tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post8610950144729909082..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: Greg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-20290068572443675422010-10-23T11:00:13.261-05:002010-10-23T11:00:13.261-05:00I know it is not reality, but I would like to see ...I know it is not reality, but I would like to see at least 99% of legally register voters voting.<br /><br />Some people won't vote. Some don't know who to vote for. My neighbor said that she didn't know about any of the candidates. I found that hard to believe. I pointed out 2 signs on my property (one democrat and one repuplican for different offices) and we discussed both candidates. Truthfully in a general election it is impossible to know ALL of the candidates but there are certain issues and offices I am aware of and can vote intelligently. As for the other offices, I hate to admit it but my choice will be purely random based on a name I recognize or party.<br /><br />Andy Whiteman<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-68551099980954047542010-10-23T07:35:00.473-05:002010-10-23T07:35:00.473-05:00As a business owner/property owner in Downtown Kan...As a business owner/property owner in Downtown Kansas City I understand the unfairness of the use of tax payer dollars to build public infrastructure for large corporations.<br /><br />Simply stated, it is not done for the small businessman.<br /><br />In fact, last year I paid to have sidewalks repaired in the right of way on the northwest corner of 12th and Harrison. <br /><br />But in the case of Walmart, those curbs, sidewalks and traffic signals on 350 Highway are being paid for by the taxpayer.<br /><br />The tax revenue my small business creates goes to the general fund of many government agencies.<br /><br />The tax revenue generated by Walmart goes to pay off the (TIF) debt created when the store was built.<br /><br />This uneven playing field is strangling our local economies. It pushes out the small businessman. The loss of jobs when the small businessman closes down shop is only one small effect.<br /><br />The employee of the small businessman loses his job, or only finds a job that pays less. <br /><br />It is all downhill from that point.<br /><br />Election day is coming soon. Take a hard look at ALL the candidates -- find out their position on these important issues that affect your wallet.<br /><br />Make your vote count!Greg Waltershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-29317028019698194232010-10-22T20:53:53.259-05:002010-10-22T20:53:53.259-05:007:21 AM 10/21, Strange I didn't see your post...7:21 AM 10/21, Strange I didn't see your post until now! <br /><br />I have seen traffic signals at Walmarts, malls, and large stores. You may notice traffic signals at the Home Depot and KMart on Bannister as well as 2 signals for the old Bannister Mall. The simple fact is if Walmart didn't have signals it would be impossible to exit causing numerous accidents daily. It is a matter of public safety, but I feel that the business (in this case Walmart) should bear the expense. <br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-84458321458778647422010-10-21T21:53:34.928-05:002010-10-21T21:53:34.928-05:00PS. Australia was originally a penal colony.PS. Australia was originally a penal colony.Andy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-34409394171028672812010-10-21T21:52:58.027-05:002010-10-21T21:52:58.027-05:008:51AM 10/21, I couldn't comprehend your post...8:51AM 10/21, I couldn't comprehend your post until I read it again just now.<br /><br />It cost more to keep this slime on death row than in the general prison population. From what I understand about prisons his crime won't be taken kindly by fellow inmates.<br /><br />I feel we should abolish prisons and this type of slime should be left on a desert island which would cost the taxpayers nothing. These lowlifes can may their own laws if they so desire. The point is we are rid of them at no taxpayer expense.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-37942456984709196132010-10-21T10:36:31.900-05:002010-10-21T10:36:31.900-05:004:25AM, These people are professionals at nonsense...4:25AM, These people are professionals at nonsense. They dispense illogical "logic" when asked a question to the point that the public is confused until they stop and think it out.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-81056247055620836232010-10-21T08:51:12.917-05:002010-10-21T08:51:12.917-05:00Did Ann Marie Harrison get a chance to say don'...Did Ann Marie Harrison get a chance to say don't kill me. I would say most likely not. Still these two no goods get a second chance. They should have been put to death years ago. We the tax payers are paying for these two no goods to beath everydayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-68727757187147127372010-10-21T07:21:59.481-05:002010-10-21T07:21:59.481-05:00One man's or woman's blight is another man...One man's or woman's blight is another man's or woman's<br />Treasure. Maybe this is why we can't get any codes enforcement<br />in Raytown. The person in charge doesn't even know the<br />meaning of blight.<br />If you look at the Center 63 and the Raytown Plaza you will know<br />the definition of blight. This blight was brought to you and your town by past city administrators trying to make a name for themselves.<br />Running out good businesses in favor of that big box on 50hwy.<br />our city leaders worship. <br />By the way I found out the other day that the new inconvenient stop <br />light at 350 and "Walmart Dr." was paid for by you! Not MoDot.<br />That's right your street overlay money paid for it all. The street, the traffic light, the parking lot and the bus stop. Aren't you proud of our leaders?<br />More favors for the house they worship.<br />Vote them out!!!!!!!!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-23705824725018460322010-10-21T04:25:30.649-05:002010-10-21T04:25:30.649-05:00This is so bizarre.The Economic Development Direct...This is so bizarre.The Economic Development Director tries to explain away a failed tax incentive plan by saying that blight was removed by because the owner of the property removed blight.<br /><br />But the business closes its doors. The city receives nothing in return.<br /><br />Sounds like economic blight to me.<br /><br />And these people call themselves professionals!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-26117713749525650002010-10-20T14:58:14.966-05:002010-10-20T14:58:14.966-05:00I voted on all three polls; for, undecided, and ag...I voted on all three polls; for, undecided, and against.<br /><br />I don't have a problem with KC, or any other city, levying an income tax the the voters approve. The problem with KC and St Louis is they tax residents <b>AND</b> anyone who works in the city. As a non-KC resident, I avoid working in KC whenever possible because I can't vote for or against the tax. If they want to change it to simply an income tax on residents I wouldn't oppose it. And if at some point in the future I move to KC, then it's simply a choice of whether it's the most effective way to pay for services. As it stands, it's taxation without representation, even if the constitutionally ignorant judges see it differently.<br /><br />On the puppy mills, I don't have enough information, yet. On the surface it seems like a good idea, but I have learned to be wary of those kinds of laws. Take for instance cell phone and texting laws. There are already distracted driver laws on the books. But the prosecutors are lazy and want a specific law because it's easier to prosecute. With every law passed there are unintended consequences. So I'm going to do more research before voting for it. I still have several candidates to check out as well. Most of the local races have been below the radar until just recently and I've been lazy about checking out the candidates.<br /><br />Now, the one that most of you will probably disagree with. I'm voting AGAINST amendment 3, and here is why. I don't believe we should be changing the state constitution on a whim or as part of some political gambit. I have been unable to find ANY record of past, current, or plans for future sales taxes on real estate. Keep in mind this is completely separate from capital gains taxes. Those are <b>income</b> taxes and won't be effected by this change one way or another. Are we going to put clauses in the constitution for everything that <b>might</b> happen? And if that passes, suppose Raytown at some point in the future decided to put a sales tax on commercial property. Maybe as a clawback on tax breaks. As a city we couldn't do it because it would be prohibited by the state. The only way voters could approve something like that, at any level in Missouri, would be to pass a new amendment to remove this one. There is a higher requirement for amendments than simple initiatives, meaning a majority might vote for a tax but still fail to remove the amendment. And I strongly suspicion that this amendment was placed on this ballot to rally anti-tax voters in state and national elections. Political gamesmanship that could have some of those nasty unintended consequences I mentioned earlier.Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02341341227725640999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-60158880189348843282010-10-20T11:16:50.424-05:002010-10-20T11:16:50.424-05:003:05PM, I consider the real SUCKERS to be the vote...3:05PM, I consider the real SUCKERS to be the voters for not voting these officials out!<br /><br />I don't consider puting in cubicles as removing blight. Actually I consider cubicles to be internal blight. He should have put in offices not cubicles! Painting is routine maintenance. I have seen buildings in need of painting. Will everyone who repaints their propertry get a tax break? After all they are removing blight.<br /><br />Anyd WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-44976466031996860132010-10-20T07:40:58.906-05:002010-10-20T07:40:58.906-05:00The comment by Beth Lynn is typical of a bureaucra...The comment by Beth Lynn is typical of a bureaucrat. First, redefine blight. Then, decide who should be paid for doing away with it. <br /><br />By her definition, anyone who did the improvements that Knabe did should receive a tax a abatement.<br /><br />Ask here what improvements Knabe did. You will find out that he put in office cubicles, painted and made other repairs.<br /><br />Then ask why Knabe gets this abatement but the guy next door does not for simply taking care of his property. <br /><br />This is what happens when you allow out of towners who have no stake in your community take charge. How much does she get paid for spouting such nonsense?<br /><br />Add that to the mess caused by weak to no leadership in the Mayor's chair andAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-6925111426415223692010-10-20T07:16:37.201-05:002010-10-20T07:16:37.201-05:00Anonymous 3:05,
The city did not give Knabe your t...Anonymous 3:05,<br />The city did not give Knabe your tax dollars to fix up<br />his building. He got a tax break to fix up his property.<br />Which means he didn't have to pay real estate taxes<br />for the amount he needed to fix up the property.<br />The idea is the property will be worth more so the <br />city can charge more tax because of the improvement.<br />However, I agree with Greg, there should be a "Claw Back"<br />written into every tax break.<br />I'm not defending City Hall, in fact I don't trust anything<br />they say or do but, none of your tax dollars were handed to<br />Knabe. <br />This kind of tax break is a good idea as long as there are <br />safety valves to protect the taxpayers. It is a way to fix up a business<br />property, make our downtown area look better and bring in<br />new businesses. However, the property owner still has to be<br />able to come up with the money to do the repairs or upgrades<br />before they can get the tax breaks. In this economy that's<br />the big problem.Pat Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02753840266376084738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-51048102883215780812010-10-19T22:54:13.868-05:002010-10-19T22:54:13.868-05:00In reference to the hot dog stand on Raytown Rd. I...In reference to the hot dog stand on Raytown Rd. I questioned the "claw back" at the BOA tonight. Beth Lynn stated that it continues the entire 10 years whether or not the business is there because the blight has been abated.<br /><br />I remember the remodeling of Hometown Realty and I never observed any blight? What did the taxpayers really pay for?<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-69701533615863441462010-10-19T20:04:43.728-05:002010-10-19T20:04:43.728-05:00I recentley got my hair cut at the Raytown Plaza B...I recentley got my hair cut at the Raytown Plaza Barber Shop. Good service and good cut for $12. If anyone is looking for a new barber shop I hope you will give Michael a try. He is the only barber and is trying to get his new business going.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-61899940160918223852010-10-19T17:02:53.213-05:002010-10-19T17:02:53.213-05:00WARNING
There is a tree trimming company operating...<b>WARNING</b><br />There is a tree trimming company operating in Raytown without a city business permit. I contacted the City to determine this. I suggest everyone who is approached by workers ask to see their Raytown business permit.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-37440399884529698822010-10-19T15:05:34.332-05:002010-10-19T15:05:34.332-05:00I just happened to come by the Coldwell Banker re...I just happened to come by the Coldwell Banker real estate office today and it does appear to be closed. No lights on, no cars in front of or behind the building. I can't believe that our city council and Mayor gave this guy ( Knabe) MY TAX DOLLARS to fix up his place so it can now sit EMPTY. These guys at city hall have to be the biggest bunch of SUCKERS around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-16702688626874887002010-10-19T12:05:15.379-05:002010-10-19T12:05:15.379-05:00Anonymous 9:23:
I took your advice and called my v...Anonymous 9:23:<br />I took your advice and called my vet. He said he is against Missouri Prop B because Missouri already has laws on the books against illegal dog breeders. He said he personally knows of several dog breeders with more than 50 dogs, and they take excellent care of the animals. <br /><br />The state is not effectively enforcing the laws on the books and looking for illegal and unlicensed dog breeders. It is his opinion that this law would not affect the unlicensed dog breeders, because they were never licensed and the state obviously doesn’t know they exist. The only dog breeders affected will be the legal, licensed breeders.<br /><br />Perhaps, instead of trying to pass more laws, the state should enforce the laws already on the books.Robbie Tubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00487628976969148868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-77759392678820039062010-10-19T12:00:39.443-05:002010-10-19T12:00:39.443-05:00Is Mitch Crawford Holiday Motors going out of busi...Is Mitch Crawford Holiday Motors going out of business? The sign was removed long ago. Now there are only about 4 or 5 cars on the lot. Did Raytown drive them out or was it the car companies closing their other location(s)? Sorry to see them go.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-66658354011615003102010-10-19T11:28:21.929-05:002010-10-19T11:28:21.929-05:00Looking at the "Votes so far" the total ...Looking at the "Votes so far" the total number of votes on each topic is close 31,30,25. People may have more interest on one issue opposed to another.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-42288156715666069362010-10-19T11:14:55.452-05:002010-10-19T11:14:55.452-05:00He didn't feel sorry for Ann Harrison, so why ...He didn't feel sorry for Ann Harrison, so why should the State?<br /><br />ST. LOUIS -- A federal judge says Missouri must hold off on executing a man condemned in the 1989 killing of a Kansas City-area teenager until issues involving his sentencing are sorted out. <br /><br />Chief U.S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan in Kansas City issued the stay Monday in the appeal of Roderick Nunley, scheduled to be put to death at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. <br /><br />Nunley's lawyers sought the delay after arguing the constitutionality of whether Nunley's sentence should have been determined by a jury, not by a judge, after he pleaded guilty in the 1989 killing of Ann Harrison. <br /><br />Harrison was waiting for a school bus when she was abducted by Nunley and Michael Taylor, who also is on Missouri's death row. Authorities said she later was raped, then stabbed to death. <br />It's not yet clear if the state will appeal the stay.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-43672548533518402902010-10-19T07:44:28.410-05:002010-10-19T07:44:28.410-05:00Here's the facts,
Every time this town runs in...Here's the facts,<br />Every time this town runs into a financial problem,<br />always brought on by City Hall, the first to get any cuts<br />is the police department and the city workers. The people that<br />actually provide a service to the public.<br />Never is there a cut in upper management or a reduction in<br />the amount of worthless aldermen that get this town in trouble<br />in the first place.<br />Just think how much money we would have if they hadn't given away<br />twenty percent of total tax income to Wal-Mart. The reason we need <br />more police. This store brings in crime and keeps the police busy.<br />Over three hundred police calls this year! <br />These people haven't A clue how to run a town or do good for the people.<br />It is our money they are wasting and giving away. <br />Anonymous 8:35,<br />The city is "loaning" the developer $600,000.00 of your "taxpayer dollars" <br />to build the Aldi store. A grocery store Raytown does not need! <br />This money could be kept in the general fund to keep our police from having to cut and to keep our city services at the level they are now.<br />Granted, chip and seal isn't what you voted for and not what you would call a high standard of street repair. In this economy we are all cutting back on<br />expenses, except for City Hall. They are spending your money but,<br />you get nothing in return except for bad streets and unsafe neighborhoods.<br />This is not what you and I pay taxes for. We should expect and get first thoughts from our city leaders.<br />Vote these losers out!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-26748157903104986892010-10-19T07:29:33.752-05:002010-10-19T07:29:33.752-05:00I can't help but notice that there are a lot m...I can't help but notice that there are a lot more votes being cast on the puppy mill question than the others.<br /><br />I know your software keeps people from voting more than once. Why do you think more are voting on this question than the others?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-7121107065735892802010-10-18T21:18:48.901-05:002010-10-18T21:18:48.901-05:00I agree with Pat that if the BOA is doing stupid t...I agree with Pat that if the BOA is doing stupid things, we need new people to run for these offices. The plain fact is these people don't dive a damn what the people think because people in Raytown don't vote in numbers especially in local elections. Nothing will change unless the voters are angry enough to turn out and vote.<br /><br />Andy WhitemanAndy Whitemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13663722316994895141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-63619756041781310842010-10-18T20:35:38.487-05:002010-10-18T20:35:38.487-05:00Last week it was posted that the pocket park neede...Last week it was posted that the pocket park needed to be mowed. The tall grass is in rain garden, it was planted there. It may look a little like turfgrass but it is not.<br />I am not sure how the city is giving money to Aldi. I may be wrong but I thought they were taking in an extra .01 in tax and that was going to the developer. <br />As far as the police and public works it depends where they are taking the money from. If we lose patrolmen then you have a right to complain, if it comes from somewhere else then I say they are being a little more fiscally responsible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com