tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post3775991460773846774..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: Greg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-6111120632339556972013-05-18T11:58:55.916-05:002013-05-18T11:58:55.916-05:00Well, I'm a little late to the party it seems....Well, I'm a little late to the party it seems. But this page seems a s good a place as any. I found this blog through a Google search involving the deterioration of Raytown. I have lived in Raytown my entire life. Born in the early 70s. Graduated from Raytown High in the early 90s. Most of my childhood it was a great place to live. Both sets of grandparents lived there too and never had an issue with anything while I was a kid. Of course, once the late 90s hit, my grandmother got followed to her home over by Funhouse Pizza, beat up and mugged. And 15 years later, its even more of a crap shoot. You can't even feel safe out for a morning jog anymore. I remember Rayotwn PD being so strict once I got my driver's license, that I was stopped on Woodson, long about 59th while returning to work from my lunch break. The reason? My car matched the description of someone stealing things from peoples' yards. I got pulled over on a friday night because they were looking for someone throwing eggs. My car happened to have been egged that very night. I also got stopped while walking down 67th to a friend's house after dark, so they could ID me and see if I matched the description of "someone they were looking for". The list goes on and on. It was annoying at the time. But I would really like to see them get invoved with actually trying to preserve the integrity of the town, rather than sweep up after its been destroyed. I remember kids from other high schools being scared to drive through Raytown because they'd get pulled over for something. Maybe they need to reinstate that reputation. Maybe it would chase all the bad seeds away that now call this place home. I see no level of respect from fellow patrons at a store. I get no respect from drive through clerks even when I say thank you. There is no common sense or courtesy left on the streets of Raytown anymore. A stolen car was parked in front of my dad's house around 63rd and Sterling and set on fire in the middle of the night two years ago. Also the neigbors on either side have both been broken into within the last 10 years. The cancer that migrated there in the late 90s has completely destroyed the place I grew up and still reside. And the only thing that will stop the parasites is them completely exhausting and ruining the place, or if the powers that be actually take a little pride in this town and bring some integrity back. I'm sick of it. And if anyone even reads this page again, being so outdated, this is not a matter of race, but a matter of fact. A different level of human has infiltrated Raytown. And the bad thing is, it has been allowed to happen. Its not the nice friendly place it once was. People, stand up to rude behavior. Cops, start pulling people over for no license plate light, burned out headlight, or just out of pure suspicion, like you did to me so many times. Odd thing is, profiling didn't even cross my mind when it happened to me. One way or another, we need to save the place before it meets the same fate as many of the surrounding areas. Anyone remember when Bannister Mall was hopping? I do. "What's Bannister Mall?", some of you may ask. It was a great place to shop before they started allowing people to behave however they wished. Once that happened, decent people stopped going there, shops moved out, it became a ghost town, along with all of the surrounding strip malls and the place was eventually bulldozed. So get on the ball people. I for one, don't want to be forced to be armed to the teeth and constantly looking over my shoulder in the next 15 to 20 years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-70531254297254605152012-07-04T15:00:45.343-05:002012-07-04T15:00:45.343-05:00Another Neighbor of William Eairheart. We have li...Another Neighbor of William Eairheart. We have lived next door to the same neighbor for about 23 years and have never had a problem with him at all. The information Mr. Eairheart stated at the meeting is 100% false and compeletely unfounded. Mr. Eairheart is angry because the neighbor called the police when her heard him verbally abusing his girls. He also raced his car up and down the street while his girls and wife were locked out of the house and standing in the street. Mr. Eairheart has also damaged this neighbors' property. Mr. Eairheart is also harrassing another neighbor up the street. Come to find out, the neighbor he complained about in the meeting, has never had any altercations, reports or charges of any kind involving children (from a attorney friend), never has had any "Orders of Protection", unlike Mr. William Eairheart who has had two (2) and resisting a Cop. Two (2) other neighbors across from Mr. Eairheart have moved because of him and his repeated calls to City Hall. I can tell from the lack of comments on this topic that the Raytown People can read between the lines of truth and a vindictive neighbor. Just wanted to add my comments. Hopefully, City Hall will investigate the truth before listening to such a bully.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-73063044095875399222012-07-04T13:33:00.682-05:002012-07-04T13:33:00.682-05:00Couldn't it be possible though that perhaps th...Couldn't it be possible though that perhaps the parking violations in Coleman park aren't enforced because the police and the city officials in general are afraid of the race card being played, i.e "you only gave me a ticket because I'm a minority"? I agree it doesn't matter the race, but anyone who has been through Coleman for the majority of the ball games can see it's mainly African Americans playing there. Perhaps they are being exempt from having to follow the laws and ordinances BECAUSE of their race?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-76989064918532535232012-06-17T16:20:36.521-05:002012-06-17T16:20:36.521-05:0011:58AM, I totally agree. Moving to Raytown withi...11:58AM, I totally agree. Moving to Raytown within a certain length of time should be in the employment contract. I suggest 1 year as a reasonable amount of time.<br /><br />12:03 PM, I suggest calling the non-emergency dispatch number 737-6020 and to report this. You are assuming that an officer has observed this. You know what assuming will make out of you and me. <br /><br />Andy WhitemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-77381755848150173902012-06-17T12:03:10.852-05:002012-06-17T12:03:10.852-05:00Drove by 63rd Street and Raytown Trafficway. There...Drove by 63rd Street and Raytown Trafficway. There are some very young kids (look to be about 12 years old) hustling motorists for donations to send them to "nationals". There signs says they are from Belton, Missouri.<br /><br />None of them are wearing optic orange vests (as required by city ordinance). Do you think the police are aware of them being there? City Hall (and the police headquarters) is just 3 city blocks away. <br /><br />I doubt the solicitors are registered with the city, as required by city ordinance. Do you think the police got the memo?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-51014972373663489552012-06-17T11:58:12.728-05:002012-06-17T11:58:12.728-05:00Andy,
Don't buy that lie that they cannot fin...Andy,<br /><br />Don't buy that lie that they cannot find anyone who will move to Raytown for a job that pays (with benefits) over six figures. <br /><br />It is more accurate to say that you have a very weak city council with an even weaker mayor. <br /><br />The tail is definitely wagging the dog at Raytown City Hall@!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-65508384565868286072012-06-17T11:48:17.713-05:002012-06-17T11:48:17.713-05:006:33PM, I watch CH9 at 5 PM and 6PM and didn't...6:33PM, I watch CH9 at 5 PM and 6PM and didn't see our mayor. I don't consider the route you stated to be direct since it takes some navigation. People need a good reason to drive around seeking something in Raytown. I doubt if most people going to the stadium even knows that Raytown exists. Something needs to be done to make people want to come to Raytown such as a restaurant advertising a special or a group of businesses advertising at the stadium. I certainly don't drive randomly around with no specific destination.<br /><br />Shireen, My friend is unable to find decent employment in the metro area, not just Raytown. If Raytown is unable to locate Department Heads in Raytown, there should be a requirement that they move to Raytown. Personally I know some who I think are qualified but they may not want to give up their businesses to work for the city. It seems to me that most of the department heads are short term, transient type employees looking for a stepping stone to the next job. Raytown needs long term department heads who will make Raytown a career and intend on staying in the job 10 to 20 years or longer. Our non-resident city administrator seems to be the one who has been here the longest. <br /><br />Andy WhitemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-16453993599581306162012-06-17T07:51:43.449-05:002012-06-17T07:51:43.449-05:00Andy: It's too bad since your unemployed frie...Andy: It's too bad since your unemployed friend live in Raytown he/she can't find work in the City of Raytown! I recently had a conversation w/an Alderman who actually told me when we hired the VA and our Dept. heads, we HAD to hire from outside Raytown to get the caliber of employee we needed. Ha!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13529673677719559440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-30648849765022428722012-06-16T18:33:56.178-05:002012-06-16T18:33:56.178-05:00Andy,
Bower was on channel 9 and yes there is a di...Andy,<br />Bower was on channel 9 and yes there is a direct route to Raytown from the stadium because I drive it everyday. It's Raytown Trafficway to Blue Ridge Cutoff north to stadium.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-63542708804113742372012-06-16T16:43:01.725-05:002012-06-16T16:43:01.725-05:0012:34 PM, It isn't just the youth who can'...12:34 PM, It isn't just the youth who can't find work. People of all ages can't find work. A friend in Raytown has been unemployed about 3 years. A friend in Denver has been unemployed for an extended time, is having her house foreclosed and is filing bankruptcy. I haven't been working for about 10 years because I was fired when my job was sent overseas.<br /><br />The Obamas live like the Royal family with wasteful spending including extravagant vacations. Obviously Herr Obama thinks he is either King or Dictator. Queen Elizabeth won't accept his rude behavior.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-55851677469982602912012-06-16T12:34:22.674-05:002012-06-16T12:34:22.674-05:00Wouldn't it be a lot easier just to declare Ob...Wouldn't it be a lot easier just to declare Obama "king Obama" and then he can rule by divine right?<br /><br />Who needs a Congress or a Senate when the President decides he can just mandate anything that comes into his head.<br /><br />He did first when he lied to the churches about abortion. Now he has turned his back on American youth who cannot find jobs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-91654443622069860692012-06-15T17:02:27.901-05:002012-06-15T17:02:27.901-05:00I am not sure how we expect City employees to foll...I am not sure how we expect City employees to follow the rules when enforcing codes, or writing tickets when the City Administrator can't even follow the rules. He took this job knowing that he had to move to this City within one year. He has skirted this for several years. Rules are Rules; the CA, Mayor, Aldermen, you are all hypocrites for letting this slide.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-77934558290238659402012-06-15T11:04:50.643-05:002012-06-15T11:04:50.643-05:0010:11PM, Which TV station did the Mayor speak on? ...10:11PM, Which TV station did the Mayor speak on? If it was CH 7, I don't have a CH 7. He was speaking to the rich who have money to waste on cable TV which is the wrong audience.<br /><br />I would like to see Raytown receive business from the All Star game but there is really no direct road to Raytown from the stadium if we remember these are people who are unfamiliar with this area. If people don't know what is in Raytown, they won't come.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-54513082443515229012012-06-15T08:43:53.408-05:002012-06-15T08:43:53.408-05:00Mayor Bower thinks we live in Mayberry. Go and he...Mayor Bower thinks we live in Mayberry. Go and help my neighbor clean up his yard are you crazy. Now days your neighbor would shoot you. Mr Mayor you may live in a make believe world the rest of us don't. We see what needs to be done. You need to stop holding codes back. Step aside and let them do their job. We all know you are hard headed but for once do what is right for Raytown and let these guys do their job and if you can't do that the maybe you should step down from your officeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-92043710622839225372012-06-14T22:11:29.266-05:002012-06-14T22:11:29.266-05:00Our mayor was recently on tv talking how they were...Our mayor was recently on tv talking how they were going to cleanup Raytown because Raytown is the closes city to Royals stadium and the All Star Game. He thinks people will come here because it's closer. We have so many places for them to go and drink and eat. I almost laughed, it takes the same time to get to Independence via I-70 as it takes to get to Raytown and they have many time more thing to do than we do and it only takes 15-20 min. via I-70 to get to downtown and 30 minutes to get to Johnson County via 435. I thinks he thinks because we are a smoking community that will bring them here. Good luck Mr. mayor, you are dreaming, all of those reasons for them to go to all of those other cities are the very reason we all have to go to other cities for entertainment and resturants and we go to bars without smoking. That includes yourself I seen you there.<br /><br />Mr. Mayor stop thinking about the all Star Game and start thinking about your constituents and your responsible to our city and the people how live here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-42430383695453989542012-06-14T21:31:43.141-05:002012-06-14T21:31:43.141-05:00Ms. Mclaughlin,
It is true that the one you shoul...Ms. Mclaughlin,<br /><br />It is true that the one you should be upset with is the mayor. It is his jop to see that the department heads do their jobs but it is not his priority when it comes to codes. The police dept.is not under the mayor, that dept. is only under the police chief as an elected offical but it not his priority either. You would think that they would work together to see that our city is the best it can be but they don't.<br /><br />You are absolutely correct it is not a matter of race it is a matter of people who don't do their jobs. This city is so afraid they will get sued that they don't want to do what needs to be done to clean up our city. <br /><br />I have lived here long enough to know it's not a race problem. I,ve had 3 white families that were far worse than the new black families that have moved in over the last few years. The childern of one of those families live in that house now and are worse than their parents ever were and I did not think that possible.<br /><br />We need to clean house at city hall starting from the mayor and down from there. Unfortunitely, the elections are staggered so we cannot get rid of them all at once but we need to start somewhere so why don't we start with Cramer, and the other one from ward 1, Azier and Hamilton in ward 2, Ms. White who can't say anything but yes to whatever the city wants in her winy voice, Ward 4, seems to have 2 alderman that at least try to get answers to their questions the others don't even ask and ward 5, I'm sorry I don't even remember who they are that should tell you something shouldn't it. We need to start at the top with the mayor and the police chief.<br /><br />Know who's running in the next election and know where they stand and tell them you are going to hold them accountable for how they do their jobs. The next time there is a chance to vote for a charter be sure there is a right to recall of our elected officals in there and vote for the charter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-48021459051855801942012-06-14T11:13:59.710-05:002012-06-14T11:13:59.710-05:00I agree with Greg. The race card is played much t...I agree with Greg. The race card is played much too often in all issues where the opposition is unable to make a valid arguement and needs a fast, easy way out. Personally I won't accept the race card as a debate point.<br /><br />Andy WhotemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-25583961090678000942012-06-14T06:54:38.138-05:002012-06-14T06:54:38.138-05:00Playing the race card is the last bastion of those...Playing the race card is the last bastion of those who cannot justify their actions or inaction. In the K.C. Star this morning there was a story by Mary Sanchez that it all too typical of how the race card is played.<br /><br />As most of you probably know, the fountains at Crown Center have been a popular place to sit and relax since 1972. Often times children and sometimes adults run through the fountains on a hot day.<br /><br />That is all at an end. The reason why is because some people feel the public space should be a place to lounge all day. Bring your lawn chair and let your infants play in the water. When nature calls, the dirty diapers get changed in the fountain water, which is then pumped back with the other water so everyone can enjoy the dirty diaper water in a very personal way.<br /><br />As Sanchez wrote, "The new ban is not racial, as some have alleged." . . . "People should have realized that the fountain area wasn't meant to be a water park. A little splish-splash fun, maybe send even half an hour there, sure. But don't bring a folding chair and expect to park yourself all day. Doing so displays an over-reaching sense of entitlement."<br /><br />She is right on the money.<br /><br />I will add that it is not a racial statement to say that parking laws should be enforced. That neighborhood housing codes should be enforced.<br /><br />The truth is those that cry racist on law enforcement as basic as what is being discussed on this blog is, in itself, a form of intimidation (call if bullying if you will) that most people see right through.Greg Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-36655747511048365722012-06-14T00:05:41.114-05:002012-06-14T00:05:41.114-05:00This is 2012. Can we stop mentioning race for jus...This is 2012. Can we stop mentioning race for just a little while? The issues I bring have absolutely nothing to do with skin color. They're actually so much more important than skin color. My color - you said white, you're right - doesn't really matter now, does it? If you live in Raytown, no matter what color you are you know that we're all in this together and in Raytown, it's sink or swim time. If you'd get over it - your race issue - you might hear what I'm really saying. This isn't about race at all. It's about people - no matter their color - abiding by the laws and when they choose not to, our city doing their jobs to either get them out of our city or fine the hell out of them. Jeez.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13529673677719559440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-31456079211285100732012-06-12T22:48:00.101-05:002012-06-12T22:48:00.101-05:00The Raytown Amateur Radio Club will be participati...The Raytown Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the ARRL 2012 Field Day, June 23-24, 2012 behind the Raytown City Hall. All are welcome to attend and see what amateur radio does for the community. The Raytown ARC is on the top rated operations nationwide, taking second place in Class 2A in 2011. We encourage people to attend, and if children under 18 operate, and make twenty contacts on our GOTA (Get On The Air) station, we will receive extra points. We also get extra points for elected officials as well. <br /><br />Amateur radio provides communications in the case of a disaster. With in hours of the Joplin tornado, local hams had set up and where operating for several weeks after the event, providing vital communications support. This is a sense is a National Disaster Drill for Amateur Radio. <br /><br />Kelly McClanahan / KC0KMKMCCLAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-2673493622705861112012-06-12T21:01:30.556-05:002012-06-12T21:01:30.556-05:006:51PM, If the Parks Director lived in Raytown, as...6:51PM, If the Parks Director lived in Raytown, as he should, he wouldn't have a long drive. I don't feel sorry for any tie wearing chair warmer who makes a long drive. They don't have to make a long drive! I suspect the Parks Director didn't do the calculations. I suspect someone working under him or in the Finance Department did the calculations. <br /><br />Greg, The picture looks much better. A ball game is a good place for a vendor. My question is did you see a Jackson County food service permit? That is more important than a Raytown Business License, at least for public health.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-57004529696762542542012-06-12T18:51:08.571-05:002012-06-12T18:51:08.571-05:00Don't be so hard on the park director, Lee. He...Don't be so hard on the park director, Lee. He has a long drive to and from Harrisonvile EVERY day. Come on, give him a break! You would have trouble with numbers too if you had that long of a commute each day!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-10717840956027620832012-06-11T22:09:31.149-05:002012-06-11T22:09:31.149-05:00Obviously cases like illegal parking should be not...Obviously cases like illegal parking should be noticed and enforced by the Police and/or the parks department but there are many types of violations that aren't easily observed by someone driving down the street. <br /><br />I think the case of illegal parking is "monkey see--monkey do."<br /><br />The city is sure missing out on a cash cow! I wonder how many $$$$.$$ would be collected if each and every car was cited? In my opinion, they should also be towed as a public nuisance and hazard.<br /><br />Just run the plates..some maybe stolen or warrants out for the owners.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-77348545582782928712012-06-11T20:39:50.657-05:002012-06-11T20:39:50.657-05:00Some things do'nt have to be reported to be e...Some things do'nt have to be reported to be enforced. Like the picture of the illegally parked cars on this week's blog. I find it disgusting that our city's finest drive by and ignore that handicap access is blocked by illegally parked cars.<br /><br />If our codes department shares this attitude we are in worse trouble than anyone can imagine.<br /><br />The only ones who can fix this ugly picture is the Chief of Police and our elected representatives. How long will they continue to be like the three monkeys that see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-74071923975573640602012-06-11T19:25:13.597-05:002012-06-11T19:25:13.597-05:00Shireen McLaughlin,
PS. I don't know if you th...Shireen McLaughlin,<br />PS. I don't know if you think code enforcement is supposed to somehow observe violations. Someone needs to make a report before they are noticed. Do you report violations? <br /><br />That is why I feel the tie wearing chairwarmers should do a foot patrol so the whole city is covered at least once a year. Much more can be seen while walking than while driving especially if they trip and fall on a hole or crack in the pavement. There will be a big issue made when they have medical bills and and have to buy a new suit!<br /><br />Again, the board should require ALL department heads to reside in the city of Raytown where they work so they can suffer like the rest of us. Our City Administrator was granted 2 exemptions. I feel the first one was reasonable because his daughter was in high school. The 2nd exemption was ridiculous because he couldn't sell his house. There is no requirement that he sell his house. The requirement is to live in the City of Raytown. He could have rented it or left it vacant. He also could have rented a house or apartment in Raytown. I have bought 2 houses before selling the previous house.<br /><br />I could recommend several Raytown residents who are well qualified to be department heads.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com