The Rest of the Story . . .
I received the following email Saturday morning from Ms. Rebecca Perkins. The message speaks for itself.
from Rebecca Perkins
to greg.walters.listens@gmail.com
dateSat, Mar 28, 2009 at 11:04 AM
subject joe creamer
mailed-byyahoo.com
signed-byyahoo.com
I received a very disturbing letter from a guy named Joe Creamer yesterday and it really upset me.
You came to my house last weekend while we were planting bushes in the front of our home. You were very friendly and pleasant, and complimented my dog [just wanted to refresh your memory].
I have never been into local politics, but his letter really made me angry.
Creamer was way out of line with his letter, and on the back he had copied some sort of legal billing that supposedly you ran up.
Not many people understand legal billing, but I do (I make my living as a legal secretary). Its clear that you didn't "run up the bill" but that sure is what Creamer is trying to say.
This kind of negativity is exactly why I DON'T involve myself with local politics or any politics for that matter.
You struck me as an honest person that has Raytown's interests at heart. It seems to me that we need to put the TOWN back in Raytown, and fast. I know you aren't on "the christmas card list" up at Raytown city hall (your quote, and a good one), but you are on mine, and you have my vote come April 7th.
I understand that Creamer is helping your opponent in this election, Shane Par-Due. Any candidate that allows his campaign to be associated with the type of garbage that Creamer put out does not deserve anyone's support.
Thank you for your service.
Rebecca Perkins
9508 E 66th Terrace
Raytown, MO 64133
FOUR years ago Joe Creamer ran against me (unsuccessfully) for Alderman. He ran again two years later and won the open seat vacated by former Alderman John Ness.
In his letter Creamer attacks me both personally and as an elected official. Normally I do not respond to such tactics. But Creamer's spin is so full of false accusations and innuendo that the record needs to be set straight:
DANGEROUS ANIMAL ORDINANCE: Six years ago former Mayor Sue Frank appointed me Chairman of a Committee to review our animal control ordinances.
The committee held over 30 hours of public meetings with veterinarians, animal behavioral experts and members of the public. ALL of the meetings were held in public session and public comment was allowed at EVERY meeting. Minutes were kept of the meetings and are a matter of public record.
When the Committee finished its work we provided two ordinances for the Board of Aldermen to review. The Board of Aldermen chose the ordinance that is in place today. That ordinance does not ban any breed of dog from the City of Raytown.
Incidentally, the Board not only approved the ordinance brought before them by the Committee - they approved it unanimously.
It is a good piece of legislation. In fact, at the last meeting of the Board of Aldermen (March 17, 2009), Mayor Bower, when giving recognition to a young lady who raised a considerable amount of money for abandoned dogs in Raytown, referred to the Animal Control Ordinance as a "model" piece of legislation.
By the way, Mr. Creamer did no attend ANY of the meetings he so erroneously makes his comments about.
CHARTER COMMISSION: In 2004 the city was petitioned by voters in Raytown to form a Charter Commission. I was one of 13 private citizens elected to serve on the Commission. My position on the Charter Commission was that of a member. I did not hold any office within the organization.
The purpose of the Charter Commission was to write a "Home Rule" Charter for Raytown.
To help in the legal questions before them the Commission retained the law firm Bryan Cave LLP to assist in writing the charter.
The majority of the Board of Aldermen voted to bring a lawsuit against the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners and the Raytown Charter Commission to keep the finished Charter off the ballot.
Legal fees were also incurred by the city, which had also hired special counsel to represent them.
The Circuit Court found in favor of the Charter Commission and the Election Board in its ruling and the election was held.
Creamer’s claim that I am personally responsible for bills incurred by the city's lawsuit is false. The majority of the bills are the direct result of litigation brought by the city.
STREETLIGHTS: Creamer claims that I am opposed to putting new streetlights in Raytown.
That is absurd.
It was my action, along with the action of Creamer’s predecessor on the Board, former Ward 1 Alderman John Ness, that lifted a four year moratorium on new streetlights in Raytown. Drive by Colman Park any evening and you will see the proof.
Check with the homeowners who live next door to the park. We worked hard to get those lights and I am proud of the result. Since then the City has budgeted for 114 new streetlights for other neighborhoods in Raytown. I support each and every one of them.
THERE are many important issues before the voters this election. To waste time on illusions such as those given by Mr. Creamer is not good - but I believe it was necessary to set the record straight.
If you receive any more such "political" material from anyone regarding my campaign I ask that you contact me either by telephone at 517-6852 or by email at greg.walters.listens@gmail.com.
On a personal note, thank you to the many people who called to alert me to Creamer’s letter.
Please remember to vote on April 7th.
P.S. In case you wonder. Creamer has been removed from my card list!
Comments
I only wish you would move to my ward - we could use your skills here! I saw the letter Mr. Creamer is sending out at my parent's home, and was offended, as were they! I believe your record stands up to all the review anyone would like to give it. I don't always agree with you, but I do always listen because your positions are well thought out and researched. The "facts", as presented in this letter, are so obviously false to anyone who has been paying attention in Raytown. It can't be a simple set of errors. It is a purposeful misrepresentation of the truth, and those who have voted for Mr. Creamer in the past need to remember this!
It's not always that much fun, but keep being the squeaky wheel that makes the difference!
When I hear from a candidate, I want to hear what he will do to improve the situation. I don't want to hear garbage about the opposition.
Joe Creamer is NOT running for office, so why the letter? Is it a negative endorsement in support of Shane Par-Due?
I would vote for Greg if I lived in his ward. Greg impresses me with a concern for the City as a whole and not just Ward 1. This can be observed with Greg's signs on well travelled streets in other wards. Greg has the support of many people throughout the City of Raytown.
Andy Whiteman
I got the letter from him and consider it despicable politics. He spent quite a bit a time and a few bucks to make himself and the other candidate look negative.
Greg has my vote.
S. Wells
They go against anyone with common sense.
They go against the good of the people to try and make
themselves look good in the eyes of the other elected officials.
Which is exactly why we are in the shape we are in.
Just look at the past, Greg started the streetlight placement for the people of Raytown. The rest wanted to fight it.
Greg started the recycling movement in Raytown the rest, fought against it.
Many of the incumbent's that are running for re-election have really
done nothing "for the people." However if you are a huge corporation that's
another story. Elected officials are supposed to look out for the people, the people's tax dollars and make the taxpayers lives safer, better and
prouder of their city. This hasn't been the case for over ten years.
The people keep giving our leaders more and more money with the hopes
of a better town, better streets and a thriving downtown, but, they seem to use the new taxers for something else. They turn a blind eye to the fact that
the codes enforcement is done in spots and then not the same for everybody.
Most of our elected officials show up for several hours on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and then forget about why they were elected in the first place.
Ask yourself this question. What has your "Representatives" done for you or your
neighborhood during his or her term? Then ask yourself what have they done for big corporations?
If you are honest with yourself you will be vote them out this April.
Greg does more for his ward and Raytown in general than any other seat warmer on the board. That's why we need changes this election.
We don't need people like Joe Creamer that can convince themselves that wrong is right and a lie is truth. We need to get rid of the "yes" people and elect
people that can think for themselves. We need people that won't pass stupid rules and agree to bad decisions just so they can get out of there and go home
on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
As for the Dysfunctional School Board election, I will vote for the person(s) I agree with. Voting for anyone else is a wasted vote.
Andt Whiteman
Tuesday, April 7th. Another Saes Tax vote. This one is to raise $1,100,000.00, allegedly for police protection.
Vote what you think but please, please do not allow yourself to be swayed by the ridiculous claim that most of this tax will be paid for by out-of-towners.
Not by a damn sight. Most of it will be paid by Raytown residents. If it passes you will pay this tax on every purchase you make in Raytown for as long as you buy in this town.
Think before you vote.
Mark your calendar for 2010. The School Board is in discussion about a hefty property tax increase. It boils down to this:
Either they cut back and live within their means or your taxes go up.
Be reasonable, people. Education comes first. The Salamander knows. If education didn't come first do you think the School Board would have gone out and spent $1.4 millin on artificial turf for a football field tha is used by less than 10% of the student body?
Here's a cute one city hall has talked about. Water run-off charges.
That's right. the spenders at City Hall are considering emulating their good friends in Kansas City. The water run off tax would be based on the square footage of property you own that is impervious. Like your roof, driveway, etc.
How about that one?
Just a reminder: If anyone out there thinks you can give any government enough money they are, as our friends from down south say, "One Sunday short."
Remember to vote April 7th!
I was reading the Raytown Post online and saw your quote proposing a potential compromise on the smoking ordinance issue.
Personally, my current view on smoking in public places is the same as my view on crying babies or people who don’t wear deodorant in public places. It is a nuisance, but that person has just as much of a right to be there as I do. OSHA currently maintains that secondhand smoke is not a health hazard. If future studies result in OSHA overturning this stance and declaring secondhand smoke a health risk, then a smoking ban would be justified.
I believe it was Ms. Hartwell that was quoted as being for such an ordinance because the majority of surrounding communities had implemented such ordinances. I would see this as a reason to refrain from implementing such an ordinance. It is my belief that Raytown would see an influx in business at bars, restaurants, and bowling allies as smokers often complement these activities with a cigarette or two.
That said, I was interested in the compromise you had in mind. Were you thinking of established “smoke-free hours” during the day? For instances, people would not be able to smoke in public places from 11-1 and 5-8 which would be prime hours for family attendance.
It is my understanding that an Access road is being put in with another Traffic Light being added. Out of Towners who use 350 Hwy already comment that Raytown has too many lights on 350 (Eastbound has five lights and Westbound has six).
In regards to the Safety Sales Tax increase that is up for election on Tuesday, over the course of the past two weeks I have seen several pieces promoting it....here is a listing of the flyers/Ads:
- Raytown Water Bill
- Raytwon Sewer Bill
- Elect Chief of Polic Lynch (who is running unopposed)
- Received a Magnet
- Received a Flyer with the magnet
- Received a high gloss card via the mail
- Everyone seems to have a sign in their yard along Raytown Road
Here is my question, has the City of Raytown contributed any Money to the passage of this item?
In the spirit of being objective & unbiased (which the Government should be imho), if the City contributed any money to the passage of this then an equal amount should be to the defeat of it. My concern is someone is spending a lot of money to have this passed and I for one had better not find out it was my own tax dollars.
go into the city coffers for twenty three years don't you? It doesn't
matter what Mehesh said. Even if everyone from all around the state
shopped at Raytown's new Wal-Mart, Raytown gets nothing from it.
The city's elected officials have given them everything. I'm not sure about the new Hy-Vee but given the City Council's track record, I'd bet they got a similar tax break. Let's face it. If the new Wal-Mart runs off
the rest of the retail businesses in Raytown as it did when half the retail businesses left when the 6700 Blue Ridge location opened this town won't have anywhere to collect as much taxes as it will take to run this town, especially the way our elected officials like to spend and waste taxpayer dollars.
In my case when I lived in KCMO we were going home on 350 HWY and my wide wanted to stop at Arbys and paid Raytown tax.
We also made regular trips to Raytown to eat a Sonic Burger and the Shanghi fast Chineese place. I know out of towners spend money in Raytown. I did.
I don't think the average person will think about sales taxes. I buy from a store that has what I want. I spent about $15 at Westlake last night and the sales tax was $1.35. Outrageous but I wouldn't drive elsewhere to maybe save a few cents. The gas cost more than that. As for groceries, I buy only when there is a good sale and normally shop once every 2 weeks to a month because I stock up. I may go to Hy-Vee, Apple Market, Price Chopper, or Hen House when they have what I want on sale. Especially since Hen House doubles coupons to 50 cents I can go in there and save quite a bit on sales items with double coupons. I have gotten some items either free ot below the sales price with the double coupons!
There should be an ordinance against children crying in public. I can't stand the noise. Parents should have the courtesy to supervise their children or take them out so as not to annoy others.
I am surprised OSHA doesn't recognize second hand smoke as a hazard. It is a well known fact. OSHA is not great at enforcement. My wife was killed at work and OSHA fined the employer $1000 for not notifying them of a death within 24 hours. The fine was later reduced to $100 on appeal.
Andy Whiteman
I wasn't intentionally being snarky; I just want people to take others' perspectives into account before they bash someone like Creamer whom they accuse of bashing Walters. Just a thought.
How many reading this page will drive an extra block to buy gasoline priced 2 cents under a competitor.
Those pennies add up and everyone is painfully aware of it. Especially these days.
HIGH TAXES COST WAY TOO MUCH.
Count me a NO vote next Tuesday.
Joe keep up the good work and do whatever it takes to bring the change. That is the only way you can keep your opponents silent. Mayor Bower and all other aldermen should go in ward one and campaign for Par Due. He got my vote and yes I do support the Public Safety initiative.
Jack Ward I
As I said, I shop for the pest price, not the best sales tax. I wonder if someone buys a big ticket item in another city and has it delivered, what tax rate do they pay? I have lived in other metros and the sales tax is pased on the delivery address. I don't know about here. But I know when I buy a car, (even out of state) I pay the Raytown Sales Tax when I register it because it is based on where the vehicle is registered.
Crunchee, since Greg has a new policy of approving every post to keep the trash talkers out, the post waits in limbo until he has the time. Obviously he can't watch the blog 24/7. I hope he changes his policy. Some of us can ignore the personal attacks and trash talkers. My opion is that a person who makes a personal attack without backing it with facts really has NOTHING to contribute and the comment means nothing to me.
Andy Whiteman
Wal-Mart at 6700 Blue Ridge opened? I told him the following,
Sam's Bargin Store, the Raytown Plaza dried up, I used to buy
records at the record store that was in the Plaza. The owner told me
he was closing because of W-M. There were many more that I can't
remember but many retail stores closed back then. As of late Coddington's
Grocery Store, remember Marvin's Gardens? He too closed because he
couldn't compete with W-M after they started selling garden plants.
That's what he told my wife. She had shopped there for many years.
This happens in every small town that lets a big store with better buying
power than the little home grown guys.
I also found out the the Hy-Vee will be charging an extra 1/2 cent sales tax.
According to their deal with the city.
Anybody that thinks these deals are good for Raytown is only fooling themselves.
These deals are only good for the big stores. I've been told that the only cost for the new W-M will be their inventory and employees. Taxpayers will pay
for everything else including the building and parking lot.
You can call me names, say I'm stupid or anything you want but facts are facts.
Get mad at me if you want but I didn't make these deals.
Some say I hate W-M. I don't. I don't like the deal they were given. It wasn't
good for Raytown or Raytown's existing small businesses.
So instead of calling me names and saying I don't know what I'm talking about
Why not wait a year let's see who is right about this. I hope I'm wrong and you all can tell me so. But, if I'm right, I won't say I told you so.
Because there will be nothing to gloat about.
It was ugly, misleading, and I would hope not an indication of how his candidate Par--due would govern.
Count me vote for Greg. He has proven himself a good representative time after time.
I wondered what happened to that Monoploy place "Marvins Gardens." Thanks for explaining that.
The thing about the WM deal is it is a done deal. To late to back out. My feeble mind can remember one Alderman voting NO on Walmart the deal, narly GREG WALTERS.
We need more Aldermen with a mind of their own. Greg is a LEADER. not a conformist follower!
Andy Whiteman
Wal-mart opened on blue ridge and you are right again
about the Plaza going away then too.
I don't understand this. The last meeting was March 17th and I don't recall this happening. A public meeting is required to approve a budget item and there has been NO public meeting unless there there was a meeting with NO public notice.
As I remember the issue at a previous meeting the problem was it was $275,000 with no specific budgeted items within it.
Would Greg or someone in the know please explain this?
By the way, I reported and ordinance violation 2 weeks ago, emailed the supervisor, and emailed the Mayor. Still no action! Raytown has selective enforcement or non-enforcement as the case may be.
Andy Whiteman
It was by far the most educational piece of information
I have read in a long time. It used both logic and facts to
point out flaws in the way this city is being run.
I'm not against anybody making money or getting a raise
but, how about the taxpayers getting a little something for
their tax dollars. So far all we have seen is big corporations
getting the breaks and the taxpayers footing the bill.
It's time for a cleaning out of the council and elect aldermen
that will work for the taxpayers for a change. For far too long
it's been one for taxpayers and nine against. Tuesday is a chance
for the taxpayers to express how they feel. Please talk to your neighbors
and see if they will get out to vote.
I am not sure if you saw it but there is an article and pole about your dad on the raytown posts website
http://www.theraytownpost.com/dollars-and-sense-economics-or-education/
It looks like it is going to be a close race.
Unfortunately small business is not going to save this town. You will never be able to compete with large business chains, unless you are selling something they don't. A Lowes or Home Depot will, just like Wal-Mart, bring a lot of revenue. Progress is bigger business not small business. The younger generation are running things that is why businesses like Wal-Mart do well this group of new residents does care about the impact to our city. The younger generation don't give a care about a small business they never heard of. They are young and live in the Wal-Mart McDonalds time, where everything is faster and even more so convenient. The problem is that you people are living in the 1800’s when all there were, were small businesses.
There is no more work hard for your community; there is only work hard for yourself. There is no everyone help everyone; there is only make money for yourself and forget about everyone else. I am as aggravated with this as anyone else, but it is done over and over so we just have to move on.