tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post6614847350197011545..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: Greg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-76624652415271965472010-11-28T18:08:00.526-06:002010-11-28T18:08:00.526-06:00The Mayor did not offer a holiday to the employees...The Mayor did not offer a holiday to the employees where he works (Populis) when they laid off workers there.<br /><br />Oh, that's right. That was HIS money. Not the taxpayers.<br /><br />Mr. Mayor, quit the pandering and start acting like you give a damn bout this city. Productivity at city hall is a joke and you know it. Giving another holiday will not solve any of your problems.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-54424661393323362102010-11-28T18:05:13.328-06:002010-11-28T18:05:13.328-06:00Mayor Bower suggested that city employees get anot...Mayor Bower suggested that city employees get another paid holiday because they didn't receive a raise this year. What a crock. Wake up, alot of people didn't get raises this year or last. Quit being a bunch of cry babies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-71171053426466709642010-11-27T11:16:41.476-06:002010-11-27T11:16:41.476-06:00It is common for many businesses to observe the da...It is common for many businesses to observe the day after Thanksgiving as a holiday. The Red Star listed only the trash schedule but neglected to list any of the city/county offices. I guess trash is more important.<br /><br />I expected they would be closed so called 737-6000 and received a recording.<br /><br />BTW: The state of Misery for the first time in years WORKED Friday due to budget issues.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-73426472381550204452010-11-26T22:38:41.418-06:002010-11-26T22:38:41.418-06:00City Hall apparently was closed today. Didn't ...City Hall apparently was closed today. Didn't know this until I got to the front doors. There were others that showed up also, thinking the same thing that it was a normal business day.<br /><br />BTW, they should perhaps check the doors, one was unlocked and still open, as I even pulled it open (It was not closing properly). Where is the accountability anyway?<br /><br />Was someone in too big of a hurry to check the doors before they left the building on Wednesday???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-15980272762696212962010-11-26T11:08:27.831-06:002010-11-26T11:08:27.831-06:00November 24, 2010 10:13 PM, Try looking at the re...November 24, 2010 10:13 PM, Try looking at the real high tax culprit: <b>THE DYSFUNCTIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT</b>. Even though my tax bill went down from last year the Dysfunctional District received 75% of my tax dollar instead of the 69% they received last year. This is outrageous! It is the dusfunstional district wasteing our money and taxing our homes to the point of unaffordable!<br /><br />I never saw a notice of public meeting because if they publish a legal notice, it is well hidden.<br /><br />The people really need to focus of this high dollar money sucking farce of a school district. <br /><br />The city tax collection is minute compared to our Dysfunctional monney grubing, wasteful School District. It is not for the children. I wonder if it fills someones pocket? Obviously it fills contractors pockets, but who else?<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-90583249586769604262010-11-26T08:18:35.614-06:002010-11-26T08:18:35.614-06:00Alderman Joe Creamer from ward one should have nev...Alderman Joe Creamer from ward one should have never ran for an elected position as he has never done anything thing for the people.<br /><br />It is good to praise the city employees but this this should be done when they go beyond their normal duties. This wouldn't have him singing praise everytime you turn around. As 8:50 PM 11/25 said the city this is their job.<br /><br />It is time we the tax payers got some praise in the form of a tax break for have to deal with the stuff that is allowed to go on at city hall.<br /><br />Phone calls are not returned<br /><br />Codes enforcement doesn't know what a code violation is<br /><br />Bower is giving anything and everything away to any business that ask<br /><br />Department heads that don't live in the city<br /><br />Cancer sticks still allowed to be lit in any building.<br /><br />I could go on and on, but I am sure there is a limit of space on this blog.<br /><br />It is time Raytown once again has an Alderman from Ward 1 that does what is right for those that elect him. It is time Ward 1 has a leader that has the ablity to think. It is time for change!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-39980722209396330002010-11-25T20:50:59.934-06:002010-11-25T20:50:59.934-06:00Nov. 24 8:10p.m. The problem, there is no leaders...Nov. 24 8:10p.m. The problem, there is no leadership from our Mayor and Joe tries but just doesn't have a clue what leadership is. All he knows to do is praise staff for the "wonderful job" they are doing, he doesn't have a clue that they are paid to do this wonderful job. I might add paid damn good for it too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-23208656208859107572010-11-25T20:22:31.004-06:002010-11-25T20:22:31.004-06:00Anon 10:13
Nice poem about David Bower.
I sure ...Anon 10:13 <br /><br />Nice poem about David Bower.<br /><br />I sure wish he would have been the mayor he promised and not the excuss we are force to deal with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-58365393712878875332010-11-25T07:44:28.003-06:002010-11-25T07:44:28.003-06:00On Thanksgiving Day it is appropriate to say what ...On Thanksgiving Day it is appropriate to say what we are thankful for. With that in mind, I wanted to let all of the readers who regularly visit and comment on the Raytown Report that I am thankful for their participation.<br /><br />Collectively you are a voice that is heard in Raytown. <br /><br />You make a difference.<br /><br />You make the effort worthwhile.Greg Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-31815966768583781422010-11-25T07:11:23.673-06:002010-11-25T07:11:23.673-06:00From the Kansas City Star:
"Kansas City did ...From the Kansas City Star:<br /><br />"Kansas City did hole onto the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and its 460 employees in October, but city leaders had to offer to reimburse 50 percent of the earnings taxes paid by its employees for 10 years."<br /><br />And some people wonder why businesses move from Missouri to Kansas!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-9195986006980243202010-11-24T22:49:55.529-06:002010-11-24T22:49:55.529-06:00Every 4 years the Mayor, City Collector, muni Judg...Every 4 years the Mayor, City Collector, muni Judge, and town Marshall are elected. Why aren't the muni judge or village Marshall on the ballot? Or is it in 2 years?<br /><br />Street lights still out. I don't go out often, but I have started inspecting them as I pass. BTW my street light has been fixed. It is a rip off that the city is billed for non-working street lights. If my phone service is out one day, I get a credit. I had a ground on the line and got over a week of credit.<br /><br />6:13PM, Good question! My understanding WAS each stand pays $1000 for the permit so count the stands. I would assume that there are sales tax on the fireworks so check with the sales tax department. If they claim that there is no tax because a non-profit is making the sales, I class that as a rip off. Even if they are a non-profit, they are selling merchandise.Andy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-37312861673835305592010-11-24T22:13:46.049-06:002010-11-24T22:13:46.049-06:00Roses are red and violets are blue
Raytown is brok...Roses are red and violets are blue<br />Raytown is broke and what will Bower do<br /><br />Higher tax you can bet are coming our way.<br />Happy smile on Bower face when taxpayers are treated that way<br /><br />Weather is gray and cold<br />Bower seats at home thumbing is noise<br /><br />Complain citizens all that you want<br />Bower is mayor and can take as much as he wants<br /><br />April rains will clear the way to new things<br />And so end Bowers reignAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-76788359186706810242010-11-24T20:10:32.830-06:002010-11-24T20:10:32.830-06:00Hello all,
The name is Joe and I sure made a “Luc...Hello all,<br /><br />The name is Joe and I sure made a “Lucky Strike” when I moved to Raytown from “Malibu”. Everyone I met from “Nashville” to “Cheyenne” said, “Somkin Joes” if you want to go to the “Rave” of the Midwest and “Now” is the time to remain “True” to your “Natural American Sprit” and move away from the “Ocean”. What could I do, but “Max” my horizon and head for this “Carnival” that you all know as Raytown. It has been a “First Class Ride” that a “Basic” guy like me could find a “Classic” place like Raytown where “Custom Blends” are the in thing and everyone has a “Top” time at “Eclipse”. I only wish in the “West” I could have found a “Smoke Friendly” place as Raytown.<br /><br />Hope you all stay “Kool” and enjoy the “Midnight Specials” you little town has to offer all the “Somkin Joes” that are out there.<br /><br />Raytown is surely the “Maverick” of Greater Kansas City, being the only “Smoke Friendly” city within the Metropolitan area.<br /><br />A special thanks to those on the Board of Alderman that keep the “Monarch” alive and provide a “Smoke Friendly” “Market” to all of “Dave’s” supporters.<br /><br />Raytown is a “True” place for all of the Smoking Joes” and enjoy another “Decade” of the “Old Glory” Pride that has made Raytown Great.<br /><br />From your smoking frineds and the brands that have made Raytown Great. We want give Joe Creamer and David Bower a high five of thanks for the leadership they provide every day.Up In Smokenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-25307807355850987072010-11-24T18:13:42.818-06:002010-11-24T18:13:42.818-06:00You know I hate fireworks, but I hear the bring al...You know I hate fireworks, but I hear the bring alot of money to Raytown. <br /><br />I just wonder why we cannot find out how much money the have truely generated for the city.<br /><br />However, we would have to keep in mind the number of related expense like the the police and fire ging out on calls and fining people for not having premits or for shotting some kind of firework that was not allowed in the city.<br /><br />Some how I think the quite approach indicates this firework issue in Ratyow has been one very costly mistake.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-89954265892746631532010-11-24T18:10:41.726-06:002010-11-24T18:10:41.726-06:00It is nice to know that David Bower is working so ...It is nice to know that David Bower is working so hard to provide services to the citizens of Raytown.<br /><br />This week is just another great example of his inablity to manage anything.<br /><br />Come on Mr. Mayor does it really take that much effort to make sure the lights we are being billed for are actually working.<br /><br />Again the issue may be that you are never spotted shopping in Raytown. I gues if we want to have a talk we will have to hang out in Lee Summit or maybe you could start answering calls every now and then as you are an elected official.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-26423521352339318392010-11-23T21:38:24.520-06:002010-11-23T21:38:24.520-06:008:50 AM, I don't know if a rubber stamp is us...8:50 AM, I don't know if a rubber stamp is used with the city collector's signature. It was suggested a BOA meeting. I can sure tell you that if it was me, I would inspect each document and sign each myself. Each document is a LEGAL document and I would want to know what is signed. A stamp could be used for illegal purposes.<br /><br />My condolences to Mr. Norman's family. Hopefully the family will operate the business or find someone who will keep it in its present location.<br /><br />I did see some street lights out tonight. The area was so light I really had to look for them. If it wasn't for this blog, I never would have noticed. On the other hand, if I was walking that area, I sure would notice!<br /><br />I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Please drive safely whether it is local or out of town. Always assume the other driver is a complete idiot since you don't know what he/she will do.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-74403223449262348832010-11-23T11:18:12.126-06:002010-11-23T11:18:12.126-06:00Street lights out? Personally I never noticed the...Street lights out? Personally I never noticed the ones mentioned on this blog were out. Maybe it is because there is other lighting in the area or maybe it is because I am concetrating on driving. The lights I notice that are out are the individual neighborhood lights. The light by my house has been out 3 times in less than a year! The second time took OVER 2 WEEKS to repair. I had to demand to speak to a supervisor before anything was done and she didn't sound like a supervisor to me. <br /><br />I questioned a credit on the city's bill and was told "no." I contacted Jeremy Wilmoth and was told that per contract, there is no credit for street lights out.<br /><br />The street lights are one big KCPL ripoff!<br /><br />I am waiting for my street light to be repaired. Clearly something more than the bulb is wrong since it is out 3 times in less than a year!<br /><br />Andy WhgitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-18099281856727720232010-11-23T08:52:29.647-06:002010-11-23T08:52:29.647-06:00I was sorry to hear of the death of Jack Norman ow...I was sorry to hear of the death of Jack Norman owner of Raytown Jewerly. We are now losing another business and a very important one. My sympathy to his family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-77650128428624621512010-11-23T08:50:15.059-06:002010-11-23T08:50:15.059-06:00Andy, I am not positive that the city collector ha...Andy, I am not positive that the city collector has to or does sign every license. From what I was told they have a rubber stamp with her signature on it and they can just rubber stamp it. Good pay for doing NOTHING.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-75833527761454715182010-11-23T08:03:48.240-06:002010-11-23T08:03:48.240-06:00The sad fact is that most of our elected officials...The sad fact is that most of our elected officials <br />would not make it in business. You couldn't continue<br />to give away income and expect your employees <br />(the taxpayers of Raytown) to pick up the loss by <br />increasing taxes. It's the same with the school district.<br />They put millions in artificial turf and then raised taxes<br />because they said they were out of money.<br />In a business they would have been fired for wasting <br />money on something NOT business related.......that turf<br />had nothing to do with education. Which, if I'm not<br />wrong, is supposed to be their main objective.<br />Another sad fact is, this is a very small town. But,<br />our elected people want to treat it like it's a big town with<br />enough income to squander. <br />To the helpful taxpayer,<br />Yes, Mr. Lynch did push for the "safety tax" we were all told <br />it would all go toward the police department to help hire more <br />officers and get new equipment. We were, as he was, told<br />that none of the new tax money would go into the general<br />fund. He and we were lied to. If the money would have gone<br />where it was supposed to go and the city leaders hadn't<br />given so much away, and worse now, they have turned you the<br />taxpayer into a finance company for big corporations, this town<br />would not be hurting for money and cutting police and city services.<br />Until the people of Raytown wake up and vote in people that<br />will think only of this wonderful town and not some big corporation,<br />we will have to watch this town go further down the crapper.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-17943266599653290862010-11-22T23:13:55.335-06:002010-11-22T23:13:55.335-06:00The Buck stops here!The Buck stops here!Andy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-60891570423076582482010-11-22T23:13:20.314-06:002010-11-22T23:13:20.314-06:0010:16 PM, The State of CA as wells as several cit...10:16 PM, The State of CA as wells as several cities around the country have been reported near bankruptcy. If this country remains on its wild spending streak, eventually it will be bankrupt. In my opinion, it already is. It keeps creating more money as a cover up.<br /><br />Raytown has grandeous plans that make no sense economically. I would like to see an economist run for city office and put some sense into city management. It needs to be run as a business.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-9557655935801432292010-11-22T22:44:16.972-06:002010-11-22T22:44:16.972-06:00Mr. Walters,
I want to think you on behalf of the...Mr. Walters,<br /><br />I want to think you on behalf of the citizens of Raytown for pointing out to the city administrator about the lights out on the 63rd street bridge. To me this is kind of an embarrassment being it has not been that long ago that the bridge opened one would think the lights still would be functioning. Either way it clarifies there is no unity at city between departments. <br /><br />However, you and our city officials should note that there is at least one street light at almost every intersection in Raytown with traffic lights. After the number of years that I have seen this I have just concluded the city really doesn’t care about our safety or the fact working or not we are paying around $150.00 a year per street light.<br /><br />There is no reason and no excuse that our police officers while out patrolling at night are not calling these lights into dispatch that is then passing them off to public works each day. This would make our streets safer and help deter crime. Remember our own city marshal campaigned for the “Public Safely Tax”. So here we are two years later and he and the department he manages has made no policy changes that provide us, the public, with visual results that our safety is being increase. <br /><br />Our city marshal must be reminded that he is elected and therefore needs to start showing he is responsible to the public that elected him to provide for their safety. This is a simple way to show he actually cares without creating any additional expense to us.<br /><br />If he is unable to do this then the Board of Alderman needs to remind him that they control his budget just as they did when he felt it was okay to ask for a raise when so many of use who pay his and his department’s salaries through personal property, real estates and sales taxes. <br /><br />By the way if our elected city marshal doesn’t like the complaining he could at least do one thing right in his carrier and resign. However, I am sure 100,000 annually has him thinking more about him self and less about you and me.<br /><br />Point in case is you never see him leading the pack for getting public feed back on the criminal activity the homeowners in the Southside of our city are forced to face by his lack of policies. <br /><br />Okay… I don’t mean to be on a role about the lack of caring from our city marshal even though that is a major issue in our city!<br /><br />The point is the departments need to start working together for the betterment of everyone.The Helpful Taxpayernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-54753749372045384982010-11-22T22:16:32.730-06:002010-11-22T22:16:32.730-06:00Bad businessmen don't pay their bills. They do...Bad businessmen don't pay their bills. They don't keep their promises and eventually fail in business.<br /><br />That probably explains the Raytown Times.<br /><br />The other end of it is that since Walmart has run off most small businesses in Raytown there is no one left to advertise. <br /><br />I guess it is part of the Bower plan on how to run a city. Let's see:<br /><br />1.Break your promises to the voters.<br />2.Raise taxes to pay off debt for mega retailers.<br />3.Refuse to take care of business like codes enforcement, proper police protection, etc.<br /><br />In business such a track record would lead to failure and bankruptcy. I wonder if those rules apply to city government as well?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-62771288262236675852010-11-22T21:37:45.947-06:002010-11-22T21:37:45.947-06:00The pay of the City Collector came up at the BOA w...The pay of the City Collector came up at the BOA with elected officials salaries. It may have been a few years ago. A study was done and I believe if I remember correctly the staff said she was at city hall 15 minutes a week to sign documents. I figure travel time should be added to that. Most businesses have a minimum call out time such as 2 hours or 4 hours or even 8 hours. Considering that I would give her credit for 40 hours per month.<br /><br />I do feel that the position does entail a level of personal responsibility since she is responsible for the documents that she signs.<br /><br />The consensus of the board at the time was the position is required by state law and if the salary was lowered or eliminated, there is a good possibility that no one would run for the office. That should be in the minutes but we have summary minutes so it may only state that there was a discussion.<br /><br />If I had known about the health insurance, I would have run in the last election. So I suggest anyone needing insurance could put their name of the ballot against her. <br /><br />Helpful Taxpayer,<br />I feel ALL department heads should be required to live in the City of Raytown. A salary reduction of 25% is a thought which gives them a choice since moving is costly and some don't have an option such as spouse required to live in another city.<br /><br />NO department head should take a vehicle home unless they are subject to call out such as EMS or Police. Vehicles should be for city business only. I know of jurisdictions where the Police officers take vehicles home because so they can respond more quickly from home. I don't know where the vehicle subject came from but it would be more economical to reimburse for mileage for city business rather than issuing the person a vehicle.<br /><br />I used to receive a flat $5 per day for using my vehicle to deliver mail. That was back in '70 and to me that was good money for driving less than 10 miles.<br /><br />If any change is made to regulations to where department heads live, it will have to be done after the present contracts expire or when new department heads are hired.<br /><br />Department Heads have a contract but they can be fired for just cause. I remember when one City Administrator was said to have resigned after bad press coverage and a citizen complaint at the BOA. I wonder if maybe he was told to resign or be fired?<br /><br />Robbie Tubbs, You are on of the lucky few who receive the Raytown times! I rarely go out and if I do the places I go are out of the Raytown Times. I have furnished the publisher of the publication self-addresses stamped envelopes. I sent him 10 envelopes with a total of $6.10 and he only mailed me 3 issues. I don't know what his problem is. I feel that is a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability. <br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.com