Sunday, April 7, 2013

Anyone watching television this past month has undoubtedly seen the Subaru commercial with dog that grows up with the young family. I really liked the tune in the background, so, I did some checking to see who did the song. It is so good I thought I would share with readers this week. I hope you enjoy this song by Mount Moriah. It is called The Letting Go

Use this link THE LETTING GO

For those who like a more polished recording of the song here is the studio version.

Use this link THE LETTING GO (studio version)
 


-- BREAKING NEWS --

3 arrested at KC Zoo: Big crowds, big fights FROM FOX 4 NEWS

TO VIEW THE VIDEO USE THIS LINK READ MORE

KANSAS CITY, MO. – Two women and a teenage boy were arrested Sunday afternoon after a series of fights marred Free Day at the Kansas City Zoo.

Kansas City, Missouri Police arrested 40-year old Minnie Davidson for resisting arrest. Another woman, Drucilla Davidson, 20, and a 15-year old boy were both charged with assault on a police officer.
The largest fight took place at closing time in the parking lot near the main entrance. But  Mary Summers from Independence, Mo., told FOX 4 there was also a huge brawl earlier in the day in the Africa section of the zoo.

“Somebody yelled, ‘Gun!’ and that’s when I just threw my kids underneath the bench and threw myself on top of them,” Summers said.

It began with two groups in their late teens and early twenties flashing gang signs at each other.
“One guy just swung and hit the one guy and that’s when the two groups came together and they started fighting,” Summers said. READ MORE


To post and view comments use this link comments



GREG WALTERS
April 2013 a Benchmark Election? BY GREG WALTERS

In late December of 2012 an unusually large number of candidates filed for seats on the Raytown Board of Aldermen.

The incumbents they faced were well entrenched in their positions. They had the unspoken support of the Mayor, who is said to have persuaded two of them to file after they had initially decided not to run for re-election.

One of the candidates filed in Ward 5 had been disqualified, leaving the incumbent, Steve Mock, unopposed.

In Ward 3, three candidates had lined up to take on Councilwoman Christine White. Since it was a “winner take all” elections, the three candidates opposite White, Janet Emerson, Chris Merrill, and Mark Moore ran the real danger of splitting the votes opposing the incumbent. The odds were clearly stacked in favor the Alderman White.

In Ward 4, Jason Greene was in a similar predicament. He faced two opponents, former Ward 2 Alderman Jerry Kinman, who had never been defeated in an election and the current Councilman, Jim Hamilton, who like Kinman, had never tasted defeat in an election.

In Ward 1, political neophyte Josh Greene, at the age of 23, faced the President of the Raytown Democratic Association (RDA), Richard Tush. A veteran candidate, Tush had also run a successful campaign two years earlier in his election to the Raytown Water District.

In Ward 4, Rita Bennett, who had once run for City Collector, faced one term Alderman Bill VanBuskirk.

Results Beyond Expectations . . .

Election Day dawned sunny and cool, but not uncomfortable. The turnout was low. Not a good sign for the challengers – traditionally, low turnouts favor incumbents, particularly when challengers are dividing up the anti-incumbent vote.

Then the results came in. (two view the final results scroll down to last week's posting)

In three elections the challengers reached stunning landslide victories – ALL of them captured over 60% of the vote. By definition, anything over 6o% is considered a landslide.
 
So, What Happened?

The three candidates that won their races, Josh Greene in Ward 1, Janet Emerson in Ward 3 and Jason Greene in Ward 2, had similarities in their campaigns that eventually worked in their favor. For their most part, they have City Hall to thank:
  • The Downtown Walmart Grocery Store has been a hot topic going into the election and it remained hot throughout the election. Denials by incumbent city councilmembers of knowledge of the plans for a Walmart Store were disproved and not believed by the public.
  • A letter mailed by former Mayor Sue Frank outlining her opposition to the planned Walmart Grocery Store did not endorse candidates. But it certainly did lend credibility to the campaigns of those who did not endorse the project.
  • The disconnect between the public and City Hall was growing over the proposed Downtown Walmart Grocery Store. City Hall appeared to dismiss opposition to the planned development as a small part of their constituency. Election results show they misjudged the opposition.
  • Another action by the Mayor and City Council that angered voters was the $30,000 pay increase granted City Administrator Mahesh Sharma. At the same time, the City waived a requirement that the City Administrator live within city limits. 
  • The closing of the YMCA was mishandled by City Hall. The eventual closing may have been a forgone conclusion, but the late response by City Hall to finding a solution to the crisis was seen as a failure by the public.
  • The challenger’s campaigns were clearly run independent of each other. The incumbents, with an image of walking in lock step through many public votes on the Raytown City Council, were seen as the same campaign.
  • While all candidates worked hard, there is reason to believe that losers were out-hustled on the door to door aspect of the campaigns. As any veteran politician will tell you, nothing works as well as wearing out shoe leather in a door to door campaign.


A Raytowner's Believe It or Not

All elections have their oddities and coincidences. Here are some interesting facts we have found in the wake of the April 2nd election.
  • Josh Greene set a Raytown record for the youngest elected Alderman. At the age of 23 he is one year younger than former Aldermen Garth Bare and Greg Walters when they were first elected.
  • All three of the Aldermen Elect were delegates to the Missouri Republican State Convention as Ron Paul delegates in the 2012 election.
  • The Greene Brothers are not the first brothers to hold office simultaneously. That distinction goes to the Kinman Brothers, Jerry and Jeff.
  • Other familial relationships on the Raytown City Council from the past: Greg Walters served with his Uncle Charles Walters for two years.
  • Alderman Christine White was not the first from her family to serve. Her late husband, Robin White, served as Alderman from Ward 1 prior to Mrs. White being elected as City Collector and eventually as Alderman.
  • Another upset that was not expected was the defeat of Rick Thode in his bid for re-election to the Raytown School Board. Mr. Thode is a known close ally of Mayor Bower. Credit also should go to the two winners in the school board contest, Pam Arnuld and Bobbie Saulsberry. Both were seen campaigning door to door in their campaign for School Board.  


PAUL LIVIUS
Our Blog's Purpose BY PAUL LIVIUS

Recently, a blogger posted a well-written, well-thought out comment concerning area codes and the United Nations.  After much discussion, Greg and I have agreed our blog is and should be about Raytown issues.  We invite the blogger to seek other forums more appropriate to his or her views.  That blogger is, of course, invited to submit ideas pertaining to Raytown.







FIT BOTTOMED GIRLS
Thank Goodness for Spring, I was Losing Steam! BY ERIN

I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve had it with winter. I tried not to let it keep me down or in, but after months and months of cold, I’m so done. And I think my kids are also ready for warm weather so that I don’t drag them on never-ending errands until their cheeks are bright pink from the cold. It’s... Continue reading



FRIENDS OF RAYTOWN PARKS  
Calendar of Events

To view and up-to-date schedule of what is going on in Raytown for the month of April visit the Friends of Raytown Parks Monthly Calendar. The calendar lists community activities open to the public including events at the Mid-Continent Public Library, Governmental meetings and Community Events.

The calendar is sponsored by Friends of Raytown Parks & Recreation, Inc. for the benefit of the community of Raytown, Missouri.

Use this link CALENDAR OF EVENTS    


To post and view comments use this link comments

47 comments:

Jason Greene said...

Citizens of Raytown,

I wish to take a moment and thank you for placing your trust in me to serve as your Alderman. Although I was elected by the citizens of Ward 2, I serve our entire community, and will act accordingly.

As I walked through our neighborhoods on cold, wet and snowy days campaigning, I had countless conversations with our neighbors discussing their concerns. During such, I noticed that regardless of the neighborhood, there were a lot of similarities.

I promise to provide communication, transparency and honest dialoge with our community. Regardless of opinion, I believe that if you have a forum for such, usually the best solution will come forward.

Our community faces a number of challenges which I'm eager to help address. I promise to do my best to make our community a more prosperous one.

In Liberty,
Jason Greene
Raytown Alderman Ward II

Anonymous said...

And the misguided once again blog.

May God please show them the light of the truth

Anonymous said...

Jason, just listen to the people who elected you, and think of the city when you act. It's not such a bad place.

"Greg and I have agreed our blog is and should be about Raytown issues."

Yay! Thanks so much for this. Seriously.

Pat Casady said...

I would like to welcome Jason Green a our new
Ward 2 Alderman.
Mr. Green, I believe you have a hard job ahead
of you. Not only at City Hall but convincing
us ward 2 business owners and citizens that you
will do what you say. You see we have all heard it
before. Every person that has run for office has
in fact stated what you just stated. Then they all
have turned against us. It is true I don't know
you and I would like to meet you, but, most of all
I hope you will keep your word and work for the
entire community and not big business as has happened
in the past. I once told a person running for office,
treat people like you would like to be treated.
I believe this, for the most part, fell on def ears
after the election. The people of Raytown deserve
better than they have had. I hope you will help them.

Anonymous said...

How many votes did Mr. Thode lose by?

Was it six votes?

I wonder who had the bright idea of not televising the Meet and Greet held by the Chamber of Commerce.

Guess the ignore them and you will beat them strategy didn't work out very well, did it?

Anonymous said...

Greg, apparently you missed the point of the person who raised the issue regarding international codes. That person was pointing out the fact that is what we adhere to in our city, and the dangers of doing that. They were way to lengthy, but they had a really good point. So what I am saying is, that it was a local issue! I have heard at least one of our aldermen voice concerns regarding this issue on more than one occasion.

Pat Casady said...

As I understand it there has only been
earnest money put down on the green lot.
There have been no plans approved as of yet.
The money was put down by JMC Realty,
Overland Park Kansas. If Greg prints this their
phone number is 913-831-3800. If not I'm sure
it's in the phonebook.
Petitions are good for local people but calling
the developer and tell them how you feel might
work a little better.
Don't get me wrong, I still think our downtown needs
a store, something to bring in more people and business.
This would help all the businesses that are still here.
But, if the majority of the people don't want a Neighborhood
Mart then it should not happen. The city is supposed
to work for the people. Not against.

Anonymous said...

Let's see if the 3 new aldermen were Ron Paul delegates to the Republican State Convention, then I believe it's time that they control the 4 seats on the Republican county committee from Brooking. Hope you guys and gals will run next year in the Republican Primary and oust the current husband and wife team that is there now.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Pat for the number. I called them and told them they need to by Woodson Village.

I think the can figure out the advantage of that purchase.

Anonymous said...

I feel the blog should be for Raytown issues, but the city's using or not using international codes is a Raytown issue. I have disputeed using international codes before and was told by a department head that international codes are the only standard there is. I don't believe that and feel Raytown can write their own building and electrical codes but it would be too much of an undertaking for a small city. So I ask, why not use state codes?

I disagree slightly with Pat who says the people of Raytown deserve "better." I feel the people of Raytown "deserve the very BEST.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Dear fellow bloggers,

I am at a loss after reading the posting from anonymous April 8 at 9:14 AM.

That blogger indicated 3 new aldermen were Ron Paul delegates, but the young man who came to my door told me he didn't belong to any political party and had no political ambitions. Now I learn he was a Ron Paul supporter. Why was he not honest with me?

Who are those republicans you are talking about it sounds like they are anti-Ron Paul, so they will have my vote.

We don’t need Ron Paul or his people in Raytown as we have enough problems with city services now and Ron Paul would like to end all government services.

Anonymous said...

I voted for the challenger strictly because of the $30,000 raise and the acceptance of the City Administrator's refusal to reside in Raytown. I don't oppose any legitimate business locating in Raytown, if not funded with taxpayer money.

Anonymous said...

On what basis can you claim that Mr. Thode and Mayor Bower are "known close allies?" You ask commenters to have valid facts to support the allegations they make about individuals before you post it yet you seem to hold yourself to a different standard.

I know that Mr. Thode supported Bower in his campaign against you for Mayor in his first election but that support, as a number of incumbent Alderman recently found out, is not iron clad.

Mr. Thode showed on the School Board that he is an independent thinker given the number of 6-1 and 5-2 votes he participated in in which he belonged to the minority. From my understanding, he challenged the Mayor to get on board and support the School on the Winchester TIF issue.

Losing Rick Thode is a major blow to our schools. Comparing his credentials to Bobbie Saulsbury's credentials is laughable. For you to imply that voters did the right thing by replacing a "Bower ally" and keep Bobbie Saulsbury on the board along with newcomer Pam Arlund is unconscionable.

A number of former Bower supporters have defected from that camp. From what I am hearing is that multiple former allies are considering a run against Bower in the next election while others are heavily recruiting new candidates to oppose the incumbent mayor. Some of these names will shock the general public.

- A clever individual

Anonymous said...

Thode and Bower are friends.

You don't have to believe it. But it is true.

Bower cost Thode his election through extremely stupid political moves.

I don't care what party anyone belongs to as long as they put Raytown first.

Let's be fair about. Anyone reading this page probably voted for a Presidential candidate.

Anyone who condemns another for taking an active part in presidential campaigns has serious problems. Particularly in the area of tolerance and believing we all have a right to choose.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous at April 8, 2013 at 2:27 PM

You obviously have little understanding of Ron Paul or politics to make a claim such as that. How can someone NOT have political ambitions while running for office? Every single elected official has political beliefs, if it be conservative, liberal, etc. What I have noticed is that in these local offices that does not mean as much. Instead of asking questions in regards to their political affliation, maybe you should have asked questions concerning what they believe in regards to important issues and shouldn't define someone on who the based their vote in a primary on.

Anonymous said...

Can't help but wonder if Randy Battagler will keep carrying the Mayor's water after butt kicking his candidates took last week.

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


I for one would like to thank that husband and wife who have represented the true values of the Republican Party for years. Our party for too many recent years has had to face defeat because of the split individuals like Ron Paul have worked to bring to our party. It is time those of us old enough to remember the grand old days of the party to tell these that continue to bring splits and shame to move on and form your own party and stop embarrassing everything we worked for. Thanks again to that couple and everything they have done for our party and Raytown.

Anonymous said...

What is wrong with Ron Paul? As I saw him
he is as the Ron Paul article said:
"Ron Paul is America's leading voice for limited,
constitutional government, low taxes, free markets,
sound money, and a pro-American foreign policy."
Now, if you think this is bad, I don't quite understand
what makes a good politician. He is about as Republican
as a brick wall.
Here's a news flash for you, there is no difference
in Democrats or Republicans at higher levels! They
are only interested in how to get your money so they
can spend it in the worst possible way. Kind of like
a small town in Missouri.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous at April 8, 2013 at 2:27 PM

Ron Paul does not wish to end all government services, to say so is very foolish, he believes that municipal governments are supposed to be the most active in your life and the federal government should be least active, The way it was outlined in the Constitution by our founding fathers. So, I would assume that he is for municipal government being very active in government services.

Also, Many people who supported Ron Paul weren't Republican or Democrat, so it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't identify with a party.

Anonymous said...

Would that make Wal-Mart a political party as they find every way they can to get our money?

Anonymous said...

Who is kidding who!

All of this talk about Ron Paul is an attempt by some losers in the election to diver people from focusing on the beating incumbents took at the polls.

Let's face it. If the results had been the opposite you would be reading far different comments than attacks on Ron Paul.

Anonymous said...

It seems many on this blog are missing the point if one represents him or her self in one way, but an act in another that makes them untrustworthy.

Once they have lost their ability to be trusted it may not every be earned again.

The old retired cop

Anonymous said...

The truth is there a split in the Rep party and it is clear we are feeling it in Raytown.

Pat Casady said...

I don't see the point in arguing about
Ron Paul, Democrats or Republicans!
Even what party any of your representatives
here in Raytown are in. All I want in an
elected official in this town is to put
the people and local businesses first and
formost in their minds. Anything else is a
huge waste of time. We have had far too many
self-serving, asinine, trying to make a name
for themselves, elected people that didn't
have a clue what they were doing or supposed
to do. People that waited to be told what and
how to do what they were elected to do.
Thast is to make Raytown a better place to live.
Not make it a better place for big businesses.

Anonymous said...

AMEN TO THAT, PAT!

Too many of our elected officials at Raytown City Hall believe they have some sort of insight into what is best for everyone.

They lose sight of the fact that their first and most important job is to represent the wishes of their people.

I wonder how many of them will pay attention to the election results.

If ever there was a mandate in the election results it was what happened on April 2nd in Raytown.

Anonymous said...

I agree Pat,

I dont care who anyone has supported or their politics. City Government is about listening to people and doing what the residents want. I don't care who people have supported, I care about what they do or what they plan to do to help Raytown.

Just Saying said...

Looking at the results of the number of people who got out and voted last week it is clear we have more people in Raytown that wish to complain about things like Wal-Mart and the YMCA then will go out and vote.

With that being the case why not build two for city funded Wal-Marts and let that YMCA building be a reflection of the lack of code enforcement in the city.

Yes, it is good to live in a city were out of town department heads call the shots because the lazy people in Raytown just don't care about the conditions in their city.

Pat Casady said...

I really hope the last election will
serve as a lesson to the rest of our
elected officials. The people of Raytown
want their City Hall back! They want their
elected officials to do what they were
elected to do, and that is to REPRESENT the
people and their wishes.
They have to remember they are no smarter than
anyone else, if they are going to make a
city changing decision, they should get off
their lazy butts and go out and ask the people
what they think! If it will affect neighborhoods
they should talk to the neighborhoods. If it affects
our local businesses they should talk to the local businesses.
Our elected people work for the people not big
business and not the City Administrator.
Every homeowner and local business owner has made a huge
investment and one stupid decision, as we have seen in the
past, can ruin it.
If the people don't want a Wal-Mart owned grocery
store then don't let one go in. There are plenty of
grocery stores already in Raytown. In fact several have
come and gone.
They are REPRESENTATIVES! Maybe they should look
up the meaning of the word.

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely unbelievable, the Mayor has told Steve Guenther that his services are no longer needed on the BZA (Board of Zoning Adjustment). He has been on that board for 10 years and has an excellant attendance record. Is this because Mr. Guenther spoke out against the Wal-Mart deal on TV, or because the Mayor wants him off that Board before Wal-Mart asks
for a variance??????? Nice job Mayor it's clear to see that you don't play well with others unless they are playing by your rules.

Anonymous said...

I am grateful that one Alderman was looking out for the citizens when it came to what the EMS was wanting to raise the rate to. I think maybe EMS needs to cut out the waste so we don't have to end up picking up the charge for the non payers. Thank you for thinking of us retired citizens. There were two who voted aganist it and thank goodness they won't be back for another four years.

Anonymous said...

The proplem is people complain about city government but won't get off their keesters to vote. These people are part of the problem rather than being part of the solutiuon and really have no right to complain.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

I vote in every election in Raytown. You can bet I will vote in the next mayoral election to get rid of this mayor we have now. I don't know how he sleeps at night!!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see the mayor get the backbone to say bye to Steve Guenther. He should have been gone long ago.

Anonymous said...

10:04 AM, As I have said numerous times, it is the Socialist Fascist Feif of Raytown.

Andy Whiteman

Elisa Breitenbach said...

We should have a meeting on the Wal-Mart deal on April 25 at 7:30 at the Planning & Zoning meeting. If I hear anything any different I will let you know.

Anonymous said...

For someone who has claimed they have attended Board of Alderman meetings over and over for the last several years it is astonishing that they would write in thier paper that in Ward one incumbent Richard Tush was defended by Jason Greene.

As someone that has lived in Raytown for years and watched my fair share of Board of Alderman meetings from the comfort of my home, I never knew that Mr. Tush was on the Board of Alderman. In fact it is my understanding that the current Alderman, Shane Pardue, had decided not to seek re-election.

Clearly those who have blogged on this site as well as those I have spoken with around town are right on point when they have said The Raytown Times just cannot get the facts right. I will continue to get my news about my city from this site as I don’t need some blow hard making up things in an effort to have filler for a dying paper.

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

I have never figured out why anyone would pay good money to advertise in the Raytown Times? This so called paper cannot be recognized as a newspaper because it has to have "paid subscriptions" and I understand that Mr. Battagler does not meet those requirements. So good people of Raytown quit paying this guy money to publish you ads that go nowhere. You can get much better and more accurate news by coming to this blog.

Anonymous said...

Well it looks like Mayor Bower is at it again. I have no particular opinion of Mr. Guenther but think it's a shame that the mayor "kicked him to the curb" for exercising his freedom of speech right. I really don't think Bower gets it that this is America and he it NOT KING.

Elisa Breitenbach said...

If you look on the City of Raytowns Facebook page you will see the meeting will be on the 25 of April at 7:00 P.M. I have a sign up at my Donut Shop. It's my hope we will have more signs go up to get the word out. I never made a phone call for the last meeting we packed at City Hall. This meeting I plan to start making calls on Monday. To anyone who would be kind enough to join me we have free donuts & coffee:)

Elisa Breitenbach said...

It's my understanding the Mayor replaced Steve Guenther with his Dearest Friend Ex-Ward 3 Alderman Christine White. You know the lady who lost the last election by a LANDSLIDE. The poor guy will do anything to try and get Wal-Mart in.

Anonymous said...

White is up to replace another individual who resigned, not Steve. Im not sure when a vote will be on Steve's replacement. Steve's dismissal stinks and shows you exactly what this Mayor is about.

Anonymous said...

This is how I feel. The people of Ward 3 told Mrs. White we don't want you in government in Raytown anymore. So why in the world would the mayor appoint her to PZA? The answer is simple he wants her to do his dirty work for him. I hope the board votes a BIG LOUD NO to this one.

Anonymous said...

For ypur informatom the PZA has nothing to do with Wal Mart, BUT I still think it is time to put some fresh faces on these boards.

Anonymous said...

Advertising in the Raytown Times or any publication is an individual decision of the business person. I liked the Raytown Times for the local advertising since it is the only local print media. I regarded most of the content as an editorial.

I wonder why more Raytown Merchants don't advertise on the Raytown Report? It isn't very expensive. Just ask Greg.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

In response to Anonymous: April 11, 2013 at 10:37 AM

Exactly what would you like the ambulance service to do? Hospitals and physicians alike all have had to make changes. In case you were not aware the citizens have benefited greatly from this service available them, particularly in comparison to surrounding jurisdictions. You clearly haven't a clue what kind of bill you would see should you be living in and/or receive care in Kansas City, among other districts.
You state they should "cut out the waste" so others don't foot the bill. This is not the fault of the ambulance department. It is the fault of this entire nation's healthcare system and society alike and it is only going to get worse. Do you think they enjoy carting around the same people over and over again that we all know do not pay their bill and abuse the system? They cannot deny them care. Then they would be accused of discrimination and sued.
One of the largest problems however, is that there are many citizens knowingly taking advantage of the ambulance service on a consistent basis because they know they do not have to pay a bill if they receive care from them at their home but then refuse to go to the hospital.
So, maybe you should get your facts straight before you start running off at the fingers or come up with a solution for all of us taxpayers alike. No one is happy about this predicament.