Please Vote

April 8, 2025
Raytown General Election

RAYTOWN SCHOOL BOARD

Sam Madsen
We had the pleasure of attending a pubic meeting in which Mr. Madsen spoke of explaining to his children that Pop Tarts to not Grown on Trees. Which showed that only can he come up with a nifty phrase, he also recognizes the importance of nutrition in our schools. This is one candidate who thinks outside of the box. Mr. Madsen is a strong believer in reducing class sizes and the importance of one on one tutoring when students are struggling to keep their grades up.

ALDERMAN, WARD 1
Theresa Tush
Theresa Tush has based her campaign on a promise to bring an independent point of view to the Raytown Board of Aldermen. We take her slogan, “An Alderman who will listen” as an indication she will remember her roots and place the needs of taxpayers ahead of the self-appointed power brokers at City Hall. Theresa shared her philosophy regarding political campaigning. She told us, “Campaigning is as much about listening. as what a candidate has to say."

ALDERMAN, WARD 2 
Ryan Huffman

Ryan hopes to be a “bridge” between voters and City Hall. He shared with us what he has heard from voters. “Without a doubt there is a need to improve Police response to the needs of the public". Mr. Huffman has attended every meeting of the Board of Aldermen since he filed for office last December. That kind of dedication deserves consideration. We hope the votes in WArd 1gree by casting their votes for Ryan Huffman as their new Alderman in Ward 2.

ALDERMAN, WARD 3 
Morris Melloy
Morris Melloy made a name for himself when he helped lead the fight against the re-zoning of residential property at 53rd and Blue Ridge Boulevard to allow a liquor store and gasoline station in a residential neighborhood. His involvement in Raytown led him to create a popular Facebook page named Raytown Community Awareness.

Morris has been a frequent public speaker at Raytown Board of Aldermen meetings. He has proven many times to voters in Ward 3 that he is on their side when dealing with City Hall.

Morris is opposed by Ryan Myers. Mr. Myers supported the attempt to build a commercial liquor store / gasoline station in the middle of an established residential neighborhood. He also pushed through a 7% sewer tax increase after City Staff recommended a 5% increase.

Clearly, Myers does not have the best for his constituents in mind. As Mr. Melloy is fond of saying . . . it is time for change at Raytown City Hall. We hope he is right. 

ALDERMAN, WARD 4
Rodney Fritz
Rodney Fritz is a unique individual. He coached his stepson to an Olympic Gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France. He founded an accredited track and field club named the Kansas City Sonics which promotes Track and Field programs throughout the KC area. He is a firm believer that through organized sports programs our young learn the value of sportsmanship and team work. Both of which are important values as they mature into adults.

Rodney believes the Raytown Police must improve its response to public’s call for help. This includes e stringent enforcement of traffic laws, ridding the city of its blight of expired tags on motor vehicles and enforcement of the City's anti-soliciting laws on Raytown streets and in our neighborhoods.

Rodney has slogan for his campaign. “If you do not want to lose Raytown, let Rodney Fritz improve Raytown.”

Letters to the Editor

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Mar 13, 2025

I would like to see what positive things Ryan has actually done. He is alot of hot air, but nothing has made Raytown a better place. He loves to talk like he know what is going on. Look at how he said we wouldn't be negatively impacted why appraisals hit. This was after the news made it clear higher appraisals. It gets very sinister when we look at the fact Myers is a professional appraisal error. Not taking questions and not listening to those who elected him shows the failure with his upbringing and has one wondering if it was his parents on the education he received from the Raytown School District. In either case he is a black eye to both of them and our city.

 Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I am very disappointed in Alderman Myers and anyone who still supports him. Be honest what has he done to improve the life's of the citizens. Raising fees without any justified reason other than I am looking for new revenue sources is ethically and morally wrong. Did you know the city requires a permit for several things. The fees for these permits has gone up, but the city never comes out and inspects anything. You decide for yourself if that is right or is it taking advantage of our fellow citizens.

The honest and hardworking citizens are tied of the fact the only thing our police chief and supporters on the board do is make excuses. Instead of making excuses why not enforce vehicle license requirements. This would increase the revenue sources that Myers talks about. The problem is Myers and the rest of the Mayor's dreamteam. They are all in a different reality. A reality were they do everything right, there are no crimes, people maintain their properties, and as Chevy Chase line was from National Lampon, "people $#!+ sunshine". I don't think if Myers and the dreamteam would take off their sunglasses they would be able to see the mess because it would validate that Ryan "Myers" ryimes

 about. The problem is Myers and the rest of the Mayor's dreamteam. They are all in a different reality. 

To comment on this page click the words "1 comments" shown at the end of the Letters to the Editor following this week's stories.

Read what your neighbors have to say about the upcoming election. Check out our Letters to the Editor section at the end of our regular stories this week.

NEXT WEEK IN THE RAYTOWN REPORT

Election Day will be just one week away. Check out our endorsements,

scheduled to be released one week (April 2nd) before the election.

BY GREG WALTERS

Bits and Pieces
MR. RICHARD TUSH of the Raytown Fire Board and Fire Chief Matt Mace contributed information for this story. Raytown Community
Paramedic Receives Award

Matt Cushman holds a unique position with the Raytown Fire Department. His position is known as a “Community Paramedic”.

The Missouri Crisis Front Line Emergency Providers has awarded Mr. Cushman the prestigious “First Responder Award for the State of Missouri.”

We say “prestigious” because only one of these awards is given out annually.

Congratulations Mr. Cushman. Your efforts in Raytown are appreciated. The award is well deserved.

A Raytown Success Story

In 2018 the City of Raytown faced a serious problem. The Ambulance Service operation was falling apart. If it were a private company, it would be fair to say the operation was on the verge of bankruptcy.

An agreement was reached with the Raytown Fire Protection District to take over the ambulance service.

The Fire District came up with some innovative ideas that have improved the ambulance service in Raytown.

AMBULANCE DEBT FORGIVENESS POLICY: The Raytown Paramedic Service under Fire Chief Matt Mace has created an Ambulance Debt Forgiveness Policy.

According to Mace, “Any medical necessary transport on a Raytown Ambulance is billed directly to the provider . . . be it Medicare, Medicaid or Private Insurance. Whatever is not covered by a second party provider is written off for Raytown residents by the Fire District.

RAYTOWN COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC: When Mace combined the Ambulance Service with the Fire Department he also a position which was accurately named the “Community Paramedic”. Matt Cushman currently holds the position and has been recognized for his work in Raytown.

DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CLOSET: Another innovation created with the Ambulance/Fire Department merger is the “Durable Medical Equipment Closet”.

Here is how the program works.

Raytown citizens provide used medical equipment such as wheel chairs, walkers, canes, crutches (even medical beds!) for those in need. The equipment is donated by Raytown citizens who no longer have a need for the equipment.

To receive or provide any of the aforementioned items contact Matt Cushman at 816-737-6035.

BY PAUL LIVIUS

Paul’s Rant!

This has been a strange election cycle due in a large part to the antics of our Mayor, Mike McDonough.

He has been busy. His attacks on private individuals and public officials, from my point of view, are damaging his reputation.

He has literally smeared Ward 3 candidate Morris Melloy on Facebook. At Public Meetings as he frequently attacks people who do not share his point of view. The Board of Aldermen have a standing rule which forbids elected officials from responding to public comments.

Apparently, that rule does not apply to the Mayor. At one meeting he literally harangued Mr. Melloy after Morris had left the microphone returned to his seat.

Apparently, having the last word is very important to Michael McDonough!

McDonough has also used Face Book to attack others as well. One of his favorite targets is Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters.

Make no mistake, Walters and McDonough have had some colorful exchanges at City Council Meetings. In this case the Mayor blames everything “bad” that has happened in Raytown on my friend, Greg Walters.

I asked Greg if he would like to comment on this story. He said he would rather not.

He said it is a “fool’s errand” to engage an individual like McDonough on issues that are not strictly City Council business.

But he did share the following comment.

Walters said, “The Mayor is apparently confused. I am not on the ballot. After over 40 years in this business, I can take the barbs of a political opponent. But I will not play this game that demeans individuals for no reason."

Which brings me to my thoughts on the matter. I wlll close with the first stanza of a poem written many years ago named "Antigonish".

In the poem, "man" is not named. There is no a doubt, the Mayor is obsessed with the man "who wasn't there".

“As I was walking up the stairs
He wasn't there again today
I wish, I wish he'd go away...”
I met a man who wasn't there

April 8^th is Election Day.

Please remember to vote!

    

To comment on this page click the words "1 comments" shown at the end of the Letters to the Editor.

Ryan Huffman wrote:   I am running for the people, for the residents. My neighbors, my friends, my family, my community, my Raytown. My wife, Amy, and I bought our first home in Raytown in 1997 back when our schools didn't even have a/c. Graduated 4 of my 6 wonderful children through the Raytown School District. We fell in love with our community and been in our starter home ever since.

    My story is like many in Raytown. And over the years the voice of the community has            seemed to have been diminished. I can work with anyone no matter which side they are        on. I wish to be a voice that listens to both sides. Reach a common ground so we can            move forward and continue to improve Raytown for everyone.

   

    So many of our current incumbents on the City Council seem to be happy with just getting     a majority. And to me that is not enough. They are leaving too many behind.

    

    One quarter of our population is seniors. Over half is living paycheck to paycheck. These        are the people who feel they are not being heard.

    There are many ways to improve things. Getting more residents on board by listening, and     working with everyone involved, is not that hard. In my eyes every time something is put on     the ballot there should be no question on if it will pass.

    As an Alderman, if I don't see 80% approval from the public, we have failed our                        constituents.  Transparency, communication and working together will be my first priority if     elected to the Raytown Board of Aldermen.Please remember to vote on Tuesday, April 8^th.     I ask you consider me as your choice as Alderman in Ward 2.

   Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

This is one of the strangest elections I have ever experienced. Some of the candidates do not seem to be working very hard to hold onto their seats. Does this sound like upsets in the making? I hope so. Raytown needs change. The bunch in power right now do not seem to understand they are supposed to do more than to recommend tax increases!

For Raytown's future, for our future, please be sure to vote the incumbents out!

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I know exactly what you mean. He and his soulmate, Bonnaye Mims really need to turn down their "hate speech". Complaining about all the negativity and thinly disguised racial comments is a BIG turn off to me and my friends.

Those two, Mims and McDonough, are giving our city a bad reputation. It is time to replace ALL of those running for re-election this year!

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I am very disappointed in Alderman Myers and anyone who still supports him. Be honest what has he done to improve the life's of the citizens. Raising fees without any justified reason other than I am looking for new revenue sources is ethically and morally wrong. Did you know the city requires a permit for several things. The fees for these permits has gone up, but the city never comes out and inspects anything. You decide for yourself if that is right or is it taking advantage of our fellow citizens.

The honest and hardworking citizens are tied of the fact the only thing our police chief and supporters on the board do is make excuses. Instead of making excuses why not enforce vehicle license requirements. This would increase the revenue sources that Myers talks about. The problem is Myers and the rest of the Mayor's dreamteam. They are all in a different reality. A reality were they do everything right, there are no crimes, people maintain their properties, and as Chevy Chase line was from National Lampon, "people $#!+ sunshine". I don't think if Myers and the dreamteam would take off their sunglasses they would be able to see the mess because it would validate that Ryan "Myers" ryimes with Lying "Myers".
As Raytown has recently faced several wind storms that have changed the landscape with trees being removed the winds of change need to blow on April 8th with Myers and the dreamteam finding themselves with more time to spend in dream land and the end of their time to further take advantage of the citizens of Raytown.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I guess the City doesn't realize that we have had enough taxes. I am voting NO on any new taxes in Raytown. Every election it seems they have another tax issue on the ballot. They need to live within their means just like the residents do.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Read something on Facebook tonight and based on what I read we need to spend more money on public education.

The responses from several have me hoping the state will once again outlaw marjiuana. Like I said people get educated and stop using drugs or stay off Facebook. You make yourself and our community look stupid.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Ryan does very little for the people of Ward 3. He hangs them with high taxes on EVERYTHING! Remember when he pushed through the sales tax on internet sales. It went from 0% to 2% because of him. His most recent stunt was to increase our sanitary sewer bills. The city staff had recommended a 5% increase. Ryan got his cronies on the city council to raise it to 7%.

The worst that Ryan did was when he sold out the people living around 53rd and Blue Ridge. He gave very questionable testimony in favor of the development that was not wanted by the neighbors of the old Blue Ridge Nursery.The developer has not fulfilled any of the requirements of his application. The project appears to be dead.

If you live near the old nursery DO NOT GIVEN RYAN A CHANCE TO BRING IT BACK. His track record is clear. He will sell out the neighborhoods again.

To comment on this page click the words "1 comments" shown below.

Raytown Board of Aldermen Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a forum of candidates for four seats on the Raytown Board of Aldermen.

The Forum will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Via ZOOM

For learn more about this event, how to register, and post questions via ZOOM please use the following link

https://lwvkc.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=477430&item_id=2542851

Our Comments Page has been moved to the end of our weekly story. The change was made to allow more space for Comments from readers.

BY GREG WALTERS

Last week I attended a meeting of the Raytown Democrat Association (RDA). A couple of candidates running for School District were on hand. Both of them gave very good presentations of their campaign and plans if elected.

One candidates in particular was very thorough in his presentation. So much so that he followed up with his thoughts on what he considered to be of prime importance. His argument are so spot-on to what is wrong with nutrition in America (as regards school lunches) that we felt it worth sharing.

Even more impressive are his thoughts on how to improve grade scores within the Raytown School District.

The following article (which we are running as a guest editorial) contains innovative ideas on the education of children in our community are worth noting.

So, please, take a few minutes and see what he has to offer. We think you will be impressed.

Pop Tarts do not Grow on Trees
BY SAM MADSON, CANDIDATE FOR THE RAYTOWN SCHOOL BOARD

I really think we need to do right by our students to give them the best opportunity to build healthy bodies and minds.  Our food options are moving in the right direction, but we're still missing protein-rich breakfast options, healthy fats (the kind we've been eating for 1000's of years), and minimally processed, convenient snacks.  Like I said in person, we don't want our children thinking pop-tarts come from a pop-tart tree

The other question I'm getting a lot of, is what about my education platform once the school board?

I think the largest issue we need to tackle as educators is "Bloom's 2-sigma problem", which essentially, is the disparity between 1-on-1 tutoring and a teacher lecturing to a classroom.  Tutored students have a 2-sigma better outcome than the typical classroom educated student.  Said another way, the tutored student would test at the 97th% percentile in the classroom body.

Now, providing one-on-one tutoring for every student is a pretty large challenge, fiscally and logistically.  Bloom, and other researchers, have studied different methodologies to reduce this disparity.  One option is Direct Instruction.  My sense is that this option is widely disfavored by teachers, because it really reduces the amount of autonomy they get in the classroom.  The research shows that when followed, it's very effective at reducing the disparity.  There are other methodologies, some student-led, like the Acton Academy model, that are in favor with very progressive educators and ultimately might be a better fit for our community.

I'm not married to an educational model, I just want better outcomes for our students.  My take is that we know that there are lots of different things we can do to make a difference for our student outcomes, but ultimately whatever we decide on has to have buy-in from the teachers, otherwise we are wasting our time, effort, and energy.  I'd like to present as many viable options to our best teachers and staff and allow them to decide how they'd like to educate, and then support them in following through with those decisions.

BY GREG WALTERS

Is Raytown a
High Tax City?

PROPERTY TAX: The effective property tax rate in Raytown is 1.27%, which is above both the state median of 0.91% and, above the national median of 1.02%. This means Raytown residents face higher property taxes compared to other cities in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

SALES TAX: It would be more accurate to ask, is the Kansas City area a “high tax” metropolitan area? All of the cities have sales tax rates very similar to Raytown. If you are shopping at a retail outlet in Raytown you are currently paying 8.49% in sales tax.

However, If you are shopping at a store associated with a TIF or CID Sales Tax Benefit District the rate you are currently paying is 9.37%.

This means Raytowners are on the upper end of sales tax rates in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The City of Raytown is planning to conduct a sales tax increase on the August, 2025 ballot.

The Parks/Storm Water Sales taxes is set to expire on April of 2026. City Hall plans to ask for an increase of the sales tax. The two taxes combined at this time equals 1/4 percent. One proposal under consideration would DOUBLE the sales tax from 1/4 Cent Sales tax to 1/2" Cent Sales Tax.

For reasons that are not clear, proponents of the tax increases often present the tax as a two separate taxes. The simple fact is you will only vote on one tax question.

We believe there is a better way!

In November of 2022 the Voters in Raytown approved a $7,200,000 (7.2) million dollar bond issue to be used exclusively on storm sewer construction and repair.

Taxpayers in Raytown are already paying enough in sales taxes. By using the bond funds set aside for Storm Sewer Repair and Construction, it would free ALL of the new tax dollars to go exclusively by the Park Department.

And it would do it ALL without raising the sales tax . . . period!

This plan would solve the Park Department’s need for more money, while putting the use of Municipal Bonds to work on our storm sewers.

Welcome to our "Comments Page"

TO COMMENT ON THE RAYTOWN REPORT SCROLL DOWN TO THE  COUNTER SHOWN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMENTS SHOWN.

Letters to the Editor

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Driving by the Raytown Plaza last Sunday I noticed a tent in front of one of Raytown's infamous Downtown Raytown watering holes. Is the city allowing bar owners to turn their parking lot(s) into an extension of their bars?

Not a good idea. How do you keep people from just showing up with their own booze to party? Not to mention the problem of underage drinkers joining in the fun.?

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I am very disappointed in Alderman Myers and anyone who still supports him. Be honest what has he done to improve the life's of the citizens. Raising fees without any justified reason other than I am looking for new revenue sources is ethically and morally wrong. Did you know the city requires a permit for

several things. The fees for these permits has gone up, but the city nevercomes out and inspects anything. You decide for yourself if that is right or is it taking advantage of our fellow citizens.

The honest and hardworking citizens are tied of the fact the only thing our police chief and supporters on the board do is make excuses. Instead of making excuses why not enforce vehicle license requirements. This would increase the revenue sources that Myers talks about. The problem is Myers and the rest of the Mayor's dream team. They are all in a different reality. A reality were they do everything right, there are no crimes, and people maintain their properties. I don't think if Myers and the dream team would take off their sunglasses they would be able to see the mess because it would validate that Ryan "Myers" rhymes with Lying "Myers".

As Raytown has recently faced several wind storms that have changed the landscape with trees being removed the winds of change need to blow on April 8th with Myers and the dream team finding themselves with more time to spend in dream land and the end of their time to further take advantage of the citizens of Raytown.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

I guess the City doesn't realize that we have had enough taxes. I am voting NO on any new taxes in Raytown. Every election it seems they have another tax issue on the ballot. They need to live within their means just like the residents do.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Read something on Facebook tonight and based on what I read we need to spend more money on public education.

The responses from several have me hoping the state will once again outlaw marjiuana. Like I said people get educated and stop using drugs or stay off Facebook. You make yourself and our community look stupid.

Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"

Ryan does very little for the people of Ward 3. He hangs them with high taxes on EVERYTHING! Remember when he pushed through the sales tax on internet sales. It went from 0% to 2% because of him. His most recent stunt was to increase our sanitary sewer bills. The city staff had recommended a 5% increase. Ryan got his cronies on the city council to raise it to 7%.

The worst that Ryan did was when he sold out the people living around 53rd and Blue Ridge. He gave very questionable testimony in favor of the development that was not wanted by the neighbors of the old Blue Ridge Nursery.The developer has not fulfilled any of the requirements of his application. The project appears to be dead.

If you live near the old nursery DO NOT GIVEN RYAN A CHANCE TO BRING IT BACK. His track record is clear. He will sell out the neighborhoods again.

To comment on this page click the words "no comments" shown below.