---------- Forwarded message ---------
From:
Rhonda Underwood <prettyidangel@yahoo.com>Date: Mon, Oct 21, 2024, 11:30 AM
Subject: Shawnee County Commission Meeting October 17, 2024
To: Henry McClure <
mcre13@gmail.com>
Dear Mr. Henry McClure,
I would like to take the opportunity and commend you for continuing to bring straightforward awareness to the community. Through watching many of your video's, I've been made aware of some issue's that are very troubling as a citizen. Being honest and open is truly the best, especially when there is division, corruption, no accountability, discrimination, lawsuits and etc. that seem to be an issue at many levels.
On many occasions, you continue to show up for "public comment" and I applaud your constant impact of speaking for the community. I find your direct approach to "problem solving" is more conducive than what has happened in Topeka for quite awhile. Often time's I question violations' of people's 1st Amendment right, Ralph M. Brown Act and Robert's Rules of Order during meetings. Those are serious violations and should never be taken lightly.
On October 17, 2024 when Mr. Kevin Cook asked if their was anyone wishing to speak at public comment, I heard Mr. Bill Riphahn say "of course" with a tone of possible "disgust" and what sounded as "chuckle" from Mr. Aaron Mays as you stood to walk to the podium...unprofessional. The interruption of your comment by Mr. Rich Eckert during your public comment was inappropriate and his conduct was vile. Mr. Kevin Cook, being the Chairperson, didn't handle this outburst as he should have. It's speaks volumes when "blame and shame" mentality is used when you or anyone else asks questions for clarity and accountability. When our City has been hit with lawsuits, due to "violations" of any sort by and through entities, it doesn't reflect well. It causes more than just not "trusting"...it's betrayal too.
Since your first video about Lauren's Bay and finding that Mr. James Klausman has been "looked over" on paying taxes is a disgrace. First and foremost, he knows what's owed and should pay. I would question how many other's may get "special treatment"? How and why did this happen? Over a decade...WOW, JUST WOW! And his building you did the video on and the code compliance issue. What's more tragic, is the fact MANY City and County elected officials, the Go Topeka, Chamber of Commerce and etc. KNOW!
The large amounts of money being paid for consultant's for EVERYTHING is waste, along with so much more. The citizen's aren't being heard and being taxed out of their home's. The homeless has increased, resources are sparse, mentally ill and etc. continues to increase. This city is in shambles and on a downward spiral. Lots of fluff and word's with big dollar signs and no action with light in the darkness.
Wondering how "certain" businesses and/or people get benefit of Go Topeka, while other's do not. The amount of salary to those employed and overhead is enormous. You "pay" to be a "member" for all the extra fringe benefits seems questionable. It's quite ironic how people are shuffled into positions as well. On the "Choose Topeka" program and ALL the money paid to bring people here wasn't impacted. Maybe they should give a report on the number of those that came still in Topeka paying taxes or did they fly the coop to somewhere else?
There's a multitude of many issue's to be looked into and postive solution to move forward. You're wanting to have accountability, lowering taxes, more public comment and etc. is refreshing. You've stayed the course and your word's have stayed the same. I believe you have the leadership skills to bring forth what Topeka has lacked for some time. I appreciate you.
Sincerely,
Rhonda M. Underwood
