Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each of the following questions to 200 words or less.
NAME: Peter Oppelt
AGE: 35
OCCUPATION: Data Solutions Consultant - Travelers Insurance
INCUMBENT: No
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Hype - Engage Pillar Chair, Marlatt Elementary PTO - Vice President
-Why have you decided to run for a position on the City Commission? If you are an incumbent, why did you decide to run for re-election?
I have always felt a desire to serve. Throughout my time studying Economics and while I was working for the Kansas Departments of Revenue and Agriculture, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the challenges policy makers face on a daily basis. Seeing the legislative process up close really made me realize that I have the skills to be successful making government decisions, so I began to wrap my mind around running, and after a lot of long conversations with my wife, came to the conclusion that the time was right to run and serve.
-What experience/background do you have that would make you a good city commissioner? If you are an incumbent, what experience/background has made you a good city commissioner?
Since I have lived here, I have been a part of almost every major group of our community; first as a Soldier at Ft. Riley, a student at Kansas State, and now living here as a professional with my young family. I will use those experiences to be able to relate with all of those groups. Professionally, I have worked as an economist with both the Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas Department of Revenue. During that time, I worked analyzing complex tax legislation and managing several different tax credit programs. At KDA, I worked with several Economic Development projects including modeling the economic contribution of agriculture and related industries to the state. I also managed several federal grant programs and served on the legislative committee.
-What are the top three issues you believe the city will face during your term, if elected/re-elected?
Budget, sustainable growth, and housing opportunities across all ranges of incomes.
-What is the number one issue you plan to tackle, if elected/re-elected?
I would like to be more transparent with the city’s budget. Tax relief will take long-term planning, but in the short term, we should at least be giving the community as much information about where their funds are going.
-Is there something you would like to see change about any city ordinance or program?
Having a good parks and rec program is vital to having a vibrant community. I would like to see Manhattan’s Parks and Rec continue their improvement and grow our recreational youth sports programs.