tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post8809666341265595319..comments2024-03-27T13:12:00.821-05:00Comments on RAYTOWN REPORT: RAYTOWN'S LEADING NEWS SOURCEGreg Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02133276387013984873noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-69741416729978612582017-10-13T21:58:30.516-05:002017-10-13T21:58:30.516-05:00What I find alarming is both Dan Estes and Curt We...What I find alarming is both Dan Estes and Curt Wenson have been leaders of Liberty, MO for the last 10yrs and that city is far from thriving. They have new retail and public safety sales tax to free up budget and still say there's no money. Drive around and see for yourself, is that a place you want to live? Liberty schools yes but move on the Kansas City side! Sure hope Liberty is not next to follow Raytown's pitfalls. With the same leaders only time will tell. I bet their salaries have grown each year despite the cry of the "2008 crisis" and "new retail hasn't taken off yet" excuses. Liberty citizens deserve more....enhanced public safety, new stations, innovative parks, connecting walking trails, more than a hideous rode to the hospital, nice places to rent for professionals and families....the list goes on. I smell a bit of corruption brewing.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-74093878629773604862016-06-18T18:11:32.821-05:002016-06-18T18:11:32.821-05:00A few years back, a tornado devastated the town of...A few years back, a tornado devastated the town of Pierce City, Mo. The twister roared right down Main Street. It took out 95% of the businesses, City Hall, and the Police/Fire Station. The town had to rely on nearby towns to help with fire, police and ambulance service. It didn't take long before a couple of cities gave (as in free) their old equipment. In less than two months, Pierce City had 3 police cars, a fire truck and an ambulance. Instead of selling the used equipment, the other cities gave their equipment to needy communities. Wouldn't it be nice if Raytown could find a community devastated by Mother Nature and help them out with a gift of the old fire truck? How about it Matt Mace? Are you willing to step up and help?Ricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-35021086801422022322016-06-18T16:30:53.527-05:002016-06-18T16:30:53.527-05:00Anonymous June 16, 2016 at 7:52 AM, I would agree ...Anonymous June 16, 2016 at 7:52 AM, I would agree with you that comparing fire trucks to police cars is not a fair comparison, but not for the reasons you cite. I have been a heavy truck mechanic for over 28 years and can tell you the hardest thing you can do to a diesel engine is start it with no warm-up, drive it hard for a short distance and the shut it down. Add to that 7000 pounds of water which will shift as the vehicle is making turns in the city. Add to that 20,000 pounds for just the vehicle and pump. Add to that another 15,000 pounds of equipment and personnel and you have a perfect recipe for a vehicle. that requires a time of maintenance and upkeep. Overtime in these engines lose power, the transmissions begin to fail, the suspension systems fail and these units cost more to keep running than they are worth. Ask someone sometime what a used fire truck is worth and you will be supprised. Raytown will be lucky to get $25,000 for a 15 year old truck. So if they have managed to make them last that long I say good for them. Raytona Beach BumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-38421962807894469802016-06-18T16:24:13.774-05:002016-06-18T16:24:13.774-05:006/18 @ 10:43 AM
It is nice you agree Bill Van Bus...6/18 @ 10:43 AM<br /><br />It is nice you agree Bill Van Buskirk is part of the problem with the TIF issue.<br /><br />After all you yourself said all the Alderman voted for letting Block out of the deal in 2011 and Bill was part of the mess.<br /><br />Why now is it the Bill Van Buskirt, Jim Aziere and Steve Mock are speaking out against the other seven Alderman and not trying to fix the problems the three of them helped to create? <br /><br />If Bill is so wonderful and trustworthy being he should be the first one demanding why did the city administrator stop filing in 2011 that is right if you look at the documents the "Great" city administrator that Bill speaks so highly about actually had to have knowledge of the required paperwork as he signed prior years. <br /><br />If the city has met all state requirements why was there not a meeting in 2011 and more so why are we waiting on a meeting now.<br /><br />It has been pointed out at one of the public meetings that the state requires posting of the filings in a local paper as well as the meeting notice posted for four weeks in a local paper.<br /><br />If Bill is working so hard to "Better" Raytown than why did both local printed papers write that he didn't attend the "Fire Department" meeting. Wouldn't any great leader reach out and be part of open conversations or is his idea of "Good Government" to have a meeting where the public cannot ask questions, which would explain why the Board of Alderman have not met the state requirement in 2011 or 2016 both years Bill was on the Board of Alderman.<br /><br />If this is not enough for the public to be up in arms we still need to question why his wife ran in 2015 unless it was to further try and hide the truth from the citizens of Raytown.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-28889850784688543872016-06-18T13:48:54.042-05:002016-06-18T13:48:54.042-05:00Thanks Mary know quick back to the bashing the Fir...Thanks Mary know quick back to the bashing the Fire Department.<br /><br />You really should sign your posts.<br /><br />DocAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-66029308178254276942016-06-18T10:43:30.372-05:002016-06-18T10:43:30.372-05:00Let's get real for a minute. The attacks on Bi...Let's get real for a minute. The attacks on Bill Van Buskirk are just plain silly. One Alderman does not speak for the entire BOA. If you want to find the real devil in the very poor decision made in 2011 take a hard look at former Mayor David Bower. He had almost complete control of the Board and its votes. Go back and check the record. You will find the votes were unanimous on the decisions concerning Bloch and others. <br /><br />Blaming it all on Bill Van Buskirk would be like blaming the current heat wave on him! I've known Bill a long time. He is hard working, has the best interest of the people he represents and is honest as the day is long. I cannot say the same for all of his seatmates on the Board. Can you?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-11262279880179494972016-06-18T10:09:56.388-05:002016-06-18T10:09:56.388-05:00Just remember who ran against Steve Meyers last ti...Just remember who ran against Steve Meyers last time. It was Mary Van Buskirk. Now is the time to find someone to run against both Van Buskirks. I would, except I live in Ward 1.Patnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-57541748931643526642016-06-17T22:38:47.532-05:002016-06-17T22:38:47.532-05:00I am also a resident of Ward 4 and I wish my Alder...I am also a resident of Ward 4 and I wish my Alderman Bill VanBuskirk would start acting like an elected official.<br /><br />I'm not sure why VanBuskirk won't get us the truth on why the Board of Alderman voted in 2011 to let Block off the hook when it has been in the paper others who agreed to the TIF cannot get off the hook too.<br /><br />Something seems to be very very wrong with that picture.<br /><br />Now we have VanBuskirk's friend Randy and Joe trying to blame a majority of the Board who are working to clean up VanBuskirk's mess from 2011.<br /><br />Maybe I need to start working on running today for Alderman because VanBuskirt needs to go in April of 2017Anyone But VanBuskirknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-90193185702201591782016-06-17T21:25:04.179-05:002016-06-17T21:25:04.179-05:00So, the city just bought an ambulance that they ca...So, the city just bought an ambulance that they can't staff........nice job.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-49265984273042832132016-06-17T14:46:33.338-05:002016-06-17T14:46:33.338-05:00I just wish Steve Meyers would work as hard for th...I just wish Steve Meyers would work as hard for the people of Ward 4 as he does for the fire department. A resident of Ward 4Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-26458652538600620492016-06-17T13:04:10.805-05:002016-06-17T13:04:10.805-05:00Greg, please keep the video etc up for awhile if y...Greg, please keep the video etc up for awhile if you can please.GADSDENnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-46105805633735461692016-06-17T08:42:44.817-05:002016-06-17T08:42:44.817-05:00Aldermen Meyers,
Thank you for writing and your s...Aldermen Meyers,<br /><br />Thank you for writing and your service. When people challenge the status quo, there will be some to try and hang on for personal, social and even unethical reasons. Certain clowns are attempting to change the focus of the issues to cover up for their mistakes in votes and what they decided to support. I said this once before on this blog, let these children whine while the adults talk.<br /><br />ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-84425056476013612342016-06-16T09:26:22.722-05:002016-06-16T09:26:22.722-05:00The political arena is much like that of a WWE Bat...The political arena is much like that of a WWE Battle Royal. 18 men enter and at the end one is left standing. In the meantime partnerships and chaos temporarily formulate to get Andre The Giante over the top rope to only dissolve quickly as you now are a target by the same assisting partner only moments ago. A great resource and useable talent would be to have your head on a swivel since your opponents are often gunning for you especially from the backside. Public service at the local level definitely requires a strong spine and an undaunting passionate commitment to serve your constituents with the belief that you can and will make a difference in the wonderful community that so many have invested in and care deeply for! In the serving of that community you as well as other fellow men and women serving in both governing leadership positions and volunteer boards and commissions will be faced with moral, ethical, and fiduciary responsible decisions that at times will not be popular and be open season for second guessing and public media comments that even attack your personal character. And guess what...That's OK!! All that means is yourself and other diligent and committed constituent servants are asking difficult but fair and needed questions. No doubt this sworn responsobility will consist of challenging the status quo, and expecting the tax paying supported City staff and personnel to deliver a high quality product within budget restraints to the citizens who in the big picture are actually their bosses. Change is extremely difficult for most all people and very few embrace it. Some are capable and some aren't. And that's ok as well. As our City faces some leadership changes, I as well as others are firmly in the belief that we are positioning ourself for some bold, exciting, and refreshing changes that will have a very positive impact for the citizens of our community. <br /><br />Please stay safe in this dangerous high heat pattern we are experiencing and remember to check on the older adults and neighbors that may be living by themselves. Also please do not hesitate to contact any of the city officials who are there to serve you!!<br />Steve Meyersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-24828912546792967582016-06-16T07:52:44.720-05:002016-06-16T07:52:44.720-05:00Comparing fire truck to other vehicles like police...Comparing fire truck to other vehicles like police and privately owned cars is like comparing a watermellon to a grape. Fire trucks are built for a long service life. They are constantly maintained. The drivers know their vehicles inside out. It is not the same as a police car or a privately owned vehicle that is driven daily. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-89315757435039799832016-06-15T23:32:34.321-05:002016-06-15T23:32:34.321-05:00Yes the Fire District is currently responding to c...Yes the Fire District is currently responding to calls in a 2000 and 2005 model truck. I wonder how many complaining drive a 16 year old call daily? I know neither the police department or Raytown EMS would be caught dead in a vehicle that old. The city just approved a new ambulance last week and they can't even staff the one year old and 4 year old units they have now. With all this said I doubt the facts will sway complainers who either lost last years election or didn't have the guts to run in the first place. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-12445228728121684692016-06-15T16:45:19.739-05:002016-06-15T16:45:19.739-05:002011 The death of Raytown.
2011 The year the Bowe...2011 The death of Raytown.<br /><br />2011 The year the Bower Administration decided to stop the TIF filing.<br /><br />2011 The Board of Alderman members amd Mayor that must be held accountable as they are the ones that started the hiding of the truth and are the three still on the board saying nothing is wrong.<br /><br />2011 Board of Alderman member who came in last place in 2015 and is now acting very disturbed to anyone and too acts like nothing happened in 2011.<br /><br />The one thing I know is I am thankful for the 2013 and 2015 new members that want the truth and want to fix the very destructive bonds that will end Raytown as we know it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-21958569303834004982016-06-15T09:56:09.021-05:002016-06-15T09:56:09.021-05:00The only leaders I see in this town are the same f...The only leaders I see in this town are the same folks that the Raytown Times bashes on. Keep doing what your doing boys. Let the children keep whining. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-39605388774065556432016-06-14T21:54:28.814-05:002016-06-14T21:54:28.814-05:00Some of you get it. Some of you do not get it. It ...Some of you get it. Some of you do not get it. It is not a question of who is responsible because the past cannot be undone. The question is what is going to be done in the future. There is a serious debt service problem on the horizon and people in a position to make decisions about the financial future of Raytown appear to be reluctant to take on the task. Want proof? The city holds a forum where people are told they may not participate in the discussion. Nothing new is learned from the forum. All of the information is a re-hashing of the past.<br /><br />The Fire District holds a forum, invites the public, invites the Mayor, invites the City Council. To their credit, five members of the BOA show up. But the Mayor and half of the Board is a no show. Important information is shared that clearly shows a financial crisis on the horizon. <br /><br />When half of the City Council refuses to show for the meeting it leaves you with a hopeless feeling for the future.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-53349337243048829752016-06-14T21:41:17.404-05:002016-06-14T21:41:17.404-05:00The comment has been edited. The offending languag...The comment has been edited. The offending language has been removed. Paul Liviusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-217236616718663922016-06-14T21:39:04.236-05:002016-06-14T21:39:04.236-05:00The fire department only had two players available... <br />The fire department only had two players available to play in the yearly softball game do to already scheduled vacations , kids soccer and work schedule that fell on a day where five players we on duty. I myself missed the game and for the first time in 10 plus years I was not at third base for the charity event. I don't blame Walmart. The cops are pretty good. Your comment is childish and laughable. Enjoy your night keyboard warrior.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-39331754651770021162016-06-14T18:40:25.297-05:002016-06-14T18:40:25.297-05:00Wasn't the fire district to gain a new truck i...Wasn't the fire district to gain a new truck in the TIF agreement? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-718138225077151502016-06-14T14:12:33.271-05:002016-06-14T14:12:33.271-05:00So I see where the local Rhodes Scholar otherwise ...So I see where the local Rhodes Scholar otherwise disguised as Raytown Times Editor Randy Battaglier is calling for some of the Alderman to brush up on their "Leadership" skills and read a recommended book. So tell me Mr. World According to Garp when did you become the resident expert on the subject of leadership? Tell you what when you take up being a real ethical journalist with professional research skills and a due diligence approach to readership responsibility, you can preach to others about professional standards!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-58167930525230438052016-06-14T07:47:53.372-05:002016-06-14T07:47:53.372-05:00Greg I didn't think you allowed name calling. ...Greg I didn't think you allowed name calling. Double standards for the fireman Doc?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-23040996879664946632016-06-13T22:16:37.433-05:002016-06-13T22:16:37.433-05:00To Anonymous of 6/12 @ 4:57 --
DROP IT -- It is o...To Anonymous of 6/12 @ 4:57 --<br /><br />DROP IT -- It is obvious that for some reason you have a personal vendetta against the Fire District over this TIF matter. What is with you? These people are willing to a thankless job -- at least by your standards -- that you are unwilling, and are incapable of doing. They are, unlike you, to risk their lives for all of us, and all you can do is this petty male bovine excrement over the money that they have not gotten form this TIF. Guess what, if you are so dissatisfied with the Raytown Fire Protection Distinct, next time there is an election run for the office. Oh, no, that would too be hard for your diminished intellectual capacity, since your are not even "brave" enough to post your name on this. However, never mind, many know who you are anyway. Let me guess, when you find out that they are getting these shiny new fire engines in the next few weeks, are going to complain about that as well? Well, let me save you the trouble, and tell you that is it needed, since the ones we have now are getting old, and need to be replaced. It is not due to increased runs, or anything else, it is that is recommenced that they be replaced every few years. So since you "hate" the RFPD so much, please do not bother to call even if you need them. But, guess what, even with all the hateful things you have been saying, all the petty complaining and observations, they are still willing to risk their lives for you. For the record -- I am not a part of the Raytown FPD, I have not signed the petition. This TIF debacle -- sounds like that there is shady deals going on, where some are being cheated out of funds, and we the tax payers, are the ones who are being attached to another object by an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis. So do all of us a favor -- drop this petty vendetta you have. <br /><br />Mr. Kelly McClanahan / KCØKM<br />Raytown, MOKMCCLAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13740830242369358826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767127531333372490.post-83001178905689786652016-06-13T17:01:51.238-05:002016-06-13T17:01:51.238-05:00At this point, blame is a fruitless game. In earl...At this point, blame is a fruitless game. In early 2007, retail was the strongest business segment in development and the recession wasn’t in anyone’s crystal ball. If we’re all honest with ourselves, probably each of us would have predicted a new Walmart surrounded by available property would attract additional retail. It was an educated assumption. In hindsight, the TIF District should have been crafted in a manner that provided quantifiable and revocable benchmarks. But again, there was no reason to believe additional shops wouldn’t have followed a new Walmart.<br /><br />On that note, are there ANY Walmart Supercenters in the metro (built in the past 10 years) NOT flanked by new/additional retail? The recession certainly slowed interest in the development, but are our low demographics and limited disposable income really to blame for the lack of quality of shops we claim we desire?<br /><br />If our average household income is only $42k, retailers probably don’t think we have much left to spend after housing, food, medical and required expenses.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com