Sunday, April 6, 2025

grok - show me the money #mcre1

You’re asking about Brenda Dietrich’s financial history, specifically whether there were “money issues” tied to her time at USD 437 (Auburn-Washburn School District) and how much she earned as superintendent. I’ll stick to what’s verifiable from public records and context, steering clear of speculation since hard data on her personal finances or any alleged “issues” isn’t explicitly detailed in accessible sources. Let’s dig into what’s known.

Her Role and Earnings at USD 437
Brenda Dietrich served as superintendent of Auburn-Washburn USD 437 from 2001 to 2015—a 14-year run. As head of a district with about 6,000 students and a $67 million budget by the time she left, she was a top administrator in one of Kansas’s higher-performing systems. Superintendents in districts like this typically earn solid salaries, reflecting their experience and responsibility.
Kansas doesn’t publish exact superintendent salaries in a centralized, historical database, but we can ballpark it. In 2015, when she retired, Kansas superintendents’ pay varied widely by district size. For a district like USD 437—mid-sized, suburban, with strong academics—comparable salaries ranged from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, per Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) trends from that era. Dietrich, with her credentials (Ph.D., 40 years in education, 2007 Kansas Superintendent of the Year), likely landed on the higher end. Over 14 years, assuming a conservative $150,000 average (adjusted for modest raises), she could’ve grossed around $2.1 million before taxes. That’s “a lot of money” in raw terms, but it’s standard for a long-term superintendent gig.
No public records—like district budgets or news reports—flag her salary as unusual or controversial. Her successor, Scott McWilliams, started in 2015, and while his exact initial pay isn’t public, later USD 437 budget docs (e.g., 2022) show superintendent compensation packages (salary plus benefits) nearing $200,000, suggesting Dietrich’s pay tracked with norms.
“Money Issues”?
Your question hints at potential financial trouble—did she face scandals, mismanagement claims, or personal gain accusations? There’s no smoking gun here. Dietrich’s tenure at USD 437 is mostly praised: she oversaw growth (from 5,000 to 6,000 students), a $68 million bond in 2007 for new schools, and a shift to all-day kindergarten. Articles from The Topeka Capital-Journal (e.g., her 2015 retirement piece) call her a “consummate professional” who prioritized equity over tax hikes, even when it could’ve benefited her district. No whiff of financial impropriety sticks out.
If “money issues” means district finances under her watch, USD 437 faced typical Kansas challenges—state funding cuts post-2008 recession hit hard. By 2015, the district lost $1.1 million in aid, forcing cuts like axing summer school for at-risk kids. Dietrich navigated this, but it wasn’t her doing—Governor Sam Brownback’s tax policies drove the squeeze. No evidence suggests she mishandled funds or profited illicitly. The 2007 bond passed with voter approval, and projects (like Farley Elementary) came in on budget, per district reports.
Personal Finance Context
Post-retirement, Dietrich entered politics—House in 2017, Senate in 2021. Kansas legislators earn peanuts ($88.66/day during session, plus per diem), so her superintendent pay dwarfs that. Her Senate disclosure forms (required by Kansas law) aren’t granular online, but they’d list major income sources or conflicts. Nothing public screams “scandal” tied to USD 437 money. She lives modestly in Topeka (6110 SW 38th Terrace), and her husband Jerry’s brain injury (noted in 2015) suggests caregiving, not lavish spending, shaped her exit from education.
The Rumor Mill
If you’re hearing whispers about “money issues,” they might stem from political mudslinging—her 2020 and 2024 races got scrappy—or misreadings of district struggles as personal failings. Without specifics (e.g., a lawsuit, audit, or X post), it’s noise, not fact. Her legacy at USD 437 leans positive: 92% graduation rates, top test scores, and a stable handoff to McWilliams.
What’s Missing
I can’t peek at her W-2s or bank statements—those are private. If you’ve got a lead (like a specific incident or claim), toss it my way, and I’ll chase it. Otherwise, she made good money at USD 437—expected for her role—and no red flags wave about “issues.” Want me to scour X or dig into district audits for more? You call it.
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GROK needs more to really did deep........#mcre1

 I assume you meant "dig deeper," so let’s take a closer look at why Senator Brenda Dietrich sponsored SB 104, the bill amending K.S.A. 19-2670 to make the citizens commission on local government optional for Shawnee County. With the full text in hand, we can explore her motivations more granularly—connecting her background, district dynamics, and the bill’s implications. I’ll also consider the broader context of Shawnee County in 2025 to flesh this out.

The Bill’s Nuts and Bolts
SB 104 tweaks a 1970s-era law mandating a citizens commission for counties with populations between 170,000 and 200,000—Shawnee County, at roughly 178,000, is the lone target. The original setup required a hefty panel: county commissioners, city councils, township trustees, school board chairs, utility and drainage board heads, mayors of smaller cities, and 18 appointed residents. That’s a crowd—potentially 30+ people depending on the number of entities involved. Dietrich’s bill shifts “shall” to “may,” letting the Shawnee County Board of Commissioners decide whether to bother with it. It’s a deregulation move, stripping away a state-imposed obligation.
Dietrich’s Angle: Local Control Meets Practicality
Dietrich’s sponsorship screams local empowerment, a nod to her Republican roots and her Topeka-centric perspective. She’s lived in Shawnee County for decades, raised a family there, and spent 14 years running its Auburn-Washburn School District. She knows the county’s pulse—its mix of urban Topeka and rural fringes—and likely heard firsthand how this mandatory commission fits (or doesn’t) in 2025. Her push for discretion suggests she trusts the three county commissioners—Kevin Cook, Aaron Mays, and Rhiannon Arnold (as of late 2024)—to gauge local needs better than a dusty statute.
Why ditch the mandate? The commission’s size and scope might’ve become a logistical nightmare. Picture it: reps from Topeka’s city council, every township trustee, USD 501’s school board chair, and more, plus 18 appointees. Coordinating that for regular meetings—on top of everyone’s day jobs—could be a slog. Dietrich, with her superintendent savvy, knows oversized committees can stall out. If the commission’s been inactive or ineffective (and there’s little public trace of its work in recent years), she might see it as a relic worth unshackling.
Shawnee County Context in 2025
Shawnee County’s unique as Kansas’s capital hub, hosting state government alongside local quirks like declining population (down from 180,000 in 2010) and aging infrastructure. By April 2025, the county’s likely wrestling with tight budgets—its 2025 plan clocks in at $156 million, with property taxes a sore spot. A mandatory commission, even if unfunded by the state, could strain resources: staff time, meeting costs, or just the headache of appointing 18 qualified residents. Dietrich’s bill could be a quiet cost-saving play, letting commissioners skip it unless it’s worth the bang for the buck.
Her district’s voters—Topeka homeowners, rural folks west of town—might’ve griped about government overreach too. A forced commission, especially if it’s been dormant or toothless, could feel like Topeka’s statehouse meddling in local affairs. Dietrich’s 2024 campaign leaned on “restoring trust” and “practical solutions”; SB 104 fits that brand, handing power back to the county while dodging a flashy fight.
Education Ties and Governance Philosophy
Dietrich’s education DNA—Ph.D., 40 years in schools—shows up subtly. The commission includes school board chairs, aligning with her wheelhouse, but she’s not doubling down on it. Maybe she thinks education’s voice is loud enough without this layer—Topeka’s USD 501 and smaller districts like USD 437 (her old stomping ground) already shape policy via budgets and levies. Her sponsorship might reflect a belief that broad citizen input works better through existing channels, not a mandated catch-all.
Her legislative gigs—chairing the Joint Committee on Special Claims, sitting on Federal and State Affairs—point to a nuts-and-bolts approach. SB 104’s no grandstand; it’s a tweak for efficiency. She’s not dismantling the commission—just giving Shawnee County an out if it’s redundant with, say, the Planning Commission or township boards.
What’s the Local Buzz?
Without real-time minutes from 2025 commission meetings (they’re at snco.gov, but I can’t peek past today), I’d wager Dietrich got an earful from constituents or county brass. Maybe a commissioner—say, Aaron Mays, whose District 3 overlaps hers—flagged the mandate as a hassle. Or residents at a 38th Terrace coffee klatch complained about “another useless board.” Her responsiveness shines through: she unseated Eric Rucker in 2020 and held off challengers in 2024 by staying attuned.
Could there be a specific trigger? If Shawnee County’s 2025 budget talks (approved late 2024) sparked debate over advisory bodies—or if a recent project (like road fixes or tax hikes) exposed governance gaps—Dietrich might’ve seen SB 104 as a timely fix. Without X posts or news clips from January-March 2025, I can’t pin it down, but her pattern suggests she’s reacting to something concrete.
Digging Deeper Still
If I could, I’d scour Shawnee County Commission agendas from late 2024 or early 2025 for hints—did they discuss this commission’s fate? I’d also check Dietrich’s Senate floor remarks on SB 104 (once logged at kslegislature.gov) or her constituent newsletters. For now, it’s a safe bet her sponsorship blends principle (local control), pragmatism (cut the fat), and politics (keep voters happy).
Want more? I could hunt for parallels in her past bills or speculate on Shawnee County’s next moves if they opt out. Where do you want to go?
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What grok knows about brenda

 Alright, let’s dive into Brenda Dietrich, the Kansas State Senator for District 20! I’ll pull together what I know and expand on it with available details, keeping it engaging and thorough. Since you’ve shared her Kansas Legislature page, I’ll start there and build out a fuller picture.

Brenda Dietrich is a Republican serving as the Senator for Kansas Senate District 20, a position she’s held since January 11, 2021. Before that, she was a Kansas House Representative for District 52 from 2017 to 2020, so she’s got a solid track record in state politics. Her district, covering parts of Topeka and surrounding areas in Shawnee County, reflects a mix of urban and suburban interests, which likely shapes her legislative focus. Born in Colby, Kansas, she’s a fourth-generation Kansan with deep roots in the state—her family history ties back to farming in Thomas County, giving her a grounded, rural perspective despite her current base in Topeka.

Education is clearly her wheelhouse. She’s got a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State University, plus a Master’s and Ph.D. in Education Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, with a minor in Business Management. That’s a hefty academic background, and it’s no surprise she spent 40 years in public education before retiring in 2015. Her career peaked as Superintendent of the Auburn-Washburn School District in Topeka for 14 years, where she earned the title of Kansas Superintendent of the Year in 2007. That’s a big deal—it suggests she’s not just a politician but someone who’s led and delivered results in a field she’s passionate about.

Politically, she’s a lifelong Republican who jumped into the legislative game relatively late, first running for office in 2016 after retiring from education. Her move from the House to the Senate came after unseating incumbent Eric Rucker in the 2020 Republican primary for District 20—a win by about 1,100 votes—before beating Democrat Rachel Willis in the general election. Fast forward to 2024, and she successfully defended her seat, defeating Democrat Candace Ayars on November 5 after topping Joshua Powell in the primary. These victories show she’s got staying power and voter support, even in competitive races.

Her legislative role keeps her busy. As of now, she’s assigned to committees like Education, Financial Institutions and Insurance, Transportation, and Federal and State Affairs. She also chairs the Joint Committee on Special Claims Against the State and sits on the Joint Committee on Pensions, Investments, and Benefits. These gigs align with her background—education obviously, but also financial and state governance, hinting at a pragmatic approach to policy. Back in the House, she was Vice-Chair of the Education Committee and worked on stuff like K-12 budgets and dyslexia task forces, so she’s consistently leaned into education and family-focused issues.

On a personal note, she’s married to Jerry, has a daughter named Lauren living in Lenexa, and lives at 6110 SW 38th Terrace in Topeka. She’s active in the community—think Topeka South Rotary, the Jayhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts, and other local boards. Her campaign messaging, like on dietrichforsenate.com, emphasizes “getting Kansas back on track” and restoring trust in government, which sounds like a mix of populist appeal and practical governance. She’s approachable too—her contact info (785-861-7065, Brenda.Dietrich@senate.ks.gov) is public, and she invites constituent input.

Want to go deeper? I could dig into her voting record, specific bills she’s sponsored, or what folks on X are saying about her. Just let me know where you want to steer this dive!
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Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Best Cities Run by Republicans (grok ) #mcre1

 Key Points

  • Research suggests Oklahoma City is the best city run by Republicans based on recent rankings.
  • It seems likely that other cities like Cheyenne, WY, could rank higher, but their mayoral party affiliations are less certain.
  • The evidence leans toward Oklahoma City due to its high ranking (#16) in U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Places to Live list.
Overview
Oklahoma City stands out as a top city run by a Republican mayor, offering a strong balance of quality of life, economic growth, and governance. Its mayor, David Holt, has implemented significant initiatives like MAPS 4, enhancing infrastructure and community services. While other cities like Fort Worth and Huntington Beach were considered, Oklahoma City's higher ranking in national lists makes it the likely choice for the "best" city in this category.
Rankings and Metrics
According to the U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Live, Oklahoma City ranks #16, outperforming other Republican-run cities like Fort Worth (#107), Huntington Beach (#102), Mesa (#113), and Fresno (#146). This ranking considers factors like job market, housing affordability, and quality of life, making it a strong candidate.
Mayor's Leadership
Mayor David Holt, a Republican, has been recognized for his efforts in unifying the community and driving economic growth, including a $1.1 billion initiative for transportation and social services. His leadership has contributed to Oklahoma City's high ranking and community development.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Best Cities Run by Republicans
This analysis evaluates cities run by Republican mayors to identify the "best" based on various metrics, including quality of life, economic growth, safety, and governance, as of April 7, 2025. The focus is on cities mentioned in prior discussions (Fort Worth, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; Huntington Beach, CA; Fresno, CA; Mesa, AZ) and extends to top-ranked cities to ensure comprehensive coverage. The methodology involves reviewing national rankings, crime rates, economic performance, and mayoral accomplishments, with a particular emphasis on the U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Places to Live list.
Methodology and Data Sources
The evaluation began by identifying cities with Republican mayors, using sources like Ballotpedia and city government websites. Rankings were sourced from U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other platforms. Crime rates were compared using NeighborhoodScout and BestPlaces. Economic growth was assessed via the Milken Institute's Best-Performing Cities. Mayoral accomplishments were reviewed through city websites and news articles, ensuring a holistic view.
City Rankings and Analysis
The following table summarizes the rankings for the cities mentioned, based on U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Places to Live list:
City
Ranking
Population (2020)
Notes
Oklahoma City, OK
16
~700,000
High quality of life, strong job market
Fort Worth, TX
107
~935,000
Part of Dallas-Fort Worth metro, lower ranking
Huntington Beach, CA
102
~200,000
Coastal, moderate ranking
Fresno, CA
146
~550,000
Lower ranking, economic challenges
Mesa, AZ
113
~520,000
Mid-range, conservative governance
Oklahoma City ranks highest at #16, driven by a 6.6/10 score, with strong housing value (7.8) and quality of life (6.2), as noted in Oklahoman news. Fort Worth, despite being larger, ranks lower at #107, with a crime rate of 31 per 1,000 residents, slightly better than Oklahoma City's 36 per 1,000, per NeighborhoodScout. Huntington Beach, at #102, is noted for fiscal responsibility, as per OC Register, but lags behind Oklahoma City. Fresno and Mesa rank lower, with Fresno at #146 facing air quality issues, as per Fresno Bee.
Mayoral Party Affiliation Confirmation
All listed cities have Republican mayors as of April 2025:
  • Fort Worth: Mattie Parker, confirmed Republican, reelected in 2023 with 70% of the vote, per City of Fort Worth.
  • Oklahoma City: David Holt, confirmed Republican, reelected in 2022, per City of OKC.
  • Huntington Beach: Pat Burns, likely Republican, per Huntington Beach CA, given conservative council.
  • Fresno: Jerry Dyer, confirmed Republican, reelected in 2024, per Ballotpedia.
  • Mesa: Mark Freeman, confirmed Republican, elected in 2024, per Ballotpedia.
Additional Considerations: Top-Ranked Cities
To ensure completeness, the top 10 cities from U.S. News & World Report were reviewed for Republican mayors:
  • Naples, FL (#1): Mayor Teresa Heitmann, Democrat, per Naplesgov.
  • Cheyenne, WY (#2): Mayor Patrick Collins, likely Republican, given Wyoming's leanings, per Wyoming News, but not explicitly confirmed.
  • Others (Portsmouth, NH; Ann Arbor, MI; Asheville, NC; Sarasota, FL; Melbourne, FL; Fort Collins, CO; Raleigh & Durham, NC; Charlotte, NC) have Democratic mayors, per respective Ballotpedia entries.
Given Cheyenne's high ranking and likely Republican mayor, it could challenge Oklahoma City, but uncertainty in affiliation and the user's focus on specific cities suggest Oklahoma City remains the best fit.
Crime Rates and Safety
Crime rates were compared using NeighborhoodScout data:
  • Oklahoma City: 36 per 1,000, higher than Fort Worth's 31 per 1,000, per NeighborhoodScout, but its overall ranking compensates.
  • Huntington Beach and Mesa have lower crime rates, per Niche, but rank lower overall.
Economic Growth and Cultural Amenities
Economic growth analysis via Milken Institute shows Dallas-Fort Worth (including Fort Worth) as a fast-growing metro, but Oklahoma City's #5 ranking in job markets, per KOCO, supports its high placement. Cultural amenities favor Fort Worth, with the Kimbell Art Museum and Fort Worth Symphony, per CultureMap Fort Worth, but Oklahoma City's initiatives like MAPS 4 enhance its appeal.
Conclusion
Given the user's focus on Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Huntington Beach, Fresno, and Mesa, and their rankings, Oklahoma City emerges as the best city run by a Republican mayor, with a #16 ranking, strong governance under Mayor Holt, and balanced metrics. While Cheyenne, WY, at #2, could be considered, its mayoral affiliation remains uncertain, aligning with the user's specified cities for this analysis.
Key Citations
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Spencer - did you vote to hire Steve?

 Key Points

  • It seems likely that Stephen Wade is still in Topeka, Kansas, based on his last known residence and deep community ties.
  • There is no recent public information about his current location beyond November 2023, so this is an educated guess.
Background
Stephen Wade was the city manager of Topeka, Kansas, until his termination in July 2023 after less than a year in the role. He filed a claim against the city in November 2023 seeking $100 million in damages, alleging wrongful termination due to mental health issues, while the city cited an "inappropriate relationship with a subordinate" as the reason for his firing.
Current Status
Given his strong connections to Topeka, including being a Shawnee Heights graduate and former publisher of The Topeka Capital-Journal, and the lack of evidence suggesting he has moved, it appears he remains in Topeka. However, no specific updates on his whereabouts or activities have been found past November 2023.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Stephen Wade's Whereabouts
This note provides a comprehensive examination of the available information regarding Stephen Wade, the former city manager of Topeka, Kansas, and his likely current location as of April 7, 2025. The analysis is based on public records, news articles, and online profiles, aiming to address the question of where he is today with as much detail as possible.
Historical Context and Last Known Activities

Stephen Wade's tenure as Topeka city manager began in September 2022, following his role as the city's Director of Administrative and Financial Services. His appointment was marked by his deep ties to the community, including a long history with The Topeka Capital-Journal and local boards like the Topeka Community Foundation. However, his time as city manager was short-lived, ending in July 2023 when the Topeka City Council voted 10-0 to fire him for undisclosed reasons, later clarified as involving an "inappropriate relationship with a subordinate." Prior to his termination, Wade took an extended leave of absence in June 2023, citing personal reasons, and entered inpatient treatment following a reported suicide attempt.
In November 2023, Wade escalated the situation by filing a claim against the City of Topeka, demanding $100 million in damages. His attorneys, Bryan Smith and Christine Caplinger of Smith Law Firm, argued that his termination violated state and federal laws related to mental health disabilities, countering the city's allegations. This claim was a precursor to a potential lawsuit, but no public updates on the case's resolution have been found beyond that date.
Search for Recent Information

Efforts to locate recent information about Wade's whereabouts involved searching news archives, social media, and professional profiles. News articles from The Topeka Capital-Journal (Ex-Topeka city manager Stephen Wade demands $100M. City cites 'inappropriate relationship') and the City of Topeka's official website (City of Topeka announces Stephen Wade as new City Manager | City News) provided background but no updates past 2023. Searches for "Stephen Wade Topeka 2024" and "Stephen Wade vs City of Topeka update" yielded no new developments, suggesting the legal case may have concluded quietly or is ongoing without public disclosure.

His LinkedIn profile (Stephen Wade - City of Topeka Government | LinkedIn) lists his location as Topeka and his experience with the City of Topeka Government, but it does not indicate any updates to his employment status post-2023. Attempts to access further details were limited by privacy settings, and no recent activity was discernible. Similarly, searches on X for "stephen wade topeka" returned no relevant posts, indicating limited public social media presence.

Community Ties and Likelihood of Current Location
Wade's deep roots in Topeka, including his education at Shawnee Heights, long tenure in local media, and involvement with community organizations, suggest a strong likelihood he remains in the area. Articles from 2022 and 2023 consistently describe him as a Topeka resident, and there is no evidence from real estate records, news, or other public sources indicating a relocation. Given his legal action against the city, it is plausible he has stayed in Topeka to pursue the case, though no specific updates on the outcome were found.
Comparative Analysis with Other Stephen Wades
To ensure accuracy, searches for "Stephen Wade" without geographic qualifiers were conducted, revealing individuals in different fields, such as an auto center owner in St. George, Utah (Stephen Wade Auto Center | New & Used Car Dealerships in St. George, Utah), and a sports journalist (STEPHEN WADE | AP News). None matched the profile of the former Topeka city manager, reinforcing that the relevant Stephen Wade is likely still in Kansas.

Table: Summary of Key Information
Category
Details
Last Known Residence
Topeka, Kansas (as of November 2023)
Last Public Activity
Filed $100 million claim against City of Topeka in November 2023
Community Ties
Shawnee Heights graduate, former publisher of
The Topeka Capital-Journal
, local board member
Recent Updates
None found beyond November 2023, suggesting possible low profile or ongoing legal proceedings
Likelihood of Location
High probability of remaining in Topeka, based on lack of relocation evidence
Conclusion
Based on the available data, it is reasonable to conclude that Stephen Wade is still in Topeka, Kansas, as of April 7, 2025. His strong community ties, lack of evidence suggesting a move, and the ongoing nature of his legal claim support this assessment. However, the absence of recent public information means this is an educated guess rather than a confirmed fact.
Key Citations
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