Sunday, December 16, 2007

Many Changes at City Hall

Raytown City Hall has seen its share of change this past year. A large amount of that change has been in employee turnover. Personnel changes are not peculiar to government when administrations change. David Bower’s fledgling first term as Mayor is not an exception. The past year has seen an unusual amount of turnover in key positions at City Hall. Part of the turmoil can be attributed to unfinished business left over from Mayor Sue Frank eight years as Mayor. In the waning years of her administration, Frank saw the replacement of a City Administrator, two Directors of Public Works, and a revolving door in the Office of the City Attorney. Mayor Bower inherited that reality. It was added to when the City’s Finance Director of ten years announced -- this past summer -- that he was moving on. Shortly afterward, the interim Finance Director -- who had worked under him-- announced she had found employment elsewhere. The city is currently looking for a new Human Resources Director and a number of long time employees have either left or announced their intention to retire. Revelations that the City Administrator has been shopping for a new job in Alaska also surfaced this summer. Like a screen door blowing in the wind – the movement of employees in key management positions at city hall has been, to say the least, fierce these past few years. Bower is well past six months in office – a time period that is generally accepted as long enough for any CEO to get his feet wet. Time will tell how his new appointments and changes to how business is conducted at city hall will shake out. STREET LIGHTS and OTHER GOOD NEWS . . . At the same time there has been progress by the City Council on some fronts. The Board of Aldermen has broken the back of former Mayor Sue Frank’s moratorium on new street lights. First, by having new lights installed at Colman Park on 59th Street earlier this summer and then by adding $10,000 for new lights in this year’s budget. The city is continuing with some programs that are citizen friendly. A circuit breaker program to help those who cannot afford the ever-escalating cost of sanitary sewer bills is still in place. As is a 2% reduction in cost for those who wish to pay their sewer bills on an annual basis. Snow and ice removal on Raytown streets remain at its superior level of service. And the police and court systems appear to be handling business in their usual competent manner. New businesses are starting to relocate in Downtown Raytown – though it would be accurate to describe it as a trickle instead of a flood. The vest pocket park created in Downtown Raytown, lit up in Christmas lights, is a small step in the right direction. At least it shows concrete proof of effort and result by City Hall. Replacement of the old 63rd Street Bridge at Raytown Road and 63rd Street should help spur that trickle into something more substantial. WEIRD NEWS . . . While reviewing my correspondence from City Hall this week I came across the city’s list of priorities for the state legislature to consider this year. It was an interesting list that speaks volumes of how government works these days. One of the items calls for ANOTHER half-cent sales tax. This one would be earmarked for public safety. How about this idea. Make it and other special earmarked taxes exempt from being pirated away by TIF agreements. The TIF agreement for the Walmart on 350 Highway captures 100% of the sales tax (generated in the TIF District) originally voted by the voters for transportation purposes. That “transportation tax” was a good chunk of the tax dollars used to overlay and pave our streets. But my favorite on the list was the request that Raytown have one zip code. Time for a reality check. Zip codes are established by the United States Postal Service. Though technically a separate entity of even the federal government, the Postal Service derives its monopoly from the federal government. That monopoly was not created by the state government, but by the feds. Beside the fact that the zip code will not be changed, the wrong branch of the government is being asked to change it! The big question is – are there more important topics to discuss with our State Senators and State Representatives than one zip code for Raytown?

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Greg,
It appears that you are sensing or wanting mayor to make more changes at the very top level. Reading your blog it appears that this may not be the bad idea. It is time for our mayor to make bold move. Yes, it will be painful for short term.

Anonymous said...

No there are no topics to discussion with state legislators...they're as worthless as the city's officials.

Anonymous said...

PS. In regards a 1/2 cent sales tax for the city? not no but hell NO!!!!!!!!

Andy Whiteman said...

I am in agreement with anonymous 4:34 PM. Vote NO on ALL tax issues. The buck stops here.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Is it a time for Miller and Tim to go?

Anonymous said...

It's time for more than that to go!

Anonymous said...

What a waste of time and our taxpayer dollars asking our legislators to consider another sales tax and changing our zip code. NO NEW TAXES until the mess at city hall gets cleaned up. The only two people I hear good things about are the city attorney and the public works director. The rest of these highly paid folks need TO GO. Again this gives more reasons for our residents to move to where there is TRUE professional government.

Andy Whiteman said...

Anonymous 10:57PM, moving sounds good to me, but do you know how much it costs to move? The main issue is finding a suitable house. I have been looking for a house for 4 years. What you suggest is easier said than done.

If the buyers of homes here do their research, we won't be able to sell our homes. Maybe something is to be said why the housing market in Raytown is so slow.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

I agree with most of you on NO TAXES.
In this town it is like giving a spoiled child a raise in allowance.
They promise to save some but end up blowing it anyway.
Only in this case they give it away to some rich kid (Wal-Mart) that doesn't
really need the money.
As far as changes in city officials and upper management........
It can't come fast enough.
I just hope one change will be a person that will try to work with and find new businesses that this city doesn't have to buy to get them to come to town and promote all businesses in Raytown not just his friends.
It would also be nice if they were
to get someome in there that wouldn't try and run businesses out of town to.

Anonymous said...

We wouldn't need a sales tax for public safety if we actually had policeman on the streets that were paying attention to speeders and law brekers instead of talking on their cell phones. If they run radar on 50 Highway around 5:00 p.m. we wouldn't need a sales tax they would get plenty of money off of speeding tickets. So Barb, you might want to tell your men in blue to pay more attention to their job and get off the cell phones.

Anonymous said...

True that. Mayor Bower took after and was left with the mess that Sue Frank and Curt Wenson left the City in. The Mayor is attempting to chart a new course, but with Miller as CA this is not likely to happen.

Miller looking for a different job is a direct reflection of his commitment to this City.
The Mayor, BOA, city staff and citizens certainly see this and so too should Miller.

Miller should do what is right and leave the position of City Administrator so that the Mayor can bring someone on board who is committed to the City and not just warming a chair, drawing a fat paycheck and looking for a meal ticket elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

Mayor Bower seems to be a "nice man", but where is the leadership that is so desperately needed in the mayor's office? His lack of experience is hurting Raytown, just like Funkhouser's is killing Kansas City. Please Mayor Bower step up to the plate before it's too late. Make the needed changes in staff at city hall. If not you will soon be known as another "do nothing mayor" like Frank.

Andy Whiteman said...

I read in the 12/17 KC Red Star that Raytown is getting a new business on Hadley behind Raytown Park Plaza. They will manufacture wireless communication typing devices so that the deaf and hearing can have a face to face meeting without an interpreter. This company expects to have 30 employees.

I wish them well.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

What do you mean run radar at 5:00 P.M.!!!! How about 6:00 A.M.these people will run over you. But we don't want to make these Lee's Summit commuters mad then they won't shop at our new and wonderful 350 live shopping center. Wake up and do your job get out of Wood Oil and on the streets!!!!! Oh we could put some of those guys who are behind desk on the street if we are short handed. Bet the chief never thought of that. Will Krause is just dumb enough to bring up the safety tax in Jefferson City. He needs to be replaced also.

Anonymous said...

Is Wood Oil a police department annex? Sure seems like a lot of our cops hang out there. What's the attraction? Just wondering.

Anonymous said...

I would encourage everyone to sign up for a ride along with the Police Department. Maybe then you will realize the work load these officers are under. The amount of paperwork required for something as simple as a "pedestrian check" is astounding! So after they stop this suspicious person & run his info the officer returns to his mobile "office" (the car) & finds a spot to park & do the paperwork. A spot that the local residents can see so they know that there is a police prescence in their community. Also so that any bad guys can see them and maybe go elsewhere to do their crimes. After making a traffic stop and handing out a ticket they must once again return to their "office" and fill out the federally required citizen contact forms as well as 1 or 2 Raytown Department forms required after each encounter. When they are sent on a call to a residence for whatever reason they must fill out a report once again returning to their "office". They may need help with finding out exactly what city code or state statute they are dealing with so they call dispatch on their cell phone for assistance looking various things up for the report. All reports must be approved by the supervisor so they arrange a spot and meet with that person to hand over the report hence sometimes you will see 2 cars side by side. Or they could both be discussing a crime they worked yesterday & just saw a car parked on a street in their patrol area that may belong to the suspect and what they are going to do about it. I am so very thankfull for these officers and the profesional way they have responded to the calls I have made to them over the past 20 years I've lived in & owned a business in Raytown. When I see them parked somewhere I always honk & wave in gratitude. I never see a cruiser sitting somewhere and think my tax dollars are wasted or the officer is calling his friends on a cell phone planning that nights party as some of the comments I read in this blog hint at. Go on a ride along and find out what they doing!

Tom Rigot, Sr

Anonymous said...

From another blogger the following:

City Administrator so that the Mayor can bring someone on board who is committed to the City and not just warming a chair, drawing a fat paycheck and looking for a meal ticket elsewhere.

That is the defination of a city administrator...warm the chair, smile, do nothing, etc. We went without one forever..then had Andy Pandy the glad-hander who liked to go to Canada at our expense...
Then we had the "shark"...
Now we have the "Hoosier."

To another blogger...you can't use the words "professional government" together. They cancel each other out.

Anonymous said...

Why should we be considerate to these inconsiderate goofs that live in Lee's Summit and points further east. Try to get from one side of 350 to the other during rush hours (both AM and PM). Or even try to enter the highway at all, they are bumper to bumper, they speed up deliberately to keep anyone from getting in their way, and they will also exceed the speed limit on a regular basis. I'd bet that if this type of crap happened where they live at that they would not put up with it for one minute. Of course, this is one of many problems here in Raytown, which should also include speeding in neighborhood areas as well.

Anonymous said...

I have seen the police cars at Wood Oil many times. I used to wonder if they were being robbed?

Why doesn't the Chief of Police have his officers go to the parks to fill out their reports?

Their presence would make the neighbors and all the people visiting the parks feel better about them.

Pat Casady said...

A friend of mine sent me this,
I thought you all might like it.



Subject: FW: Too true to be very funny
I would add to this that a billion one dollar bills laid flat and stacked one atop the other would make a column over 47 MILES high.

This is too true to be very funny

The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about
whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of
putting that figure into some perspective in one of its releases.


A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.



While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division . .

Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number, what does it mean?

A. Well, if you are one of 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you
each get $516,528.

B. Or, if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or, if you are a family of four, your family gets $2,066,012.

Washington , D.C .. HELLO!!! .... Are all your calculators broken??


Tax his land,
Tax his wage,
Tax his bed in which he lays.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes is the rule.
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirts,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his booze,
Tax his beers,
If he cries,
Tax his tears.

Tax his bills,
Tax his gas,
Tax his notes,
Tax his cash.

Tax him good and let him know
That after taxes, he has no dough.

If he hollers,
Tax him more,
Tax him until he's good and sore.

Tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in which he lays.
Put these words upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me to my doom!'

And when he's gone,
We won't relax,
We'll still be after the inheritance TAX!!

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Perm it Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),
Liquor Tax,
Luxury Tax,
Marriage License Tax,
Medicare Tax,
Property Tax,
Real Estate Tax,
Service charge taxes,
Social Security Tax,
Road Usage Tax (Truckers),
Sales Taxes,
Recreational Vehicle Tax,
School Tax,
State Income Tax,
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),
Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax,
Telephone Federal, State and Local

Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,
Telephone State and Local Tax,
Telephone Usage Charge Tax,
Utility Tax,
Vehicle License Registration Tax,
Vehicle Sales Tax,
Watercraft Registration Tax,
Well Permit Tax,
Workers Compensation Tax.



STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids

What happened? Can you spell 'politicians!'

And I still have to 'press

1' for English.

Anonymous said...

Great one Pat!! You make a good case for NO NEW TAXES at any level of government. Can't we try to live within our means? Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Let's remenber what Pat said in April when we are being threatened by the BOA and the Raytown school board they have to have more money or else. I say no tax increase no matter what we are told. We have been lied to to many times. I don't believe anything they tell me anymore.

Andy Whiteman said...

TAXES:

Just a reminder that your property taxes are due December 31st. If you pay at City Hall, the city gets a small percentage for collecting the taxes. Why not pay at City Hall and support Raytown? I dropped my check in the night drop and had a receipt back a few days later. You can save postage by using the night drop at City Hall.

The 31st falls on a Monday and I wouldn't be surprised if they make it into a 4 or 5 day weekend. So anyone who intends to pay at City Hall should check into their Holiday schedule.

POLICE:
Why do the police write their reports and meet at Wood's Oil? I suspect it is to give them visibility. We don't know what they really are doing. They may be checking for speed and other traffic violations while writing their reports. Don't most speeders slow down when they see a police car?

I feel that is a very good use of manpower (personpower to be politically correct.)

353 PUBLIC HEARING TONIGHT:
Please attend the BOA meeting tonight and esxpress your support or objection for the 2 proposed 353s that are on final reading.

Hopefully I won't be the only one to speak.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Hi Folks,

I would guess,that the reason for the new sales tax is because the city isn't going to get any sales tax from the south side of the hiway because it has not even been started yet. We (the City) are are going to need that money when Wally World starts. That money has to come from somewhere because we are not going to get any from Wally World to speak of.

As for Wood Oil, Stop sometime and see what the police offices are doing it is NOT writing reports. They stand at the end of the counter and talk. They did smoke and talk but Wood Oil is non smoking now or at least it was I assume it still is. It only takes one officer to show a presence but when they are there for 1-2 hours that is not necessary. They can't be doing their jobs if that much time spent in Wood oil, Votech school parking lot, Kritzer Park at 3-4 AM, Kengy park or any place else. I persoally would like to see some presence in our neighborhoods or when I'm out shopping or on the roads. I am sure we have some good officers but we do have some who aren't so good and don't work as hard as they should to keep our city safe.

As for a ride along of course they do what is necessary to keep the person in the car with them form wondering what the ---- is this how they spend their time. I am sure there is a lot of paperwork but no more than you see them stop anyone it ccan't take that long.

I have friend that works for KC Police Dept. what I'm told is KC does not like to work with Raytown because our officers are lazy and don't want to work that hard. Who's fault is that if it's true. That's why the Chief should be Appointed instead of elected that way the city could have some leverage over that Dept. and those who run it.

Pat Casady said...

OK guys, I've enjoyed about all I can stand of putting down the
Raytown Police dept.
We have a fine Police department with men and women that are
at the ready to help any of us if the time comes.
Frankly, I don't know why anyone would want to be a police officer.
Especially after reading some of the complaints lately.
Just take a look at what these people have to go through.
They have to be politically correct so they don't offend even the worst element.
Don't even get me started on profiling.
The department has to watch how much taxpayer money is spent.
I guess some people think it would be better for officers to driving around wasting gasoline and wearing out cars and equipment than saving us money.

Police work is a thankless job and I think we are fortunate to have good people working on our Police department. In fact they are underpaid for what they do.
If you think I'm just sucking up to these people you are dead wrong.
I know quite a few of the Raytown policemen and unlike some of our
elected officials they don't let their job go to their heads. They are good, honest, hard working people that would even help the "anonymous" complainers if they needed help.
I've got to say that's more than I would do. I tend to hold a grudge...a long time.

It doesn't offend me that an officer or two are having coffee in a convince store in fact if they would let me I'd like to buy them a cup and tell them thanks.
Sitting in their cars shouldn't bother anyone either, because they are there for us anytime we need them.
Walking in on gruesome crime scenes and some of the people they deal with on a day to day basis would be too much for most people to even handle. They do it every day.
People see them everyday sometime sitting in their cars or sometime having a cup of coffee.
People don't see them doing the things, their job, that most of us wouldn't have the stomach for.

Andy Whiteman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Andy Whiteman said...

Previous post deleted to correct typos:

Good retort Pat!

Raytown is lucky to have a top notch police department. The police have responded more quickly than I expected on non-emergency situations to take a complaint. I did not expect to see an officer. When I dispatched another department, the dispatcher would write the report rather than dispatching an officer.

Anyone who has a complaint about our police should live in KCMO. I NEVER saw an officer patrol my street, while I see them frequently in Raytown. I called 911 in KCMO about a prowler. 911 took 6 minutes to answer, then argued with me if there really was a prowler or not. The officers took another 35 minutes to respond and advised me that the prowler was no longer there. I advised them that no prowler would wait 41 minutes for the police to come. They are smarter than that.

Any time I have called the Raytown Police for an emergency situation, there has always been a quick response not by one but by several officers!

I commend Chief Lynch and his department for a job well done.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

Did any of you read the "Letters to the Editor" letter sent
in to the Post by Justin Davis?
He mentions he had a several hour conversation with an alderman
after a meeting.
If this is any indication of how our aldermen think we are in deep, deep trouble.
This moron of an alderman stated that "people who struggle financially do so because they are "bad" people who have fallen out of favor with God."
This moron also said "that helping less fortunate people is a waste
because if they get aid they will just squander it."
Mr. Davis also mentions among other things (I don't want to go into religion)
that "Anywhere there is the human mind, expect the best and the worst."
He also wrote "I fear Raytown may have a surplus of the worst."

If this alderman is any example of the rest of our city elected officials I fear for the future.

This alderman should resign NOW! If he doesn't resign he should be
removed from his position NOW!
I may have issues with the fact that most of our aldermen couldn't last five seconds on the game show "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?"
But this person clearly doesn't get it.
He is supposed to believe in people, all people and have some compassion for everyone not just the rich and well to do, but for those less fortunate too.
He is supposed to be a representative of the people not just his friends.

I wish Mr. Davis would have mentioned this idiots name.
This holiday season this moron deserves a lump of coal
not only in his stocking but up side his head!
I'll stop now before I turn into old foul mouthed Pat!

Anonymous said...

Why would we want to vote for anymore sales taxes? We are getting very poor services for what we are paying. Our city council continues to waste our money because they don't have any business experience. Ask your friends that are living in surrounding communities. They may be paying a little more in taxes, but they are getting a lot more in city services. Sign me, hoping to move SOON.

Andy Whiteman said...

MORON:
I would like to know who that moronic Alderperson is. From what I understand there is no recall in a 4th class city, but we sure could make an issue of it at the next election! What happened to, "Judge not least yee be judged?"

CURBSIDE RECYCLING:
At the last BOA meeting, Greg Walters made a motion to give the trash haulers notice that Raytown MAY go to curbside recycling in 2 years. This is a state requirement. It would NOT commit the city but just be a notice that the city may go in this direction. Alderperson White, as well, as several others thought the board should not be wasting time on this whene there are more important issues such as the 350 Project and Downtown Redevelopment.

These alderpeople failed to understand that this would meet a legal requirement so that the city could implement curbside recycling any time after the 2 year notice. The Board could address the issue at some later date (with no time requirement) after the other issues are resolved.

The motion failed to what I feel was a lack of understanding. The implementation of curbside recycling in Raytown is being delayed becuase of this action. I hope the board reconsiders this issue.

I favor mandatory recycling. It means less non-biodegradable trash in the landfills, as well as putting these materials back into use and helping the enviornment. I lived in 2 cities where curbside recycling was required. I lived in another city where is was optional and offered free by the hauler. I was very pleased with it. For one thing I saved money on trash bags! While favoring a mandatory plan, I will participate in an optional curbside plan if it doesn't cost me extra charges. This would show a positive effort on the part of the city.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Speaking of morons, alderwoman White fits into this category. I'm so tired of all this crap about the 350 project. Much of it is a pipe dream. Most people don't even want a Walmart. All it will do is continue to drive out our small businesses and further reduce property values. All White is really concerned about is that she might make a buck off of some of the property changing hands in the area. More potential conflicts of interest are on the horizon. Keep watching.

Anonymous said...

How do citizens go about suing a city for malfeasance?

Anonymous said...

I ask again which city officials are receiving money under the table and how much?

Anonymous for a reason

Anonymous said...

I read about the police camping out at Wood Oil. Since I drive by there almost daily I thought I would pay more attention and see it is true.

So I did. There does seem to be a police car parked there a lot of the time.

If they are writing reports, maybe they should move around to different places so that they at least give the impression of being on patrol.

Anonymous said...

Rumor is that Michael Miller in back job hunting in Wisconsin. I wonder why all of these people are suddenly leaving city hall? Are our finances in worse shape than we realize? It's a little scary when you see all of these people bailing out at once. Or is it that none of them want to be around when the roof caves in. Keep watching.

Andy Whiteman said...

In response to Anonymous 9:57 AM, has anyone considered that officials' wanting to leave may have something to do with the miserable climate here and they high cost of utilities both winter and summer? I was forced to move here and have been looking for a house for almost 5 years. My reason for wanting to move is not the city government. It is because I am living in the State of Misery.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

The alderperson who said those things should have their name printed so that the people of this city know who it is and so that the people of their ward does not make the same mistake again. If this person thinks that he/she is in favor with God they had better think again. The God I know is compassionate and caring he helps those in need. He does not condem them to Hell because they have NO MONEY.

It is a sad state of affairs when we have this knid of people running our city. What this person has not yet found out is these knid of things can happen to anyone and at any time and his time is coming and it will. This person needs to ask God for forgivesness and do some community service to learn what it is to give and get off their high horse.

As for getting them off the BOA now it won't happen because we have know recall for elected officials because we are a fourth class city. Another good reason for a charter. By the time the next 2-4 years are over if it continues as it is now we should have a whole list of reasons to have a charter. The BOA could call for impeachment I beleive but they won't because they have NO guts.

Anonymous said...

I've lived here for many years and have never seen as much turnover at city hall as I have in the last 10 years. Something is changing and I'm not sure what it is, but I don't believe it has anything to do with the climate. Yes, and that was before we thought we needed a highly paid city administrator. I really don't believe we need one today. What a novel idea, let the department heads run the city and report to the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen, as it should be. It worked for probably 40+ years, so why not give it another try.

Anonymous said...

anonymous 12/20 @ 3:51

You won't get an answer to your question because it's a lie and slander.

I've posted it here before and I'll post it again...Walters needs to get a handle on the crap that he is allowing people to post on this site.

Lies, innuendo and hate have NO place in a public forum unless you have the cojones to put your name, and the facts, behind your claims!

90% of the people who post on here have no clue, no rationale, no business saying what they say...Greg just gives them the opportunity to say all sorts of crap without any repercussions.

Greg...change this sewer to where you HAVE to print your name when you post. I can guaraantee that you won't do that....because no one will post here again!

Some of you will now rip into me because I use laughing all the way...but even though I may be factually inaccurate on occasion, and I may call people who post on here idiots, clowns and hate-mongers (that part is true), I do not viciously lie, distort or slander.

There used to be "unwritten rules" for published letters and comments: everything was fair game, anonymously, until you started bad-mouthing individuals in particular...in other words, naming names. When you started naming names, you had better back your claims up with facts.

Walters...I challenge you to start enforcing those "unwritten rules".

Anonymous said...

To not laughing all the way!! Until you start identifying yourself you really shouldn't expect anyone else to. Just because you say you tell the truth and that others are lying, why are we supposed to believe you? Lighten up, this is a BLOG. Enjoy yourself, no one forced you to run for elected office. As Harry Truman once said, "If you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen."

Anonymous said...

People are leaving because there are better opportunities elsewhere. It is that Plain and Simple.

City Worker

Anonymous said...

TO NOT LAUGHING ALL THE WAY: Gee, it looks like you are the idiot! No one forced you to get on your computer and read the blog. If it bothers you that much that must mean that you are one of those elite elected officials that has been running this city right down the sewer literally! You have really had your head in the sand for a very, long time. The turnover in local government is pathetic. It is the worst that it has been in 40+ years! City services are beginning to be seriously affected by lack of funding. Get rid of the CA job and apply the money saved on that salary to street paving. Get rid of any extra management type positions that are uneccessary and they will find some of the extra money to put towards the budget shortage problem. While we are at it, get rid of some of those deadbeat alderpeople like White, Aziure, Schlapia, etc.

Greg is doing a fine job!

Andy Whiteman said...

Not laughing all the way, just scroll up the page. The post is signed assuming we are talking about what a certain alderman said.

As Anonymous 6:44 stated, this is a blog. Hopefully what is posted is factual. If it is not signed, you can chose not to believe it. If a post is signed, based on the signer, it may be credible information. Otherwise I consider anything else to be OPINION. OPINION is what a person is thinking and is not considered true or untrue.

I would like to know who that alderman is. If someone could provide a notarized statement as to what he/she said, I will gladly buy a whole page advertisement in the Post the next time that person is up for reelection. We don't need a person like that on the BOA.
***********
City worker, I assume you are a worker and not a tie wearing chair warmer. I feel all workers should be paid a living wage. I have seen job ads. You guys aren't paid nearly enough and I don't blame you for moving on if you can find higher pay elsewhere.

As for the tie wearing, chair warmers, in the 7 years I have been here, I think a very high number have moved on. I was very happy when a previous City Administrator moved on. All I could say was good ridance. Considering what it costs me to move, I would think that a person would stay in one place for awhile.
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As I previously wrote long ago either in the Post or the old Raytown Reporter, the City Adiminstrator is an unnecessary position for a tie wearing, chair warmer. The department heads and the mayor can do the job. I suggest that then the CA contract expires or he decides to move on, the position should be abolished. (Wouldn't it be funny if the independent job survey determined the CA to be an unneeded job?)

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

City Administrator Miller is doing what is best for him. In the history of Raytown he is the worst CA. Just pray that he gets the job in Wisconsin so that our board will not be forced to fire him. If he don't get job again (he failed to get one in Alaska) then get rid of him without paying a dime. He already breached the trust of our board, citizens and city staff of Raytown. What kind of leadership it is when he is ready to jump the ship.

Anonymous said...

Greg...considering the time of the year...how about you accepting anonymous donations to a fund for Mr. Whiteman's move.
I'll send the first $5.

Andy Whiteman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Andy Whiteman said...

I don't blame Mr. Miller (or anyone else) for doing what is best for themselves.

Remember the CA receives direction from the Board of Alderpeople. At each meeting he either asks the board for permission to something or the board gives him direction. In reality it seems to me he is a puppet of the board. Before we rate Mr. Miller's quality of work, I ask: Is he being allowed to manage or is he told what to do?
Actually with some of the stupidity I hear from certain board members, I wonder who really is managing this city?

I don't know what is in his contract, but if he was fired, it could be costly to the city and you know who pays the taxes. I remember about 10 years ago when AT&T fired a bad CEO and his termination pay was in the millions! It all depends on the contract what can happen.
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One thing I think as strange is the board approved over $18,000 for office furniture at the last meeting. I ask what is wrong with used furniture? There could have been a big savings here. I have seen office furniture for sale at the DAV on Wornall. There are other thrift stores that could be checked. While walking around Raytown, I have seen office furniture at garage sales and sometimes just put out by the street either as trash or with a "FREE" sign on it. All it would take is a couple of people with authority to buy and a truck to go pick up office furinture and I am sure the price would be way under $18,000! I think any businessman would do the same.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Ahh, much to say about a possible public safety sales tax. Let us not forget for one moment that the only things that seem to work right in this city are the public safety services. Police, Fire, and EMS all have credible and dedicated management that is proven the test time and time again... For the city... I have no problem dedicating some money for those agencies like Police and the ambulance. Afterall, they have always been transparent with their money... and seem really dedicated to their causes... This CA already tried to cut positions in the police and ambulance and attempted to jack around with their wages. How can public safety maintain quality when they are forced to compete with those at the Hall. I trust them with my money, but don't trust the others.

Also it is very telling how many people are taking leave at the hall. Heck, they laid off workers at the begining of the budget year and now they need to hire some one to do the rest of the clerks duties. Can someone say credibility...

FAN OF OUR PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROUD OF IT!!!

Anonymous said...

Too bad we can't carve them out of the bureacratic mess that is Raytown City Hall... You really are correct... they probably do deserve it. I wonder who the next to go will be... It is almost like reality TV... Can I text in my vote?

Anonymous said...

The BOA fire Miller you have to be kidding they don't have the sense of the guts to do it.

Anonymous said...

I too support our public safety employees. But, I don't believe that we need any more taxes to support them. If these idiots that are running our city would quit wasting our money there would be plenty for raises for EMS and the Police officers. Examples, git rid of Truesdale's position, Teresa Newton's elimination would be another cost savings and do we really need a city administrator? Also cut all travel, meals, and entertainment for our elected officials. I could go on and on. There is so MUCH waste at city hall.

Anonymous said...

Is this city ready?

Anonymous said...

This City will be just fine without Miller and Tim. In fact, it is time to take some action rather than hoping that they will leave the town of their own. Why pay them? They are spending the money anyway.

Andy Whiteman said...

The keyword on the public safety tax is "earmarked." That does that mean? Does it mean we intend to spend it on public safety, but will spend it where we want to spend it? That is what is going to happen! Wasn't a Fire District bond issue just approved. Do they need more money? Actually the FD is a seperate taxing authority.

The only way I would support such a tax is if the police, police staff, and EMS people all receive a raise to a liveable wage.

Why would the board fire Miller? Very likely, he would get a big severance package. Anyway who would they blame their blunders on? Since Miller is CA he can take the blame for ALL of the board's missmanagement! He is a scapegoat! It seems like he is NOT allowed to make a decision. Miller is always asking the board for "direction" or permission. The man was hired to manage. The board should stand back and let him do his job!

I have never seen a board where there had to be a resolution to accept a donation. How idiotic! When I was the treasurer of a fire district, a donation check would be deposited, and then the board was notified. Would the BOA ever refuse a donation? I don't think they would.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

I just read on Cleavers website that he placed $1,200,000.00 in the Dec 20 spending bill to tear down the old church. It is my guess the city will go public with this soon, so then can spin that in to a fall tax campaign. I can see it now Miller & Truesdale twin jackasses atop a piece of equipment with bullhorns pounding their chests.
If I am right it will be kinda ironic.... abuse of tax money with earmarks to kick off a raping of the taxpayer campaign. Progress as promised.....from 2001

Andy Whiteman said...

Cleaver may have put $1.2M in his spending bill to raze the Olde Baptist Church but will it be approved and signed by the President? It would be great if that happened, but just as likely President Bush could veto a pork barrel bill.

I will believe it when the President signs it.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Hey Andy where you been man, he signed it last week

Anonymous said...

In Congressman Cleaver's newsletter it states that he included $539,000 for demolition of the old church. I'm sure Truesdale will try to claim credit for this but I know for a fact that a lot of local political people (Democrats) were working behind the scenes to make this happen. Raytown owes a big thank you to our Congressman for helping clean up a mess that our Mayors and Boards of Aldermen created.

Anonymous said...

Regarding razing the old church, I thought that the city was planning to use the "windfall" from the fees they would receive from the cellphone companies' settlement to pay for that job. With respect to Wal-Mart in the Raytown Live project, if, as I've read on this site, there are many Raytown citizens who still oppose Wal-Mart's move to the 350 corridor, then I would like to offer my support. I live in Southwood and continue to be concerned about the traffic which will be increased on Hardy and Hedges as people travel from 83rd St to 350 hiway. Additionally, what kind of TIF or government "assistance" will be offered to the longtime local businesses which will be negatively impacted by this development. Many communities around the country have prevented Wal-Mart from moving into and ruining their communities. Could Raytown be the next?

Anonymous said...

I think that the city should install speed bumps on the residential streets south of 350 hiway and the proposed development to cut down on the older adults that should know better than to speed in the subdivisions and the young fearless adults/adolescents that don't know any better and wipe out in peoples yards, driveways, and houses. I bet if it were happening in your neighborhood you would not like it at all! There are children and people walking in these areas. That is why there are posted speed limit signs that say 25 or 30 mph! I am also in the Southwood area and I am sick and tired of the crap! If you must travel at highway speeds, get on the hiway and do that, not on the sidestreets. I don't care if you are running late, leave earlier. Be responsible. Save a life!