Sunday, February 1, 2009

Raytown Success Stories

A NOTE TO MY READERS: A complete listing of the April 7th Election Ballot has been certified by the Jackson County Election Board. For a listing of all the candidates for Municipal and School District seats, and the ballot language on the proposed half cent sales tax increase, scroll down to my January 18th posting, Municipal and School Board Races Take Shape. Only the most starry eyed optimist can look at the condition of the American economy and say that things are getting better. But there are indications that some common sense is beginning to take hold locally – some could even be called success stories. So here is my read on some small but not insignificant changes in the direction of how things are being done on the local, state and federal levels. Raytown Success Stories . . . LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: During the Sue Frank Administration, there was the equivalent to a Raytown “executive order/policy” to not install any new street lights in Raytown. That ended three years ago when the neighborhoods around Colman Park successfully petitioned for additional street lights at the park in an effort to cut back on curfew violations, vandalism and, for lack of a better term, “bad behavior” in the Park. I helped broker the deal between the Park Department and the City of Raytown to share in the costs of the new lights. The Raytown Board of Aldermen has followed that lead. Since then, 114 new street lights have been budgeted (some have even been installed!) in residential neighborhoods. It may not be the biggest policy change in our city – but like the Titanic turning a corner, it is definitely a change of direction. CASH FOR TRASH: A little over half a year ago the Raytown Board of Aldermen adopted as policy a recommendation by the Raytown Recycling Committee to move the city’s recycling center to a new location. But that was not all that was accomplished with the move. I was Chairman of the Committee – and what that group collectively accomplished is a text book example of how government can work. One of our goals was to turn the Recycling Center into a revenue producing function of the city. Even though the Center is only open twice a month it is on track to produce over $4,000 in receipts for recyclables. In short, what used to go to the landfill is now making money for the city. The beautiful part of this success story is that it would not be able to be told without the countless number of people who regularly drop their recyclables off at the Center. State News of Note . . . Normally I do not comment on matters of the State of Missouri in this space, but a news item of some significance out of Jefferson City caught my eye this week. The Legislature of the Missouri House has voted to forego any pay increases for themselves and other State offices this year. As one state legislator was quoted in the KC Star, “this is the worst time to even consider such a question.” . . . and National News as well . . . Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill has proposed that pay for employees of firms receiving bailout money be capped at $400,000. The plan makes some sense. Her proposal calls for the cap to be removed once the bailout money is paid back to the government. You could consider it the same as a “clawback” on property tax abatements – sort of a “pay for performance” proposal. But I would take the proposal one step further. Limit the executive pay those in the federal government to $400,000 as well. Once the economy has righted itself the limit could be lifted. After all, it was the policies at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that started this mess in the subprime real estate markets. It was their manipulation and the creation of easy credit and terms that have left many people upside down in their house payments. As they used to say many years ago, “what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander”. Some Things Never Change . . . I see the Kansas City Star has endorsed another property tax increase for the Blue Springs School District. Gotta’ hand it to what remains of the editorial staff of Kansas City’s major newspaper – if nothing else they are consistent. The Star has been hit hard by the recession – even the size has of their editorial staff has shrunk significantly due to layoffs that have ended careers before their time. Perhaps they should re-read the story out of Jefferson City. Now is not the time to increase the cost and size of government.

120 comments:

Anonymous said...

Greg is right about limiting the size of government in these tough economic times. It's happening at ALL levels of government from the president's staff to Governor Nixons budget and even Jackson County. But not at the city level. Mayor Bower and his cronies on the board of aldermen are asking you to impose an additional tax to make us one of the highest sales taxed cities around. It just doesn't make good common sense. Has anyone at Raytown City Hall taken a pay cut lately?

Anonymous said...

Is Greg is telling you that he had accomplished two things in last twenty years?
I am sure the entire board had voted on any issue and credit should be given to them.
Did Greg ever endorse any tax increase?
He is the first one in line to demand services but never supported any taxes.
Time for a change.
Change starts with you sir.

Anonymous said...

Actually, Greg did bring forward the lights at Coleman Park. I remember the meeting because I was there. One of Mayor Frank's turned on her and the legislation enablign the agreement with Parks and Recreation passed by a vote of 6 to 4.

The Mayor was so confused that at first she announced that the motion had failed 6 to 4.

There is no doubt that Greg was Chairman of the Recycling Committee. His report shares the credit with the committee.

I've lived in Raytown a very long time. Greg has accomplished a lot more than just those two issues.

But the previous poster writes like it does not really matter what Greg has done. He just wants him out.

If he and his cronies succeed it will be Raytown's loss. Trust me, Greg is a keeper.

Anonymous said...

You can avoid most sales taxes buy shopping on the internet. More and more purchases are being made this way.

Anonymous said...

OFFICIAL BALLOT
CITY OF RAYTOWN
APRIL 7, 2009


Shall the city of Raytown, Missouri impose a citywide sales tax at a rate of one-half of one percent for the purpose of improving the public safety of the city?

[X] YES


[ ] NO

If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “YES”. If you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite "No"



This is all of the information that you will see on the ballot when you cast your vote in April related to the "Public Safety" sales tax issue. There will no details for voters to see who are not familiar with the issue.

Andy Whiteman said...

As for shopping on the internet or mail order, if the store has a physical presence in this state, they are REQUIRED to collect sales tax. Many do collect sales tax.

I don't shop on the internet to avoid sales tax. I shop the internet because it is easier to find what I want. Also internet shopping saves a lot of my time and gas.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Most of my purchases come from out of state, no tax, and some even offer free shipping. Great way to avoid a local "scam tax".

Anonymous said...

I will never vote for another tax for the Police Dept. as long as this Chief of Police is making the kind of money he is making. I know he was making more than the head of the Missouri State Highway Patrol several years ago and I am sure he has had several pay raises since then. I have know problem with the raises for the officers but Mr. Lynch is not one of them.

What should have been done is put 2issues on the ballot 1 for the Police Dept. and 1 for the EMS because I would have voted for the EMS Dept. They get a lot less money for their dept. than the Police Dept. does and they do just as much for this city.

It is really to bad that someone else is not running against him. We should have choices especially in this case.

Anonymous said...

No pay cuts at Raytown City Hall. In fact, this year's budget has a pay INCREASE of up to 5% in it for City Hall employees. That 5% even goes to the heavy hitting salaries that approach six figures as well.

There has not been too much belt tightening happening up here.

Anonymous said...

Why should we give them more? Private sector is taking pay cuts or getting laid off. Makes no sense to give them more tax dollars. Bower needs to run city hall more like Obama and Nixon are doing on their level.

Anonymous said...

Greg should be proud of allowing this kind of nonsense. He lost elections in the past and badly aginst our current Mayor.
Real test is with the voters not the bloggers.
We are proud of our Mayor.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad at least one of our citizens is proud of Bower, because many of us are disappointed and would like to have our vote back. Sad excuse for a leader.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Doesn't EMS actually make money ? They bill patients and collect insurance payments.

Anonymous said...

I am not proud of things as they are in Raytown, except that Greg will stand up to the BS here for the people!

Anonymous said...

Greg is the only one on the board who has the guts to stand up and tell people what is really going on. The mayor and his cronies just agree with the "misguided city staff". That's why Raytown is in such a mess. They haven't had any good department heads, city attorney or a city administrator for the past 10 years and it's showing. By the way a city administrator in a city our size is a WASTE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS. Cut this guy and give the money to our police department. Don't keep asking for more taxes.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Pat Casady said...

Does it even bother any of you that businesses are leaving
Raytown? Coddingtons's is only the beginning. There will be a lot
more going after the 350hwy. project is finished.
Where will the city get it's income from then? Hardly any of our
elected officials seem to care about all this. One trying to be re-elected
said in the Raytown Post, "she wanted the town to keep moving forward."
I don't see any forward motion at all. True we are getting a new store and
a remodeled one but we are losing more than we are gaining. Both in taxes and businesses.
There's even talk of maybe a Lowe's going in where the old W-M and Hy-Vee are now. What will happen to our local hardware stores then?
You can pass or fail all the tax increases you want but, if there is no retail stores to collect sales taxes it's a moot point. Certainly Wal-Mart won't
be contributing any sales tax for twenty three years. I'm not sure if Hy-Vee got the same deal but you can't get sales tax from empty buildings that will surly be left in the wake of these tax give away deals.
I'm not complaining. I'm asking a question. How does City Hall think Raytown can survive if sales taxes are higher than any town that actually has more than just a Wal-Mart as a draw?

Anonymous said...

I read the article in the Raytown Post on diversity. It made me sick to my stomach. First of all you don't elect a person becasue of the color of their skin. You vote for then becasue of their knowledge of the position they are going to fill,and becuase of thier intergity. If you vote for them for any other reason you are a racist. There isn't any other way to state it.

Anonymous said...

I thank God for Greg Walters. He is the ONLY ONE who ever questions why something is being done. He has saved this city from disaster many times. The mayor treats him horrible as did Frank the reason being he knows more than both of them. If you bloggers think you can do better than file for the office and put your money where your mouth is.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Pat is right about the sales tax. I've been saying this for along time. If there's nothing you want to buy in Raytown, then who cares how high the sales tax is because it won't generate any revenue for the city if people are buying their goods elsewhere. Think about it and ask yourself how much do I really spend in Raytown? I have, and if it wasn't for fast food and an occasional trip to the hardware store it's not much. I would like to spend more here, but most of the time the product is simply not available. So it's off to Independence, Kansas City, or Lee's Summit to drop my tax dollars there.

Anonymous said...

How much does the City pay for overtime to run that moneymaking recycling center?

Anonymous said...

What, you don't believe in recycling? Must be a hard core Republican speaking.

Andy Whiteman said...

Many good thoughts are here today.

I think Greg lost the Mayor election because of his stand on BSL. At least he lost my support there. But I still feel as alderman he acts in the best interest of the people on financial issues. He sounds like he has thoroughly investagated issues and takes a stand which I appreciate. His BSL issue appeared to be based on emotion and pregidous but not fact.

We can thank Greg for his service to the city. In my opinion a term of Alderman or mayor is really community servioe because of the low pay and lots of time involved.

By the way I have been told that 2 candidates in Ward 4 want BSL and another in a different ward has not given me a clear answer so our dogs may still be in danger from these biggots. Dog owners be careful who you vote for!

Anon 11:11 PM, I wonder if I have met you on a BSL blog?

Andy Whiteman

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

What is BSL?

Anonymous said...

BSL = Breed Specific Legislation

Anonymous said...

Mayor Bower was not in office when the WalMart deal was made - so give him a break on that.

Anonymous said...

He could have stopped it and he did NOTHING, so he must share the BLAME. He finalized the deal.

Anonymous said...

Andy I could never figure out what side of the fence you were on when it came to BSL It seemed to me like one time you were for and the next time not.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know how much our sales tax will be the new sales tax is passed?

I've been told it will be 9%.

But I am not sure if that is right.

Is the city putting out any information that answers that simple question?

Pat Casady said...

The tax rate now is 7.60. Add a 1/2cent and it will be 8.10.
However on 350hwy. it is already higher than that. That's another
part of the W-M deal. Higher sales taxes in that area.
One of the bad things about that deal is Westlake had to start that
tax before the W-M is finished. It's almost like this town is penalizing Westlake for standing up for their right to exist. Remember they fought
to remain there. This town wanted them to move to make way for
the new W-M and at the time Home Depot.
I'm not sure what Lee's Summit's tax rate is but I can tell you their citizens get a lot more bang for their buck than Raytown's do.
Their streets and sidewalks are always being kept up. Their downtown is being renovated and new small businesses are moving in.
My guess is they treat prospective new small business owners better and they aren't pushed away by unreasonable codes people.
In other words that town knows where their bread is buttered. It's in collecting
taxes not giving them away when they can't afford to lose the income.
Before anyone says it....no I don't want to be in Lee's Summit. I am just pointing
out the fact they are the town that is "moving forward" while Raytown is moving in the other direction. Who can we thank for that...............?

Anonymous said...

Westlake is already at 8.475% on sales tax. Add another .50% and you get almost 9%. This is outrageous for the services that we are getting. NO, NO, NO, on any new sales tax. Free spending Bower must be told no.

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon 6:50 AM, I have always been AGAINST BSL because it is racial discrimination against dogs. It is the same as banning people because they are black, chicano, or oriental because they MIGHT do something illegal! It is the owner who is responsible for the upbringing and training of the dog. If the dog is trained or allowed to fight, it is the responsibility of the owner not the dog. There are many dogs of the breeds that people want to ban who are loving pets.

I spoke against BSL at the meetings that were open to the public (except the one secret meeting). Your confusion may come because I am in favor of a DDO (Dangerous Dog Ordinance) which judges the dog as an individual, not by breed. I also suggested that it be against ordinance for anyone to harbor an animal used for fighting. (Not just dogs but also roosters and Beta fish if they are use for fighting.)
**********
As for sales tax, has anyone thought of a restaurant or lodging tax? Cities like Denver as well as other cities had high restaurant and lodging taxes. I have checked out of motels in some areas that had a 10% or higher lodging tax plus sales tax. I was shocked in Denver when we ate out and I saw the tax at the bottom of the bill! I no longer go to Denver because of their Gestapo Nazi discrimination against dogs. These taxes are another way to raise revenue without hurting the stores.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Good idea! We can charge that 10% lodging tax at Larry Edwards' 5 Star Hotel next to MoPub. Oh wait! That hasn't been built!
Funny to see all the entries deleted here by Mr. Walters. His blog, his censorship. But doesn't do much for credibility.

Anonymous said...

I don't believe that 4th class cities are allowed to impose the type of taxes that you speak of. Mr. Edwards needs to do a little more research.

Pat Casady said...

To "ANONYMOUS" 11:13
Speaking of not doing much for creditability......
and you are who????????????

Anonymous said...

Pat, please leave Raytown. It is Embarrassing to have people look up Raytown online and find people like you giving your opinion. You sound like you dislike Raytown so much so just leave.

-M. Dean

Anonymous said...

Pat,

Please, please, stay in Raytown. We need more level headed thinking from people like you.

Anybody who knows you is well aware that you are a fair-minded businessman who is only telling the truth.

To the passive/aggressive ones out there -- I am certain that Harry Truman had you in mind when he said, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!"

Anonymous said...

Pat, you are doing a wonderful service by making people think about what is wrong with their community and how they can improve it. If we had about 9 people like Pat on the BOA it would sure be a better town. Thanks

Pat Casady said...

I'm going no place. I happen to love Raytown. Sometimes the truth
hurts M. Dean.
If you knew me you would know that I only want the best for Raytown,
always have always will.
I've been in Raytown for thirty years and I've watched this town go
downhill for a long time. Telling me to leave sure as
Hell isn't going to fix the problems. Maybe it's people like you that won't see
or want to admit that what's been done to this town has been financially devastating.
So I ask you, what have I said or done to make you think I don't like Raytown.
Have I ever lied about anything? Have I ever called our elected officials names?
Or anybody for that matter? And I sure haven't ask anybody to leave because I didn't agree with them.
If you are happy with the way things are going in Raytown, If you are happy that
businesses are leaving town then more power to you.
But, going to stick around and I hope people like you can someday tell me to my
face, "I told you so, you were wrong." I truly want that more than anything because
that would mean Raytown has come alive again and is prospering.

Pat Casady said...

I forgot to say to M.Dean,
Thank you for signing your name.

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon 11:13 AM, I have read many of the comments before the were deleted by Greg. I don't remember what the one on this thread was about but the deleted entries on another thread were out and out lies as a personal attack on an individual. Even if those comments were true, a newspaper would not have published them in Letters to the Editor.

The administrator of the blog has a responsibility for for objectional content. I have seen many comments running Greg down that he never deleted. So don't accuse him of censorship.

Andy Whiteman

Daniel Thode said...

My assessment of the cause of Raytown's stagnant economy is simple. Raytown had no defined identity.

It is not Mayor Bower's fault. It is not Mr. Walters' fault. Both have served the city admirably.

Presently, Raytown is seen as the city you must drive through to get from Lee's Summit to Downtown. People go to Lee's Summit. People go Downtown. Few people make a conscious effort to go somewhere in Raytown. Our sales tax is paid primarily by Raytown residents alone. That is not going to change over night.

First, we need to fill the vacant, foreclosed homes to regain tax revenues. In order to pay for those homes, people need money. In order to get money, people need jobs. I am an advocate of trying to lure office-type businesses first. Example, the Raytown-based telemarketing company is looking to add new jobs, while Wal Marts are cutting jobs. Job-creating companies are the types of compaines we should be making deals with, i.e. tax breaks for companies that hire X percentage of Raytown citizens.

Once the city has a few established office companies and a city of filled homes to pay sales tax, then it will be time to focus on making Raytown a destination, not a short cut. At such a time, I would suggest a Raytown Business Council comprised of city officials AND business representatives. The purpose being to create a collaborative effort between the private and public sector to determine an appropriate tax increase proposal to bring to the city. It will inevitiably take money to make money which the city realizes. However, it is hard to convince a non-believing community to get behind and trust those in charge.

Once a tax increase is enacted, the revenues should be delegated directly to this joint council to give the public and private sector access to how the people's money should be spent.

Sorry for my novel, I get tired of people bickering. If you have a problem, create a solution. Otherwise, too much time is spent being counter-productive than making progress. It will take a unified effort between the government and the people to change the course of Raytown. I say we start with the people interested enough in Raytown to seek out this blog.

Daniel

Anonymous said...

I just read what Mr. Adams said in the Raytown Post he makes more sense than Christine White ever did. All she does if follow the crowd. Those of you who live in his ward I hope you will vote for him. He makes alot of sense.

Anonymous said...

I watched the BOA meeting last nighton television. I am so glad that Raytown has so much money to spend. In my simple mind I am watching the finance director answer question about this new piece of equipment he wantws to buy. If he HAD really researched this he would have answered the questions with exact numbers and not have been so vague. He was flying by the seat of his pants and spending our money like he had buckets full. Wake up citizens and put an end to this kind of wasteful spending.

Pat Casady said...

Daniel,
Thank you for the common sense approach.
However we need to be careful about asking for more tax increases.
People are not happy with the way their tax dollars have been spent
as it is, and I really don't see them voting for more taxes until they start seeing tangible results from all they have been paying.

Anonymous said...

This Blog is BS, BSL or whatever...
I would like to know if any one learn anything here...
Crazy

Anonymous said...

Pat Casady need to read his old postings to find out what he said..
How foolish, narrowminded, negative, and hateful. Does he have any positive thing to point our about this town?

Anonymous said...

The person who made comments about Adams is insane. The comment in Raytown Post by Adams is horrible. He has no knowledge about government. I would like to know his qualifications and experience.

Anonymous said...

Adams brings a fresh new approach to dealing with the problems of city government. White, (Sue Frank's sister-in-law) is part of the problem, she goes along with every spending bill that comes before the board. Now she wants to raise your taxes so she can give her policeman brother a raise. Too much family at city hall. Adams would be a nice change for Ward 3.

Anonymous said...

Fresh new approach,,,What you are talking about? Adams ran last time for the Mayor. How many votes he received? 166 votes city wide. It does not seems to me promising.

Andy Whiteman said...

Does anyone know what Christine White said?

I was at the BOA last night, asked her to please speak up, and still couldn't hear a word she said until she finally spoke loud enough to get Teresa to call the roll for adjournment.

Daniel, I and others agree that Raytown needs a plan that is well thought out and not thrown together.

The problem has always been that Raytown is NOT a destination. The only through street we have is 350 HWY, hence the attempt to develop there. Downtown is not a destination and won't be because it requires a detour to get there. I agree about office development and passed your original comment on. I really wasn't satisfied with the response I received.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

To the guy -- and I am pretty sure it is a "he" (and most definitely the same person posting over and over again) who is attacking Pat Casady.

You ought to throttle back. I've read all of Pat's remarks. If you read the papers and check with people from city hall -- you will find out he is extremely accurate in what he writes.

He does it without insult.

That's more than I can say about your messages.

Pat, keep up the good work -- whoever your antagonist is, he most definitely has one thing in mind and that is protectig the status quo.

Anonymous said...

I see Toyota has closed all shuttered all but one of its plants in America.

Guess that's a sign of a booming economy.

I can't believe that one blogger wrote that those who are out of jobs only have themselves to blame.

Unbelievable!!!

Anonymous said...

Interesting comments, Mr. Thode.

But Pat is right about the sales tax. Until you get some responsible people running the show at city hall throwing more money at them is a waste of dollars.

I bet that is one of the reasons you are running for the school board.

I mean, if they are all doing such a fine job - why replace them?

Pat Casady said...

Thanks to every body saying nice things about me.
As I said before I'm going no where.
I don't know Mr.Dean but he's the person that is sounding negative
by telling me to leave and in the Post, he even complains about
the way they run their paper. I guess he feels that his opinion is the only opinion that counts.
I've been asked to leave before. It doesn't hurt my feelings.
After all they can't prove anything I've said as a lie or wrong.
The best they can come up with is leave town or shutup?
Not going to happen!

Anonymous said...

I only wish that Mayor Bower would show as much interest in improving our town as Pat does. Bower has become "one of them" and shows me that he's just interested in picking up his paycheck each month, as our city falls further and further into this dark hole. New leadership is defiantly needed at city hall.

Anonymous said...

I am with the guy above that said Pat should just leave Raytown. All this crying over how much better Lee's Summit is. Yeah Pat i know after speaking honey about Lee's Summityou said you did not want to move. Still shut up about it then. Every time you mention something you revert back to "well Lee's Summit this and Lee's Summit that". You really should just go there. Maybe the fine citizens of Lee's Summit will welcome your anoying banter.

As for the new sales tax. Seriously people. Some of you on here mention you don't even shop exclusively in Raytown. So what do you even care. Having a nice new Wal-Mart and Hy-Vee on the highway will get plenty of traffic from other cities residents going to and from work. So that means people from outside our community will be paying the sales tax. Since you have stated that you do not shop in Raytown but rather online you aren't even paying the sales tax anyways. All this crying over Westlake is for what? I see more people shopping for car insurance than at Westlake. I will be happy as a clam if we get a Lowes. They have a WAY better selection. You all act like no other city raises sales tax. To please the Lee's Summit loving Pat. Lee's Summit has raised there sales tax several times, and it is not constant across the city. Most of you shop at the Lee's Summit Mall. I know you do, and if you say you don't. I say you are only lying to yourself. That mall has the highest sales tax in the metro area, on the Missouri side. You all you have proven is you are willing to pay a high sales tax just not in Raytown. What great citizens you are.


The Hawk

Daniel Thode said...

Anon. 7:08

It is actually my father who is running for school board, but you are right. Raytown Schools are budgeted to accumulate 20 million dollars in debt between 2008 and 2012. As an accountant/auditor for 33 years at a major accounting firm, Rick wants to bring his financial experience to the board to try and get that straightened out. The school board, like the city, have the people's interest at heart. Losing 20 million dollars, though, is certainly a disservice to the taxpayer

Anonymous said...

Have you ever noticed the crime figures around the current Walmart? It's public record. This is my biggest objection. It's going to bring the crime right on down the highway instead of keeping it on the western edge of town. And yes, we will have one of the HIGHEST sales taxes around if we pass the new half cent for the cops. Again , you can't buy much in Raytown if you don't go to Walmart, and many people won't shop their for different reasons.

Anonymous said...

So the Wal-Mart will bring more crime to the middle of the city. The sales tax will increase the Police department. Which would compensate the crime. That is if you are right about the crime increase. Moving the Wal-Mart gets the business off of the inter city bus route, and keeps it out of walking distance from the Crown Lodge Drug shop. Also placing it in the middle where criminals have a harder time leaving the city prior to getting caught. Well now it does not sound half bad. Increase the Police and descrease the ability of Wal-Mart to the inter city issues and make it harder to escape Raytown. I believe that it will push all the bad business that Wal-Mart is currently promoting to the 40 Hwy Wal-Mart. But i guess your close mindedness did no think of all of this.

The Hawk

Andy Whiteman said...

As for sales taxes: Does anyone really pay attention to the tax rate?

First off, if someone shops the internet to avoid sales tax, they are penny wise and pind foolish! Shipping costs more than the sales tax they have "saved."

As for my shopping, and maybe others are that way; I go to stores or internet that HAVE WHAT I WANT regardless of where it is. I don't call and ask each store what the tax rate is before going. I value my time. I may order on the net to save time but if I need something NOW, I will go to a store and get it. As for groceries, I shop the sales (and double coupons) and stock up. I don't like to shop so may fetch groceries only once a month. The check out clerks are surprised when I check out 30 or 40 cans of spaghetti sauce, or 30-40 bags of spaghetti and return in a couple of days for more. They eventually learn that I stock up.

One really strange thing is that Hy-Vee's regular price is lower on some items than Hen House's sale price!
*********
As for Walmart "attracting crime"(?) The Walmart on Hillcrest had a KCMO mini police station where officers could write reports and citizens could contact an officer. Raytown should consider that. It would be a crime deterent and save on gas since the police would be on location should something happen.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

To the Hawk,
Read this very carefully.
I'm not moving to Lee's Summit!
I don't like Lee's Summit!
I won't shut up!
I am "not" against the proposed new sales tax
for the EMT's and the Police.
I am against any new tax that can be spent anyway the Board sees
fit. I don't see how you can defend the giving away of tax income to
Billion dollar companies and then when City Hall realizes they are in
financial trouble they ask for another tax increase. This can't make
good sense even the the likes of you.
I really don't like to let asinine thinking people get under my skin
but I have to hand it to you, you almost did. But then I realized that what
you write doesn't make sense to anybody, your facts are wrong,
you make things up as you go along and you don't even have the
intestinal fortitude to sign your real name.
So I'm going to break my own rule and tell you to Kiss My..........

Anonymous said...

Pat. Read this carfully so that i do not loose you. The "Public Safety Sales Tax" does not go towards the general fund, nor is it's spending overseen by the Board. The spending goes "DIRECTLY" to the Police and EMS. As for my facts proove them wrong. You can't because they are fact. Think before you type. For the record i am getting under your skin. Because the truth about you is correct. Also for the record my name is Hawk. So i sign who i am. If you will vote NO to the sales tax then you are against it. I guess your Lee's Summit loving self really does not care about the PUBLIC SAFETY of Raytown or you would have read the Public safety sales tax proposal and understood what it is for and who it goes to. You really are close minded

The Hawk

Anonymous said...

Hawk,

Go this website http://www.raytown.mo.us/

On the center of the page you will see a highlighted line of type that says

PUBLIC SAFTEY SALES TAX Proposal PDF

Press the button and go to page 19.

On page 19 you will see two bullet points. The second one reads:

The PSST will also fund the Traffic Enforcement unit to provide relief to the stressed General Operating Budget.

What that means, Mr. Hawk, is that the sales tax dollars will be used to pay for items already funded in the general fund. In this particular case, the Traffic Enforcement Unit.

"provide relief to the General Operating Budget" is double talk for playing a shell game with tax dollars.

That is why Mr. Casady is correct.

Your argument is with the folks who put that power point presentation on the city's website.

Not Mr. Casady.

Anonymous said...

Pat. to you again. Let us look at your last part of your last statement, specifically "intestinal fortitude". Let us define the words

Intestinal:occurring in or affecting the intestines.

Fortitude:Mental and Emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, temptation, or "painful banter from a do nothing but complain about it person" courageously.

Sounds like by placing my tag "Name" on my responces, i have intestinal fortitude.

Okay so i made up the part in quotes, but it still sounds like i have it. Sorry to disapoint.

The Hawk

Anonymous said...

Ms. or Mr. Anon 11:57
Yes i have read it. Several times infact. So it says for you simple minded people who cannot fgure it out. "THE PSST WILL FUND THE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT". What does that mean? The money still goes to the COPS. "TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO THE STRESSED GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET" What does that mean? The money that the "TRAFFIC UNIT" makes goes to the "POLICE" General Operating Budget. NOT THE GENERAL FUND. You people are dense.

The Hawk.

Daniel Thode said...

Mr. Hawk,

I would like to add to the previous comment directing you to the tax proposal. You say you state the facts, but your fact that the revenues from the sales tax increase go directly to the police and EMS isnt entirely correct. The proposal states that the tax revenues are distributed for "public safety purposes INCLUDING the police department, etc." It does not state that the funds go solely to the police department or EMS. Since there is no definition for "pulic safety purposes", one is left to believe the Board of Alderman would have the ability to establish their own definition.
That said, I am not against a sales tax increase. I would just like a few questions answered first. For instance, what will the Board's definition for public safety be? Additionally, I would like to know why the police department is convinced they need more police officers when they do not have their current quota met. If you look under employment opportunities on the city's website, there is an opening for an officer. I believe we need an effective police force, but if the city website is correct, lets fill our department under the current budget before we throw out an arbitrary percentage to be taxed on goods.
If I had answers to those questions that were sufficient, I would be more than happy to pay an extra two cents on a gallon of milk

Anonymous said...

The Hawk needs to open his or her eyes. These city officials are known for spending our money where ever they see fit instead of using it for it's intended purpose. Look at our street, they are worse since we passed a transportation tax, but we have thousands of dollars to WASTE on STUDIES. Don't give them another dime until they have an INDEPENDENT STATE AUDIT to assure us they really need the money.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Thode
I see that you have read the proposal. I am thrilled that someone has. As to you comment on the funds going to public safety but not neccessarily towards jsut the Police and EMS. I am fairly certain that it does not mention the money going anywhere else. The plan does stated that a committee did oversee what the money will go for, and as it is outlined on the Raytown website, it goes towards (as listed on page 6 of the slide) 6 new officers, 3 new detention offices, 1 new dispatcher, 1 crime analyst, 1 new paramedic, advanced EMS training, Reallocation of the funds for the current "police" programs(that is referring to the POLICE GENERAL BUDGET), and the Reserve fund(for the public safety budget.
I have yet to see what you ment but "to include the police and EMS. It reads to me that is the only thing it goes for.

The Hawk

Pat Casady said...

I don't want to get into some kind of contest with you Hawk.
But, I have never said the new tax for the EMS and Police would go
into the general fund. Read this part carefully...I don't have a thing
against the EMT's and Police getting more funds. I think they deserve it.
I can't make it any plainer than that. In fact I would like to see all city employees
make more money.
If I could vote for the new tax I would vote for it.
Get your facts about me straight. I have always supported the city workers,
Police, EMT's and Firemen.
I wish you would get your head out of that dark smelly place and realize
that I said I am against any tax that is labeled for one place then ends up in the general fund or used somewhere other than what it was represented
as. If that's a bad thing than I'm guilty as charged.

Anonymous said...

To Anon 12:24
Eyes open and reading the facts right off of the page. The it's on paper where it will go, speicifcally, not vague. So what part are you all not getting. Another thing. You all ellected the bunch of people that shot craps on the transportation tax. most of them are still in office. Including Mr. Walters. Blame the aldermen, thats fine with me. I personal would love to see the BOA with "ALL" new faces. But do not punish the police and EMS departments for the BOA's mistakes.
Let us say for a moment that we do get a independent audit of the city's current financial status. whether it yeilds that they have funds or not, the BOA is not going to allow whatever money they do have currently under there control to go to the police and EMS. So now who are we punishing, not the BOA but the police and EMS who accually need the money. All of you know all to well that what money the BOA gets, or has as far as funds, it will keep and not pass it out to departments that would accually make it benefical to the City its self.

Anonymous said...

Pat
the firemen are funded by outside the city, they don't count. Given your last 2 statements, how will you vote then.

YES or NO

The Hawk

Daniel Thode said...

It is that 150,000+ reserve fund that I am worried about Mr. Hawk. It will be allocated for "public safety purposes". Again, that includes the police department and EMS which will take 85 percent of the revenues, but the remaining 15 percent is to be allocated for a purpose that does not have a definition. I believe the city government should be entirely transparent. We should have laid out for us in a line by line fashion similar to the other 85%.
Also, I would still like to hear from you, or anybody with knowledge of the matter, to address why there is a police officer position left to be filled.

As I said before, provide me candor and answer those two questions in a manner I deem sufficient and the tax proposal has my vote. Otherwise, I think we leave ourselves open to disappointment.

Contrary to most, I am a supporter of the BOA. I think they have met or surpassed expectations. Most of these public servants have full-time jobs and families that require their attention in addition to the many hours they spend addressing our concerns. I think it is up to the people to ask the tough questions that may have gone overlooked. That is all Mr. Casady, Mr. Whiteman, regular anonymous posters, and I are doing. It is ignorant and foolish to cast a vote in favor of a proposal for which you do now have all of the answers.

As for the personal attacks on Mr. Casady. It would be a shame to lose an individual such as him that has the best interests of Raytown at heart and that is not afraid to ask tough questions. Though he has stated he would not leave Raytown, putting the idea into his head that he should move to Lee's Summit is a mistake. Instead, you should be focusing your attention to Lee's Summit blogs to target distressed individuals of Pat's caliber and advise them to move to Raytown where their voices will be heard.

Anonymous said...

Pat is not a resident of Raytown.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Thode
I do not recall a time in which the police department has ever been fully staffed. If there was a time then it was short lived. I can only assume that it is due to money. Why would anyone leave any job? For one with more money. I can't say that for sure, odviously i can only speculate. I am all for supporting the tax though. I have noticed over the year that, the police department speifically, has done a fine job at keeping this town safe with the amount f officers they have. But! Times are worst, crime is worst, can't expect the same amount of police to fight and increasingly amount of crime. I was talking to a fella the other day. He told me that he was impressed by the amount of police presence he was getting by his house. He said he noticed a night and day difference at the amount of rifraf in his neighborhood. Come to find out that the police department was doing a directed patrol on the 87 St. corridor. From what i have heard this is one of the things that the tax would help. More good cops equals less crime.

Anonymous said...

What! Pat is not a Raytown resident. Why then am i wasting time on my debate with him. Well okay then. Pat i concede to you. Not need to waste time on a person who's opinion really does not matter. Farwell nemesis. I am done.

The Hawk

Anonymous said...

To all of you debating and conversing over the future of this far city called Raytown. A prayer for you. I pray that the right desicions are made and the best comes for Raytown.

Another word for the children of god, whether you wish to hear it or not.

Do you consider yourself to be a good person?
Have you ever sinned before?
Do you think you will go to heaven or hell?
Well asnwer these next questions and find out. Let you conscience acuse and redeem you.

Have you ever told a lie? Even if it was a small, white, couldn't possibly hurt anyone lie.
What does that make you? I makes you a liar. We all lie at one time or another to ourselves to others, but non the less and lie is a lie no matter the size, reason, nature of it.

Have you ever stolen something?
Come on now you just admitted you were a liar. So admit it you have taken something that did not belong to you. No matter the size, reason, or nature.
what does that make you? It makes you a thief.

Have you ever wanted something that someone else had or has? We all have. I want that lawn mower, that car, that house. What did you do. You committed the sin of COVETTING.

So where are we now. We are a lying, thieving, covettor and we will have to face GOD on judgement day. By those standards do you think you will go to heaven or hell now.
Well how about you get to go to heaven. But how? How can i go now that i know i am this horrible sinner? GOD could not possibly let me in after this. All this time i thought of my self as a good person. Yes a good person, but by only human standards, not GOD's. So then i ask again how, HOW, can i get to the place he has prepared for me. That is more simple, Jesus. As Jesus said you can only get to the father through me.
REPENT REPENT REPENT. That is how. Renounce your sins and get faith in Jesus. Turn from your/mine sinful ways and be given the passageto heaven. You may think and as i said it above. that's easy. If you think it to be easy, try it, and you will find that the path is more rocky than you think. But! In the end the tribulation, the strife it is all worth it.

Anonymous said...

The Hawk must be another one of those newcomers that hasn't studied their Raytown history. If they could reflect back a few years they might remember when the sales tax was allocated by percentage to streets, storm sewers, and other capital improvements and there was even an annual curbside brush pickup. These percentages are no more (and it was in writing too) so why trust them to spend a new sales tax as promised. NO NEW TAXES, too many people are hurting!!!

Anonymous said...

Talked with Lee Gray and he said he left this blog because there is just too much misinformation and silliness here. I pulled up the above for him to read and he said that the "ChickenHawk" is clueless. The new Wal-Mart will have a metro stop courtesy our city sales tax for streets. He also said the loopholes in the police/ems sales tax is typical bait and switch here == the same way the Mo General Assembly did with the casino money for schools by removing the original state General Fund money.
He also said to tell Daniel Thode that he has the perfect starter home for him including a built-in Tiki Bar as he's putting up a for sale by owner sign and going way south where it's always sunny.

Lee's Buddy

Anonymous said...

This town woulb be much better of without Lee and his buddy.

Anonymous said...

This Hawk is a chicken$#^%! ill informed pitiful individual with low self esteem. Do some research before you write these ridiculous comments guy!

Anonymous said...

This blog is full of BS. Pat is a good guy. Andy is a good guy.

Anonymous said...

Anon 7:27 PM
You should be ashamed of yourself. I can't believe Greg allow people like you to post any comment.

Andy Whiteman said...

Pat doesn't live in Raytown, but he has a business in Raytown and pays taxes to Raytown. Even though he can't vote, he has a right to his opinion and he states his opinions with facts to back them up.

As for the PFFS I was at a BOA meeting where Nancy Thompson said that by law, it must be spent for the stated purpose. It was also stated (by I don't remember whom) that the board could fund the PD and EMS less from the general fund and what was not funded to the PD and EMS from the general fund could be used to fund other purposes. That was my understanding of what was said. Intrepret it however you may.

The service I have received on a scale of 0-10 everytime I have called the Police or EMS I rate as an 11+. Translated, both do a DAMN GOOD JOB. I have lived in many cities and the Raytown Emergency responders are top notch.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

To "The Hawk"
Although true I don't live in Raytown I am a property owner.
When I lived in K.C I still paid some Raytown taxes and both
my children graduated from Raytown schools.
I am a tax payer both real estate and sales taxes because
I try to buy all I can in Raytown.
Contrary to what you think of me I try my best to stay out of
Lee's Summit. Not because I don't like it, I prefer Raytown.
At least what's left of Raytown.
My comments are not because I don't like Raytown. They are because
of what has been done to Raytown. It's sad to see what has happened to this great
little community.
I feel as do most people that what has happened is a direct result of bad decisions by City Hall. Note, I did not say the people at City Hall are bad people.
By the way, I know the Fire Department is funded, I believe by the county
but I still support them.
So, as you have resolved not to banter with me any more I will just say,
Thank you.

Anonymous said...

To the Mr./Ms. Anon 2:11p.m.
A newcomer you say. Well I have been apart of Raytown for the last 10 years. Not much of a newcomer. I would say. "Too many people are hurting!" Cry me a river. The only reason people are hurting is because they allow them selves to be hurt; Strapped on cash; living paycheck to paycheck. This is crap that you think some one else should be held responcible for your crappy accounting skills. You make me sick. Thinking that we are in such a poor ecomonic state. I am fine, and so are thousands upon thousands of other people. I pay my bills on time, i get a paycheck every payday, and so does everyone else. You all are a discrase to a city that you call home. ME ME ME! That is all i here from you people. HELP ME, WHO CARES ABOUT THE OTHER 30383 people that live here. The 5 of you that inhabit this blog should all get your head on straight or get out.

The Hawk

Anonymous said...

10 years, I have to laugh, you are a newcomer. If you haven't lived hear 25 years, you're a newcomer. WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT RAYTOWN'S HISTORY?

Anonymous said...

Is "The" you first name?
You told Pat "Hawk" was your real name.
You say the people on this blog are self centered by saying
ME, ME, ME.
Is there anything you don't complain about?
You sir or madam are a moron.

Anonymous said...

The Hawk, really I think we should be calling this person a CHICKEN-HAWK. As for Pat, I'm sure he has paid more taxes to the city and the school district than you will ever pay. So maybe he has a lot more right to express his point of view than you do. THINK ABOUT IT, you're really WAY OFF BASE.

Anonymous said...

Not way off base just a point of opposition which none of you can handle. You find my thoughts and statements inferior. But i don't dislike you for it. It feeds me. Knowing that i get under your sick and make you think long and hard about what i am typing. You may think that it doesn't get to you that this crazy nut has nothing worht saying. But judging by the responses that i am getting this is great. Feed my fire. 10 years is a long time for any sane man to spend in Raytown. 25 years that is even better. Congrats on making it in 1 place for 25 years. This is an standing ovation for you. I hope when i am your age that i can gloat about spending a quarter of a century in one place.
Hawk is my real name in the sense that i have been associated with Hawk since my highschool days. People who know me know that name. people who don't know me don't know that name, nor do they know my full name. Why you ask. Because they/you don't know me. I could be Bob, Joe, Bill, James; hell i could be a Barack. You all don't know me. But as an extension of kindness i gave you what my close friends and family know me by. Hawk. Or The Hawk. Big deal that Mr .Casady has a shop in Raytown. Happy for him. I live and work in Raytown. I pay my taxes. I don't wine when they suggest a higher "Sales Tax". Why should or why would I. Especially if i believe in what the taxes go for. I do not believe i ever called anyone on here a moron or implied that they were otherwise moronic. But i will not take offense to the ill witted comments of one. Sir or Madam use a dictionary and come up with something entertaining to express your thoughts on my intellegence

The Hawk

Pat Casady said...

It just goes to show you.......
It takes all kinds.

Andy Whiteman said...

10 years or even 25 years is a long time for anyone to spend in Raytown or anywhere! Back in the early 80's it was stated 25% on the people moved every year. I couldn't believe it. At the time I lived in a village of 125 houses and worked in the Post Office. I counted the people who had moved away over the past year and the 25% number is close to correct. It is a miracle when someone can claim living in the same house (I assume the same house) in Raytown 10 years!

When I bought my house in 2000, the seller pointed out most of the people on the block had lived here 28 years. Since then 2 have moved. The reasons given were NOT a dislike of Raytown. One wanted a bigger house and the other was health reasons to be closer to family.

My reason is this climate is not fit for human habitation (basically health and economic reasons since I can't afford the utilities with the extreme heat and cold). Moving cost too much for people to move just because they don't like Raytown.

By the way, in addition to Lee Gray's house, my house is for sale as a starter home after I move.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Let me finish what Mr. Casady was saying."It just goes to show you....... It takes all kinds", of people to make a nation. A nation needs opposing views. I am the voice of opposition. I am the ying to the yang. I am here to stay.

The Hawk.

Anonymous said...

Keep it up CHICKEN-HAWK, you're so entertaining. Not much truth or history to your thoughts, but you're good for a few laughs.

Anonymous said...

I was thinking the same thing. This is the most entertaining site since the Hawk came on. We needed some fresh new opinions on here like his

Anonymous said...

To be honest if i am nothing else but for laughter, than that is okay with me. I would prefer if nothing else to at least make some one laugh. I am okay with that. I live but to serve.

P.S. You are welcome.

The Hawk

Anonymous said...

you are definitely making me laugh. Keep it up I am so enjoying myself with your fun comments

Anonymous said...

to bad Hawk that your not running for BOA. You would certainly shake them up a bit. You go Hawk

Anonymous said...

I know some of you may,
Be enticed to say.
That what makes you laugh,
is my thoughts are daft.
Some of you may consider my words,
To be far from absurd.

What i truely love and enjoy is making some one use the most intelligent, ingenius, sophisticated thing on this planet. The human mind. That is why i do what i do.

Let's move on though. Any new topics of interest.

The Hawk

Anonymous said...

I have lived in Raytown 54 years and in the same house! I remember when there was a Tradex store just north of Mr. Casidy's place of business and a Hallmark store (with wood floors) where the main Bank of America stands now. Over the years, I have seen Raytown go down the crapper with all the wrong people at city hall that were elected because they were part of the "Good ole Boys Group", and still goes on today.

This use to be a GREAT little town!

Hawk, as far as I am concerned you are a new guy in town!

Andy Whiteman said...

I am glad we have freedom of speech. We can disagree. If there wasn't disagreement, this blog wouldn't exist. It is like a talk show. If people didn't disagree, there would be no talk show.

Why not rename "The good ole Boys Group" to the "Bad Boys Group"? It would me more descriptive.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Andy
We would celebrate when you will be gone from this town. How many more months we have to deal with you? Please take few of your friends with you as well to NM or AZ.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Adams you get out there and talk to the people and I think you can beat Barbie Doll (Chris White). Talk about experience what did she have? She was appointed after her husband died. And has done nothing. It is time for a change.

Anonymous said...

I would like to say good luck to Allen Adams in the election. I was a classmate of his from gradeschool thru highschool and I really believe you can put your trust in him to try and help change things in Raytown. In school he was always up to a challenge and never just followed the crowd. We need to see new faces on the BOA that arent afraid to tackle the system. So once again Good Luck Allen

Susie

Anonymous said...

Did he finished the HS?

Anonymous said...

why dont't you ask him yourself if your interested. Or are you just looking for something to complain about?

Susie

Anonymous said...

Susie why don't you try and get a group of your fiends to help Alan . Get out and talk to citizens and I think you will be amazed just how many people want change.

Anonymous said...

Great idea anom 11:40 but I am in the same boat as Pat as I live in Kansas City but pay Raytown School District taxes but also have a business in Raytown. So I don't get to vote in Raytown. But I did choose to open my business in Raytown because this is my home town and I am planning to stay. I would just like to see Raytown thrive once again like when I grew up. And I do talk to people alot and the citizens do want change.

Susie

Anonymous said...

OFFICIAL BALLOT
CITY OF RAYTOWN
APRIL 7, 2009


Shall the city of Raytown, Missouri impose a citywide sales tax at a rate of one-half of one percent for the purpose of improving the public safety of the city?

[ ] YES

[ ] NO

If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “YES”. If you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite "No"



(This is all of the information that you will see on the ballot when you cast your vote in April related to the "Public Safety" sales tax issue. There won’t be details related to the issue for voters to see who aren’t familiar with it.)

Anonymous said...

A city committee to oversee and make sure that tax dollars are spent as promised?

If the transportation tax is any kind of example of how effective they are we are in BIG trouble!

It's getting late. Tell me some more fairy tales about about this city keeps its words to the taxpayers!

Anonymous said...

OFFICIAL BALLOT
CITY OF RAYTOWN
APRIL 7, 2009


Shall the city of Raytown, Missouri impose a citywide sales tax at a rate of one-half of one percent for the purpose of improving the public safety of the city?

[X] YES

[ ] NO

If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “YES”. If you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite "No"



(This is all of the information that you will see on the ballot when you cast your vote in April related to the "Public Safety" sales tax issue. There won’t be details related to the issue for voters to see who aren’t familiar with it.)

NOTE: Please mark the YES box. Raytown has top notch first responders!

Anonymous said...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT! and NOOOOOOOOOO!

Anonymous said...

By the way, I sold my cow.
So I don't need your BULL!

Anonymous said...

In times like we are going through now why would any department even think about about asking for a tax increase. These people(BOA and polie department are crazy). We have a hard enough time keeping up with our own bills. IF I thought the police department would change there might be chance I would vote for it but even then it would be a very slight chance. When you are driving out on the streets how many police do you see out? And it is not that they are short staffed the Chief isn't runing the departnent efficently. If revenue is needed how about running some traffic radar? People don't go the speed limit because they know they can very easlily get by with speeding. My advice to you is get out and earn your money.

Anonymous said...

I agree that we have top notch responders in police and EMS, but times are tough for our citizens, so now is not the time to ask for a raise in taxes. We need to say no to this one and hope by next year economy is better and I might be for an increase at that time. Hopefully we'll have some new faces on the BOA by then and maybe they can do a better job with the city finances. We might not even need this increase.

Anonymous said...

A note about a good place to eat in Raytown. Tried the LUTFI'S FISH at 67th and Raytown Road a few days ago. This is the best catfish I've had in years, so if you like fish I suggest you try it. Another Raytown business that I can truly support. I will definitely be going back for more.

Andy Whiteman said...

I saw in the Post somtime ago that Lutfi's will be expanding to include a sit down dinning room.

Andy Whiteman