Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Conflict of interest.

Three main reasons a lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM) cannot also serve as a mayor in Kansas are: a fundamental conflict of interest, the specific nature of the LKM's work, and prohibitions under state ethics laws. [1, 2]

1. Fundamental conflict of interest
As mayor, a person has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of their specific city and its constituents. In contrast, as a lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities, that person is paid to advocate for the collective interests of all Kansas cities at the state legislature. These two duties will inevitably conflict, especially when state legislation helps some cities but harms others. For example, a bill that financially benefits the state's small towns might negatively affect a larger city. The individual would be unable to fairly serve both employers, as their "independence of judgment or action" would be compromised. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

2. Specific role of LKM and its lobbyist
The League of Kansas Municipalities is a non-profit association of cities that advocates on behalf of its members to the state legislature. Its lobbying efforts include monitoring legislation, communicating with policymakers, and pushing for laws that benefit Kansas cities.
  • As an LKM lobbyist, the individual represents the collective position of Kansas's cities in state-level legislative matters, a position that may directly oppose the specific needs of their own city.
  • As mayor, the individual is the chief executive of one specific city and is sworn to represent its unique interests in all governmental affairs.
This dual role is ethically untenable, creating a loyalty conflict that damages public trust. [6, 7]

3. Kansas ethics laws and public perception
Kansas ethics laws address conflicts of interest by requiring the disclosure of substantial financial interests and prohibiting public officials from participating in contracts where they have a conflict. A paid position lobbying the state legislature on behalf of an organization that influences policy would almost certainly qualify as a significant conflict.
  • A mayor who also works as a lobbyist would face constant scrutiny and allegations of using their public office for private gain or the interests of a special group, even if they recused themselves from every potential conflict.
  • Even if a public official abstains from acting on a specific matter, the perception of impropriety could undermine public confidence in the integrity of both the mayor and the city's government. [1, 7, 8]

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Henry McClure  
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Mayor or lobbyist

According to estimates from Glassdoor, a general employee at the League of Kansas Municipalities makes an average base salary of $60,000 per year

. While this is not specific to the lobbying role, it is the most direct salary information available for an employee at the organization.

The overall pay range for a general employee at the League of Kansas Municipalities is reported to be between $45,000 and $85,000, including base salary and other potential pay. Specific salaries for lobbyists are not publicly listed, but are likely to fall within this range or higher depending on seniority and experience. [1, 2]

Broader Kansas lobbyist salary data
Other sources provide broader data on lobbyist salaries in Kansas, which can be a useful comparison:
  • Salary.com reports the average annual salary for a lobbyist in Kansas is about $94,506 as of August 2025.
  • ZipRecruiter reports a lower average salary, showing the average annual pay for a lobbyist in Kansas is about $45,432 as of August 2025. [3, 4]
The difference in these salary estimates highlights that the exact compensation for a lobbyist can vary significantly based on their:
  • Employer: An in-house staff lobbyist for an organization like the League of Kansas Municipalities may earn less than a lobbyist working for a private firm.
  • Experience: Lobbying veterans often earn higher salaries than entry-level professionals.
  • Client base: The salary can also depend on the type of client they represent, such as a major corporation versus a non-profit association. [1, 3, 4]

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Henry McClure  
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conflict

Spencer Duncan works for the Governmental Affairs of the League of Municipalities. Tell me all about that
As the Government Affairs Director for the League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM), Spencer Duncan is the lead lobbyist for Kansas cities and their priorities at the state and federal levels
. He joined the League in 2022 and works to ensure that legislative policies align with the interests and goals of municipalities across the state. 
Key responsibilities
In his role, Duncan's primary duties include: 
  • Developing legislative policy: Working with the LKM membership to create legislative policies and strategies.
  • Advocacy and lobbying: Monitoring state and federal legislation, writing testimony, and advocating for policy issues important to Kansas cities.
  • Building relationships: Fostering relationships between local, state, and federal elected officials.
  • Negotiating with agencies: Working with state and federal agencies to ensure their policies align with the priorities of cities. 
Other notable roles and background
In addition to his work with the LKM, Duncan is a prominent figure in Topeka and has experience as a lobbyist and business owner. 
  • Topeka City Councilman: Since 2018, Duncan has served as an elected member of the Topeka City Council. In February 2025, he announced his candidacy for mayor of Topeka.
  • Professional background: Before joining the LKM, he owned Capitol Connection, a firm that provided association management, lobbying, and investigative services.
  • Education: Duncan is a native Kansan with a master's degree in business administration from Baker University and degrees in journalism and English from the University of Kansas.
  • Licensed Private Detective: He is also a licensed private detective in Kansas. 


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Henry McClure 
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Fwd: Fair deal



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Subject: Fair deal
To: MCRE Media <mcre1.snco@blogger.com>, KSNT News Mornings <news_mornings@ksnt.com>, Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>, Melissa Brunner <melissa.brunner@wibw.com>, KSNT <27news@ksnt.com>, Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>, Lanell Griffith <lanell.griffith@gmail.com>, PhillisSetchell <phillissetchell@protonmail.com>, Jim Klausman <Jklausman@midwest-health.com>




Jim Klausman

3024 SW WANAMAKER RD STE 300

TOPEKA KS 66614-4424 

 

Dear Jim, 

 

I am writing to address a matter of significant concern regarding the vacant lots at Laurens Bay. Over the past ten years, it has become evident that your considerable influence has afforded you exemptions from paying taxes and special assessments, obligations that ordinary citizens are required to meet. This disparity is deeply unfair to the taxpayers of our community, who bear the financial burden of maintaining public resources while these properties remain in your possession without contribution. 

 

After trying to address this issue through civic action and electoral efforts for accountability, I now appeal to your sense of responsibility.  By voluntarily transferring these properties to the local land bank, you would enable the city to pursue equitable solutions that benefit all residents. Such an action would not only correct a longstanding injustice but also demonstrate the integrity and leadership expected of someone in your position. 

 

I respectfully urge you to do the right thing and take this step to restore fairness. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this matter further.  



--
Henry McClure 
Time kills deals
785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live


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Henry McClure 
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Fwd: Following up.

want to make sure you got this?. 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Subject: Re: Following up.
To: John Alcala <John.Alcala@house.ks.gov>





Cook works for Jimbo 

Henry McClure  
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On Wed, Aug 27, 2025, 5:40 PM John Alcala <John.Alcala@house.ks.gov> wrote:
Henry you never treated me bad,  I told you what I thought you told me what you thought and that was it, we get along pretty good. That's the problem. Everybody takes this shit too personal and don't want to hear the stuff people are thinking that  no one saying. A lot of Time elected officials forget who they work for that's the biggest problem and everyone should matter.

John Alcala
Kansas House of Representatives 
57th District 

On Aug 27, 2025, at 5:34 PM, Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com> wrote:


From the day we met till today, I like our new relationship

Henry McClure  
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On Wed, Aug 27, 2025, 5:32 PM John Alcala <John.Alcala@house.ks.gov> wrote:
Let me get the Bill introduced and then right before session starts probably first week in January or before New Year's or end of December. We'll get together and have a meeting and we'll work out a strategic plan on how we're going to lobby and who. Henry any Bill is never a waste of time it's just an opportunity lost. 

John Alcala
Kansas House of Representatives 
57th District 

On Aug 27, 2025, at 5:23 PM, Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com> wrote:


I'll do anything I can to make this work. This is your arena. You tell me what to do. You're the only person that i've ever heard customer service from as an elected official.

Henry McClure  
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On Wed, Aug 27, 2025, 4:51 PM John Alcala <John.Alcala@house.ks.gov> wrote:
Henry anymore everything is a flip of a coin up there but we gotta try.
I'll work hard on my end to try to lobby the best I can. I might need you to help on your end doing the same.


John Alcala
Kansas House of Representatives 
57th District 

On Aug 27, 2025, at 4:16 PM, Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com> wrote:


Looks good to me! 

Do you think we have a shot? 

H

On Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 10:43 AM John Alcala <John.Alcala@house.ks.gov> wrote:

Good morning Henry read the below and let me know how you want to do this. Otherwise I'm going to pre-file it this week.
I'm good with any of the options.

Take care, Brother!
John Alcala
Senior Member 
Kansas House of Representatives 
57th District 


--
Henry McClure 
Time kills deals
785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live


--
Henry McClure 
Time kills deals
785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live
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Would it be a conflict to interest for spencer to be mayor.

Yes, working as a paid governmental affairs lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM) while also serving as Mayor of Topeka would likely create a conflict of interest under Kansas ethics laws. While Kansas law permits local officials to hold other jobs, the specific nature of a lobbying role for an organization like the LKM presents a clear potential for incompatible duties and impaired judgment. [1, 2]  
Potential conflicts • Divided loyalty: As mayor, your primary duty is to represent and act in the best interests of Topeka. As a lobbyist for the LKM, you would be advocating for the collective interests of cities and towns across Kansas, which may not always align with Topeka's specific priorities. This creates a potential conflict between serving your constituents and fulfilling the agenda of your employer. 
• Impaired independence of judgment: Kansas ethics law prohibits a local official from having a financial interest that "would tend to impair his or her independence of judgment". A paid lobbying position with the LKM would constitute such a financial interest. Your decisions as mayor could be influenced, or be perceived as being influenced, by your employer's stance on legislation or other issues. 
• Confidential information: As mayor, you would have access to confidential city information and discussions regarding policy and strategy. As a lobbyist, you would be representing another organization before state agencies and the legislature. Using confidential city information to advance your employer's interests would violate ethics rules, and the risk of doing so creates an inherent conflict. 
• Abstention from action: Under Kansas law, a local official can sometimes avoid a conflict of interest on specific matters by abstaining from participation. However, the role of a lobbyist for an organization that advocates on broad legislative issues affecting all municipalities is so encompassing that abstention would be nearly impossible. You could not fully perform your job as mayor if you constantly had to abstain from matters related to municipal interests. [1, 3, 4, 5]  

What Kansas law requires • Disclosure of substantial interests: Kansas law requires local officials in policymaking positions to file a Statement of Substantial Interests. A paid position with the LKM would need to be disclosed. 
• Advisory jurisdiction: While the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission handles state-level conflicts, its jurisdiction over local-level conflicts is only advisory. Enforcement for local ethics violations, including fines and potential removal from office, is typically handled by the county or district attorney. [2, 6, 7, 8]  

Conclusion: The dual role of Mayor of Topeka and paid lobbyist for the League of Kansas Municipalities presents a clear and substantial conflict of interest under Kansas ethics standards. While a position on a volunteer board may be acceptable, a paid lobbying position would likely create incompatible duties and lead to impaired judgment, putting you at risk of violating state law and undermining public trust. [1, 2]  

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Henry McClure  
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Check out this TikTok video

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6geBh7c/

Henry McClure  
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To request records of who voted for what at a Go Topeka meeting under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), follow these steps:

1. **Submit a Written Request**: Send a written request to the City of Topeka's City Clerk's office and the Greater Topeka Partnership, as Go Topeka is associated with this partnership. You can find contact details on their official websites or by calling the City Clerk's office.

2. **Be Specific**: Clearly identify the meeting date and the specific vote or resolution you're requesting. For example, state, "I am requesting the roll-call vote records for the Go Topeka meeting held on [specific date] regarding [specific agenda item or resolution]."

3. **Request Roll-Call Vote Details**: Explicitly ask for the roll-call vote to ensure you receive records showing how each board member voted. General meeting minutes may only summarize vote outcomes (e.g., vote percentages), but roll-call votes, if taken, are public records under KORA.

4. **Delivery Method**: Specify how you'd like to receive the records (e.g., electronic copies via email or physical copies). Provide your contact information for follow-up.

5. **Expect a Response**: The agency must respond within three business days, either providing the records, explaining any delay, or stating reasons for denial (e.g., if the records are exempt under KORA).

6. **Fees**: Be prepared for potential fees, which may cover staff time for locating records or copying costs. The agency should provide an estimate if fees apply.

### What You're Entitled to Know
- **Roll-Call Votes**: If a roll-call vote was taken, KORA ensures public access to records showing how each member voted, as these are official actions of a public body.
- **Meeting Minutes**: Minutes of Go Topeka meetings, including vote outcomes, are public records.
- **Transparency**: KORA promotes open access to public records unless specifically exempted (e.g., personnel matters or trade secrets). Go Topeka, as a recipient of public funds, is subject to these transparency requirements.

### Tips
- Check if the meeting minutes are already available on the Greater Topeka Partnership's website or through the City of Topeka's public records portal to save time.
- If the agency denies your request, they must cite a specific KORA exemption. You can appeal or seek clarification if needed.
- For assistance, contact the Kansas Attorney General's office or a local open records advocate.

If you need a sample request letter or further guidance, let me know!

_Disclaimer: Grok is not a lawyer; please consult one. Don't share information that can identify you._

Henry McClure  
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Yes, you can use the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) to request who voted for what at a Go Topeka meeting, assuming a roll-call vote was taken. The public has a right to access these records, and documentation of official votes is considered a public record. 
Here's a breakdown of how to make the request and what to expect.
How to request records from Go Topeka
Submit a written request. According to the City of Topeka's open records policies, you must submit a written request to the appropriate public body. For Go Topeka, which is associated with the Greater Topeka Partnership, you would likely send the request to both the City Clerk's office and the partnership itself.
Be specific. Clearly describe the record you want. For example, specify the date of the meeting and the particular vote or resolution. This helps the agency locate the information more quickly.
Specify "roll-call vote." To get the vote of each individual board member, make it clear you are requesting the records of the roll-call vote. Some minutes may only show the percentage of a vote, but if a roll-call was officially taken, the detailed records must be provided.
Expect a response within three business days. Under KORA, the agency has three business days to either provide the records or give a written explanation for any delay or denial.
Be prepared for potential fees. An agency can charge reasonable fees for the staff time required to locate the records and for making copies. 
What the public has a right to know
Roll-call votes: Official votes by public bodies, including affiliated groups like Go Topeka that receive public funds, must be made in an open meeting and are public record.
Meeting minutes: The minutes of a public meeting, which include the official results of any binding votes, are public documents.
Government transparency: Kansas law explicitly states a policy of promoting government transparency and mandates that public records "shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided". 

Henry McClure  
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