AFP-Kansas statement on Topeka Planning Commission nomination

The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity has questions regarding Topeka Councilman Jeff Preisner’s move to block Mayor Bill Bunten’s nomination to the Topeka Planning Commission.

Last month, Mayor Bunten nominated Topeka citizen and local radio host Raubin Pierce to the planning commission. Earlier this week Councilman Preisner introduced a resolution seeking to block Pierce’s nomination, claiming he is “unfit” for the position. AFP-Kansas released the following statement in response to Preisner’s resolution:

“I was disappointed to learn of Councilman Jeff Preisner sponsoring a resolution that states Raubin Pierce is “not fit or is unqualified” to serve on the Topeka Planning Commission,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag.

“Mr. Pierce has been an advocate for the taxpayers of Topeka for a number of years now. During this time he has consistently expressed a desire to see Topeka improve and become more prosperous. His willingness to express his opinion on matters involving the city in which he lives and works in should be used as an example to encourage a more active citizenry, rather than being used against him in his nomination for an important role in our city government.

We applaud Mayor Bill Bunten and Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz for their efforts to put on the Topeka Planning Commission a community member who consistently works to improve the Capital City.

What kind of message is Mr. Preisner sending when he works to defeat the nomination of an opinionated individual who is well educated on the matters of his city government and who asks the questions that others might not dare to ask? It seems to send the message: ‘keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself if you’re going to stir the pot.’

Perhaps this is simply a case of rejecting any nominee stemming from Mayor Bill Bunten, who soundly defeated Mr. Preisner in the last mayoral election.

Of course we don’t know the exact reason why the resolution was introduced and it is important to note that council members aren’t required to elaborate on the reasoning. But perhaps Mr. Preisner will have the decency to publicly state his reasons for rejecting the nomination of a well-respected member of the community. He not only owes it to Mr. Pierce, but to all Topekans who dare speak their mind on issues involving their city.”