tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post4684272806587468223..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: Municipal Races Take ShapeGreg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-90451999068125710332009-02-04T14:39:00.000-06:002009-02-04T14:39:00.000-06:00All of you who are oppose to the public safety sal...All of you who are oppose to the public safety sales tax are ignorant. This is to increase the sales tax, not property tax. Half of you probally don't even do half your shopping in Raytown anyways. So the tax really won't effect you. All of you that say i only shop in Raytown are liars. No one in this town ONLY SHOPS IN THIS TOWN. For you close minded coocks need to remember that without out the Public safety aspects of this city you wouldn't have a city. All of you that are in this ridiculous thought pattern that our economy is in this horrible downward spiral need to get a clue. Ask yourselves; Am i making my mortgage payment? Am i getting back and forth to work? Am i putting food on the table? Do i have a job to got to and make money? Am i able to pay for my internet to type on this blog and bash what you weren't willing to change in the beginning. Well i would say the answer is yes to all of them. Not a one of you is having finacial hard ships, other than the ones you put on yourselves by living outside your means. the goverenment needs money but you all are to selfish to think of the big picture. Also you selfish ideals is why you think you can't afford a sales tax.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-67370792785599372732009-02-01T11:01:00.000-06:002009-02-01T11:01:00.000-06:00Look at your receipts, Westlake Hardware 8.475% no...Look at your receipts, Westlake Hardware 8.475% now lets add another half cent to that. I DON'T THINK SO!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-56394636627737736092009-02-01T10:55:00.001-06:002009-02-01T10:55:00.001-06:00Provide information before making such statement.Provide information before making such statement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-56459228445935779202009-02-01T10:55:00.000-06:002009-02-01T10:55:00.000-06:00Provide information before making such statement.Provide information before making such statement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-12251109449297795672009-02-01T07:35:00.000-06:002009-02-01T07:35:00.000-06:00Do you realize if we pass this sales tax we will ...Do you realize if we pass this sales tax we will be one, if not the highest sales tax in the whole KC area. People may not think much about it when they are buying a nickel or dime item, but they sure will if they're thinking about big ticket items. We will start losing business to other cities with lower sales tax rates. CAN WE REALLY AFFORD ANY NEW TAXES????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-28712524085029436142009-01-31T23:42:00.000-06:002009-01-31T23:42:00.000-06:00Inform voters:><"?????Inform voters:><"?????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-78817224341927818362009-01-31T22:29:00.000-06:002009-01-31T22:29:00.000-06:00Anonymous 1-31-09 10:07 PM; No one was asking for ...Anonymous 1-31-09 10:07 PM; No one was asking for your vote right now, the sample ballot was obviously displayed to inform voters.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-91371237606127152822009-01-31T22:07:00.000-06:002009-01-31T22:07:00.000-06:00YESYESYES<BR/>YESAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-39352430391554146372009-01-31T16:00:00.000-06:002009-01-31T16:00:00.000-06:00OFFICIAL BALLOTCITY OF RAYTOWNAPRIL 7, 2009Shall t...OFFICIAL BALLOT<BR/>CITY OF RAYTOWN<BR/>APRIL 7, 2009<BR/><BR/><BR/>Shall the city of Raytown, Missouri impose a citywide sales tax at a rate of one-half of one percent for the purpose of improving the public safety of the city?<BR/><BR/>[ ] YES <BR/><BR/>[ ] NO <BR/><BR/>If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “YES”. If you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite "No" <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>This is all of the information that you will see on the ballot when you cast your vote in April related to the "Public Safety" sales tax issue. There will no details for voters to see who are not familiar with the issue.<BR/><BR/>Bill Van BuskirkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-31829392041818397662009-01-31T15:57:00.000-06:002009-01-31T15:57:00.000-06:00DON'T TRUST CITY HALL. NO NEW TAXES!!!DON'T TRUST CITY HALL. NO NEW TAXES!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-28596551204174081732009-01-31T14:47:00.000-06:002009-01-31T14:47:00.000-06:00Here is an overview of the “plan” for usage of the...Here is an overview of the “plan” for usage of the proposed sales tax increase if passed. <BR/>(This is information provided by the city of Raytown)<BR/><BR/><BR/>PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX 2009<BR/><BR/><BR/>HISTORY<BR/><BR/> The City of Raytown requested that the State of Missouri authorize the City to seek a sales tax for public safety purposes.<BR/><BR/> The Bill was approved by the Governor in August of 2008.<BR/><BR/> The passage of this bill has enabled the City to bring this proposal forward.<BR/><BR/>PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX<BR/><BR/>• Question: Shall the City of Raytown impose a sales tax of one-half cent (1/2¢) for public safety purposes?<BR/><BR/>• The sales taxes collected may be used only for “public safety purposes” which includes Police and EMS salaries, equipment, training, supplies, etc. <BR/><BR/>• The sales tax, if approved in April would begin on October 1, 2009 with the first receipts entering the Cities coffers approximately November15th.<BR/><BR/>• $1,100,000.00 current projected revenue<BR/><BR/>THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS<BR/><BR/> The process consisted of identifying areas of improvement in the City’s public safety services.<BR/><BR/> This process made allotting personnel a fairly straightforward matter.<BR/><BR/> The improvements are easy to understand when the areas of concern are explained.<BR/><BR/>PLAN OVERVIEW AMOUNT/SERVICE INCREASE<BR/><BR/>$366,000.00<BR/>6 New Officer Positions<BR/><BR/>$100,000.00<BR/>3 New Detention Positions<BR/><BR/>$54,000.00<BR/>1 Dispatcher<BR/><BR/>$75,000.00<BR/>1 Crime Analyst Position<BR/><BR/>$55,000.00<BR/>1 New Paramedic position<BR/><BR/>$10,000.00<BR/>Advanced EMS training<BR/><BR/>$275,000.00<BR/>Reallocation of funding for current police programs<BR/><BR/>$165,000.00<BR/>Reserve Fund<BR/><BR/>$1,100,000.00<BR/>TOTAL<BR/><BR/>INCREASED NEED FOR POLICE SERVICE<BR/><BR/> In 2001 the Police Department’s authorized strength was cut from 60 Officers to 56.<BR/><BR/> Call volumes have increased significantly since that time and we are beginning to see a decrease in coverage.<BR/><BR/> We are beginning to see significant blackouts, during peak call times.<BR/><BR/><BR/>SIX (6) NEW OFFICERS<BR/><BR/> 4 of these officers are to be assigned to patrol to add more resources during peak activity times.<BR/><BR/> Currently the Patrol division operates on two 12 hour shifts.<BR/><BR/> There is also 1 Officer that overlaps the day and night shifts.<BR/><BR/> These 4 new officers will be deployed to enhance the coverage of the overlap shift (2 officers for each daily rotation).<BR/><BR/>IMPACT IN INVESTIGATIONS<BR/><BR/> Two officers would be assigned to the Investigations Unit.<BR/><BR/> This enhancement allows us to augment the Investigations unit by devoting Officers to addressing community concerns such as drug activity complaints, directive patrol, warrant details, etc.<BR/><BR/>THREE (3) DETENTION PERSONNEL<BR/><BR/> These 3 Detention Personnel add much needed depth to that unit.<BR/><BR/> The Detention unit has also seen and increase in workload, much of which is being handled through overtime of full time employees.<BR/><BR/> Adding additional personnel also makes a much safer environment for our Employees when dealing with violent detainees.<BR/><BR/>ONE (1) DISPATCH<BR/><BR/> This Dispatch position also allows for shift relief to minimize instances in which the entire dispatch center must be operated by a lone dispatcher.<BR/><BR/> We feel this enhancement is also needed to sustain service levels in our communications unit.<BR/><BR/>ONE (1) CRIME ANALYST<BR/><BR/> The Crime Analyst function has become a standard function in modern Law Enforcement.<BR/><BR/> Raytown is one of the last agencies in the metro area to implement a Crime Analyst position.<BR/><BR/> Due to the geographic location of Raytown, the crime analyst is particularly helpful.<BR/><BR/>WHAT IS A CRIME ANALYST?<BR/><BR/> Crime Analyst have promote productive information sharing with other law enforcement agencies.<BR/><BR/> They analyze area crime trends and reports to identify crime hot spots, develop crime bulletins, and assess the threats from area crime groups.<BR/><BR/> Provide data for investigative and intelligence purposes.<BR/>C/A establishment<BR/><BR/> As part of the development phase for this position, our department has consulted with the International Assoc. of Crime Analysts.<BR/><BR/> We feel the Crime Analyst function will maximize the use of our limited resources.<BR/><BR/>EMS PERSONNEL AND TRAINING<BR/><BR/> This addition of a Paramedic will allow EMS to staff a third vehicle and provide shift relief within their ranks.<BR/> The training enhancement will raise Raytown EMS certification levels to the highest possible level in the field.<BR/><BR/>REALLOCATION OF FUNDING<BR/><BR/> This reallocation includes the return of our Neighborhood Services and Elderly Assistance Programs.<BR/><BR/> The PSST will also fund the Traffic Enforcement unit to provide relief to the stressed General Operating Budget Reserve<BR/><BR/> In keeping with the City’s principle of maintained a fund reserve, this reserve will provide some safety from revenue shortfalls and program expenses in coming years.<BR/><BR/> This amount represents and estimated 15% of the anticipated revenue from the Sales Tax.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>I hope that all potential voters in the city of Raytown will take the time to actually look at and analyze the proposal they will be voting on. Just voting on “feelings” or “rumors” is a poor way to cast your ballot. It is imperative that voters understand the power of their vote and the related impact it will have on the future of our city. Since this WILL be on the ballot in April it would be futile to argue whether it should be or not at this point in time. I hope each of you make a wise choice when you go to cast your vote related to this issue as well as the candidates you choose to vote for.<BR/><BR/>Bill Van Buskirk<BR/><BR/>Candidate for Alderman (Ward Four)<BR/>Home phone: 737-2799Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-24807580858586684762009-01-31T10:24:00.000-06:002009-01-31T10:24:00.000-06:00THEN WHY YOU DELETE THE COMMENTSTHEN WHY YOU DELETE THE COMMENTSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-31793930254244318832009-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:002009-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:00Signing of a name does not always remove the anony...Signing of a name does not always remove the anonymity of the writer.<BR/><BR/>For instance, someone signed "Jack" says he has spoken to me of requiring people to sign their real names to their posts.<BR/><BR/>I can assure you no such conversation took place. Nor do I know who "Jack" is. For all I know it could be Jack of Jack and the Beanstalk or Jack the Ripper, mayber even former Mayor "Jack" Nesbitt. <BR/><BR/>The point is, even though the name is signed, it does not really tell the whole story. But it does show, from my point of view, that someone who has signed anonymously does not want others to do the same. <BR/><BR/>Seems to me that the veil of hypocrisy is crossed very easily by the writer. It is obviously someone who is more interested in trying to disparage the blog, or for that matter, me, for not "handling" the situation.<BR/><BR/>Even if I were to require email confirmation of names and addresses a clever person could easily maske their identity.<BR/><BR/>It comes down to this. Some people want to sign their names. Some do not for their own reasons.<BR/><BR/>Either way, the individual is getting their say. And that is what is most important.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-81515456784645155042009-01-31T06:28:00.000-06:002009-01-31T06:28:00.000-06:00no more emts "just tightn up the belt and they wil...no more emts "just tightn up the belt and they will be fine"...you are right no more emts,...however more paramedics would be good...another example of somebody who has no idea what they are talking about...do you know the costs involved with running emergency services...?<BR/>i have to comment on the fire station slam...is it better?...they were able to hire six new firefighters....and who cares about the size of the building at least they are taking care of it....it is the nicest building in town, im glad i voted yes for the fire department.<BR/>how about this question for all of you...how come the fire department has paramedics and emts and they are not running the ems department?<BR/>sounds like a duplication of services...put that in your pipe and smoke it<BR/>jeffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-35862357733589442672009-01-30T22:29:00.001-06:002009-01-30T22:29:00.001-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Andy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-45963644348559156842009-01-30T22:29:00.000-06:002009-01-30T22:29:00.000-06:00The anonymous issue has been addressed here before...The anonymous issue has been addressed here before. I umderstand many (such as school district or city employees) have good reason to remain anonymous. It would show some courtesy if an anonymous writer wants to be critical of a person to please state what facts give you that opinion.<BR/><BR/>Anon 8:15 mentioning "the good ole boys club" makes me think that even if the majority votes for wastefull spending, that still doesn't make it right. That is why an audit is needed. I wonder if a new board menber would call for an audit? Actually I think if a certain CPA is elected, he could do his own audit and point out any wrong doings.<BR/><BR/>Actually it sounds like it should be called "the <B>BAD</B> ole boys club."<BR/><BR/>I will sign my anonymous name,<BR/>Helmet HeadAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-28770451564343275782009-01-30T20:15:00.000-06:002009-01-30T20:15:00.000-06:00As a Raytown School district employee, I can not s...As a Raytown School district employee, I can not sign my name cause I will loose my job (I have no freedom of speech because my bosses don't want me "to let the cat out of the bag" about the wasteful spending that goes on every day).<BR/><BR/>Mr. Thode, you can run for the school board, but if you are not part of the "good ole boys club" you won't get anywhere with the other board members. I hate to sound negative, but that is how it works with the city and the school board "in bed together" and they will spend money on the dumbest things and you won't be able to change it, I see it every day. Sounds like you don't know what is going on with the wasteful district. I would spend my time doing something more meaning full (volunteering for some cause) than being on the school board.<BR/><BR/>VOTE NO FOR ANY KIND OF TAX INCREASES!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-13747075197560237302009-01-30T19:11:00.000-06:002009-01-30T19:11:00.000-06:00And you need to watch the national news where ever...And you need to watch the national news where every major city is cutting police by 10% not asking for more money and giving raises.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-69456299044629596132009-01-30T15:01:00.000-06:002009-01-30T15:01:00.000-06:00Many people wish to remain anonymous for fear of r...Many people wish to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation from city government. Believe me this happens in this petty little town. That's why you need a change on the board and a new mayor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-46293500764211926342009-01-30T14:09:00.000-06:002009-01-30T14:09:00.000-06:00OKTell Greg to fix this.OK<BR/>Tell Greg to fix this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-35692110161046429292009-01-30T12:23:00.000-06:002009-01-30T12:23:00.000-06:00Signing a fake name or under an anonymous name it ...Signing a fake name or under an anonymous name <BR/>it doesn't make any difference.<BR/>If a writer calls others names and makes statements about other writers, <BR/>they should have the guts to back their words and write their name.<BR/>It's a credibility thing. Anybody can take cheap shots at others and <BR/>use "Anonymous" or fake names.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-12496198558899030162009-01-30T10:47:00.000-06:002009-01-30T10:47:00.000-06:00Pat,I always ask Greg to get rid of this anonymous...Pat,<BR/>I always ask Greg to get rid of this anonymous thing. He is the blog administrator. What is the difference if someone signs the fake name?<BR/>JackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-34212212845408812942009-01-30T10:42:00.000-06:002009-01-30T10:42:00.000-06:00Anon 7:57 AM, Please scroll up this thread. Rick...Anon 7:57 AM, Please scroll up this thread. Rick Theode has written a letter posted by his son, Daniel. Rick is not into bloging per Daniel. At least you will know something about one of the candidates.<BR/><BR/>I am not a blogger either (lack of time), but if I have an interest in something, I will make the time. I am only on 2 blogs: This one and one related to discrimination of certain dog breeds mainly in Denver.<BR/><BR/>Andy Whiteman<BR/><BR/>PS (I wish this blog had spell check!)Andy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-71448776818736677222009-01-30T09:04:00.000-06:002009-01-30T09:04:00.000-06:00There will be a forum for the candidates for Schoo...There will be a forum for the candidates for School Board on Tuesday, March 24 at 7 PM in the District Admin Building on Raytown Road. The forum is not sponsored by any of the candidates or their committees. Each candidate will be allowed a few minutes to talk about why they are running. After that, questions submitted by those attending will be addressed to the candidates. The forum will end at 8:30. Reminders will be posted in various places as we get closer to the time of the forum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-22249690643919473542009-01-30T09:01:00.000-06:002009-01-30T09:01:00.000-06:00Anon 7:57 - You ask whether anyone can tell you an...Anon 7:57 - You ask whether anyone can tell you anything about the people running for school board, indicating you don't know anything about them. Despite that lack of knowledge, you still refer to them as jokers?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com