Hailey
Are you curious about the voices running for office in Emporia? Meet Kurt Steinkuhler, a retired businessman who now wants to give back to his city by serving on the Emporia City Commission.
In this Candidate Spotlight, he shares his views on property taxes, economic growth, housing, and even a possible new sales tax. Let’s see what he stands for — in simple words.
Why Steinkuhler Wants to Serve
Kurt Steinkuhler says that since retirement, he has more time and motivation to help his community. He feels strongly about issues in Emporia and believes he can make a difference by working with others and pushing for smarter policies.
Tackling High Property Taxes
One major topic Steinkuhler raises is property taxes — he believes they are too high in Emporia. Here’s what he thinks causes the rise:
- Home prices are going up, which pushes tax rates higher
- The city needs money for roads, utilities, and infrastructure
- Lack of cooperation among local bodies makes tax relief harder
To try to reduce taxes, he supports a joint task force involving:
- Lyon County
- USD 253 (Emporia Public Schools)
- Emporia Recreation Commission
Even though these groups haven’t fully agreed yet, Steinkuhler thinks the discussion is valuable. He believes some operations might even be combined to save money.
The Idea of a Half-Percent Sales Tax
Another idea on the table: a ½ percent sales tax. Steinkuhler suggests this tax could:
- Fund special projects (for example, parks, roads, or other big work)
- Help offset property taxes, so homeowners pay less
He sees this as a way to bring new money into the city without over-burdening property owners.
Regional Development and Its Challenges
The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas has been without a permanent leader for more than 18 months. Steinkuhler thinks that:
- Restructuring has caused confusion
- Disagreements among members slowed progress
- The changes added more voting members and included Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College
Even though the process is messy, he supports working through it. He believes a stable leadership and clear purpose are needed to move forward.
Housing: Build New or Repair Old
When it comes to housing, Steinkuhler admits new homes will always be built. But he pushes for a focus on infill development — that means:
- Using vacant or unused land inside the city
- Rehabilitating older, run-down houses
- Making code changes so developers see these projects as worthwhile
He feels the city rules should encourage developers to invest in both new and existing neighborhoods.
Quick Summary
Here’s a simple comparison of Steinkuhler’s ideas:
| Issue | Steinkuhler’s Position |
|---|---|
| Property Taxes | Are high because of rising home values and infrastructure costs |
| Joint Task Force | Wants cooperation among county, schools, recreation to reduce spending |
| ½% Sales Tax | Suggested to fund projects and ease pressure on property owners |
| Regional Development | Supports reform and clear leadership despite past internal issues |
| Housing Strategy | Emphasizes infill and rehab over only new construction |
Collaboration Is Key
Overall, Steinkuhler’s approach is about working together. Whether it’s the county, schools, or city departments, he believes collaboration can lower costs.
He also leans on flexible solutions (like combining certain services or using a tax for special needs) and housing that balances new growth and repairs.
Kurt Steinkuhler’s vision for Emporia is built around teamwork, smart spending, and balanced development. He wants to lower the tax burden on homeowners by bringing people and institutions to the table.
He also backs a possible half-percent sales tax to support special projects and reduce reliance on property taxes. He doesn’t just look forward — he also wants to revitalize older parts of the city through infill and rehabilitation.
If elected, he plans to push for transparent leadership in regional associations and encourage all parts of Emporia to work as one. His ideas are rooted in fairness and long-term benefit for residents, especially those needing relief.