RAYTOWN REPORT

Pat Riehle, one of two representatives from Ward 5 has resigned his seat on the Raytown Board of Aldermen. In fourth class cities like Raytown the Mayor will make an appointment to the position for the remainder of the term. The Board of Aldermen must approve or disapprove the appointment at the same meeting. As of this writing, Mayor Bower has not announced his intentions. It is known that he does have a list of potential nominees. Furthermore, sources at city hall tell us that one potential appointee has turned down the Mayor’s request to serve. If true, the Mayor will undoubtedly be me more cautious in his next choice. Whatever the case, it appears that there is no shortage of those clamoring for the job. I always find it interesting that potential candidates seem to come out of the woodwork when a seat on the City Council becomes vacant. Perhaps it is the $450 per month salary and benefits that come with the job. Whatever the reason, those same sources tell me the Mayor has shor...

T UESDAY is general election day in Missouri. This is an “off year” in the election cycle so there are few elections to watch. Raytown voters will not be voting on any issues this year – but some interesting elections are taking place in neighboring communities. The City of Grandview will consider a ½ cent sales tax increase. If it passes Grandview will join with many other communities in the area in making the K.C. metroplex one of the highest taxed areas in Missouri. By far the election that holds most attention for the Kansas City area is the effort by Independence residents to wrest control of schools located in the western portion of their city. Those schools in western Independence currently fall under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City Missouri School District. Voters in both the Kansas City and Independence School District are allowed to vote on the question. Independence voters are expected to approve the change. How Kansas City voters will cast their votes is the big que...