Bill Bunten facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Bunten
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| Mayor of Topeka | |
| In office April 5, 2005 – April 9, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | James McClinton |
| Succeeded by | Larry Wolgast |
| Member of the Kansas Senate from the 20th district |
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| In office January 13, 2003 – 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Lynn Jenkins |
| Succeeded by | Vicki Schmidt |
| Member of the Kansas House of Representatives | |
| In office January 14, 1963 – January 14, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | Ernest J. Underwood |
| Succeeded by | William Roy Jr. |
| Constituency | 34th District (1963-1965) 33rd District (1965-1967) 47th District (1967-1973) 54th District (1973-1991) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Wallace Bunten
April 5, 1930 Topeka, Kansas, U.S. |
| Died | February 29, 2020 (aged 89) Topeka, Kansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Jo Ann Bunten
(m. 1962) |
| Children | 2 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Rank |  Captain |
William Wallace Bunten (born April 5, 1930 – died February 29, 2020) was an important American politician from Kansas. He served as the mayor of Topeka, Kansas. He was elected in 2005 and again in 2009.
Before becoming mayor, he worked in the Kansas House of Representatives for many years. He also served in the Kansas Senate. Bill Bunten was a member of the Republican Party.
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Bill Bunten's Role as Mayor
Bill Bunten was the first mayor elected in Topeka under a new system. This system changed how much power the mayor had. Most of the power went to the city council and a city manager.
As mayor, Bunten's main jobs were leading city council meetings. He also worked to help Topeka's economy grow. He was also the "ceremonial head" of the city. This means he represented the city at special events.
Early Life and Education
Bill Bunten grew up in Topeka, Kansas. He was a talented basketball player at Topeka High School. He was good friends with Dean Smith, who later became a famous basketball coach.
Bunten and Smith both went to the University of Kansas. They were part of a social club called Phi Gamma Delta. After college, Bunten joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Korea and became a captain.
Fun Facts and Projects
Bill Bunten was known for some interesting ideas and projects. He worked to make Topeka a better place.
Topeka Becomes "Google" for a Day
In 2010, Mayor Bunten did something unique. He changed Topeka's name to "Google" for one day. This was a fun way to try and get Google, Inc. to choose Topeka. Google was looking for a city to build a super-fast internet system.
Even though Google chose Kansas City, Kansas, it was a memorable event. It showed Bunten's creative way of promoting his city.
Improving Downtown Topeka
Mayor Bunten also worked hard to improve the downtown area of Topeka. He led a plan to raise money for new developments. His goal was to make the city center a more lively and attractive place.
End of Public Service
In 2012, Bill Bunten announced he would not run for mayor again. His term ended in April 2013. He passed away on February 29, 2020, from pneumonia.
