1. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being most important), how do you rank the importance of each of the following:

2. Do you support a popular vote on gaming in South Central Kansas?

* If the State Legislature decides Kansas should expand gambling our citizens
deserve a vote. (Schlapp)

3. What are the 3 most important issues facing the City of Wichita?

Elizabeth Bishop:
1. Maintaining city services within budget constraints
2. Continuing to bring in new business & helping businesses to expand.
It is also important not to forget small business interests.
3. Training and retaining a skilled and professional workforce, to replace the baby-boomer generation which will start retiring soon.

Sue Schlapp:
1. Creating jobs
2. Maintaining Low taxes
3. Safety issues surrounding police and fire services

4. What specific leadership attributes and experiences qualify you to effectively lead the Wichita City Council and city administration in advancing our community?

Elizabeth Bishop:
My experience has taught me how to connect citizens with government. The missing piece between important community initiatives, such as downtown development or the job training center, is that many Wichitans have not bought into the value of these initiatives.

I have a degree from Wichita State University and have taken advanced studies in public administration from WSU and KU. I was executive director of Wichita Independent Neighborhoods, staff aide to a U.S. Congressman, and was on city staff, working with CPOs (Citizen Participation Organizations). I have served on the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for five years, and most recently was chair of the WAMPO Regional Pathways Plan.

Sue Schlapp:
Leaders build consensus through effectively communicating. I believe listening is the first step in effective communications. From there, leaders must assess the information in a collaborative method. Finally, leaders have to make the tough decision. I believe I possess these skills and my service over the last four years on the City Council reflects this fact.

5. What role should the City of Wichita have in each of the following?

Attracting new business?

Elizabeth Bishop:
The city should continue to work with the county and other partners. A unified and comprehensive approach is required. Strengthening the local economy is appropriate work for the city to undertake.

Sue Schlapp:
The City of Wichita should have a large role in positioning our city to effectively attract new jobs. This is accomplished by supporting the GWEDC and maintaining a critical assessment of our progress. Capital flows to areas where it can be best used. Making it easy to do business in Wichita is also essential.

Retaining existing businesses?

Elizabeth Bishop:
Economic Development tools should be used as necessary. However, it is important to not overlook the contribution to the local economy made by small businesses. However they are used, Eco-devo tools, such as IRBs, tax exemptions, and forgiveable loans should be tied to specific performance with stated goals and objectives. There should be consequences for failing to provide the promised number of jobs, or other performance criteria.

Sue Schlapp:
As stated above, capital flows to areas where it is best used. Maintaining a low tax base that supports adequate services is the cornerstone of retaining existing businesses.

6. How does local government contribute to the public perception Wichitans’ currently have of their city?

Elizabeth Bishop:
The City Council too often decides on a policy direction and spends money as a result. Then disagreement breaks out, priorities change, and the money is wasted. Citizens are aware of this waste and it has greatly reduced their trust and confidence in their city government, and local government in general.

Sue Schlapp:
As a district representative my service is hopefully a reflection of my constituents. The way the council conducts business and interacts with our community can contribute to how Wichitans’ perceive their City. I feel Wichitans’ are generally respectful toward others and approach issues in a thoughtful manner. The City Council should do the same.

7. What do you feel are the three most important issues facing your district in the coming 12-24 months, and how would you focus Council attention on those issues?

Elizabeth Bishop:
Rampant growth presents challenges for District 2. We are comprised of historic neighborhoods, first-ring suburbs, and far-east suburbs where commercial and residential development is ongoing.

Public safety services in District 2 are stretched. Firefighters and police, currently working without a contract, face crowded conditions and antiquated facilities. The fire department is seriously understaffed.

Inner city neighborhoods are losing services while suburban neighborhoods have police beats that are too spread out. The Edgemoor Police Substation and the South Rock Road Fire Station may be moved east, leaving gaps in service for older neighborhoods. Finding a balance for providing these services will take informed consideration by all citizens in District 2.

Traffic is an important issue. An interchange with a southeast highway loop should be prepared before rapid development overtakes the best options. State and Federal transportation monies are limited, so it is important for comprehensive, rather than piecemeal, planning.

District 2 citizens are vitally interested in the direction City Council decisions are taking us. Their representative must provide information, respond to citizen requests and questions, and create an ongoing dialogue. This engagement has been sorely lacking, and residents have been left feeling that their current councilwoman is distant and unresponsive.

Sue Schlapp:
Making sure adequate services are delivered to citizens.
Completing road and traffic upgrades in the timeliest manner possible.
Creating and maintaining meaningful jobs.

↑ Back to the top