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Wichita City Council District 6

The Wichita City Council provides policy direction to develop, implement and maintain services to residents. The council enacts laws and policies, and also sets the budget, levies taxes and appoints residents to advisory boards and commissions. Council members, who are elected by district, earn $34,870.
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    Bob Aldrich

    Vice President Windy City Railway Services
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    Janet Miller

    Community Volunteer
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Bob Aldrich
Janet Miller
  1. Biographical Information
  2. The city’s budget is at deficit this year, and more cutbacks probably will be needed. Where do you think the city can trim expenses, how much money do you think that could save and how do you think it would affect residents? Please be as specific as you can.
  3. City council members make decisions involving millions of dollars and thousands of lives, all the while pressured by special interests, staff recommendations and your personal feelings. Please explain how your experiences in your job and education qualify you for the job.
  4. If you are elected, what is the first new initiative you would advocate for in your district, and how would it improve people's lives?
  5. What is the worst decision the City Council made in 2008, why do you feel it was the wrong move and what would you have done differently?
  6. About half of Wichita's streets are riddled with cracks, potholes and lumps. The city’s Public Works Department estimated last year that it would cost about $100 million to completely fix them all. Do you think additional money should be allocated for road repair? If so, please be specific about where the money should come from.
  7. The city has increasingly used tax increment financing to help private developers build downtown. Please describe in detail under what scenarios you think TIFs are appropriate.
  8. The city has struggled for years to make a decision about the Wichita Boathouse. It recently issued requests for proposals. What would you like to see there and how do you think residents would respond?
  9. City Council members recently discussed problems with pit bulls. City staff offered three possible options: a pit bull ban (those with pit bulls already could keep them); new restrictions, such as requiring them to be sterilized and microchipped; or the status quo. What, if anything, do you think should happen?
  10. Wichita passed a partial smoking ban last year. The state legislature is considering a more complete ban that would supersede the city’s law. What is your opinion of the city’s law, which allows smoking in bars and other venues that don’t serve minors? Would you support or oppose a more complete ban?
  11. The City Council has considered shifting some of the tax burden from property taxes to a new 1-cent sales tax. It discussed putting the question to a citywide vote last year, but delayed a decision. How would you vote on that question?
  12. District 6 is home to some of the city’s best parks and much of the Arkansas River. What, if anything, would you do to improve these features and how would you pay for it?
  13. The city is working with United Way to set up up a one-stop center to assist laid-off workers. What else, if anything, should the city do to help laid-off workers or to improve the local economy?
  14. Sedgwick County has said it expects all cities to franchise trash hauling by 2011. Wichita so far has not moved to implement franchised trash hauling, though some smaller cities have. Do you think Wichita should move toward franchised trash service? If so, how? Please explain your view.
  15. There have been significant efforts to revitalize midtown, including a tax increment finance district that now lacks a development plan. What should the city do in this area and how should it be paid for?
  16. Your district has perhaps the most dirt streets in Wichita. Typically, residents have to foot the bill to pave them via special assessments, but it appears property owners on those streets can’t afford or are unwilling to pay these assessments. What, if anything, do you think should be done with the dirt roads? How would you propose paying for it?
  17. What is your opinion on the importance of neighborhood associations in Wichita?
  18. Do you think district advisory boards are a good resource for community input? Would you make any changes in how the DABs function or implement other ways for citizens to become proactive in city government?
  19. Please state, in detail, your position on open records, meetings and openness and transparency in gov-ernment.
Bob Aldrich: In making decisions in allocating available resources, I want to see reports from all programs and projects that demonstrate required performances or benchmarks. If any program or project is failing to achieve its required goal, then we cut or eliminate them altogether. The people in my District expect “Efficiencies in the City Government”. We must stay within our budgetary means, especially with the uncertain changing times we are facing. Police,Fire protection and Infrastructure first.
Bob Aldrich: My decision as a City Council Member would be based on whether or not the issue would be compatible with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Capital Improvement Program and professional advice regarding the benefits to the people in my District and the City at large. My education and experience as Vice President of Windy City Railway Services, and serving on the MAPC has trained me to use these guidelines in a wise and responsible manner.
Bob Aldrich: I would work on a joint strategy with County Commissioners and the City Council to attract new manufacturing and industry. We must continue to support our Aviation industry, but also have other sources for our economic future. My vision for a vibrant and stable economy and quality of life is being able to be employed, pay our mortgage or rent, put food on our tables and have a safe environment for our families. We must combat the gang activity. We must get back to the basics and budget first our police, and fire departments. We must secure funding to maintain our infrastructure, which is the bloodline to economic development.
Bob Aldrich: Which of these decisions would qualify for the worse decision of 2008? The National Bowling Tournament loss, that cost the local economy $100 million? The hiring of Mr. Salerno for City Manager? The proposal to build a $4 million building for a entertainment venue at Cow Town, taking away from public safety and infrastructure? The no-interest loan, of 6 million taxpayer’s dollars to Old Town investors? The lack of decisive action in completing the Water Walk Project?
Bob Aldrich: First of all $100 million would not fix them all, unless repair material and techniques are improved over current practices. We may not need additional funding if performance is improved, but no matter what, when the budget priorities are set, infrastructure must be with in the top three needs, Police and Fire protection being the other.
Bob Aldrich: Where the value of real property in the TIF district is expected to increase significantly over the life of the City’s financing. The taxpayer’s liabilities are almost non-existent, and where the risk lies with the investor/developer. Also infrastructure improvements in qualified TIF areas.
Bob Aldrich: One option is allowing Bill Koch to acquire the Boathouse and property and move the Sports Hall of Fame. Perhaps a nice up-scaled restaurant that also offers dancing, jazz/blues, maybe a show during meals. This is a good example why the City should get out of the property management business.
Bob Aldrich: Harsh strict penalties should be adopted and enforced on the said owners or caretakers of these animals when the City Codes are violated. Public safety should be the number one concern.
Bob Aldrich: If our state legislatures pass a complete ban on public smoking then we would fall under the State’s jurisdiction. I am on record as opposing the smoking ban on the belief that citizens have a choice whether or not they want to enter a business establishment that allow smoking or not. My concerns have nothing to do with smoking; my concerns have to do with individual rights. I happen to believe that government that governs least is the best form of government.
Bob Aldrich: Reduction in property valuations would not only give our Citizens much need tax relief to stimulate our household budgets, but would also assist our Commercial industry to retain and expand the work force, putting some of our laid-off workers back to work. Creating a more business friendly environment to attract more diversified types of industrial and manufacturing job opportunities. I do not support any additional tax burdens on our Citizens during our current economic down turn we are now in.
Bob Aldrich: The City of Wichita just spent $250,000 on the Park Recreation & Open Space proposal, which will cost over $600 million taxpayers dollars over a 20-25 year span to implement. The projected funding sources would be a 1-cent sales tax plus 1-mill levee and impact fees. The question should be, do we need to spend the taxpayers monies and make the desired improvements during a time when we have over 20,000 unemployed workers in our city and we are facing a major short fall in projected revenues.
Bob Aldrich: Working with United Way will be of great service for our laid-off workers. Now is the time we should look at ways to create a more business friendly environment that attracts, expands and retains new jobs and job growth. We are facing challenging times and must work endlessly to attract new manufacturing and industrial type jobs to Wichita.
Bob Aldrich: No I do not support franchised trash service, I will not support putting our smaller trash service companies out of business just to cater to the larger national companies. Why not look at allowing the smaller companies to have a fair market in which to do business in? We could divide the city in service areas. The city could set the competitive rates, review and adjust when needed so we have a uniformed rate citywide. Recycling can also be implemented.
Bob Aldrich: The midtown revitalization development plan was a good one. The problem occurred when City staff failed to properly carry out the vetting of a key partner associated with the project. This project has been in progress for approximately 12 years. This illustrates the need for the city to rethink the plan. Instead the city should be looking for ways to encourage private investment to re-develop the area.
Bob Aldrich: We can look at partnering with contractors to pave at cost, the Council can order the paving of the streets and defer payment as not to burden those who are on fixed or limited resources. The current annual cost of maintenance to the dirt road would be eliminated, and overall everyone would benefit. We should also look at using concrete, instead of pavement. The initial cost may be higher, but we would have low maintenance, last for several years longer, savings on the back end.
Bob Aldrich: Neighborhood Associations have a major role in keeping the community informed on what is going on in their area. With the monthly Community Police Officer reports, which keeps the association up to date on crime trends, advice on how to better protect our homes, setting up organized Neighborhood Watch groups as an extra benefit. The associations are the perfect place to receive information concerning any changes in the area. Contact WIN at www.winwichita.com or email: win@wichita.com.
Bob Aldrich: Absolutely. The area DABS are a great resource for community input. As a current member of DAB 6, I see first hand the concerns our residents have on various types of issues. The DABS give citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns pertaining to numerous issues facing our City, many times assisting in directing policy of City government. Currently the board is formed from N.A. representatives, and council appointments. Maybe in the future representation from the business sector as well.
Bob Aldrich: Government is supposed to be for the people, this is why we have laws governing how government conducts its business. Openness and transparency allows the citizens to know how government’s decisions are affecting their daily lives.
Age: 54
Education/Degrees: 1973 graduate St. Xavier High; University of Illinois Course Studies, Labor & Industrial Relations; Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy, Basic Law Enforcement & Communication; Tulsa Welding School.
Community Involvement: Currently serving on the District 6 Advisory Board, Former Metropolitan Planning Commission, Sub-Division Committee Chair, Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, ITS Committee, 235/54 and 235/Central Advisory Task Force, Pros Advisory Board (Parks Recreation Open Space) representative for the MAPC. Former Wichita Park Board of Commissioners, Served on the Steering Committee to establish the 21st Street Community Development Corporation, and served on the advisory committee for the CDC, Member Orchard Park Neighborhood Association, Member Wichita Independent Business Association, Member 21st Street Business Association, Member Wichita Hispanic Chamber, Board of Directors Kansas African American Museum. Recipient 2008 Willard Garvey Crime Prevention Award, Law Enforcement 5 years.
Political experience: Candidate for City Council 2005, precinct committeeman 2000-present
How long lived in district: 15 Years
Endorsements: To many to list, please visit my web site: www.voteforbobaldrich.com
Campaign Phone: 316 943-8622
E-mail: bladja@cox.net
Web site: www.voteforbobaldrich.com
Social media (list any pages on Facebook, MySpace, etc.): Facebook
Janet Miller: There’s no question there will be hard decisions to make. Like any Wichita family, the City must live within its means. My priorities will be to ensure public safety, maintain infrastructure, and position our city – through economic development efforts – for better times to come. Cuts need to be strategically targeted rather than across-the-board. Before making recommendations on where to cut, I would ensure citizens are given opportunity to participate in this process and develop priorities.
Janet Miller: Through my professional and community experience, I’ve learned an effective decision-making process. I thoroughly read all material presented, listen to the various perspectives of constituents, talk with those who have relevant experience, and research the issue and best practices. Then I make an informed decision. This approach minimizes the likelihood of being unduly influenced by one party or group. I pledge to bring this practice to my work on the City Council.
Janet Miller: As a new Council Member, my first priority will be focusing on the 2010 budget, not launching new initiatives. We must first make sure we understand the full impact the State budget reductions on our local budget, and then prepare budget reduction scenarios for Wichitans to consider. Following public input, we will be faced with making tough decisions about where to reduce spending for the next couple of years, while still maintaining our perspective on planning for the future.
Janet Miller: The Council makes hundreds of decisions every year, many of them difficult. With the advantage of 20/20 hindsight and not knowing all the details that had to be considered, it’s easy to criticize others’ decisions. I am by nature a collaborative problem-solver. Productive, collaborative relationships don’t begin well by pointing out the faults and perceived mistakes of others. I will employ the process described above to work effectively with Council members to make informed decisions.
Janet Miller: Wichita spends approximately $6 million annually on street maintenance from the operating budget. That number received an increase of $2.5 million for 2009. We invest another $43 million – from Capital Improvement Program funds – in our roads and highways annually. It’s likely unrealistic to expect a significant increase in these amounts in the near term to make all repairs outlined in the report. Rather, streets and roads with unsafe driving conditions must be made top priority for repair.
Janet Miller: Cities with vibrant downtowns do better economically than those without. Tax-increment financing has helped revive the heart of Wichita. TIFs are not that different from “special assessments” – city-backed long-term financing that has helped build streets and other infrastructure in developments throughout the city for decades. TIFs are appropriate in blighted areas where the free market on its own does not encourage development. TIFs must be thoroughly evaluated for economic viability.
Janet Miller: Given what I’ve heard from many citizens, there is a strong desire to see the Boathouse preserved and returned to a viable use. I would definitely support this endeavor if we can find a way to do it with a balanced public/private partnership that makes economic sense.
Janet Miller: There’s no question Wichita has a problem with owners of pit bulls who let their dogs run loose. These owners are already breaking the law, so it seems unlikely additional laws will make them law-abiding. It may be more effective to ramp up enforcement of existing laws through more animal control officers, special neighborhood projects, and enforcement of the existing prohibition of selling pit bull puppies without a breeder’s license. That said, I am open to more community discussion.
Janet Miller: Wichita’s clean air ordinance was an important step in improving indoor air quality and public health. At the time of the ordinance’s approval, the agreed-upon plan was to review it in two years and evaluate its impact. I will participate in that process. That said, there’s little doubt that Kansas will eventually be smoke-free in all public places, whether by federal mandate or state legislation. In either case, I would not oppose efforts to move Kansas toward clean air and better health.
Janet Miller: Spending and sales tax revenue decrease in a slower economy. However, citizens' need for City services does not. If this tax shift had been made a year ago, the City would be facing an even larger deficit right now. The City will already have to cut up to $10 million from the 2010 budget because of less state funding. I oppose creating a new sales tax that would, ironically, lead directly to drastic and painful reductions in services used every day by Wichitans.
Janet Miller: The Ark River is one of Wichita’s premier natural assets. Wichita adopted the Ark River Corridor Access Plan (ARCAP) to serve as a guide for improving access and increasing recreational use. Investments in the river corridor will make Wichita an even more attractive place to live and work, a key factor in workforce recruitment. Because business and industry look to locate where there is a vital workforce, recreational assets like the river, are key to economic development.
Janet Miller: Partnering with the United Way to establish a one-stop center to assist laid-off workers is of utmost importance. In addition, the City should seek to establish partnerships with other entities in the community such as Wichita Workforce Center and Wichita Area Technical College to help workers expand skills or re-train. Now is also the perfect time to recruit new industry to Wichita to capitalize on our highly-skilled and available workforce.
Janet Miller: Our current system of trash-hauling comes at a cost of excessive wear and tear on streets and alleys, and decreased air quality. As budgets become tighter and EPA air quality penalties loom ever larger, franchising may become a solution that must be seriously considered. We can learn about the positive and negative impacts of franchising from neighboring communities that have implemented it.
Janet Miller: The seriously blighted neighborhood south of Via Christi-St.Francis hospital and north of Central is in dire need of revitalization. The City can play a role in its redevelopment by financing improvements, which will be paid for subsequently through the increased property taxes paid in the area after revitalization. There is a good redevelopment plan ready to go as soon as a quality, fully-vetted developer steps forward to take on the project.
Janet Miller: Like it or not, the state sets out in statute the process for paying for street paving through special assessments. When streets are paved, property owners have always paid for that improvement through assessments and that continues today. Where the majority of residents want their streets paved, it can be done and the cost spread over 20 years (or deferred in the case of hardship). Where the majority of residents want to keep the street unpaved, democracy prevails.
Janet Miller: Neighborhood associations play a crucial role in helping residents effectively address neighborhood concerns and access City services. In the late 1990s, I served on the board of Wichita Independent Neighborhoods, helping new associations form and develop the capacity to deal with issues. As a City Council member, I will stay in close contact with the 14 neighborhood associations in District 6 and solicit their input on community issues and priorities.
Janet Miller: DABs can serve as a good resource for community input, if residents know what they are and when they meet. It is an on-going educational process to ensure residents have this information. I would continue to have neighborhood associations nominate candidates to the DAB to provide balanced representation. I would also create an electronic newsletter to keep residents informed about what’s happening in the district and across the city – and to offer a convenient way for them to provide input.
Janet Miller: Government must be open, transparent and accessible. I have conducted business in this way on all City boards and initiatives I have been involved in, including the Wichita Park Board, the Taskforce to End Chronic Homelessness, and District Advisory Board 6. Citizens and the media are provided public notice of meetings and meetings are open to the public. Minutes of the meeting are made available as soon as possible. I would work toward the highest level of transparency on the City Council.
Age: 44
Education/Degrees: B.S. in Secondary Education from Kansas State University
Community Involvement: District 6 Advisory Board, President of Wichita Board of Park Commissioners, Botanica Board, Historic Midtown Citizens Association Board, Wichita/Sedgwick County Homeless Oversight Committee, Visioneering's Recreation Alliance, 21st Street Business Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Political experience: No previous elected public office
How long lived in district: 22 years
Endorsements: More than 200 residents, business owners, and community leaders
Campaign Phone: 316-264-2988
E-mail: janmiller2@cox.net
Web site: www.JanetMillerWichita.com

The Wichita Eagle invited candidates in some contested races in Sedgwick, Butler and Sumner counties to respond to questions about key issues. You can compare the candidates and their responses side by side, and create your own printable or e-mailable ballot. The responses are largely unedited and presented as the candidates sent them to us.