Topeka City Councilmember Christina Valdivia-Alcalá is raising alarms about the city’s financial future and leadership decisions, citing multimillion-dollar budget deficits projected for the next three years. In a recent Facebook post, she accused the city of failing to take meaningful action while residents continue to feel the weight of rising property taxes, utility rates, and salaries.
Her strongest criticism centered on what she called the city’s refusal to collect nearly $8 million in unpaid back taxes, specials, and penalties from local developer Jim Klausman. Valdivia-Alcalá argued that the city should pursue legal action or cut off services, rather than ignoring the debt.
She also directed frustration at Mayor Mike Padilla, saying he has “looked away” from Klausman’s unpaid debt and instead scolded community members who spoke at council meetings about accountability and police reform.
According to Valdivia-Alcalá, Topeka’s city manager, who earns more than $256,000 annually, has now declined to meet with legislators, social workers, pastors, and other advocates pushing for changes in policing. She said the refusal signals entrenched systems unwilling to listen to residents.
Valdivia-Alcalá, once a supporter of Councilmember Robert Perez, also expressed disappointment in his performance, alleging he has failed to follow through on promises. She said his request for a 5% pay raise during a budget crisis was particularly troubling.
“The whole of Topeka is being hurt by these entrenched systems,” she wrote, calling for more accountability and structural change.
