taking in more revenue with valuations being so high and increasing every year if the mill levy stays the same. I would be in favor of reducing the mill levy and think they should have done that in previous years, I do not like property taxes and they should be kept as low as possible. I could go on and on about property taxes, how it affects retirees on a fixed income, landlords pass it on to their renters etc. it affects everyone except those that are exempt.

Trent Davis:
Salinans deserve to have a City Commissioner physically available to communicate with residents face to face, walk the streets, and generally feel the pulse of the city first hand. Aside from Monday meetings, there are Citizen Advisory Board meetings as well. This is not a job for someone with just one or two issues of concern, who will then be disconnected from the process. Nonverbal communication still plays a role in the Commission’s proceedings; that is generally quite diminished on Zoom.

An absentee dad can buy his daughter a dress but he can’t take her to the ball.

Greg Lenkiewicz: I have been a full-time resident of Salina since moving back here in 2000. I also operate a local business here and have no plans to move or live anywhere else part-time.

Randall Hardy:
Commissioners cannot be serious about serving the people of Salina if they are part-time residents. I am a FULL-time resident of Salina, and I answer calls, emails and attend public events in Salina. You can count on me to be a responsive and responsible commissioner.

Bill Longbine:
As a lifelong citizen, I have always lived in Salina full-time. Salina is my home, and I stay engaged in the community year round.

Doug Rempp:
Regarding zooming, that is me. I plan on spending some time away in the winter. Mid to late Nov till about March 1. Our full time home is Salina. I'm not a big fan of winter. I would plan to get back to Salina monthly for 1 of the 2'x monthly meetings. I know there is additional time needed. I have communicated with our current leaders many times over the last few years. All the communication has been emails, texts, and an occasional phone call. It's not hard to do that almost anywhere in the world. I have many contacts within the City. I have kids and grandkids here. The bulk of my time will be in Salina. I am used to making larger financial decisions and listening to people. Covid made zooming more mainstream. You have 9 options for the 3 openings. I know my time as a 2.5 decade Business Owner in Salina can only help. If you feel otherwise that is your choice. Just be sure to vote Nov 4th!

Johnnie Keller:
My plan is to live in Salina all 12 months of the year. Salina is my home, I will be here.

Keith Cooper:
I live in Salina full time and I'm not going anywhere.

Trent Davis:
Simply, continue the focus on “Homelessness” (a noun) rather than the individual “Homeless” (an adjective.) There are social organizations and individual citizens that address the immediate daily needs of the homeless. Addressing homelessness requires community coordination including social organizations, specialized organizations (such as, most prominently, Salina Grace), mental health providers, pharmacies, medical providers, public assistance and vocational rehab services, low-barrier shelters, local policing agencies, our faith-based organizations, and (not the least of all) people with good hearts.

What oil will keep these wheels turning in the same direction? MONEY. This is a gut-check moment for Salina. Is this important to us to commit our MONEY and resources? We have the brain power to establish our own “think tank” and work to keep those at risk of becoming homeless from slipping over the edge. We have the resources to help those already there. Ask yourself, how much would you as an individual pay per year if you knew it was going to put a major dent in homelessness in Salina?

If we committed tax revenues equal to $100 a year per household we’d have between $1.5-2 Million to work with….that would get us a good ways down the road.

Randall Hardy:
I think that the Rescue Mission, Salina Grace and the other organizations and agencies in Salina do a great job of helping with homelessness in Salina. The city should support these agencies, but there is no active role that Salina has in reducing homelessness.

Greg Lenkiewicz:
I believe we should continue collaborating with Salina Grace and their partners, who have done a commendable job of assisting our homeless population—often more effectively and efficiently than government alone could. At the same time, I believe we must continue consistent enforcement of local laws and ordinances that address disruptive behaviors associated with homelessness.

Doug Rempp:
Homelessness, we have some great Community Partners with the Salina Rescue Mission, Ashby House, and Salina Grace. I'm not sure it can be solved. The Rescue Mission has been in operation for over 40 years. I hear stories of other Communities giving Homelessness People a ride to Salina. It would be interesting to know where the People at the Mission came from. Those living on the street present the biggest challenge as they have concluded for whatever reason the street is the best place for them and or their lifestyle. We can't make them comfortable as we only encourage more in our Community. Just have to look at Communities that have success and try their best practices.

Johnnie Keller:
Resolving the homeless issue is a very complicated problem that has been part of every society since recorded time. Salina offers assistance for the homeless through various agencies and volunteer organizations. The rescue mission, The Asby House, and Salina Grace as well as Central Kansas Mental Health or CKF. With all of these programs and institutions right here in Salina, we have become a "go-too" place for central Kansas and beyond for the homeless. A recent report (slide show) that was presented to the city leadership showed that Salina has had a 32% increase in out of county homelessness. I would think that we would want to help our own county citizens well before helping people from other places who aren't doing what they can for their own citizens. If someone is coming to Salina for CKF and they fail, do they get to stay here? If they successfully complete the program and they aren't from Saline county, do they go back to their home of record or do they stay here and wander our streets? If CKF gets a certain amount of people, do they get more Federal and State Tax dollars?

Keith Cooper:
I believe the homelessness issue is an economic, cultural and societal issue. There is no doubt that we have serious economic problems nationwide. The cost of housing, food, transportation, almost every basic everyday need is far outpacing the inflation especially over the last five years and a lot of people cannot keep up with it. Not to mention health insurance, medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in America but health insurance is becoming unaffordable and oftentimes isn't enough to cover all medical costs. As far as cultural and societal issues, drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues are clear problems. For now, I think all we can do as a city is try to find ways to support our non profits like Ashby House, Salina Grace and the Rescue Mission.

Trent Davis:
I remain fully and enthusiastically supportive of the effort to restore water flow in the “downtown” portion of the Smoky Hill River. Not only will Salina have a free nearly seven mile park for it’s citizens and visitors to enjoy, a live river will kindle the entrepreneurial energy of those wishing to do business “near or on the river.” This should open up new recreational options, eating establishments, arts opportunities, and ideas that aren’t yet on a drawing board in someone’s mind.

The quality of life score for Salina will rise higher as this becomes a reality. Even the naysayers will be found strolling near the river on a Sunday afternoon!

The city is spending cash money, no longer debt financing, to replace our water system. The problem is frequently that crews and contractors can’t complete but so much work in a year. Most of us would be surprised how many miles of pipe we have underground, and for how long the pipes have been there. The good thing is that we have recognized we have a problem and are not going to ignore it and “kick the can down the road” to a future generation. If the workforce capacity increases, we could probably add more miles per year. Eventually, the unexpected breaks will be fewer and farther between.

If you are asking someone whose street is sinking, a dirt road, or just plain bumpy, the answer is “no.” If you look at the percentage of streets that have been repaired and compare with our neighbors, we are looking good, very good (and our numbers continue to improve.) There is a logic to the priority in which streets are repaired, but if this process seems too slow, please, please let the City Engineer know, and send pictures!

Greg Lenkiewicz:
1. First and foremost, this issue was voted on back in 2016 and approved by the Salina public. I believe this project will be something that future generations of citizens can look back on with pride. Not only will it clean up a portion of the river that has been an eyesore for decades in the middle of our community, but it will also enhance the quality of life for everyone in Salina. With approximately seven miles of additional walking, hiking, and biking trails, along with new green space to enjoy, this project will further set our community apart.

2. We implement a strategic approach to repairing and replacing infrastructure. Our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is designed specifically for this purpose and aligns infrastructure projects with the community's long-term vision and goals. Water main replacements are included in the CIP. Of course, if an emergency arises, we divert resources to address the issue immediately and effectively.

3. Street maintenance is also addressed through the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which prioritizes long-term planning and resource allocation for infrastructure upkeep.

Randall Hardy:
1. I think the River Renewal Project is an incredible project for Salina, and will be an economic driver for the city, and provide a wonderful opportunity for citizens to enjoy all that the project will provide.

2. This subject is complicated. The water department tests water all over the city to ensure that our drinking water is safe. Water main repairs and replacement are paid for with the water bills we pay every month. Currently, the need outpaces the water rates in the bills that we pay. Mains that are affecting water quality are highest on the replacement list The water department is not responsible for the lines that run from the mains to the homes. Water quality can also be affected by a homeowner's line as well. Also, there are fewer contractors in Salina that do that kind of work. We do not often attract bidders from a distance for water projects. That can affect competitiveness of bids for projects. That factor may limit the number of projects that can be built.

3. Street maintenance is always an issue, but I believe that the city is generally keeping up with maintenance, thanks to the special sales tax that was passed when I was on the commission.

Johnnie Keller:
1. My biggest concern with the river renewal project is the overall and unknown real cost to the taxpayers. This will also include an unending cost of maintenance for a recreational area that will only be visited in large numbers five or six months out of the year. Yet, it will still need to be maintained with a group of people that will grow our city government even more. I would like to see it cleaned out and see if there is a way to make sure that some river water can move through it. Not the current system of street water runoff. That being said, how much of the silt that is full of chemicals and contaminants will need to be removed and what will be done with that contaminated soil. I foresee a very long and expensive project just to clean it out. I am all for cleaning and trying to move a certain amount of water through it to avoid the current stagnant water problem we have now.

2. No, the current schedule for replacing the aging water main should be increased to put us on a much faster timeline to ensure that all of our citizens are getting clean and safe water!

3. No, we have several older streets that need attention now. Salina seems to have problems maintaining what we already have and I would like to see us repairing and replacing streets before we worry about narrowing Crawford street or pushing for the roundabouts. Our street department can only do so much, so let's utilize them to fix what we already have to ensure that we have great streets that are safe for everyone.

Keith Cooper:

1. As an avid amateur fisherman, I spend a lot of my fishing time on rivers around here, I would love to see a naturally flowing additional seven miles of navigable river right in my backyard! Unfortunately because of the price tag and future maintenance and very grand ideas of what this has turned into I just can't support it. I know we're supposed to receive a lot of grant money (grants come from tax revenues, it is still tax money) but we're also going to be on the hook for many many millions of dollars for this. We have a lot of needs in this community and this should not be at the top of any list.

2. I have heard from some people in the community that they don't have clean water and just get added to the list and sometimes it goes on for months and even years. I don't know how true this is but I will find out and if that is the case it would be a major problem for me. It feels like we have been overlooking basic needs in this community for a long time and focusing on shiny new things that benefit certain people.

3. Overall the streets are pretty good, some potholes in areas and some bad streets that have been bad for awhile, I just drove down Markley today and it has always been pretty bad. It is a never ending job and that's fine, it could maybe be a little more efficient.

Bill Longbine:
1. I was not an early adopter of the river renewal project. I fully supported the river project, once I learned more details, and saw the long term benefits to the community. The votersof Salina approved a special sales tax in 2016 to move the project forward. When I signed the agreement with the Army Corp of Engineers last year I made the following statement. “We are restoring flow to the Smoky Hill River for future generations of Salinan’s”.

2. Currently 2 million dollars per year is allocated for watermain replacement. Watermain replacements are required not just due to quality, but reoccurring main breaks. We could certainly spend more, but the contractor may be limited to how many feet can be completed in each year. Nearly 2 miles of waterlines are currently out for bid with limited contractor engagement.

3. Yes, keeping up with street maintenance will always be a challenge in our climate. Much of the street maintenance budget is for sealing to prevent deterioration of streets. The street department uses a schedule to seal and resurface our main streets.

Doug Rempp:
1. The RR Project, I'm not a fan. We have too many needs in our Community. The total price tag is somewhere 69 -100 million. A flyer distributed in 2022 had 37 million as the project total. 20 million in "Grant" money pledged. We do not have those funds. Other money pledged but not received. Keep in mind the New Fire Station was projected at 4 million, then 5, and now 9 million. 7 miles of new trails that would need people to maintain. 7 bridges to be replaced to facilitate the trail. Now is not the time. Building materials and labor is expensive. The plan is too grand!

2. This question kinda ties into the River Renewal question. We have needs. Let's get a handle on those. Clean healthy water out of the tap comes before Storm Drain water in the "River".

3. I believe the City maintains the streets fine. I would need more facts about Micro Surfacing I think it's called. Seems to be a bandaid type approach but maybe the cost/benefit facts justify its widespread use. I don't know why we, the City, struggle so much with snow. Snow happens and getting our secondary roads cleared seems to be more miss than hit.

Randall Hardy:
The city does a good job of maintaining parks, offering recreational opportunities to citizens, preserving our history in a history museum, and placing an emphasis on the arts and cultural life of Salina. I think that by supporting these areas, we are promoting a healthy and vibrant city for our citizens.

Keith Cooper:
All of those departments are great. If they are run somewhat efficiently and provide the services the taxpayers think they should then there is no problem. I don't think anyone is calling for terminating those departments.

Johnnie Keller:
My approach to parks, recreation, history, arts and culture is to maintain what we have and insure its continued support. But the question associating parks and rec with infrastructure isn't correct.

Infrastructure includes: The city transportation, utilities, public services, city communications and waste management. Infrastructure is the main part of any level of government and is governments primary function for its city to be safe and healthy.

Dean Klenda:
I believe that parks and arts and recreation opportunities are very important to community growth, but we have to make sure we are maintaining the things we have and taking care of them before building new things.

Doug Rempp:
Regarding Parks and Rec, I think we can slow down expanding these options and focus more on maintaining what we have. Sometimes I wonder how we lived in our City in the decades gone by.

Randall Hardy:
I have been on several city boards and commissions, including Park and Recreation advisory board, Arts and Humanities commission, Library Board, City-County health board, and I chaired the Board of Zoning Appeals. Because I have been on the city commission before, I am confident about my ability to serve effectively from day one if I am elected.

Keith Cooper:
I have not been on any boards. I know how the government is supposed to work.

Johnnie Keller:
I have not been on any local boards, although I have applied for two separate boards. I have been on and facilitated my department advisory board when I was an instructor at Hutchison Community College. I had to develop our site program, coordinate with local officials for infrastructure support, manage our grants and funding to ensure that we could operate from year to year. I served in that capacity from 2017-2022, when I retired from full-time teaching. In my 25 years of military service (1978-2005), I served on several operations and planning positions in two separate periods of time (1987-1990 & 1999-2005), where I was the primary planning specialist. I have a good idea of how government or should I say a group of different entities must work together to accomplish the assigned tasks. While in the military I served as an Operations and Plans Noncommissioned officer in charge, coordinating with serveral different branches of our military as well as two foreign military units, combined into one military exercise. I served as the interim Airspace manager for the entire state of Kansas and served as the Airspace Manager for the Military Airspace for Smoky Hill Range. The military is in its own way is a form of government with its bureaucracy and separate departments that don't always work together without strong leadership.

Dean Klenda:
I have been on arts and humanties for a while now, and worked for Access Tv for around 5 years which meant filming every city/county/school board meetings during that time frame.

Doug Rempp:
A couple of decades ago I served on the advisory board of Central Ks Foundation and our Chamber of Commerce. In the last decade the local board for UMB. And last but not least, the executive board of Ks McDonald's Franchisees until I retired.