District 2 candidates debate

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Mar 5, 2003 by Alicia Henrikson Capital-Journal

Next forum

The Friends of Police will sponsor a city council candidate forum at 7 p.m. today at the Holiday Inn Holidome, 605 S.W. Fairlawn Road.

By Alicia Henrikson

The Capital-Journal

Topeka City Council candidate J. Joaquin Padilla said Tuesday afternoon that people should have equal treatment and justice regardless of race, creed or sexual orientation.

"We all have been placed on this planet by the good Lord," he said. "We all need protection. If there should be laws to protect a group against discrimination, then I think we need to enforce that law. If there is not a law on the books, then I think we need to write that law and I think we need to enforce it."

Padilla was speaking at a forum for council District 2 candidates sponsored by the North Topeka Business Alliance. The forum drew about 50 residents, one of whom asked Padilla and Councilman John Alcala how they would vote if an anti-discrimination ordinance involving sexual orientation was brought back before the council.

Alcala said he would again vote against the ordinance. He said he couldn't support it because there was no way to know its effects. He noted that he did vote in favor of an anti-hate ordinance involving sexual orientation.

Frank Kern, president of the North Topeka Business Alliance, said the latest redistricting of city council districts gives North Topeka more input on who represents the area. The new boundary lines placed all of North Topeka in District 2. It previously was split between districts 1 and 2.

Alcala and Padilla also were asked about annexation and budget issues.

Padilla said he would have to listen to pros and cons before taking a position on an annexation. He also said he would have to be convinced that the city would be able to provide necessary services to the area.

"I cannot say I am opposed to annexation," he said. "But it is a way to increase growth and the tax base."

Alcala said he would support annexation if a developer was willing to sign a consent to annex form, but he didn't like the idea of a unilateral annexation.

"We have problems with services now in the city," he said. "People in central Topeka and North Topeka know that."

Alcala also said he wasn't in favor of a tax increase. He said he would rather see the city tighten its budget, and he is examining consolidating city and county departments.

Padilla said he would only favor a tax increase as a last resort. He said he would suggest a top-to-bottom check of department budgets, similar to that ordered at the state level by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

"Sometimes, you just need to shuffle around money," he said.

J. Joaquin Padilla

John Alcala

Hear District 2 candidates discuss why they are seeking office and find city council coverage.

www.cjonline.com