“This is the second time the Mayor of New York City has minimized the people of Kansas in public remarks, this time with a direct mention of Topeka,” Padilla said. “The comments made by the Mayor at a Prayer Breakfast, are concerning and unprofessional, and there is no need to repeat what was said. He could make his points without trying to diminish our great city, and I wish he would. As Topeka’s Mayor, and as a lifelong member of this community, I am so proud of who we are, and what we stand for.”

Padilla went on to say that Topeka is a vibrant and diverse community that takes great pride in its landmarks such as the Brown v. Board of Education historic site and the world-famous Menniger Clinic.

“One of the best lessons I’ve learned in my tenure as Mayor – is the value of humility,” Padilla said. “I’ve personally visited New York City on numerous occasions, and have always spoken highly of New Yorkers – never stooping to assumptions or stereotypes. I’d invite the mayor of New York to get to know our beautiful city and its people before casting judgement on a community he seems to know little about.”