Sunday, May 10, 2009

Billboard

by Greg Walters Last Tuesday, for the first time in 27 years, I watched the Raytown Board of Aldermen meeting as a private citizen from the comfort of my home. The view from there was enlightening, and, sad to say, disappointing. The BIG issue that night was a deal in the making that would have allowed CBS Outdoor to build one of those over-sized, lighted, billboards on 350 Highway. This action would have flown in the face of an earlier decision by the Board of Aldermen to break the lease agreement for two billboards on 350 Highway located in the Raytown Live development district. The cost of removing those billboards was not small. The city had already set aside $45,000 to pay compensation to the billboard owners. If accepted, the sign company would have returned the $45,000 plus interest (the money had been held in escrow) to the city for permission to build the new mega billboard. Enlightening . . . The enlightening part of the meeting was to see that three of our new Aldermen, Michael Lightfoot, Bill VanBuskirk, and Steve Mock broke the bobble head tradition at City Hall by asking some serious questions about the payout. To her credit, Christine White, was also vocal on the other side of the issue. Most of the others on the Board, for the lack of their participation, would have been just as well off watching the meeting from my living room. Disappointing . . . The disappointing part of the meeting was the clumsy maneuvering by city staff to avoid giving direct answers to direct questions. In that regard, City Attorney Nancy Thompson and City Finance Director Jeremy Wilmoth used a mixture of denial and parsing of words that would have made Bill Clinton proud. Keep in mind that this debate spanned two meetings at Raytown City Hall before the final votes were cast. Two weeks earlier Alderman Bill VanBuskirk asked in public session where the money was coming from to pay for billboards. City Attorney Nancy Thompson replied that she did not know the answer. This week, City Administrator Mahesh Sharma called on City Finance Director Jeremy Wilmoth to explain where the money came from. Wilmoth reported that the taxpayers were not really paying for the removal of the signs. Money from TIF bonds, he explained, would be used to pay the sign company for its signs. The answer is deceptive. It does not answer the question as to where the money comes from any more than Ms. Thompson’s admission of ignorance two weeks earlier. Who do they think pays for the bonds? The tooth fairy? Make no mistake about it – the people who shop in the new Walmart will pay the $45,000. What is more, both Wilmoth and Thompson are well aware of it. They have read the TIF agreements signed by Walmart and the city. Part of their job description as City Attorney and City Finance Director is to advise the City Council on these matters. So remember this, Walmart shoppers, every dollar you pay at the new Walmart store will have a tax on in just as little north of 9%. Part of those nine pennies per dollar is paying CBS Outdoor $45,000. HOW THEY VOTED: Should the City of Raytown accept a reimbursement of $45,000 from CBS Outdoor for the right to construct a billboard on 350 Highway? NO: Creamer, Par-Due, White, Hamilton, Mock, Ertz, Aziere. YES: Van Buskirk, Lightfoot, Melson Way to Go . . . Mr. Bill An interesting point of contention during the discussion was when City Attorney Nancy Thompson made an effort to silence debate on how much money was being spent by the city in the payout to the billboard companies. Alderman Bill Van Buskirk dismissed her reasoning and pursued the debate. He was right to do so. There are no “gag” orders in place at Raytown City Council meetings. It was heartening to see a freshman Alderman pick up on that so quickly. For the sake of our city, let’s hope the others follow his lead and become more proactive in future discussions. One Billboard Remains . . . What seems to be lost on most people observing the great billboard debate is that the net loss of billboards on 350 Highway will be two, not three. The $45,000 paid out by the Board of Aldermen does not remove a third billboard. The third billboard, the one the sign company was attempting to upgrade, will remain.

77 comments:

Pat Casady said...

Greg,
Don't be disappointed, this is business as usual in Raytown.
The only bright light I read in your article was the new elected
officials might just have a mind of their own. How refreshing
to here someone besides you having the guts to question the
untouchables at City Hall. However two new official caved, the
others at least so far seem to be watching out for the taxpayers.
As for Wilmoth and Thompson, they had two answers to the question,
who pays? First, not Walmart and second the taxpayers. It was a simple
question and could have been answered easily but, if you look at past
spending of taxpayer dollars it's not hard to understand the deceitful
song and dance around it.
I hope the few new elected officials will continue to watch out for the people
and not fall into the uncaring mind set as the others.
It's too bad that Mock and Par-Due have already fallen into that mode of
operation. No surprise with Par-Due but somewhat with Mock.

Anonymous said...

Greg thanks for giving these alderman and alderwoman credit for thinking for themselves. I sincerely believe they had the cities best interest at heart and with eonomic times like these I appreciate that. Keep up the good work and don't let them (city hall) discourage you. I certainly feel you are on the right track just keep going asking questions and make the city better you have the ability to do so.

Anonymous said...

Greg,
Enjoyed the article, but do have a posing question.

You mentioned that Wilmoth & Thompson are well aware of it (TIF & where the money comes from)....lets not give them too much credit...

They more in likely did not know and had to re-read what they signed (still not understanding it). Judging by how misguided & the lack of understanding the other Alderman you served with are, my assumption is they gave this same misguided & lack of understanding counsel to these alderman as well.
If this is the case then we truly have a city government that is incompetent.
As I See It...

Andy Whiteman said...

This is an example of why more people need to VOTE at the next election. We need alderpeople who can think for themselves. The voters don't understand how important the local election is.

Quite clearly BOA public meetings are a farce. It appears that most issues are decided long before the meeting excluding those who think for themselves and raise questions.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

It is refreshing to see the new faces of Mock, VanBuskirk and Lightfoot. I truly believe that they, over time, will show some TRUE independence. Pardue has been bought and paid for by the the "good ole boys", so he will have a hard time of ever being able to vote his own conscience. Sure don't miss big Barb Schlapia and that old Fleming. Ertz was sure a poor choice for ProTem. The guy doesn't have enough experience, but he probably figured that he better grab it now because I believe that he will have a hard time getting re-elected.

Pat Casady said...

As I was driving down the international Raytona Raceway
2.5 between 50hwy and 59th St. this morning trying to get out of the
way of drivers going at least sixty miles an hour and running both stop
lights, I was thinking how sad it is that we are losing at least three more
businesses in Raytown. One collects a lot of taxes too.
I'll bet our elected officials don't even know who is leaving either.
Of course how would they, they never get out and talk to anybody.
They don't take the time to find out how the people or businesses
are doing.

Anonymous said...

Pat,

What additional business are we loosing?

Do you know if they are closing because of the economic times we are all facing or because of the impacts they project from the great economic decision the city official had allow a big box store that completes with business to further destroy what little remains?

Andy Whiteman said...

Of course Raytown government doesn't contact businesses. They are impersonal and seek to dictate to the city as a mass and there is no time to address anyone or any business personally.

Has anyone noticed the response they receive at a business if they have an issue or complaint? I have complaints with businesses and I receive the "don't care" attitude or "I have no control over the issue" attitude. I have been in businesses where I ask for a manager and an assistant manager appears who refuses to help. In that case I called the corporate office and received a return call from the manager. I have an ongoing issue with a bank. Customer service connects me to a supervisor and not a manager. I told the last supervisor that I wanted a written response from a manager since I was not allowed to speak with one. I finally received a letter from a manager who said that my account will be watched for 3 months. So maybe my issue will be resolved for 3 months.

It seems that business is dealing with masses of people and there is no longer personal service. City leaders obviously receive the same type of service and think it is acceptable. I have news for them, it is not acceptable to me and they or a higher authority will hear from me.

Pat, I think businesses need to be proactive and rather than saying they weren't contacted, should be proactive and start contacting their officials. Anyone waiting for the city to ask them what they want or need will never be asked.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

Right now it wouldn't be proper to print who is leaving,
remember Coddington's? Early disclosure caused them
a lot of problems. I suggest you ask your ward representatives
who it is that might be leaving. If nothing else you will know much they
have their hand on the pulse of the town.

Anonymous said...

Pat,

You need to learn how to judge speed better. There are no cars doing at least 60 mph on Raytown Rd. And according to the ordinance the light has to be red before a car enters the intersection for it to be running a red light, not when the light is yellow. The ordinace is specific.

Anonymous said...

60 mph. How would you know the speed Mr. Casady, unless you too were going that speed and paced them. Anyways that is not a big concern i am sure you obey every traffic law to the letter.

3 more business closing down in Raytown. Less tax revenue coming in. Well on the cheapest or deepest rooted businesses will with stand this horrible economy that our president is continuing. Of course those may not even withstand the tests of time either. If the worst is still to come. Well i think there is nothing we could do about it anyways. To late for those going down. That is the horrifing truth of it. People need to start what they should have started in the beginning. Save buy bare necessities. The only people who are going to bring this economy back are the people. All this stimulus crap is just pulling a band-aid on a bullet hole. It will slow the bleeding for a short period, the damage is still there. Death will still come, in a manner of speaking. I have crunched the numbers from the last stimulus payouts to citizens. IF everyone would have just put the minimum of $600.00 in there savings account/ or a CD, or fund of some sort, instead of blowing it. The banks would have recovered before Buch left office. With the banks not is a pickle. They could restructure and go over iffy mortgages and start planning for the lack of payment. Then people who have no business in spending that stimulus money would start a savings trend, bettering there finanical status. Possibly giving them a sense of pride in there lives, making stress lessen and in theory have better health. Better health leads to the physical ability to complete tasks and better work productivity. Which is better the businesses.

But no people like most of you spent it on crap that you probally don't need. Heck most of you don't even remember what you spent it on.

THe next stimulus if there is one, remember this. Pass it on to freinds and family, get everyone on board. The government id not ho you want running your market. It is a free market. That is why we created it. Get some respect people. Respect for your selves.


I am the Hawk, and i am not running for President.

Andy Whiteman said...

I think that Pat noticed cars were speeding and estimated their speed. I tend to do that too. If I am driving the speed limit and they pass me, I assume they are speeding.

I have seen on the news and in Joyce Smith's column in the Red Star about businesses going out of business around the metro. It is not unique to Raytown.

Much of this recession was caused by greed and the stupidity of lending to people who can't pay it back! Hawk, you sound as if you have good financial knowledge. You would make a better President than the one who is throwing away money WE don't have. I would vote for you. Obviously the way to get elected is to promise tax cuts, redistributing wealth, and health care reform. It doesn't matter if he can deliver the promises after the election. I didn't believe it in the first place but one of my friends believed every word and thought I should be dumb enough to believe it too.

If one of our local candidates made such bold promises, I bet there would be a large turn out at the poles!

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Hawk,

I truly would like to know how each of our $600 stimulus checks would deposit in a CD or savings account would help to save the banks.

The underlining issue with the finance troubles the banks and other lenders got into during the Bush administration was the agencies who should be regulation the activities looked the other way. Some would call this having the fox guard the hen house. We all are now to familiar with the results of actions like this.

Rather any of us agree or disagree with all of President Obama’s policies. It was at least refreshing that his administration put restriction on the corporations who took the bailout funds. I personally struggle with the thought that executives need to receive the overall compensation packages that they do. What kind of profits would these same corporations produce if they didn’t pay these outrageous packages? The better question is what kind of reduction in cost of their product or service could we see by a reduction in these packages.

Anonymous said...

It seems that a there are some who want to vent at anyone who writes on this blog that signs their name.

A good example is Pat Casady. I don't know Mr. Casady. But I do enjoy reading his thoughts. They are honest and to the point.

The speeding on Raytown Road is out of hand. We all know it. Yet someone, who does not have the strength of his own convictions wants to blast away at Casady because that Casady points it out.

What that hateful person is trying to do is run Casady off. Why, because Pat exposes a lot of what is really going on in Raytown.

Pat. You rule. Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

If I had to guess which business are going out here in Raytown I would say it is the car dealershops (not Ford) but the remainind four. Sad to see that happen but they should build better cars...

Anonymous said...

We should all be so thankful that our city has someone like Nancy Thompson looking out for us. I don’t understand why there are those who are ready to be so critical.

I don’t think any of us recall everything we read. I know I can not tell you everything in any of the agreements I have entered into like the agreement on the purchase of my home. I also don’t always use the same checking account to pay for expenses. Therefore, I can understand it might be hard to track down those kinds of answers.

I am also sure that our city is well protected against any potential injuries anyone might suffer in the new Wal-Mart parking lot. The same parking lot that our city was kind enough to ensure it is maintained by enacting a special sales tax on Wal-Mart purchases and purchases from all surrounding stores.

I am however thankful I have software like quicken, which allows me to quickly retrieve answers to expenses. As well, I am thankful for all of the times I have called a couple of lawyer friends who have reviewed those important documents line by line with me and recommended changes to protect me.

Furthermore didn’t David Bower appoint her and if yes, we all should give am a standing ovation for picking her from all of other attorney options available within Greater Kansas City.

Pat Casady said...

For those that look for things to argue about, here is how I came
to the conclusion they were going sixty mph and running red lights.
First I have been writing letters in the Post and in blogs for almost twelve years.
So let's say I won't be voted the most favorite person at City Hall so yes, I do the speed limit. When cars go by me like I am sitting still,
and I'm going thirty five mph, with the cruse control on,
I can only guess they are going at least 60mph. This is at 5:45am
and all but the lights at Gregory and Raytown Rd and 67th and Raytown Rd are blinking red at that time.
This means nothing to the people that are going too fast in the first place
so they run on through the lights blinking or solid red.
You should know by now that I don't make things up. I only state facts.
How you interpret them is your business. I am doing the speed limit and they blow by me. I look ahead and see them run red lights it's as easy as that.

Anonymous said...

The US auto manufacture has hurt itself with the following failures:

1.) Over compensation of corporate leadership
2.) Non-cost effective travel methods
3.) Non-competitive warranties
4.) Years of non-competitive gas mileage
5.) Production of to many different models

It is therefore not a surprise that they are now in the finance troubles that they are facing. It is kind of funning in the last several months they have started to increase the warranties to be more inline with the non-US counter parts. I still believe a little to little a little to late.

I don’t think any of them make use any great taxes for us. Don’t those taxes actually go back to the city in which the vehicle is actually licensed?

We also so shouldn’t be surprised if these are the business leaving Raytown. Our own city doesn’t shop Raytown as our new police cars are coming from a dealership outside of Raytown.

Anonymous said...

It is sad the way some of the posters are on here. I often wonder if they spend too much time “Reaching for Tomorrow” and therefore are not able to focus on true issues facing us today.

I believe the underlining issues to violations either those enforceable by the police department or neighborhood services starts at city hall. It seems all of us on here are at least in that agreement.

Some believe that if these issues where taken directly to city hall that actual results would be achieve. To these individuals more power to you. Going to city hall results only in them not respond or give you answers, but never produce any results. It seems if you truly believe going to city hall drives tangible results that you should be more then willing to take our complaints to city hall.

I believe you will find this very enlightening as to how city hall actually functions. This taste of reality will be far different from the coffee and claims of service proudly served at those fine Thursday morning gatherings.

Anonymous said...

If speeding was such a problem there would be bad wrecks all the time and there are not. Most of the wrecks on Raytown Rd are rear enders because people have their thoughts other places when they are driving.

If you think the speed is so bad request a speed study be done but don't be mad when the results show your are wrong in your estimate of the speed. It happens all the time. Most people could not judge the speed of a car if their life depended on it. There was a man who complained about speeders on his street. They did a study the and the average speed of all the vehicles was 2 mph over the speed limit of 25.

Pat just because your spedometer says 35 mph, it is probably wrong unless you have it calibrated every time after you rotate or change tires. Yes cars are probably doing 40-45 on Raytown Rd but the officers can't write for under 10 mph over speed limit from what i have heard. And unless we want red light cameras the pd can't be at every intersection.

Hawk the eagle would vote for you for president. Maybe if the Obama give away administration had taken the bailout money and evenly divided it by and given it to the people who actually pay taxes, that would have stimulated the economy.

The Eagle

Anonymous said...

Its not only the speeding up and down the streets, how about the load music that comes from some of the cars/trucks/suvs. The music is so loud that it drowns out normal conversations, TV and radio while inside your home and or out in your yard. These people are just plain inconsiderate and rude to play music so loud that you can hear them coming from 3 blocks away. That goes for loud motorcycles, etc that have loud exhaust systems. It's bad enought that we have to pratically live on top of one another, but come on PD, enforce a noise ordinances would ya!

Andy Whiteman said...

The car makers cannot make cars that Americans want due to government regulation. I was looking at cars last summer and none were suitable at an affordable price. One salesman told me I was too picky. If they can't make what I want, I don't buy.

Anon 7:47 AM, I think Nancy Thompson was hired not appointed but nevertheless, I think she is a much better attorney whan we have had previously. Honestly, I can't remember every document I have signed either. I can't remember what I paid for my house or car. But is it really important? If I had to know, I could find out. I just don't clutter my mind with details. The answer to the question was presented at the next BOA which I think is an adequate and timely response.

If anyone thinks speed is an issue on a particular street, they can call the Police and ask a Traffic Sgt. for selective enforcement on that street. I did call once about 67th St and spoke with the officer who was checking speed. He was there 2 hours and wrote only one ticket. He said that the problem was a hill that caused increased speed but the average was only 5-7 mph over the limit and most people hit the breaks when they saw him.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

The concern as Mr. Walters pointed out this week is Nancy Thompson returned to the Alderman’s meeting last week and still was unable to answer Alderman VanBuskirk’s question about where the funding for buying out the remaining time on the billboard signs came from.

I believe it is time to call into question her future with our city. How much time is reasonable for responding to VanBuskirk’s question? I take the position that Mr. Tush made a week ago that this shouldn’t have even been a question as it should have been included in the packets.

I guess there are things done at city hall that they hope will never come to light and this I would bet is just one of many miss use of tax payers dollars or authority.

I am sure and audit and investigation by the state attorney’s office could clear up all concerning issues at city hall. I sure hope someone brings me a petition to sign for the state to start the review process.

We all need to take the time to call Alderman VanBuskirk and thank him for questioning how we are paying for things.

The Sly Fox

Anonymous said...

As I reflect upon the concerns with the rate of speed traveled on our streets, I have to wonder where our traffic officers are. They can not be out at all times, but I would agree it seems more enforcement could be done on Raytown Road and 350 Highway.

Pat makes a good point as my wife and I have both almost been hit several times by someone running a red light. Eagle, I know it is “RED” because our light is green. I sure hope we don’t have that many dysfunctional lights in the city. I have also been out when the lights are blinking and yes that means stop, but I guess for others it means that others like Pat and me will, so no need for them to take the time.

Not that I am for the “Big Brother Cams”, but something needs to been done. Perhaps some of our senior police officers (Lieutenants and Captains) and our chief could get out of the office more and do some traffic enforcement.

Anonymous said...

Hawk,

With luck the companies receiving the stimulus money will actually repay it. Many have already indicated a repayment plan. Also let us not forget Chrysler has been down this path before and paid us back. It is sad the salaries and bonuses the upper management of these companies are have been taking.

However, with a commitment to repay us the taxpayers is the stimulus money truly a bad thing? Again, I am looking at it from the point of the taxpayers being repaid at some point.

I know this is a shocking idea for a large corporation to repay the government for helping them out. I bet we will never see that in our lifetime from business like Raytown’s beloved Wal-Mart. It is so nice their corporate policy is to open stores where they get the local taxpayers to build their buildings and as in our case even maintain their parking lot. What happens when the final sales taxes are collected to cover the financing? They either just close up or move completely to a new town or talk the local officials into starting the process over again. Now what do we gain from a corporation with this type of practice, but higher property taxes and more empty buildings.

What a fine example of corporate welfare!

Over Taxed Hardworking Unappreciated American

Andy Whiteman said...

2:46PM Anything mechanical or electronic can malfunction. There was one dysfunctional light in Raytown. Hank Dogg and I were at 63rd & Blue Ridge Bl/Cedar a 3 or 4 years ago waiting on a red light. The light went from red to green to red again. At that moment a car came south bound on Blue Ridge and ran the red/green light striking a west bound car on 63rd. Both cars spun around and one attempted to leave the scene but stalled out. I have no clue what type of light the 63rd street vehicles had, but clearly the light was disfunctional. I was on the side that was Cedar so I don't know what type of light the car on Blue Ridge had.

I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it myself. All I can say is that I am glad that I didn't try to cross on green.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Why is Gary Knabe allowed to be a slum lord? I don't know all of his property's, but one in question is on the corner of 79th and Spring Valley. What a disgrace, standing water and weeds so high you could lose a small child in there. I guess that's how it goes when you're one of Bower's" good ole boys".

Pat Casady said...

OK, I guess I'm wrong. That is according to the "birds" that
contribute to this post. I guess it's OK to speed. As long as you
don't get caught because speeding, according to one "bird" doesn't
even happen in Raytown because there aren't enough accidents.
The "birds" of Raytown in their way of thinking could reason, if you steal
just a little bit, it's not really stealing or maybe just a little paint sprayed
on public property isn't breaking the law so why worry about the idiots that put your family in danger by speeding on our streets, or run red lights.
Before the "birds" out there think I am blaming the Police Dept.
for the speeders in town..........forget it. The police can't be everywhere
all the time.
After saying all that, I find it amazing that my first post was my concern for three
more businesses leaving Raytown, and the only thing the "birds" focused on was the five lines I mentioned about speeders. Almost makes me think the "birds" are elected officials. More interested in putting someone down and arguing than looking at the real issues.

Anonymous said...

Pat,

you make statements like everyone is doing 60 mph on raytown rd without any proof is a big statement. You make a statement of three businesses going out of business but you offer no proof. I made the statements about the speeders because because its not true. Request a speed study and you will be surprised how wrong you are.

To anon 2:46- if you think the lts and capts are going to get out of the office, I have a bridge in timbucktoo i will sell you. On the red lights it has to be red before they even enter the intersection for it to be a violation. Cameras or maybe we need more traffic officers and less people other places?

These two links will show you that over 41,000 people were killed in 2007 in traffic wrecks and just over 15,000 in homicides. All of theses deaths are tragic but when there is almost 3 times as many deaths in wrecks than homicides, we need more traffic cops.

Raytown went almost 4 years without a homicide. There has been at least one traffic fatality most every year.

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811034.PDF

http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2007/data/table_12.html

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon 8:15 PM, Have you reported these violations to codes enforcement? If you didn't, they will claim they had no way of knowing since they depend or citizen reports.

Pat, long ago I realized that there are some small minded people (I think you call them birds) whose only object is to attack and invalidate the messenger rather than address the message. These individuals don't get any credibility with me. They can debate "are there really speeders" but that doesn't detract from the real post. Obviously your issue wasn't speeders and red lights. Small minded people seek out and attack trivia.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

Last time on this subject, I never said everyone was speeding.
There are three businesses going out but I won't print their names
because I remember how badly it went for Coddington's.
But I will tell you one thing, I never lie or make things up. How
you chose to interpret what is written is your problem.
However I'll bet you a lunch that at least three more businesses are
leaving soon.

JWDT said...

Pat,
I just read that Three Auto Dealerships are being closed in Raytown...were these part of the businesses you were referencing?
JWDT

Anonymous said...

So sad to hear about the Crawford dealerships closing. I only wonder if the folks at city hall had any clue that this was coming? I once heard Sue Frank say she didn't care if they (the Crawfords) left, because they didn't generate much sales tax anyway. In these troubled times I'm sure that the city could probably use every dime. Well, there won't be any half cent for her precious police department and her highly paid husband from these closed businesses.

Andy Whiteman said...

I saw in the Raytown Post that a new business opened. A few weeks ago it was announced that one business was expanding from Raytown to Crown Center and also keeping its Raytown location.

I heard on the news about car dealers losing their franchise because of the recession. Does that mean they are going out of business? Just think people still need service on their vehicles. Also these dealers could become a dealership for another brand or sell used cars. Anyway there is still a need for their service department.

Pat, I hope that you are wrong. I wouldn't bet you because with this recession, it is likely that 3 businesses with close in any city this size. Anyway lunch is too early for me to go out.

An earlier writer questioned the City's not buying their new vehicles from a Raytown car dealer. It is mentioned at nearly every BOA meeting where there is a vehicle purchase that Raytown uses the MARC contract to receive the lowest price. I see nothing wrong with that. It benefits the taxpayers. If it cost $1000 more to buy in Raytown, the same taxpayer would complain.

Raytown DID use a local business to auction its surplus vehicles. So a local business benefited and I believe Raytown received the sales tax.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Pat,

To think I had high hopes that an insurance company just around the corner from your business was closing.

Let all of us be certain that would actual be a benefit as the grass lot behind that business is just one of many examples of cost the owner has brought to all of the residence of Raytown.

I agree we really can not afford to loss any business that benefit Raytown. However, business and their owners that cost us like this insurance company need to move on.

Andy Whiteman said...

Check the BOA agenda. Looks like a business wants to move into Raytown. It is a financial institution whose name isn't stated.

Do we average incoming businesses against businesses who are leaving?

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

First of all Andy by not allowing local bidders to bid for city purchases, this DOES NOT GUARANTEE that we are getting a better price thru the MARC group? Also auction companies do not collect sales tax so the city does not benefit by having it here.

Pat Casady said...

To JWDT,
I'm sorry to say that the dealerships are not the three I was talking
about.
To Anonymous 8:24,
The city has known about the Crawford's dealerships leaving Raytown
ever since the Wal-Mart deal started. Also it was Chrysler that wanted at
least two of the three dealerships to move to, as I remember it, Blue
Springs. So it wasn't the mayor's (Sue Frank) fault. I also understood
at the time the Jeep dealership would stay. But, who knows, as we saw yesterday Chrysler corporate offices notified hundreds or their dealerships they would no longer be dealers.

Anonymous said...

I would bet good money the city did NOTHING to help the car dealerships to stay open. Another example of how well our city does not work..

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

So sad to hear about the Crawford dealerships closing. I only wonder if the folks at city hall had any clue that this was coming? I once heard Sue Frank say she didn't care if they (the Crawfords) left, because they didn't generate much sales tax anyway. In these troubled times I'm sure that the city could probably use every dime. Well, there won't be any half cent for her precious police department and her highly paid husband from these closed businesses.

Surely you jest.

Have you not read or listened to the media? The dealerships are closing due to Chrysler going into bankruptcy. What does that have to do with Frank? If you going to say something get the facts straight don't point a finger at what you *think* you know.

It's ashamed that the Crawfords are leaving, if that be the case. They have been part of the community for years and I for one hate to see them go, but to say that a former Mayor didn't care if they stayed in Raytown need to be based on fact.

Anonymous said...

The question I have to ask is, will Mayor Bower and his cronies on the city council appeal Chrysler's decision to close all the Raytown dealerships? I bet they'll just sit quietly and watch another Raytown institution die. Soon there will be nothing left to buy here. So much for that high sales tax. Let's see 9.25% of nothing is still zero. What a smart bunch of people we have a city hall!! Let's keep on raising that sales tax.

Anonymous said...

Funny Pat I said the same thing to the poster you're referring too but I don't think the administrator agreed with some of the words I used.

This blog is one sided and not everyone has a voice just because we use words to call others names. You're right the city and Frank had nothing to do with the dealerships leaving, now GMC is closing dealerships, I guess the one on 350 will be gone too.

I hope you get to read this as I have not used the same words as in my first, Oh well.

Maybe if I signed my name like you I could actually get all of my stuff posted too.

Anonymous said...

The fact is that former Mayor Frank repeated that statement in a public gathering, that she didn't care if the Crawfords left Raytown, when they were debating on whether to move to Blue Springs or not. I agree that this particular decision was not based on anything that the city did, I was just trying to show the attitude that Frank had towards loosing business when she occupied the mayor's office. Pretty sad statement for an elected official to make, don't you think?

Chris Wilmes said...

Hey Anon May 15, 2009 8:34 AM? Where did you get that 9.25% figure???

That is WAY OFF, have you been talking to Greg Walters? See my post above (assuming it makes it through the gate keeper)

Andy Whiteman said...

No matter what fund the $45,000 for the billboards comes from, aren't the TAXPAYERS really the ones who are paying?

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Chris, apparently you haven't read the article in the KC Star a few weeks ago stating that Raytown would be the 2nd HIGHEST SALES TAX in the whole KC area. Go to WESTLAKE and look at you sales tax NOW, it is 8.475%, now add .50% after October 1. HIGHEST SALES TAX IN whole metropolitan area after October 1st. Boy Sue Frank and David Bower should be proud, because they will be remembered for raising out taxes more than any Democrat ever did.

Anonymous said...

Would time not be better spent on determining the true potential tax rates then worrying about who is providing then numbers?

I actually can not say what the tax rate is at Westlake Hardware, which is already collecting the taxes related to the special district in which it sets. For two main reasons the last time I visited the store the help was less then friendly so I left with out purchasing anything. The second is having the knowledge that I will be paying higher taxes.

Yes, the current tax is 8.475% by add .50% for the public safety tax the votes got “Lynch”ed into voting for we are talking 8.975% in October. Now there are rumors that an additional 1-% may be imposed on these same stores in the special district to off set the cost of the KTA stop. If that is correct and the full 1% then shopping impacts us this specific area of Raytown would be 9.975%

Residence and business owners should be so proud of the Frank and Bower administrations for pushing Wal-Mart forward. There tax and spend methods will be the dark shadow on their legacy to Raytown.

Chris Wilmes said...

The problem is you are all WRONG! The current tax is 7.6% fact, go to the Department of Revenue for the State of Missouri if you do not believe me!!!

In October the tax the VOTERs approved (not just Jim Lynch, but nice try) will take the tax to 8.1%

The CID is another .5 only in the TIF District which makes it 8.6%.

PLEASE, stop listening to what "other people" tell you and do something really original...CALL CITY HALL - I am sure they will tell you what they told me and will let you know where you can go to independently verify it.

Seriously, if people would stop listen to the annecdotal whine-fest and begin thinking for themselves, we may actual accomplish something.

Bottom line, if you are a person distorting the City's tax rate....STOP IT!!! you are only hurting yourselves.

Chris Wilmes said...

Yes Andy, I believe the City stated that clearly - "Mr. Willmoth added and stated that at the time the City began the initial deliberations with Wal-Mart and where they would place the sign that they had realized the former Joe Herndon site was the best possibility. He said that in the budget they had fixed a cost for purchasing the two billboards to remove from the City and that was $45,000.00. He said that those dollars were actually bond dollars and not in the general fund or the special sales tax fund. He stated that in the event that the City were to get that back that it could only be spent on another thing on that site and not for any other purpose within the City. He mentioned that as Alderman White had alluded to before that essentially the City had already budgeted that and added it to the bond cost at the time that they went out to issue the bonds. He said that should the escrow account be given over to CBS Outdoor that it was not costing the general fund any money, per say, other than the debt that had already been incurred for the overall cost of that project." - May 5, 2009 Minutes of the Raytown Board of Aldermen Page 18

Anonymous said...

If our businesses keep leaving then maybe we should change our name from Raytown to Ghosttown, because that's what it's going to be.

Anonymous said...

Judging by the parsing of words and some of the logic I've read here this week there are some readers who really do believe the Easter Bunny is paying for the removal of the signs on 350 Highway!

No. It will be the taxpayers who shop in the special tax district that currently contains Westlake Hardware and the new Walmart which is very slowly being constructed on 350 Highway.

Some have written that the bond holders are paying for it.

Such nonsense. The bondholders have put up the money to construct the Walmart building, parking lot, etc.

Make no mistake about it. Those bonds are not a gift. They are a loan. A loan that is backed by the full faith of the city.

It will be paid back by the people who shop in the stores within the special tax district.

Apologists for this scheme can bend it, twist it, say anything they want. At the end of the day those bonds will be paid.

And they are scheduled to paid for the next 23 years from the sales tax you will spend each time you spend money in anyone of the retail establishments withing the district. The vehicle used to collect the money is the sales tax.

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon 6:32PM, Well said! Obviously someone has to pay the $45,000. Since it is from sales tax revenue, it is still the taxpayers but they could very well be different taxpayers. If you or I shop there, it is we who pay. It was also stated at the BOA that the $45K could be put to a different use on that project. That sounds more prudent than throwing $45K away. What a waste!

You also pointed out that bonds are "a loan that is backed by the full faith of the city." Obviously if the sales taxes aren't enough, it is back to those who pay property taxes to pay. We can debate this for 23 years.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Chris, you are so wrong, wrong about the sales tax. I challenge you to go to WESTLAKE and buy something and look at your receipt. It's 8.475% NOW. Then on Oct 1 add Lynch's sales tax ( I like this) and it will be almost 9%. I don't care what the state or city hall says I know what I'm paying at Westlake. Apparently you don't shop Raytown or you would know too.

Chris Wilmes said...

The disappointing part of the meeting was the clumsy maneuvering by city staff to avoid giving direct answers to direct questions. In that regard, City Attorney Nancy Thompson and City Finance Director Jeremy Wilmoth used a mixture of denial and parsing of words that would have made Bill Clinton proud.

Keep in mind that this debate spanned two meetings at Raytown City Hall before the final votes were cast.

Two weeks earlier Alderman Bill VanBuskirk asked in public session where the money was coming from to pay for billboards. City Attorney Nancy Thompson replied that she did not know the answer. This week, City Administrator Mahesh Sharma called on City Finance Director Jeremy Wilmoth to explain where the money came from. Wilmoth reported that the taxpayers were not really paying for the removal of the signs. Money from TIF bonds, he explained, would be used to pay the sign company for its signs."

Some on here act like everyone at City Hall is incompetent, however they are wrong. Assuming any of them watch the meetings. Instead of bloviating, I will use the ACTUAL record and People of Raytown see for yourselves if what claims are true:

"Mr. Willmoth added and stated that at the time the City began the initial deliberations with Wal-Mart and where they would place the sign that they had realized the former Joe Herndon site was the best possibility. He said that in the budget they had fixed a cost for purchasing the two billboards to remove from the City and that was $45,000.00. He said that those dollars were actually bond dollars and not in the general fund or the special sales tax fund. He stated that in the event that the City were to get that back that it could only be spent on another thing on that site and not for any other purpose within the City. He mentioned that as Alderman White had alluded to before that essentially the City had already budgeted that and added it to the bond cost at the time that they went out to issue the bonds. He said that should the escrow account be given over to CBS Outdoor that it was not costing the general fund any money, per say, other than the debt that had already been incurred for the overall cost of that project." - May 5, 2009 Minutes of the Raytown Board of Aldermen Page 18

Where in these minutes did it say that Mr. Willmoth said "that the taxpayers were not really paying for the removal of the signs" - what he said, if you were listening, was that the GENERAL FUND or SPECIAL SALES TAX FUNDS we not paying for the billboards!

Some have the opinion that the answer is deceptive, and that "It does not answer the question as to where the money comes from any more than Ms. Thompson’s admission of ignorance two weeks earlier." How does " He said that in the budget they had fixed a cost for purchasing the two billboards to remove from the City and that was $45,000.00. He said that those dollars were actually bond dollars and not in the general fund or the special sales tax fund." not answer the question???

Are you purposefully misleading people or do you have an axe to grind with Mr. Willmoth and Mrs. Thompson???

What evidence does anyone have that these two have not "the City Council on these matters"?

People should be ashamed of those attacking staff on this blog.

How about this nugget, I proved months ago that many on here were bad at math but this is getting rediculous.

"So remember this, Walmart shoppers, every dollar you pay at the new Walmart store will have a tax on in just as little north of 9%"

Raytowns sales tax is 7.6%. In October that will go up .5 to 8.1% The Walmart, not the City has a CID for another .5 and a TID for 1/8 of a cent or .125 (since you are bad with math) for a grand total of 8.725% not "just north of 9%"!!!

Why do so many hate Raytown so much to mislead people and ask them not to shop in THEIR town????

Andy Whiteman said...

I am glad that Alderman VanBuskirk asks questions about $45K which is trivial to some but not to him, me, and apparently Chris.

Does Mr. Wilmouth and Mrs. Thompson even know what constitutes a taxpayer? Maybe I am wrong, but a sales tax is paid by taxpayers. I think they really meant to say "different taxpayers." I use an accounting system where I pay bills from different accounts, but the end result is it is still my money paying the bills no matter what account it comes from.

Maybe some of our city staff should join Bill Clinton's staff to parse words. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all the of people all of the time.

As to sales tax rates, I started checking my receipt no matter where I shop. That is mainly because I am shocked when I see the dollar amount of sales taxes that I am paying. I remember when you used to save the receipts as an income tax deduction, but no more.

Anyway it seems some Raytown sales taxes are just south of 9%. I have seem other metro cities with a similiar tax but it is really outrageous anywhere.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

I'm sure this won't be published, because I believe that Chris must have failed math. 8.475% is the sales tax at Westlake now, now add .50% as of October 1 and I believe that comes out to 8.975% or just shy of 9%. KC Star says that will be the highest in the whole metropolitan area. The End, not going to respond to Mr. Wilmes, the mathematician again. THIS IS THE TRUTH. PLEASE QUIT LYING TO PEOPLE.

Anonymous said...

Well, the city could have helped the car dealerships here locally a bit more and they could have purchased their new vehicles from them like the police department and public works and community services. Also, our elected officials could have supported the local dealerships as well on their own personal vehicles. How many elected officials drive the little forign made beep beep cars? Get with the program and buy local, mo kan first, american made vehicles and help keep everyone here employed. If thing keep going like they are, there will be more unemployed, no jobs that pay a living wage, and a bunch of china made crap filling up our basements and landfills. Spend a little more money for some quality, and look past the short term. I also dont want to hear anything about they cant build anything good anymore. That is just a cop out. I have one american made vehicle that is still going at 200K plus miles. They do make them. Support them. It starts with us.

Greg Walters said...

Mr. Wilmes,

Now let's be fair about this.

Mr. VanBuskirk (esentially) asked who is paying for this. The response (and I even copied this from you letter for accuracy) was:

"He said that in the budget they had fixed a cost for purchasing the two billboards to remove from the City and that was $45,000.00. He said that those dollars were actually bond dollars and not in the general fund or the special sales tax fund."

The answer does not say who is paying for anything.

Not the Easter Bunny. Not the taxpayers. The answer is bond dollars.

Now Mr. Wilmes. You have been around the block a few times. Who do you think is paying the bond holders for the use of their money?

Could it be the tax dollars collected under TIF agreement that pays for the new Walmart Store, improvements to the special tax districts, etc., etc., etc.

To quote a famous politician from last year's presidential race,

"You Betchya".

Another question remains.

If the City Attorney did give a clear and concise answer to who is paying the tab for removal of the signs, why on Earth did City Administrator Mahesh Sharma call on Wilmoth to explain what was already (as you have alleged) answered by the City Attorney?

Face it, Chris. The answer was deceptive. End of story.

In the final analysis it is you who is misleading people. But it is all for the best. Because I doubt that anyone reading one of your epistles and the responses it has brought from the public are confused any longer about who is really paying the bill for removing the billboards.

In case you missed it. It will be those who spend their tax dollars at stores like Westlake and the new Walmart who will pay with a portion of every dollar they spend.

Andy Whiteman said...

9:27 AM, I agree with buying local and buying American. But if local merchants don't have what is wanted and especially if nonlocal dealers can beat the price why would anyone buy local if it costs much more? True the city should buy local, but if an OP dealer or even a Olathe dealer has a lower price why should they buy local? It isn't fair to the taxpayer.

As for the cars city officials buy, why would they buy local if they can't find what they want? Remember local to many of our officials means Peculiar, Harrisonville, or Gladstone. (One reason city officials should be reguired to live in Raytown.)

I was looking for a car last summer. A Raytown Ford salesman told me, "We don't have what you need." Obviously I couldn't buy at that dealer. Why would anyone buy and American car when American cars don't provide that they want? I went to a Suzuki dealer and the salesman told me, "You are too picky." That was the last time I contacted him. Either provide what I want at a price I can afford or I go elsewhere. I am sure the city as well as city officials do.

BTW I have heard that some American cars actually contain foreign parts or may be assembled in another country but we think they are American. Also some "imports" are assembled in the USA.

Speaking about general shopping there are many items that I want that are not sold in Raytown at the price I want. Since the new Hy-Vee opened, I have found them to have a larger selection at lower prices than where I normally shop even thought they don't double coupons. For groceries I shop only sales which means I usually shop every 2 to 4 weeks and stock up.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

close to 56 th st and ash whom has no address which is a codes violation-4 wheelers dune buggies noise dust cussing boom box noise no grass-alderman says nothing we can do about it-I understand living in the county with no restrictions-DA-living in raytown with codes to prevent a resident from having to put up with the county bum - and guess what-HERE HE IS STINKING UP MY HOUSE THAT I HAVE MAINTAINED FOR 40 YRS-AND GUESS WHAT-THEY ARE - - - - -, AND YOU CALL THE POLICE OR CODES OFFICERS AND THEY ARE TREMBLING SO BAD YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND THEM.

Anonymous said...

I sincerely hope that our city staff takes up this challenge and proves the previous poster wrong. Our codes people and police in Raytown are the best in the metropolitan area.I am sure that when they read of your complaint it will only be a matter of days before the problems are history.

Jack

Anonymous said...

Andy don't get to excited about the new financial institution comming to town. With it it will bring very undersible clientele to town. Yes you can bet it will involve Wal Mart. Enough said. I suggest you attend the council meeting and hear what they are trying to pull off. We have check cashing business and banks. We don't need this too.

Anonymous said...

Jack, apparently you haven't dealt with our codes people lately. I've been working on some problems for 3 or 4 years now and they just can't seem to get them resolved. I believe that the codes people all need to be replaced. They are the worst. I thoroughly believe that it is the personnel and the general attitude in this department. But when your mayor and city administrator seem not to care about code enforcement then what can you expect from the workers.

Pat Casady said...

Jack,
I agree with you about our Police Dept. But I don't think you are entirely
correct about our codes people. I know of several complaints of a home
owner with several old cars, stacks of trash in the back yard and over
seven animals. Five of which are German Shepherds. At lease four too
many. This person even owns the house next door and it is empty and
in a state of disrepair. I know for a fact the Mayor has even been told
of this and still nobody has done anything and it's been months.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one that doesn't like Mayor Bower.
He and I get along fine. I know things don't get done overnight so I'm
still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Anonymous said...

Why are the city employee’s fearful of dealing with a suspected home around 56th and Ash?

Also, which specific house as I noticed several with some sort of violation around there.

Anonymous said...

What new business opportunities are coming to town that could further bring that dark cloud over the reputation of Raytown then Wal-Mart and it corporate welfare policy and check cashing companies engaging in legal loan sharking by charging almost 400% interest.

Don’t just tease the other readers on here, share your knowledge of the great future our leaders have for our city.

Anonymous said...

Pat,

Last I check you may have four animals all of which may be of the same type. So the idividual in question would only have three to many.

You state you talked to our fine Mayor, but you didn't indicate how long ago that was and what you would deam responable time to adress the issue. I believe the standard set by the city is 14 or 30 day depending on the issue at hand.

If the time since you conversation with Bower has been more maybe it is time for a follow up and find out if he really intends to do anything.

I have found he is more talk and less action adn I believe you too will soon learn this. As many have said it is time for him to act like a mayor or step down.

Anonymous said...

I found out something interesting this morning.. Had to go to Lee's Summit for a printer cartridge, can't buy it in Raytown. I go to a refill store at 3rd and Ward where I bought my cartridge and was about to head home when I noticed the Westlake and the Walgreen within walking distance of my car. Needed an item from each of these stores so I popped in and made my purchases. To my surprise when I got to looking at the receipts the sales tax was ONLY 7.6%. Our Westlake will soon be charging 8.975%, quite a difference, especially if you going to buy something big like a lawnmower, air conditioner, etc. So folks it does pay to watch your sales tax, you might be surprised at how much you can save. Raytown is taxing itself to death.

Pat Casady said...

To Anonymous 11:33,
I was in a coffee shop about two months ago when
Mayor Bower came in and we talked to him about this problem.
I find it a little weird that when I mention someone breaking the laws
of this city someone always says they are only breaking the law
a little bit. This person has seven animals. According to you it sounds
like that's OK, you say "this individual would only have three too many."
Last week I mentioned speeders on Raytown Rd. And someone said they
are probably only going 40 to 45 mph (in a 35mph zone) like that was OK.
Breaking the law is breaking the law. You can't just break the laws we
live by a little bit. Same as codes shouldn't be enforced on some but not
others. Again I'm not blaming Mayor Bower but he did know about it.

Anonymous said...

Pat, I think it's about time we start holding Bower accountable for things NOT getting done in this city. Sure, he's a nice guy and I have known him for a long time, but in all fairness he's a POOR mayor. He talks a good game, but I don't really see any accomplishments from his administration. He continues to put up with some of the worst city employees and acts if he's afraid to get rid of those that are not performing. He continues to raise our taxes and what do we have to show for it? More closed businesses and a shrinking population. Yes, I too like Mayor Bower, but it takes more than a nice guy to be a GOOD mayor. It's time for a change.

Anonymous said...

Pat,

Before jumping all over others take the time to reread not only what they wrote, but what you wrote.

From your own writing:

I know of several complaints of a home owner with several old cars, stacks of trash in the back yard and over seven animals. Five of which are German Shepherds. At lease four too many.

The individual to whom you attack wrote:

Last I check you may have four animals all of which may be of the same type. So the idividual in question would only have three to many.

The point very well appears not to be a disagreement that they have too many animals, but more so the math as to how many is too many based on the corresponding ordinance. As you know from the chain of postings late last week several on here don’t understand the math on figuring sales tax nor what they are actually paying depending on where in the city they are shopping. By the way, to save the two of you auguring I check with city hall and the magic number of allowed pet is four.

However, I do find it very concerning that you spoke to Bower about to months ago as per your posting and yet you indicate nothing has been done. If the mayor being the highest ranking member at city hall and has knowledge of an issue that is now nearly two months old and still a problem how can we not blame him. I have knowledge that for over a year ago he has publicly known there is an issue in code. However, I would like to think you and I can agree nothing has changed. This is not the type of leadership we need! It hurts my property value as a homeowner, and I am sure would have the same impact on your business. As too many on this blog for too long have indicated Bower is not the leader we had been lead to believe he would be.

This is the piece from your last posting that I am referencing in my response above:

“I was in a coffee shop about two months ago when Mayor Bower came in and we talked to him about this problem.”…. “Again I'm not blaming Mayor Bower but he did know about it.”

Without gong back and rereading all of your post or those who have respond to your speeding issue. I think the same point could be made about you reading into what is posted. Please note and I do indicate from my memory you stated cars were doing 60 down Raytown Road. Someone responded it was more likely 40 – 45. Again a math issue. This one those come with greater benefit to the city if your estimate is correct and these individuals would be caught.

Based on the fact the citiy were my friends are officers charge a nice flat fee plus last I checked around $3.00 per mile over the speed limit. 60 – 45 = 15 so if there is an additional charge of $3.00 per mile then we are talking $45.00 more.

By the way, in both cases I agree breaking the law is breaking the law. I would like to point out to those who did jump you on the speeding issues especially about your point on the light many states and I believe we have it on the books too officer may issue a ticket for careless or reckless. This gives them that ability when they don’t know the actual speed, but can tell the vehicle in question was traveling at a rate of speed couldn’t have safely stopped no mater the color of the light. Therefore by their actions of driving in a careless or reckless many be issued a ticket. It gets a little more specific as to, which one applies, but the point is there are other options available they just have to be used if they are on the books in Missouri and I have not take the time to research.

The Wise Old Owl

Anonymous said...

The poster wrote that the house did not have an address. There are some folk who do not have their addresses on their homes for reasons that are their own.

It is a city code violation and a health issue. Emergency providers have trouble locating homes when some of the address is removed or completely gone.

I drove through the area too.

The codes department could have a field day in that neighborhood. The question is if they will be told to do so by their managers.

Andy Whiteman said...

Now I am wondering what the Financial institution is? A loan shark maybe? Walmart tried to enter the banking business and was denied. I believe they were allowed to be an industrial bank for the purpose of processing their checks and credit card charges.

According to one of my neighbors another neighbor had 5 dogs which is 1 more than the allowed 4. I couldn't count them because they were moving. The excuse was that that one dog was visiting.

Now my question: When is a red light run? I paid my water bill at city hall Saturday night and as I approached 59th and Blue Ridge Blvd the light was yellow. I stopped at the intersection. The light turned red. The idiot in the next lane speeded up and it was red when he speeded through the intersection. Thank God that no one was in the intersection. Did the idiot run a red light? Was he speeding? I know some on this blog will say that the light was yellow previously and before that it was green. I say he ran the light. He definately was speeding because the speed limit at a red light is ZERO.

It sounds like some on this blog are parsing words and using it to discredit valid comments. I read the comments and don't discredit them because of other issues.

8:27 AM, I agree Westlake at another location may have a lower tax, but it sure isn't worth my time to drive there just to save a few cents or a few dollars in tax because the gas, wear and tear on my car, and my time are worth more than that. If you tell me that particular Westlake has a lower price as well as a lower tax, I will make the trip.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

To, The Wise Old Owl,
My numbers on how many animals one household may have may have been wrong, three verses four but there are still too many animals and the city has done nothing about it. But, the animals were only part of my writing.
There are several cars and stacks of trash bags on this particular
property. The cars have no licenses. If there are no laws being broke there
are certainly codes being broke.
I will agree with you about the codes department. It seems nothing has changed. Some codes are enforced relentlessly to the point of harassment
while other very visible codes are ignored. School yards with two foot high
grass, friends of the city getting away with un mowed property and some small
businesses be told they are not welcome here anymore. The reason, because they are a service operation and garage repair shop.
Huge piles of dirt and rock being dumped in "Raytown" city limits that seems to be OK with City Hall because it came from Wal-Mart. But when the garage
across the street had a paved parking lot where the dirt how stands it was an eyesore. I'm sure the pile of dirt is a lot better.
Now, when I said I don't blame Mayor Bower here's what I mean. He has people that work for him to do the job we are talking about. I'm willing to give a little
more time before I start on him. I don't know who he told or if he told somebody to check out these problems. But, you rest assured I will try to stay on top
of this and I will be asking some questions.

Andy Whiteman said...

I was told that the Dysfunctional School District is exempt from city codes. I remember bringing up the issue of high weeds at RHS. It was a long battle because it was the responsibility of a contractor. Apparently it is too difficult to enforce a code when a third party is responsible. I can't follow that logic.

If I was a city employee or administrator and the Mayor told me to get something done, it would be done PDQ. If this is not what is happening, I wonder who is really running this city?

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

It is against both the federal and state constitutions to
enforce a law on one and not on others. It shouldn't make any
difference if it is you, a Raytown citizen or the all mighty school
district. Everybody has to follow the same rules or the rules should
be eliminated.

Andy Whiteman said...

I totally agree with Pat. I have been bringing up the issue that ordinances apply to some but not all for quite some time. It is known as discrimination.

Andy Whiteman