Hope, Belief, and Calling
From the moment I released the satire article for running for Mayor of Topeka, my heart began to fill with hope. Many residents reaching out for the hope that our city could grow into something greater, belief that the people of Topeka deserve leadership that listens, and a calling to be the kind of leader who doesn’t just promise change but embodies it.
I’ve spent my life learning from experiences—both wins and losses. Every job, every challenge, every setback has shaped me into the person I am today. That’s why I felt so strongly about stepping up to serve this city in a bigger way. Not because I’m a politician, but because I’m a resident, a father, a leader in my community, and someone who has seen firsthand the struggles and triumphs of Topeka’s people.
Pushback and the Realities of Politics
However, with that decision came challenges—both expected and unexpected. I shared my intentions with some and their reactions were not what I had hoped. I was met with doubt, resistance, and ultimately, limitations on my ability to continue forward.
I was reminded that politics is a ruthless game, where past mistakes are weaponized, where personal history is dug up, and where instead of focusing on what a candidate can do for the people, the conversation turns into how to tear them down. I was told that because I don’t have a background in politics, I wouldn’t stand a chance. That my past—including debts from my entrepreneurial journey and personal decisions—would be used against me. But here’s the thing: I have never been ashamed of my past and have always had to make decisions to make sure my wife and son were taken care of. My past has shaped me into the man I am today. Every experience, every struggle, every lesson learned has made me stronger and more capable of leading with wisdom, humility, and authenticity.
I have never hidden from my journey, and I never will. But I also have to acknowledge that running for office isn’t just about me—it impacts those around me. And in this season of my life, that impact could weigh heavy on my wife, my son, and my ability to move forward in a way that felt right.
Politics Shouldn’t Be About Tearing Others Down
One of the biggest realizations I’ve had during this process is how much politics needs to change. The idea that competition means tearing down your opponent rather than standing on your own vision is the very reason so many good people avoid stepping into leadership roles. Running for mayor should be about presenting ideas, offering solutions, and inspiring people to believe in something better—not attacking the personal lives of those who dare to step up.
If a candidate’s first move is to destroy another, rather than to build something meaningful, then they aren’t truly running for the people—they’re running for themselves. I wanted my campaign to be different. I wanted to bring people together, to show that leadership isn’t about titles, but about actions. That’s why, even though I won’t be running, I want to share the platform I was going to use—because Topeka deserves more, and I hope whoever becomes our next mayor takes these priorities seriously.
A Future Built by Us, for Us
Public Safety: Safe Communities Start with Trust & Opportunity
- Invest in mentorship & youth programs to prevent crime before it starts, not just policing.
- Support mental health crisis teams for intervention-based responses.
- Strengthen police-community relationships with ride-alongs, open forums, and direct engagement.
- Expand re-entry programs to help individuals reintegrate into society.
Why it matters: A safe city isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about hope, opportunity, and trust.
Economic Growth: A Topeka Where Everyone Can Prosper
- Support small businesses & local entrepreneurs with fewer barriers and more resources.
- Expand workforce development & trade skills programs.
- Partner with local businesses to create job pipelines.
- Encourage innovation & investment in tech, creative industries, and local businesses.
Why it matters: A strong local economy is built by investing in our own people, not hiring from outside.
Housing: Affordable, Accessible, and Livable for Everyone
- Expand first-time homebuyer programs.
- Turn abandoned buildings into affordable housing projects.
- Make known to the landlords empty properties should be encouraged to rent and keep rents fair.
- Strengthen housing assistance programs for families and individuals in need.
Why it matters: Everyone deserves a fair shot at homeownership and stable housing.
Infrastructure: Fixing What’s Broken, Building for the Future
- Prioritize fixing neglected roads & sidewalks in all neighborhoods.
- Hold contractors accountable for quality and responsive repairs.
- Expose food deserts and expand public transit options for better accessibility.
- Develop smart infrastructure solutions to maintain roads before they fail.
Why it matters: Good infrastructure is a necessity, not a luxury.
Addressing Homelessness: A Human Approach to a Growing Crisis
- Increase access to mental health & addiction recovery services.
- Support job training & employment programs.
- Expand transitional housing & emergency shelter options.
- Work with community organizations that are already leading the charge.
Why it matters: Homelessness is a people crisis, and we need real, compassionate solutions.
Government Transparency: Leadership That Listens
- Host regular town halls in every district.
- Make city data and budgets easier to access.
- Empower neighborhood councils & community leaders.
- Create and respond to an online feedback platform for resident concerns.
Why it matters: Government should be open, accessible, and accountable.
Looking to the Future
Topeka deserves a leader who isn’t afraid to listen, to act, and to fight for the future of this city. Though I won’t be on the ballot, I still believe in this mission. I hope that those stepping up to run for office take these priorities seriously—because they’re not about me, they’re about the people of Topeka.
✔ A Topeka where businesses thrive, and families can build real wealth.
✔ A Topeka where public safety is about trust, support, and investment in people.
✔ A Topeka where leadership is transparent and accountable.
My campaign was never about a title—it was about proving that anyone, regardless of their past, their struggles, or their background, can step up and make a difference. That mission doesn’t end just because my name won’t be on a ballot. I will continue using my voice, my platform, and my influence to push for a better Topeka.
To everyone who supported me in this journey: thank you. This is not the end—this is just the beginning of something even bigger.
#TopekaDeservesMore
Media Contact:
Tevyn Harmon
[email protected]
