If the shoe fits

Narcissistic behaviors are centered on an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a profound lack of empathy for others. These behaviors, which can range from mild tendencies to a clinical diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), are designed to protect a fragile, hidden sense of insecurity by projecting an image of superiority and entitlement. [1, 2, 3]  

A mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy, often causing significant impairment in relationships. Key behaviors include: 

Core Characteristics 

• Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance: Exaggerating achievements, talents, and expecting to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements. 

• Need for Excessive Admiration: Constantly requiring praise, validation, and attention to bolster their ego. 

• Lack of Empathy: Being unwilling or unable to recognize or care about the feelings, needs, and perspectives of others. 

• Sense of Entitlement: Believing they are special and deserving of favorable treatment,, often disregarding the rules or rights of others. [2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]  

Interpersonal Behaviors 

• Exploitative Relationships: Manipulating, taking advantage of, or using others to achieve their own goals. 

• Arrogant Attitudes: Displaying haughty, snobby, or disdainful behavior, often looking down on others. 

• Envy and Competition: Frequently envying others' successes or believing others are envious of them. 

• Fantasies of Power/Success: Being preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. [3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10]  

Emotional and Tactical Responses 

• Fragile Self-Esteem: Despite the outward confidence, they are highly sensitive to criticism, reacting with rage, shame, or humiliation. 

• Gaslighting and Manipulation: Using manipulative tactics to control the narrative, distort reality, or shift blame onto others. 

• Boundary Violations: Ignoring personal boundaries, such as invading privacy or ignoring time/space constraints. 

• Boundary Blame-Shifting: Refusing to take responsibility for their actions and instead blaming others for their issues. [2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 12]  

These behaviors often form a rigid pattern that persists across different settings, such as in romantic, familial, or professional relationships. [13]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://hupcfl.com/narcissistic-personality-disorder-symptoms-and-causes/

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662

[3] https://amfmtreatment.com/blog/12-traits-of-a-narcissist/

[4] https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/9-signs-of-narcissistic-personality-disorder

[5] https://axismh.com/the-10-harmful-traits-of-a-narcissist-and-how-they-affect-your-mental-health/

[6] https://www.facebook.com/doctorramani/posts/there-are-7-key-signs-you-should-look-for-to-spot-narcissism-here-are-the-first-/540447147450711/

[7] https://www.talkspace.com/mental-health/conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms/

[8] https://apn.com/resources/14-signs-youre-dealing-with-a-narcissist/

[9] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder

[10] https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/personality-disorders/narcissistic-personality-disorder

[11] https://www.charliehealth.com/post/things-narcissists-say-in-an-argument-and-what-they-really-mean

[12] https://northlakebh.org/what-are-the-5-main-habits-of-a-narcissist/

[13] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissism

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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City

**Deep dive into the Topeka City Council meeting on April 14, 2026 (YouTube video: ~4 hours 10 minutes).**

This was a standard regular governing body meeting with all 10 council members present (Mayor Spencer L. Duncan presiding). It followed the typical structure of proclamations, presentations, consent agenda, ordinances/resolutions, discussion items, public comment, and announcements.

### Key Segments and Timestamps (from video description)

- **0:00–3:00+**: Call to Order, Invocation (by Pastor Delmer Allen White), Pledge, Roll Call.

- **3:34–10:55**: Proclamations.

  - **Fraud Prevention Month (April 2026)**: Highlighted billions in annual fraud losses, with older adults disproportionately affected (FTC estimates up to $81.5B stolen from them in 2024, average loss ~$83K). AARP representatives spoke on education, red flags, and victim support.

  - **Take Action for Autism (last weekend of April 2026)**: Easter Seals Midwest promoted awareness, inclusion, fundraising, and their Autism Summit. Representatives emphasized new Kansas initiatives and community events (April 24–26).

- **10:55–40:20**: Appointments and presentations.

  - ADA Advisory Council annual update.

  - Friends of the Topeka Zoo update.

  - **Oakland WWTP Remediation Review** (detailed technical discussion on wastewater treatment plant issues, bacterial/mold testing, endotoxins, health concerns in affected buildings, and remediation efforts).

- **1:49:08–2:17:40**: Consent Agenda (approved with minor pull for discussion on meeting schedules) and early ordinances (e.g., property maintenance code notices, 2024 International Building Code adoption with local amendments, pet permit deadlines).

- **2:26:35 onward – Item 6D: Ordinance Amending TMC Chapter 6.30 (Chickens and Roosters)**: The most discussed and widely covered item.

### Detailed Breakdown of the Chicken Ordinance Discussion

**Current Code (pre-proposal)**: No numeric limits on poultry. Domestic fowl/poultry must be kept ≥50 feet from neighboring dwellings and cannot create a public nuisance (noise, sanitation, etc.). No permit required.

**Proposed Changes** (presented by Animal Control Supervisor Jessica Bowers):

- **Limits**: Up to **8 hens** (no roosters) on properties <3 acres. Larger properties potentially exempt or different rules.

- **Permit**: Annual permit required (~$20 fee, subject to adjustment).

- **Rationale** (cited in meeting and follow-up reporting):

  - Rising complaints about noise (especially roosters at dawn), odors, sanitation, inadequate coops/shelters, and potential health/disease risks.

  - Surge in backyard chicken popularity (post-egg price spikes, homesteading interest).

  - Enforcement challenges without clear caps or permitting for tracking/inspections.

**Council Action**: The item was **not approved** at this meeting. It was referred back to the Policy & Finance Committee for further review, refinements, and public input. As of mid-May 2026, it remained under discussion (next committee meeting: June 3, 2026, at 1:30 PM). No final vote had passed; enforcement delays (e.g., to Oct. 1, 2026) were considered in committee talks.

**Public/Community Reaction**:

- Local business owners (e.g., chicken coop builders) criticized the “magic number” of 8, fees, and perceived overreach into personal food production/homesteading.

- Concerns about impacts on self-sufficiency amid rising egg costs.

- Calls for more community engagement and comparisons to peer cities.

### Other Notable Items

- **Fee Schedule Updates** and Governing Body meeting resolutions.

- **Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Budget Discussion** (~3:16).

- **Public Comment** (~3:50): Open period for residents.

- **Announcements and Adjournment**.

### Context and Outcomes

This meeting reflects routine local governance with proactive code updates (building/property codes) alongside responsive animal control adjustments driven by constituent complaints. The chicken ordinance gained traction online due to broader cultural interest in backyard farming. It highlights tensions between urban nuisance management, public health, and resident freedoms.

For the absolute fullest details, watch the video directly (especially 2:26:35+ for chickens) or check the City of Topeka’s Granicus site for the official agenda packet and (eventual) minutes. The ordinance remains pending as of the latest reports.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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In short, Topeka's municipal turnout reflects a classic American local-election problem: structurally low participation that rewards presence and name recognition over bold change.

Topeka's municipal election turnout is consistently low, typical of off-year local races in mid-sized U.S. cities, but it improves noticeably when a contested mayoral race is on the ballot.

Recent Turnout Data (City of Topeka / Shawnee County)

• 2025 General Election (Nov. 4): Approximately 22.3% turnout. Roughly 17,000+ ballots cast out of ~76,379 registered voters in the relevant areas. This was described as "above average" for a municipal cycle and higher than recent non-mayoral years. The mayoral race (Spencer Duncan vs. Henry McClure) drove interest, with Duncan winning ~75% (12,723 votes).
• 2025 Primary (Aug. 5): Much lower, around 9.74%.
• 2021 General (mayoral race): 20.25%.
• 2017 General (mayoral): 19.4%.
• 2013 General (mayoral, pre-November shift): 14.1%.

District-level examples from 2025:

• District 3 (Sylvia Ortiz vs. Daisy Karimi): Only ~846 votes total (482–364).
• District 1: ~1,345 votes.
• District 7 (very close race): ~2,850 votes.

Historical Context and Trends

Kansas moved municipal elections to November (odd years) starting around 2015–2017 to boost turnout by aligning with higher-visibility cycles. It helped somewhat — turnout in mayoral years now hovers in the high teens to low 20s — but remains far below even-year state/federal races (Kansas presidential turnout was ~63% in 2024).

Key drivers of low turnout:

• Nonpartisan, low-visibility races: City council seats often see minimal campaigning and media coverage.
• Small district sizes: Individual council races can have under 1,000 votes total.
• Incumbency and familiarity: Long-serving members like Ortiz benefit from loyal bases in low-turnout environments.
• Competing priorities: Voters prioritize national/federal elections; local ones feel distant or pre-determined.

When turnout rises:

• Contested mayoral races (as in 2025, 2021, 2017) add energy and media attention.
• Hot local issues (e.g., bonds, school board races on the same ballot).
• Early voting and weather (2025 saw strong early voting + pleasant Election Day).

Broader Comparison

• National municipal average: Often 15–25% in off-year local races; Topeka sits in the middle-to-lower end for cities its size (~125k–130k population).
• Implications: Low turnout favors incumbents, organized neighborhoods, and motivated bases. It reduces accountability pressure and can perpetuate long tenures despite stagnant conditions in certain districts. Efforts like the 2025 "TopCity25" voter challenge aimed to address this but yielded only modest gains.

In short, Topeka's municipal turnout reflects a classic American local-election problem: structurally low participation that rewards presence and name recognition over bold change. Mayoral years provide a modest lift, but overall engagement remains limited. For exact precinct-level or certified final numbers, check the Shawnee County Election Office site.

Why do they keep sending her back - --- What have you done for me lately?

 Deep Dive: Sylvia Ortiz’s Own Words Running Down Conditions in District 3 (East Topeka)

Sylvia Ortiz has been remarkably consistent — and blunt — over her 21 years on the council about the ongoing problems in the district she represents. She repeatedly describes East Topeka/District 3 as historically neglected, with crumbling infrastructure, blight, incomplete basic services, and slow progress even under her own watch. These aren’t opponent attacks or outsider critiques; they’re her own public statements in interviews, voters’ guides, and campaign coverage from 2017 through 2025.

Here are her direct quotes and statements (pulled from CJOnline reporting):

On Infrastructure & Streets (Her Most Repeated Theme)

• 2017 (voters’ guide, on pavement conditions and funding equity): She called certain East Topeka streets “very bad and dumpy” (specifically S.E. 6th and Golden) and noted S.E. Doane was “still a dirt street.” She asked publicly: “When will East Topeka streets get fixed?” while contrasting them with repeated repairs on west-side roads like Wanamaker.
• 2017: “East Topeka has been neglected for decades… We are slowly moving forward but have a long way to go.” (On the need for fair-share funding for streets, gutters, sidewalks, and other infrastructure.)
• 2021 (re-election interview): “There is so much work that needs to be done… Because we were neglected for decades, it’s going to take decades to get caught up.” She specifically hoped to finish S.E. 5th Street from California to Market and said she wanted “all streets in her district fixed.”

She has served on the Public Infrastructure Committee for years and routinely pushes Capital Improvement Program amendments, yet she keeps using language that frames the district as still behind.

On Sidewalks, Blight & Overall Condition

• She has acknowledged “cracks in the sidewalks” and “narrow streets” as core challenges residents face (from her pre-council NIA days, but repeated as context for why she ran and what still needs work).
• Blight and abandoned structures remain a recurring “priority.” In multiple cycles she has pushed for more action on boarded-up houses and small-business attraction, implying the problem persists.

On Youth, Safety & Quality of Life

• 2017 (after a juvenile fight at a National Night Out event in Betty Phillips Park): Called it a “terrible scene” and said the city needs greater investment in kids to keep them engaged.

On Ignoring Voters or Constituent Frustration

Public news coverage does not show widespread, on-the-record accusations that she personally “ignores” individual voters — she has a reputation for hands-on constituent service (accompanying residents to meetings, handling zoning issues, etc.). However:

• Her own repeated admissions that the district is “neglected,” “has a long way to go,” and will “take decades to catch up” (even after 12–16 years in office at the time of those quotes) open the door to the critique that the problems she highlights haven’t been solved under her long tenure.
• The credible 2025 challenge from Daisy Karimi (who took 43%) reflected some voter frustration with slow visible change, even if Ortiz still won. Social-media chatter and challenger comments often echo the “same representation for 20+ years, same complaints” theme.
• She entered office in 2005 precisely because she felt the previous District 3 rep was ignoring the neighborhood. After two decades of her voice at the table, she is still publicly describing many of the same core issues.

Bottom line from her own record: Sylvia Ortiz has never shied away from naming the problems in East Topeka — dumpy streets, dirt roads, neglected infrastructure, blight, and the need for equity with the west side. She frames them as decades-old issues that require decades more to fix. Critics (and your sarcastic angle) can fairly point out that she has been the longest-serving voice for the district during many of those “decades.”

District 3 got the perfect attendance trophy… a splash pad… clean celebrity jockstraps… another empty lot where development almost happened… and a councilwoman who keeps loudly describing the exact same problems she was elected to solve.

 Sylvia Ortiz: 21 Years of Showing Up… One Spray Park… Harlem Globetrotters’ Jockstraps… Killing Maverick… and Still Complaining About the Same “Dumpy” Streets

In local government, they say showing up is half the battle.

Sylvia Ortiz has perfected that half.

For the other half — you know, actually fixing the problems she keeps pointing out in East Topeka — the neighborhood is still waiting after twenty-one years.

Since 2005, she’s been the longest-serving member of the Topeka City Council in modern history. Plaques for perfect attendance? Check. Re-elections? Mostly locked in. Committee meetings on the Public Infrastructure Committee? Countless.

Her official bio’s proudest legacy: “Sylvia is very proud of being a major stakeholder in creating the first spray park in Samuel Jackson Park.”

One splash pad from 2011. Kids get misted. Mission accomplished.

But the accomplishments don’t stop there.

In 2023, when the Harlem Globetrotters couldn’t get their dirty uniforms, towels, and jockstraps washed, Councilwoman Ortiz personally loaded it all up and hauled it to the laundromat. True small-town hospitality — fresh drawers for the celebrities.

In 2025, she added another notch: helping kill the Maverik development deal on the old Ramada/Holidome site. A private project ready to clean up blight, bring jobs, and generate tax revenue — approved by the Planning Commission twice — got voted down 9-1 after her emotional testimony about “kids walking to school” in a district she doesn’t even represent. The vacant lot stays vacant. The weeds win.

And throughout it all, she’s been remarkably consistent about what’s wrong in her own District 3.

Her own words, over the years:

• East Topeka streets are “very bad and dumpy.”
• S.E. Doane is “still a dirt street.”
• S.E. 5th from California to Market “needs to be done soon.”
• “East Topeka has been neglected for decades… we are slowly moving forward but have a long way to go.”
• When will our residential streets get fixed like the west side’s?

She says these things in interviews, council meetings, and campaigns — in 2017, 2021, and right up through her 2025 re-election. Sidewalks? Still patchy. Blight and abandoned houses? Still a priority. Economic development and small businesses? Always on the wishlist. Youth and safety? Still needs more investment.

Twenty-one years. One spray park. Globetrotters’ dirty laundry service. Torpedoing a jobs project in another district. And the same “dumpy,” unfinished, neglected streets she’s been complaining about since the day she took office.

She entered politics in 2005 because the previous District 3 representative ignored neighborhood concerns. Fair enough.

But after two decades of her representation, those same concerns are still front and center — in her own public statements. The potholes she called out in 2017 are still rattling cars in 2026. The dirt roads and incomplete sidewalks remain “priorities.” The district is still “neglected,” according to the woman who’s been in charge of voicing its needs longer than anyone else in modern Topeka history.

Half the battle is showing up. The other half is showing results.

District 3 got the perfect attendance trophy… a splash pad… clean celebrity jockstraps… another empty lot where development almost happened… and a councilwoman who keeps loudly describing the exact same problems she was elected to solve.

The potholes? Still undefeated. The vacant lots? Thriving. The complaints? Evergreen.

That’s leadership, Topeka style.