A fourth candidate for mayor has entered the race. Now there will be a primary
A fourth Topeka mayoral candidate has entered the race, which will now require a primary election.
Topeka cabinet worker Gabriel Killman, 22, has filed to run for mayor.
"Growing up in Topeka, when you're going through high school, the main goal for most people is to move out of Topeka," Killman said. "They go to college, get a job somewhere else, and not stay here. They're worried about getting stuck here or living here most of their life, and it's kind of sad to see. So, I definitely want to bring enjoyment back to Topeka."
Killman is a born and raised Topekan, arm wrestling enthusiast and the youngest mayoral candidate Topeka has ever seen. He said he gained his interest in politics from long talks with his father growing up.
"I've definitely tried to become more partisan in all of my ideas, but it's just something me and him connected to when I was younger, and it's something that's always kind of stuck with me," Killman said. "Then seeing how politics can actually affect people's day-to-day lives, especially in local politics."
While he hasn't had much experience in city government because of his age, Killman said it gives him a way to appeal to younger residents while still getting along with older Topekans.
"I'm up to date on current events because I am on social media," Killman said. "I know how to connect with the younger generations and the older generations. I'm energetic. I love to be out there."
Currently, Michael Padilla serves as Topeka's mayor. However, he announced in February that he would not seek a reelection. Since then, three other candidates have announced they're running: City Council member Spencer Duncan, local medical professional Chad Fay and local property developer Henry McClure.
Killman said he wants the city to better communicate with the public and be more accessible.
"There's so much you could improve on (in Topeka)," Killman said. "First, would probably be community outreach. I'd want members in the community to know what's going on here. Looking up things for being mayor was very difficult. It's hard to find local information."
Killman went on to say that with more open communication, it would lead to better voter registration and community participation.
He said Topeka's second main issue is a lack of term limits.
"Probably my second biggest issue would be term limits," Killman said. "I would definitely like for the City Council and the mayor both to have term limits. It keeps people honest. It keeps people working on time and on a schedule. I think it levels the playing field. I think candidates that have been in for four terms would be much easier to get fifth term than somebody who's new and running, just because people are comfortable with that. I'd like it to be easier."
Killman said road conditions are a main issue in Topeka.
"Most people can just tell by driving day to day that the roads aren't that good," Killman said. "(You're) hitting potholes and messing with your suspension."
He said he'd like to be more efficient with road repairs.
"Getting the City of Topeka fixing roads quicker, and maybe spreading out the jobs you're doing instead of just one area, where people have to take massive detours," Killman said.
Killman went on to say he also would like Topeka to take more responsibility for sidewalk repair. Currently, Topeka offers to pay half of the repair costs for sidewalks on people's properties.
"It's a city-owned sidewalk," Killman said. "You can't change it. You can't get rid of it. You had no choice in it being there. It can be very expensive to fix, and you can be held viable for something you don't own. I'd like for that cost to brought back to the city, to save homeowners."
Killman said Topekan's should vote for him
"I think the community of Topeka should vote for me because I will make things cleaner," Killman said. "I'll make things smoother. I'll get things done faster. I'll make us feel like a community again."
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: What Topeka issues does mayoral candidate Gabriel Killman want to fix?
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