tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post5318988045523060271..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: City Administrator Contract FlawedGreg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-58283588192366578522008-11-12T23:01:00.000-06:002008-11-12T23:01:00.000-06:00Pat, please re-read my comments! I NEVER said the...Pat, please re-read my comments! I NEVER said the Elected Officials were new, I said the ADMINISTRATION was new! Perhaps this is the problem. You all treat your legislative branch as if it were the executive branch! I know greg wishes he were in the executive branch but he is not...<BR/><BR/>Anyway, why I am frustrated is because you seem to be adament that the Board did not spend the 1/2 cent on streets, but you do not know how much they did spend? How can you be so sure that they did not spend it if you do not know how much "it" is?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-61536577500783217522008-11-10T08:46:00.000-06:002008-11-10T08:46:00.000-06:00Chris Wilmes and others,I can't tell you how much ...Chris Wilmes and others,<BR/>I can't tell you how much the city has spent on street repairs.<BR/>If I would guess, I would have to say very little. You need only to <BR/>drive around to see the bad condition of Raytown's streets.<BR/>I complain about it for two reasons.<BR/>1. The streets are in such sad shape.<BR/>2. Most of us feel betrayed by our elected officials because they<BR/>pushed for a new 1/2 cent tax increase just for street overlays and repairs,<BR/>then they chose not to use most of it in that manner. <BR/><BR/>If I could, I would like to run for an elected position but as has been said I<BR/>don't live in Raytown. I own property here but that doesn't count.<BR/>As far as your statement about most elected officials have only been here<BR/>less than a year......let's just say your facts aren't on target.<BR/><BR/>I feel I have to say too, that I have always been for the city workers as well<BR/>as the Police, Fire and EMT departments in this town. I would back them<BR/>as far as needed to keep them the high quality departments they are.<BR/><BR/>I also have nothing personal against our elected officials, I'm sure most of<BR/>them thought they had only the best in mind for Raytown but they have hurt<BR/>Raytown financially and unless changes are made in the way they do business<BR/>Raytown will never recover from mistakes made.<BR/><BR/>Evidently some on this Blog think what has been going on in the past years <BR/>is a good thing. It's my right to think differently. <BR/>It is my right to wonder why this city has spent money on developers that did<BR/>absolutely nothing. Or hire City Administrators and pay them huge salaries<BR/>just to watch them move on after they have done nothing. <BR/>I have watched our elected officials turn their heads on businesses being <BR/>treated badly by not only developers but even worse a city employee that <BR/>actually ran businesses out of town and prohibited new from coming into town. <BR/>Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe this is the way the world works now. Maybe it's OK to<BR/>enforce codes on some but not others. Maybe it's OK to make new small business<BR/>spend money on items at the whim of an official that makes up codes as he goes<BR/>along.<BR/><BR/>I don't know about anyone else on this Blog but I would love to write how good<BR/>this town is doing and how great our elected officials are. How they are looking<BR/>out for the people's best interest. How they have spent taxpayer dollars wisely.<BR/>So, if you have a good "for instance," please tell us about it.<BR/>Although it may not sound like it most of the time, I like this town. I have always <BR/>looked here first before I bought a house. I just never made the right connection.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-8444800566539129492008-11-09T23:14:00.000-06:002008-11-09T23:14:00.000-06:00Does the last few sentenances of the above sound l...Does the last few sentenances of the above sound like the downfall of the Roman Empire to andyone?<BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-62500161517840351262008-11-09T20:01:00.000-06:002008-11-09T20:01:00.000-06:00Not just retaliation by city officials upon reside...Not just retaliation by city officials upon residents that take a stand for what is right, some find that codes officers are suddenly on their doorstep harassing them. And some people, like aldermen can be sue happy. Ever heard of libel???? Hence that is why several will not disclose their names, addresses, etc on this blog, or even show up to a BOA meeting in person, for fear of retribution. Some misuse their power in office, and do not follow through with their duties as elected officials representing their constituients, and should be voted out at the next election. These officials, along with the Chamber of Commerce, and some other do gooders in Raytown have helped to further degrade this city. They have turned this into a dead city, yet they party and socialize to their hearts content like nothing is wrong at all. Vote the bums out in April!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-87677638542597672672008-11-09T14:32:00.000-06:002008-11-09T14:32:00.000-06:00Jack, I don't know how long you have lived here, b...Jack, I don't know how long you have lived here, but the reason that people choose to remain anonymous is the fear of retribution by city officials. They will and have in the past used city employees to "get those people" that don't agree with the "sick mentality" at city hall. You'll suddenly find yourself being harassed for a minor code violation that is not being addressed elsewhere. I don't always agree with Greg, but at least he has the courage to say what he thinks instead of being a little "bobble head" like the other nine of them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-33424124080990139062008-11-09T11:04:00.000-06:002008-11-09T11:04:00.000-06:00I read somewhere that the city workers got only a ...I read somewhere that the city workers got only a 5.5% raise. That is a pittance. City workers are still NOT paid a living wage.<BR/><BR/>Administration and administrator are generic words. To me the word administrator refers to a upper level appointed official. Administration could be taken either way, I don beleive I have ever used the word administration. I normally refer to BOA or elected officials. I agree we all need to be specific to identify what type of city official we are refering to.<BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-295103355200655252008-11-09T09:51:00.000-06:002008-11-09T09:51:00.000-06:00I have no idea what Greg achieve by providing inco...I have no idea what Greg achieve by providing incorrect and misleading information on this blog. Most of the people who write on this blog deviate from the editorial topic. They just want to criticize something. People who remain anonymous can write whatever they want without any facts and criticize the people they never met. If Greg is so worried about the image of Raytown then he himself need to set a higher standard. He is on the board for a long time and he is part of what has happened in the past. If he is so disgusted then he need to move on with his life. In reality, Raytown is a great city and lots of positive things are happening. Greg is not a leader who can pull people together for the betterment of this town. It is time for a change and April is coming soon. <BR/>Jack (Ward I resident)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-54148887670476365002008-11-09T09:34:00.000-06:002008-11-09T09:34:00.000-06:00I believe Chirs Wilmes was referring to the curren...I believe Chirs Wilmes was referring to the current administration for the appointed city staff not elected officials. Few people who write on this blog regularly confuse when they use the word administration. Pat always refers administration for elected officials and it looks like you are using administration in the same manner. <BR/>For the city worker – You are not a city worker and if you are then should be happy that you have a job and got raise this year. I do agree that this blog provide bogus information.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-53045099064565200882008-11-08T23:50:00.000-06:002008-11-08T23:50:00.000-06:00I agree with Lee that the focus should be on issue...I agree with Lee that the focus should be on issues and not personalities. I may not like an administrator's decision, but I don't attack him personally.<BR/><BR/>I have observed most city workers are hard workers. That is why I feel they should receive at least a living wage.<BR/><BR/>We should commend the hard workers who clear streets of snow day and night during storms. Also the Police, Fire Fighters, EMS, and dispatchers who are here 24/7 to serve and protect us. <BR/><BR/>I have lived in many places ranging from a village to big cities. Compared to all I rate Raytown Fire, Police, and EMS as top notch! When we had a prowler in KCMO, I waited 6 minutes for 911to answer and the dispatcher asked me if I was sure there was a prowler there? 2 officers arrived 30 minutes later! I called 911 in Raytown for an open business door with an immediate answer. 6 officers arrived within 3 minutes!<BR/><BR/>When I observe a job well done, I send an email to the Mayor, CA, and the employee's supervisor. I hope others do the same.<BR/><BR/>I suggested Mahesh for the CA job. He is well qualified, sets and achieves goals, communicates well, and gets along well with people.<BR/><BR/>I wonder why this city has ordinances? There is selective enforcement. There is a requirement that the CA live in Raytown but this is ignored if it suits the city. I was persecuted about my fence with a fabricated violation. Finally it cost my over $1000 to apease the powers that be. An ordinance was re-written to allow a pot bellied pig. The same could have been done for my fence. This selective enforcement strikes a bad note with me. If ordinance requires that a person live in the city, the person should live in the city. True it would impose a hardship due to the high property taxes (especially Disfunctionbal School District taxes.)<BR/><BR/>By the way, I backed the pig ordinance because pot bellied pigs are accepted as pets by many people in many cities.<BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-56623333430689767042008-11-08T20:43:00.000-06:002008-11-08T20:43:00.000-06:00Anonymous 3:58 pmPlease do not fall into intention...Anonymous 3:58 pm<BR/>Please do not fall into intentional errors (lies) of Greg and posting of misinformed and untrue information on this blog. The information about the vacation is false. The point is before you bash something please try to obtain the correct information.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-62093535192477147202008-11-08T18:34:00.000-06:002008-11-08T18:34:00.000-06:00Chris Wilmes says:the current administration - mos...Chris Wilmes says:<BR/>the current administration - most of them- have been here less than one year? What have they done to deserve a negative image???<BR/><BR/>Here is the list of the current BOA and Mayor:<BR/><BR/>David Bower<BR/>Joe Creamer<BR/>Greg Walters<BR/>Jim Aziere<BR/>Jim Hamilton<BR/>Christine White<BR/>Charlotte Melson<BR/>Barb Schlapia<BR/>Pat Ertz<BR/>Clifford Sargeon<BR/>Marilyn Fleming<BR/><BR/>There is one name that has been serving less than a year. Yes we have an interim city manager, but a poor reputation does not appear ovenight, and a revolving door at the city manager's office does not exactly elevate the city government's reputation.<BR/><BR/>Sure, I'm hopeful that things will improve. But I've been hopeful a long time. If you think that Raytown's govt. has a good reputation, then you haven't been paying attention.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-24951099458612567312008-11-08T16:52:00.000-06:002008-11-08T16:52:00.000-06:00Jack, you can bash Greg and this blog all you want...Jack, you can bash Greg and this blog all you want, but the truth is since there are no longer any REAL newspapers in this town this is the best we got to get any real information about city government. Their has been a cloud of secrecy over city hall for a long time starting with the Nesbitt administration, followed by Frank and now Bower is continuing it. That's why until we know more about what our city government is doing,( with our tax dollars) I will NEVER VOTE FOR ANOTHER TAX INCREASE. The Walmart deal is a good example, we will probably never really know how much the city gave away to get this sleazy company to locate here. TOO MUCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS BUSINESS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-53107506411942330232008-11-08T15:58:00.000-06:002008-11-08T15:58:00.000-06:00As a city employee I feel that this blog does tend...As a city employee I feel that this blog does tend to focus on the negative. There are departments within the city that are run well with employees that are knowledgable and do a good job. There are also departments that could provide better customer service. <BR/>There are reasons some of the people remain anonymus, like me, because I know that management does read this blog.<BR/>I feel that Andy nailed it on his comments about the hiring of Mahesh. His pay does not bother me, what does is treating him differently than everyone else and giving him four weeks of vacation right off the bat. Everyone else has to work at least ten years for the city to get that kind of vacation time. The city also needs to figure out a different way to give raises. It should be based on work accomplished not just raises for everyone across the board. Believe it or not some people pull their load and others do not. <BR/>Some people have complained about the budget, one thing on there is money for improvements on the public works facility. This is greatly needed, if you don't trust me go check it out.<BR/>I am just an hourly worker but from what I see people need to get more involved. Check out the Boards & Commissions List that is on the City's website. Here is the web address just cut and paste it. http://www.raytown.mo.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={46AD5802-B1E8-445E-9526-0D06CD9880D4}<BR/>One final thing, don't call City Hall with only complaints, call when we have done something right, or when someone has been very helpful to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-73982110891521271112008-11-08T15:04:00.000-06:002008-11-08T15:04:00.000-06:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-64871982985903012422008-11-08T13:14:00.000-06:002008-11-08T13:14:00.000-06:00Lee Gray here...As a long-time critic of City Hall...Lee Gray here...<BR/><BR/>As a long-time critic of City Hall, I've been thinking...<BR/><BR/>Maybe my criticism has focused too much on the personalities and not enough on the issues.<BR/><BR/>If we all started our discussions with the idea that our elected officials "intend" to do right by us...if we all believed that they are well-meaning...that they want to be good public servants...maybe we could get more cooperation from them. And open up a more constructive dialogue where they would actually listen to us.<BR/><BR/>Don't start with the: "Lee you're so naive..." because the last thing I am is naive. But I am hopeful.<BR/><BR/>Having served on two charter commissions, I know there's little joy trying to accomplish something for the community good if everyone is belittling everyone else.<BR/><BR/>Yes, everyone has an "ego." And, yes, there are some people who believe they are better than other people. But it's time to put that thinking aside and put all our egos on hold to turn this city around.<BR/><BR/>If we all look for the best in each other, then it's more likely we'll find the best solutions to the community's problems.<BR/><BR/>Yeah, I know, "naive."<BR/><BR/>But it's worth a try because what we're doing isn't working.<BR/><BR/>If respect was given on all sides, and we just stick to the specifics of the issues, I suspect we'll find: 1) Opportunities to work together; 2) To compromise; 3) To bring new talent into local elections; and 4) Provide a better atmosphere to foster better results.<BR/><BR/>But, hey...what do I know? I'm naive. (smile)<BR/><BR/>LeeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-51299839564278422922008-11-08T12:07:00.000-06:002008-11-08T12:07:00.000-06:00I would love to see Pat run for public office, but...I would love to see Pat run for public office, but unfortunately you see he doesn't live in Raytown. He's a very concerned business owner and in the past has backed very progressive candidates for public office in Raytown. Maybe we should do away with the residence requirement to run for public office, as the council has done for department heads and now the city administrator. These jokers at city hall just don't get it. I think that they're all just there to feed their big egos and pick up a paycheck every month. Yes, we actually pay these idiots to make all these bad decisions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-66139360754615269082008-11-08T11:58:00.000-06:002008-11-08T11:58:00.000-06:00"Raytown's city government already has a well-dese..."Raytown's city government already has a well-deserved negative image" - Anonymous 10:50 AM<BR/><BR/>I know I am in the minority here, but haven't we been reading that the current administration - most of them- have been here less than one year? What have they done to deserve a negative image??? Shouldn't they at least be given a chance to make positive improvements before you write them off as "over paid chair warmers"???? If not, what makes you think that any new people elected or appointed after April will have any more chance for success???<BR/><BR/>Think about it.......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-12304056937402872702008-11-08T11:55:00.000-06:002008-11-08T11:55:00.000-06:00"But most of all keep promisesmade when asking for..."But most of all keep promises<BR/>made when asking for tax increases for things like street repairs." - Pat Casady<BR/><BR/>OK, I am really getting sick of this! Please tell me Pat how much the City has spent on street repair since 2003 and how much the City said they would spend on street repair? You are soo adament that the City has not kept this promise PLEASE for the first time ever, back up your assertion with some FACTS!!!!<BR/><BR/>"I just feel that if someone would be elected with at least some idea of how<BR/>business works they wouldn't be taken in by fast talking lawyers, City Administrators<BR/>and developers, as has happened in almost every decision in the last ten years." - Pat Casady<BR/><BR/>Great idea Pat. But why are you pushing soo hard for OTHER people to run? Why don't YOU run if you think you can handle it????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-73018742312331865012008-11-08T10:50:00.000-06:002008-11-08T10:50:00.000-06:00Mr. Walters,As a fellow lover of Raytown I am aski...Mr. Walters,<BR/><BR/>As a fellow lover of Raytown I am asking you, begging you to please NOT disable the comment section on your blog. Although the blog comments certainly contain more than their fair share of bloviating hypocrites, there is no other forum where the problems of Raytown are currently discussed freely. One attitude is that if we don't recognize a problem then it doesn't exist. This attitude is false. Raytown's city government already has a well-deserved negative image, and without recognition and action against these problems nothing will ever get better. I am for Raytown, but it does no good to worry more about our image than substantive reality that needs serious change. While this blog is a pale shadow of the discussions that need to take place to push this city toward the direction that it needs to go, I think that on balance this blog, acknowleging its flaws, is still a positive force and is sorely needed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-86701322555526643492008-11-08T10:16:00.000-06:002008-11-08T10:16:00.000-06:00Mr. Walters,As a fellow lover of Raytown I am aski...Mr. Walters,<BR/><BR/>As a fellow lover of Raytown I am asking you, begging you to please disable the comment section on your blog. There is great value in having a blog where people can stay connected with their representative, but the negativity and insults that take place only give Raytown a negative image, as well as its representatives. By all means question and be critical, but don't you care about this townls image at all? Good for you in communicating with the public, but each day this blog only makes you appear more against Raytown than for it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-49627297031098521422008-11-07T18:50:00.000-06:002008-11-07T18:50:00.000-06:00Mr. Walters are you gonna let Mr. Phillips call yo...Mr. Walters are you gonna let Mr. Phillips call you out over making a living? Seems he didn't like you printing for Krause's opponent. It doesn't seem to bother Mr. Phillips that the top city employees live out of town but he sure takes exception with printing being done out of town.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-69480811698779715632008-11-06T11:42:00.000-06:002008-11-06T11:42:00.000-06:00Lee,I may have chosen poorly on my terminology.Wha...Lee,<BR/>I may have chosen poorly on my terminology.<BR/>What I meant was most of our elected officials don't seem to care about<BR/>the people or what they think. They give away taxpayer money like candy<BR/>on Halloween. They feel they are accountable to nobody. <BR/>They won't listen to criticism or even good ideas when presented to them.<BR/>Me asking you to run for election wasn't a slam on you, I meant it.<BR/>You have the education, knowledge and common sense most of them<BR/>don't have.<BR/>As far as, Why would anyone with a brain want to run? <BR/>I just feel that if someone would be elected with at least some idea of how<BR/>business works they wouldn't be taken in by fast talking lawyers, City Administrators<BR/>and developers, as has happened in almost every decision in the last ten years.<BR/>In fact I can't remember when a decision was made without the City Lawyer or<BR/>City Administrator telling the aldermen if it was OK or not. <BR/>I don't know if it was a lack of knowledge because they almost never ask any<BR/>questions or, they just can't make a decision on their own. <BR/>As for a personal attack, I'm sorry if I come off that way. I try not to call names <BR/>or be too hard on people but it is so flustering watching how things are pulled<BR/>over on our elected officials.<BR/>Even worse, if they knew or understood what they were doing to this town with the 350hwy<BR/>deal, financially, that alone would or should call for them to be voted out.<BR/>Most of the people don't know or understand the deal that was handed out with<BR/>Raytown taxpayers being the financiers for this big store.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-22849138499333123962008-11-06T10:58:00.000-06:002008-11-06T10:58:00.000-06:00Lee,You may have a point. My point is both papers...Lee,<BR/><BR/>You may have a point. My point is both papers were littered about town. In some cases they lay there weeks and were never picked up---JUST LITTER. My point is if you want your paper read, deliver it properly! When the Post went to s subscription basis, they HAD to deliver it properly so it would be read. Your competitor folded. I can't say if it was because of the way they delivered or not, but who wants to buy an advertisement in a rag tossed like litter not knowing how many people actually read the ad.<BR/><BR/>As for the city paying me, they pay many people big bucks and many of those who are no longer there never should have been listened to. If the city would like to make an offer, I will listen but my advise is cut the pay for tie wearing chair warmers. I suspect any offer would be too low for me to accept if my advise is followed. Actually, in good conscience, I would not accept something that violated my own policies.<BR/><BR/>Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-89158887852592155212008-11-06T10:04:00.000-06:002008-11-06T10:04:00.000-06:00Using your logic, Andy, the BOA should be paying y...Using your logic, Andy, the BOA should be paying you for your opinions expressed before them every meeting. Otherwise, why would the BOA even consider what you have to say?<BR/><BR/>And, Pat, with everything being a personal attack (ie. "whizzing on taxpayers"), why would anyone with a brain want to be on the BOA?<BR/><BR/>LeeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-19563525868864888942008-11-06T08:40:00.000-06:002008-11-06T08:40:00.000-06:00I think we are starting to miss the point here ......I think we are starting to miss the point here .....again.<BR/>City Hall needs new faces! We need to find quality and <BR/>qualified people to run against some of the incumbents.<BR/>Lee, how about running this April? Do you know anyone<BR/>you can recommend to run?<BR/>I would like to see someone that has at least some education<BR/>in business. That way maybe some developer couldn't come in<BR/>and snow Raytown out of their shorts.<BR/>We need people that are business smart and will help bring in new<BR/>small business instead of running them out of town. <BR/>People that will ensure safe neighborhoods. But most of all keep promises<BR/>made when asking for tax increases for things like street repairs.<BR/>The current elected officials it seems are like that little guy some people<BR/>have on their back window whizzing on something or another. Only this<BR/>time they are whizzing on taxpayers of Raytown and flipping us off at the <BR/>same time. They won't listen or even ask questions of their constituents.<BR/>Greg may have burned some bridges and made other elected officials <BR/>upset with him but, If an idea is good for the people or city of Raytown they <BR/>should not care who introduced that idea. But these people seem to take <BR/>pleasure in shooting down Greg no matter who or what they hurt.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.com