dialogue not division
PC: Jaime Green, Wichita Eagle per article by Ainsley Smyth
I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support following the Wichita Journalism Collaborative’s candidate forum on July 15th. In case you missed it, you can watch the full event here.
I hope you saw my heart and passion, heard my understanding of the role, and recognized the bold, community-rooted solutions I believe are needed to move us forward.
While I welcome spirited debate and policy disagreements, a few incidents occurred during the event that crossed a line. From the beginning, insults were thrown, and one opponent whispered, “We’ve got more for you,” followed by putting a finger in my face—something witnessed by many. That kind of behavior is unacceptable, and let’s be honest: if I had responded the same way, I’d be facing very different consequences.
Unfortunately, this isn’t new. A small faction within my own party has targeted me for years. I’ve tried to take the high road, focusing on the work and supporting others for the greater good. I’ve kept quiet—but that ends today.
Many of you have raised concerns about what you’ve been told, and you deserve honesty and clarity. So let me address some lingering questions directly:
My relationships with Mayor Lily Wu and Councilmember Dalton Glasscock span over a decade. We’ve worked on scholarships for women, public service, and bipartisan efforts on shared values—like working in Topeka for funding for our unhoused neighbors and supporting cleaner neighborhoods. I think we can agree that these are important things that we should all support for Wichita, regardless of our political affiliation.
We’ve also been on completely opposite ends of the ideological spectrum—in current and past issues. My attendance at a watch party or campaign event does not equate to my endorsement. I’ve publicly shown up for people I’ve disagreed with because I believe in dialogue, not division, and more importantly in being a good friend.
My career has been built on DEI initiatives. I’ve brought unlikely voices together, even with Councilmember Glasscock and one of my opponents, to show students what working across lines of difference can look like. I still believe in that.
Blaming me for the former mayor’s loss is not only unfair—it’s false. It’s comical and almost flattering to think I exert that kind of influence, but alas the math doesn’t support it. And I’ve always wished him well.
Some have told me to not take these baseless accusations personally, saying “It’s just politics”. But I disagree. And we need only look to Washington to see where this kind of political gamesmanship leads. It’s why so many are disengaged from politics. That mindset dehumanizes people, and I won’t play that game.
Let me be clear: I stand for the liberation of all God’s children. I’ve paid the price for standing in community, and I will continue to do so. I have no self-interest in this race—only a desire to help our community turn the corner and make progress on the issues that matter. I’m not afraid to take on challenging issues, and sometimes that means working with people we don’t agree with on everything.
If you’re tired of coordinated attacks and political games, and you want leadership focused on how to actually make your life better and your community stronger—I’m your candidate.
But let me also say this: I will not condone disrespect, nor will I allow folks to weaponize lies against me or any opponent. It’s unnecessary and only distracts us from the issues that matter most.
As one of my opponents reminded me last night, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”
They’ve judged me for how I speak, where I work, how I dress and even where I’m from. But just remember: it’s not what you call me, it’s what I answer to.
My name is Joseph William Shepard and I am ready to move our community Onward Together. I hope I can count on your vote on Tuesday, August 5th and again on November 4th.
