Sunday, November 30, 2014

RAYTOWN'S LEADING NEWS SOURCE

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BREAKING NEWS
Bower Announces He Will Not Seek a Third Term
Mayor David Bower announced today that he will not seek a third term as Mayor of Raytown. In a press release Bower outlined the accomplishments of nearly eight years as Mayor of Raytown. He did not elaborate as to any reason for not running for re-election except to say that he has decided not to seek a third term. To read the entire text of Mayor Bower’s release go to the bottom of this week’s edition of the Raytown Report. 



BY GREG WALTERS
Small Business Recognition . . .
This past Saturday was Small Business Saturday. Though we are a week late in rec0ognizing the national event (even the President addressed it in a news release) . . . . well, we thought, better late than never.

But first, a little history.

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after U.S. Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. First observed on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.
Paul and I have given the concept a lot of consideration as to how we can show our support for small businesses in Raytown. With the idea in mind, we decided to recognize two small businesses in Raytown.

DOUGHBOYS 11559 East 63rd Street
OWNER: Elisa and Marjain Breitenbach
On April 27, 2010 the Breitenbach’s opened their doughnut shop, Doughboys, to the public in Raytown. It is a date not hard for Elisa Breitenbach to remember. She told me, “It’s my husband’s birthday!”

Before locating their business in Raytown the Breitenbach’s considered opening a similar store in Independence, Missouri at a strip mall they own. Elisa said, “We ran into so much red tape with Independence city officials, we decided to move the business to Raytown.”

“We have never regretted the move,” added Elisa’s husband, Marjain.

Doughboys is a small business success story. Elisa and Marjain have nothing but praise for their Raytown area customers. “We could not be more pleased with the friends we have made in Raytown,” said Elisa.

In its three years Doughboys has become a popular gathering place for Raytowners to meet and discuss topics from politics to what is going on in town. The brightly decorated décor with its comfortable booths, the smell of coffee and the air rich with the flavor of fresh doughnuts no doubt are part of the attraction to the public.

Politically speaking, the Breitenbachs are not afraid to be active in local events that affect the Raytown area. Last August, they publicly endorsed Frank White for the Jackson County Legislature by holding a fundraising event at their store for him.

The year before they publicly opposed Mayor David Bower’s plan to locate a large footprint big box store (owned by Walmart) in Downtown Raytown. Walmart eventually withdrew from the project.

No doubt, their activity ruffled some feathers. One City Councilman, Joe Creamer, is known to have called for their business operation license to be suspended for their opposition to the Walmart Store.

If the crowd we saw Saturday morning is any indication of how welcome Doughboys is appreciated and loved in Raytown, the store will be there for many, many years to come.


STEVE'S AUTO 5500 Raytown Road
OWNER: Steve and Stephanie Hollo
“Steve’s Auto”, located at 55th Street and Raytown Road, is our other choice for this year’s Small Business Recognition Award. The auto repair shop is a family business owned and operated by Steve and Stephanie Hollo.

Steve Hollo, Sr., opened the business in 1969. He has since turned over ownership and operation to his son, Steve Hollo, Jr.

If growth is an indication, the business is a success story. The Hollos are in the first phase of doubling the size of their service building. Completion of the project is expected in 2015.
The Hollos are a civic minded couple who strongly believe in giving back to the community. Each year Steve and his extended family celebrate the opening of the local auto repair store by hosting a Customer Appreciation Day.

The celebration has become an area wide event. Automobile collectors from around the Kansas City metropolitan area bring their vintage automobiles and hotrods for display. This year’s event had over 40 participants with hundreds of auto enthusiasts in attendance.

When writing this story, I had trouble tracking Steve and Stephanie down. They were not at home and not at the office. I finally found them at Our Lady of Lourdes helping with the sale of Christmas Trees for the Parish’s annual fundraiser.

Knowing the Hollos as I do – it was not a surprise to find them giving their free time to help a good cause in the community during their spare time.

Downtown Raytown 
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Annual Raytown Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Friday, December 5th  at the Raytown Pocket Park located at 63rd Street and Raytown Road. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is highlighted by the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:15 p.m.

The Raytown Chamber Choir will perform at the lighting.

As part of the festivities, Santa will make a visit at the UMB Bank along with the Raytown Community Band Flutes. Hay rides will be available around the city. Enjoy cookies and hot cider at the FOP at 63rd and Blue Ridge.


The first 120 children will also be able to complete a craft (parents are required to accompany).


Donations of canned, dry and boxed foods will be accepted for REAP (Raytown Emergency Assistance Program).

The event is sponsored by the Raytown Main Street Association.

Paul’s Rant BY PAUL LIVIUS
Another Turkey Day has come and gone. All I have to show for it is another inch around the middle. Something I hope to correct soon.

I’m glad to see the Raytown Main Street Association is keeping the spirit of Christmas alive. Their annual event in Downtown Raytown is visible proof of an effort to make the Downtown area a success story.

One small suggestion  . . .  and I do not mean for it to take away from their effort  . . .  last year the event was held at 5:30 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. I complained about it on this page. Apparently they listened. This year’s event starts at 6:00 p.m.

It is a step in the right direction. But it still needs improvement. Look to other communities and you will find their lighting ceremonies are held either on Thanksgiving evening or the Saturday following.

No point in trying to compete with the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. But moving the event to a Saturday evening starting time would make a lot of sense.

That, or move the starting time in Downtown Raytown back to at least 6:30. That way the parents will have time to bundle up the family  after getting home from work to enjoy the event.

On another topic, I cannot say any more than Greg did in his stories of this year’s First Annual Small Business Recognition Award by the Raytown Report.

Steve’s Auto and Doughboys are two Raytown success stories. We plan to write about others in the future. If you have any suggestions for recipients of the award do not hesitate to contact us. You can send the suggestions to: gregtwalters@sbcglobal.net

Community Blood Drive
The Raytown EMS will be hosting a Community Center Blood Drive at the EMS station on December 15th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You may sign up for an appointment at www.esavealifenow.org and use the sponsor code raytownems.  You can call Kim at 737-6030 if you have questions. 


FIT BOTTOMED EATS
Make it Tonight: 
Fried Dumpling Salad
The following is a post sponsored by Bibigo. For our sponsored post policy, click here. Want to go on a culinary vacation right in your own town READ MORE



Mayor David Bower's Announcement
I find myself during this holiday season feeling blessed. I have a wonderful family, a good job and an amazing opportunity to be Mayor of the city I love, where I’ve lived for most of my life. After much reflection on all of this I have decided I will not run for Mayor in the upcoming election.

This has been a difficult decision for me because I highly value the opportunity to work on behalf of Raytown and its residents and businesses. Working alongside citizens for the betterment of Raytown and the region has truly been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I believe we have accomplished what you asked us to do almost eight (8) years ago and the community is on solid footing and ready for the future. What we have been able to accomplish in terms of progress has been notable. We have responded effectively and efficiently to the needs and priorities of our city.

The Board of Aldermen and I have worked hard in conjunction with city staff to re-build and keep our city in financial order while moving us forward through some perilous times – new legislation, declining revenues and recession. We are proud that we’ve been able to achieve an A+ S&P Bond Rating.  In area after area, our collective impact has made a difference:
  • Received $8 million dollars in grants which has given us new sidewalks, streetlights, and a housing rehabilitation program.
  • Successfully transformed a financially imperiled Police Pension Plan that threatened the city’s financial stability to a solvent plan, benefiting the current Officers and providing a tool to attract new Officers.
  • Economic Development achievements including Google Fiber, Heartland Manufacturing, Sutherland’s, IHOP, Aldi’s/Gregory Square Development, Extreme Karting and 80 other new businesses that have chosen to do business in Raytown. This includes an Economic Development Incentive Policy to help retain and attract businesses to our city.
  • Cooperation across the region working on regional transportation, regional cooperation in building business, communities for all ages initiative, and more recently the new KC Rising.
  • Transparency and openness across the city’s communication platforms. We’ve established a presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, as well as Engage Raytown, our newest communication tool allowing you to chat with city staff and officials. A newsletter with current information as well as contact information delivered directly to your mailbox. And, a new website coming in January that will offer our residents even more accessibility 24/7.
  • The recent overwhelming approval of our Transportation and Capital Improvement Sales Tax renewal demonstrates the confidence and trust for the work, progress and accomplishments made during this decade: new ambulances, police cars, and improved snow removal.
Serving as your Mayor has afforded me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.  I have found tremendous satisfaction in representing Raytown at the local and regional level, including serving in leadership roles on the Eastern Jackson County Betterment Council, Kansas City Metro Mayors Caucus, Mid-America Regional Council, Missouri Municipal League, and others.  Our city’s involvement in these collaborative partnerships, and the relationships that have been built with other local and regional leaders, has benefitted our city and our region, and me personally.  Your confidence in me to serve as your Mayor has provided me with these opportunities and I remain committed to regional planning and projects that will positively impact our community.
We have a great deal to be proud of, and I am deeply grateful for the honor and privilege of serving as Mayor of Raytown. In the coming months I look forward to thanking you personally for the support you have given me.
 



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19 comments:

Jon said...

I suggest you check out the Home Skillet. They have good food and excellent service at a reasonable price.

Anonymous said...

I wish that 9:29 from last week would explain about the racist reputation that we are suppose to have in Raytown. You go around making statements and can not back them up. As I said long gone are the Beeler days. Come on fees up

Anonymous said...

Well, it looks like some of us have gotten our Christmas wish early. The word is out from Mr. Bower that he is not seeking re-lection. Amen. Can't wait 'til April, to send him packin. I noticed that on his way out he is taking selective credit for his accomplishments. How about the raise for City Administrator, 80k to bail out Super Splash, remodeling the Council chambers. Snubbing your nose at a lucrative proposal from Raytown Fire. New positions, Public Relations person and Eco-Devo person. Oh yeah and messing with the The Public Safety Sales Tax.....the list goes on and on. Thank you Mr. Bower for stepping aside, can't wait.

Anonymous said...

Wow, count how many times Bower uses the word "I" in his statement. Not surprised though, he over estimates his power and importance. Total egomaniac.

Tracy said...

I am not a fan of David Bower. I think he has run this city into the ground. A huge tax burden has been shifted from commercial and residential property to just the residential properties.
That said, I did read his statement. I do not believe he over-used the word "I". It was used in totally appropriate ways.
If you are going to be a Bower Basher, at least be fair and honest. The guy has screwed this city over in so many ways that no one has to make up stuff about what he says and does.

Anonymous said...

"Thank God and Grey Hound he will be gone!!!" He stated that 80 new businesses have come to Raytown. How many businesses have left, a lot more than 80. it will take years to fix the problems that he created. Now we can only hope the board of aldermen will leave to. That would amke it a very Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love WINS said...

Greg and Paul
Thank You for the recognition. Small Business Saturday has turned into a very fun day for us in Raytown. It's wonderful to be here and hard to believe how good business can be snuggled into a residential area as we are. The people of Raytown have made us feel very welcome here. It is amazing how they talk about the other businesses in town. Steve's Auto comes up frequently. People don't just like and respect Steve and his family they truly love them. Again thanks for the recognition.

Anonymous said...

I stopped by to wish Steve H. a Merry Christmas expecting to see building going on but apparently city hall is dragging its feet again. It is a wonder that people do build in Raytown.

Anonymous said...

Please pay your tax bills in Raytown, the city receives a % for all tax bills paid.

Jon said...

4:01 pm
What are the hours at city hall to pay the taxes?

Anonymous said...

Jon --

Most likely it would be during the hours that City Hall is open. 8-5 M-F, except holidays and weather.

Anonymous said...

I've often wondered why those in charge of taking care of business during a natural disaster can be counted on to be one of the first shut down in stormy weather.

In Raytown it may be because it is such a long, long, drive from Raytown to Raymore. I also think that is why Raytown hold public events like the Mayor's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on such a weird schedule.

Early Friday evening instead of on a weekend.

What's the matter, are they purposely trying to keep the number of people at the event down or is it to accommodate the out of town folk who really run our city?

I cannot wait until next April. We need some changes in Raytown.

Anonymous said...

As an FYI for those wanting to pay property taxes at City Hall, you are NOT limited to regular business hours. There are drops for sewer bill payment. You may place your payment stub along with a check or money order into an envelope and drop into a sewer bill payment drop. Obviously do NOT use cash. I have always enclosed a stamped, self addressed envelope for my receipt to be mailed to me. You may also pay your vehicle taxes that way. I have used that method many times and also have mailed my property tax payment to City Hall.
If you are going to mail your tax payment, it would be better to mail it to the city rather than the county because the city will receive a percentage.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

It is perhaps even better, and at least preferred by the County, that you pay online (if you can). There is a charge for ECheck or Credit Card, but the fees are lower than the cost of a stamp. Also, the payment is automatic, and do not have to wait for the USPS to deliver it (then again being with in the 641xx/640xx Zip Codes, it would get there the next day or so anyway). To pay online, go tot eh Jackson County web site, click on part to pay your taxes, and you will need to enter the PIN that is on the tax bill (among other stuff, it is relatively easy).

Anonymous said...

Thank God Bower will be gone. He is not running because he would lose. The man has no clue on how to lead from the Walmart meetings I attended and I don't care for how he treats people. Dont let the door hit you on the way out.

Kelly said...

Two years ago, I mailed my check to the county on December 3. I kept waiting for the check to clear. When it didn't, I tried to call, but of course, they wouldn't answer their phones. I put a stop payment on the check and paid on the website. Three weeks later, I get a letter from the county that my check didn't clear. Since I had a receipt for the payment, I threw the letter away. Now I always pay online by credit card. The people at the county offices inept.

Anonymous said...

When does the filing period for the different offices open and close?

What are the boundaries for the different districts (wards?) in Raytown?

How much does it cost to file for office in Raytown?

Kelly said...

Anon 7:55
Those are excellent questions. All the answers can be found with
Teresa Henry, the City Clerk. She knows the dates and the fees. She also knows how many signatures are required to waive the fees. She has a map of Raytown showing the ward boundaries. She can be reached at (816) 737-6004 or thenry@raytown.mo.us

Anonymous said...

What's up, just wanted to mention, I liked this post. It was helpful.
Keep on posting!