Home | Departments | Mayor of Topeka
Download Printable Photo (right click, save target as) | Photo Gallery Available | 150 Years of Topeka Mayors
The Mayor’s public service career began in 1962, when he was first elected to the Kansas House of Representatives, where he served for 28 years in a variety of leadership positions. In 2003 Bunten was appointed to the Kansas State Senate to complete the term of Lynn Jenkins who was elected State Treasurer. There he served on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and was Chairman of Senate Ways and Means subcommittees, as well as a member of the Senate Education, Commerce, and Post Audit Committees.
Born and raised in Topeka, Mayor Bunten graduated from Topeka High, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 1952. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps serving as an infantry officer with the First and Third Marine Divisions in Japan and Korea.
Mayor Bunten has spent a lifetime serving the citizens of Topeka, so it’s only natural that he should add the City’s top elected post to his list of public service.
Mayor Bunten and his wife Jo Ann have two children, Bill, Jr. and Sandra, a daughter-in-law – Stephanie, and three grandchildren—Hillary, Elaine and Suzanne.
In 2009, carrying over 65% in every precinct, Mayor Bunten was elected to a second term.
2012 promises to be an exciting year, as plans to improve our downtown corridor begin to take shape.
“As Mayor of Topeka, I’d like to welcome you to our beautiful capital city, the “Gateway to the Great Plains”. I’m proud of Topeka and the many exciting events and accomplishments that are happening in our city. I invite you to learn more about our beautiful city through the various links on the city’s web site.”
William W. Bunten
Mayor
