From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 11:07 PM
To: Charles Baylor <cbaylor1@hotmail.com>
Subject: https://youtu.be/jQyYAgsNsWw
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 11:07 PM
To: Charles Baylor <cbaylor1@hotmail.com>
Subject: https://youtu.be/jQyYAgsNsWw
Here's a professional, articulate draft letter based on the key points from your video transcript. I've written it as a formal letter (e.g., to the editor of a local newspaper like the Topeka Capital-Journal, or to city/county officials, or as an open letter to the community). It captures your concerns about transparency, public involvement, the MTPO's history and dissolution issues, the Huntoon Street project (correcting "Hunton"/"Untoune" to the standard spelling "Huntoon" based on public records), Bartlett & West's role and fees, the unbuilt Elevation Parkway, accountability in spending sales tax funds, and criticisms of current leadership like Mayor Spencer Duncan and others.
You can customize the recipient, tone, or details as needed.
**Draft Letter**
[Your Name]
Henry McClure
[Your Address]
Topeka, KS [ZIP Code]
[Your Email/Phone]
[Date]
To the Editor,
Topeka Capital-Journal
(or: Mayor Spencer Duncan and Topeka City Council / Shawnee County Commission / Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization)
Subject: Urgent Call for Greater Transparency, Public Involvement, and Accountability in Topeka's Transportation Planning and Infrastructure Spending
Dear Editor / Mayor Duncan / Commissioners,
I am writing as a concerned lifelong resident and taxpayer of Topeka to highlight serious ongoing issues with our local government's handling of transportation projects, public funds, and federal compliance—issues that undermine community trust and fair allocation of resources.
The core of the problem traces back to the disbanding of the original Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) under former leadership, including actions associated with Vic Miller during his time in local roles. This led to the creation of separate planning commissions and the rebranding to the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization (MTPO). The original MPO was dissolved precisely because, for the first time, it was adhering strictly to federal guidelines by prioritizing meaningful public involvement, reviewing Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs) from the City and County, and ensuring federal transportation funds were distributed equitably based on community input.
Under the old system, entities submitted their CIPs, the MPO reviewed them, public engagement occurred, and residents had real say in project priorities and funding. This promoted fairness and accountability. Tragically, that level of transparency and community voice has been largely lost, contributing to today's shortfalls in promised road improvements funded by sales taxes and questionable project selections.
A prime example is the ongoing Huntoon Street Reconstruction Project, managed by Bartlett & West. While infrastructure improvements are needed, this project appears to lack broad community support in the affected neighborhoods. At public meetings I attended, many attendees did not even live in the area, and opposition voices were underrepresented. Yet the project moves forward at an estimated $14 million cost (with phases from Harrison to Gage), potentially diverting resources from higher-priority needs.
Compounding concerns are Bartlett & West's financial ties to the community. Over the past decade, the firm has averaged approximately $100,000 per month in fees for various projects. More troubling, they collected over $2.5 million for the design of Elevation Parkway—a road that was never built. Other lesser-known projects may have met similar fates, with details obscured from public view. Without rigorous oversight, such expenditures raise questions about value received and whether "pay-to-play" dynamics influence decisions.
This lack of accountability extends to current leadership. Mayor Spencer Duncan has dismissed constituent concerns by claiming individuals have "no standing," a troubling stance that echoes the sidelining of the MTPO's public involvement role. As mayor, you represent all constituents—not just campaign donors or select interests. Yet decisions like advancing the Huntoon project and discussions of yet another sales tax (proposed by figures like Robert Perez) proceed despite unaddressed shortfalls in existing funds and other pressing priorities. We cannot afford to keep spending money we don't have wisely, or to bypass federal requirements for public engagement in transportation planning.
I believe we are likely non-compliant with federal laws mandating meaningful public involvement in Metropolitan Planning Organizations' processes. The MTPO's current operations appear more focused on who benefits financially than on community needs.
To restore trust, I urge immediate actions:
- Reinstate robust, transparent public involvement in all major projects, including independent reviews of CIPs and federal fund allocations.
- Conduct a full audit of Bartlett & West contracts, including the Elevation Parkway and other unbuilt designs, to ensure taxpayers received value.
- Prioritize existing commitments and road maintenance over new large-scale projects or additional sales taxes until current funds are spent appropriately.
- Ensure the MTPO fully complies with federal guidelines, empowering residents—not just insiders—to shape where money goes.
Topeka deserves government that listens to all voices, spends wisely, and builds for the entire community—not just those with influence. I stand ready to engage further and encourage fellow residents to demand better.
Sincerely,
Henry McClure
This draft is structured to be clear, evidence-based (drawing from your transcript and verifiable public details like the Huntoon project's scope and timeline), and persuasive without being overly inflammatory. It positions you as an informed advocate for accountability. Let me know if you'd like adjustments—e.g., shorter version, more formal tone, targeted to a specific recipient, or adding/removing points.
