Happy Easter!

In preparation of the small visitors, (aka, our grandchildren) I was enlisted to help prepare our home for a visit from our extended family

Mecee started her day by doing what she does best . . . shopping. One of her stops was at HyVee where she was greeted by the largest Easter bunny I have ever seen.

Meanwhile our ever faithful puppy dog, Crickette, was at her usual perch doing what she does best, keeping an eye on the world outside our living room window.

Guess what our ever-faithful puppy found.  If you guessed another Easter Bunny in our front yard . . . you are correct!

So what did I do? . . . Hey, somebody had to take the pictures!

Happy Easter
from Mecee, Greg and Crickette Crickette   

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BY GREG WALTERS

Raytown Voters to Decide Two
Sales Tax Questions on Tuesday, April 7th

The City of Raytown has used a direct mail campaign and web advertising to "educate" the Raytown Public about two sales tax ballot questions to be decided on April 7th.

In our view any effort to inform voters of the facts is good politics. So, with the help of “artificial intelligence” we are adding to the wealth of information available to the voting public.

The two questions we will be voting on April 7 are two sales tax renewals. One is for Public Safety, the other for Capital Improvements.

How much will the two sales taxes cost taxpayers?

The two taxes will be funded by sales tax on retail sales. The following list shows the combined tax rate in Raytown for most retail transactions.

• Missouri State Sales Tax
• Jackson County Sales Tax
• Raytown Sales Tax
• Raytown Fire District Sales Tax
• Special Swope Park Zoo Sales Tax
• Your total Sales Tax Rate equals.................8.862%*

If you shop at a retail business located in a Special Tax District, such as:
    

    • a Community Improvement District (CID)

    • a Tax Increment Financing District (TIF)

• Your total Sales Tax increases to..................9.475%*

These "Special Tax Districts" are financed in part by consumers through an additonal sales tax at stores like Walmart, Sutherland Lumber and others located in so-called "Tax Improvement Districts."

How will the money collected by the two sales taxes be spent?

If voters approve these two taxes the life span of the taxes will be ten years each. One tax question asks for renewal of a half-cent tax for transportation.The other tax question asks for a three/eighths-cent tax for capital improvements.

Simple majorities by voters are needed for approval of each tax.

According to information from the City's website the tax revenue produced from the two taxes will be spent on . . . 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT SALES TAX: Will be spent on police equipment, city equipment, and storm water projects.

TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX: Will be spent on street maintenance, salt, brine and other materials and services for effective snow removal operations.

It is important to note the two tax proposals do not mention any specific streets that will be repaired if approved by voters.

Please remember to vote on Tuesday, April 7th.

POLLS OPEN AT 6:00 AM AND CLOSE AT 7:00 PM

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INTRODUCTION BY GREG WALTERS

This week week we are turning our page over to Jessica Haynes. Jessica is an advocate of the Missouri Self-Directed Supports (SDS) Program. This State of Missouri funded program assists families with "special needs" support from the state, in raising their children. I had a lengthy talk with Ms. Haynes and was impressed with her understanding of the program and the work she has tasked herself. 

Why Self-Directed Support
Matters in Raytown

By Jessica Haynes        Email: jessicasgirls@gmail.com

Raytown is more than just a place on a map to my family; it is the community that holds us together.

Today, I am writing to you not just as a constituent, but as a mother who watches her son, AJ, thrive every day because he is exactly where he belongs: home.

AJ is a young man living with Autism Level 2 (among other developmental disabilities).

Like any other Raytown resident, he has his favorite spots in town, neighbors he recognizes, and a life filled with dignity.

This is possible because of the Missouri Self-Directed Supports (SDS) program. It is a program that allows families like mine to be the architects of our loved ones' lives, ensuring they aren't tucked away in institutions, but are instead active, visible, and loved members of our community.

We recently saw a glimmer of hope when the Missouri House restored pay for the dedicated Personal Assistants who help individuals like our son AJ navigate his world. However, as the budget (HB 10) moves into the Missouri Senate, we are facing a "transition cliff." Vital funding for Community Specialists and the goods and services that make independent living possible for someone with AJ's support needs is still at risk.

When we talk about these cuts, we often talk about "Social Math." And while the numbers are staggering,

I want you to see the soul behind them:

● The Cost of a Life at Home: It costs the state approximately $50,000 per year to provide the support AJ needs to live safely and independently in our home.

● The Cost of a Life Interrupted: Without these home-based supports, the only alternative is institutionalization—a move that costs the state over $600,000 per year.

That is a $550,000 difference for a single person, every single year. But more importantly, it is the difference between a young man waking up in his own bed in Raytown or being moved to a facility far from the people who know his name and his story.

We aren't asking the City of Raytown for a donation or a miracle. We are simply asking our Mayor and Board of Aldermen to stand with us. By issuing a Resolution of Support, Raytown can lead Western

Missouri in telling our State Senators that we value our citizens with disabilities and the common-sense fiscal responsibility that keeps them home.

Supporting the SDS program isn't just a budget decision; it’s a decision about what kind of community we want to be. Let’s keep Raytown a place where everyone—regardless of ability—has a seat at the table and a place to call home.

How You Can Help

● Educate Yourself: Visit MOSDS.org to see the data and the statewide movement to protect our families.

● Join the Local Advocacy: Follow our journey and get updates on local meetings through our

Facebook groups:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2314853719027810 (This is our home group)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/306298879720557

https://www.facebook.com/mosdsfamilygroup

● Contact Our State Senator: Reach out to the Missouri Senate and urge them to restore the full SDS funding (including Community Specialists and IDGS) in the HB 10 budget. Let them know that Community Specialists and IDGS are not "extras"—they are the bridge to independence.

● Support a Local Resolution: Reach out to your local elected officials. Let them know you support a zero-cost Resolution of Support that honors the dignity of our neighbors with disabilities. 

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USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE MARCH

17th MEETING OF THE RAYTOWN BOARD OF ALDERMEN 

https://raytownmo.new.swagit.com/videos/378426

Lack of a quorum ends

Board of Aldermen Meeting

minutes after it starts.

The video of last week's meeting of the Board Aldermen shows that three members of the Board of Aldermen were in attendance . . . Aldermen Josh Morales, Jim Aziere, and Theresa Garza.

Ward 1 Aldermen Greg Walters and Theresa Tush had previously contacted the Mayor's office that they would not be able to attend the meeting. The Mayor announced they were "excused" from attending during roll call.

Four Aldermen were "no shows" at the meeting.

Those four members were are Aldermen Bonnaye Mims, Loretha Hayden, Diane Krizek and Janet Emerson.

OUR VIEW BY PAUL LIVIUS 

"Sometimes People Vote with Their Feet"

For the Board of Aldermen to hold a "legal" meeting Missouri State Statutes require a quorum to be present. In Raytown that "quorum" is six members who are recorded as "present" at the meeting. Only three Board members answered the roll call as "present" when their name was called at the last meeting of the Board of Aldermen.

As of this writing there has not been any comment from any of those four members as to why they were not in attendance. It is important to note that Latrice Thomas, though in attendance in the audience at the meeting, did not take a seat or paticipate as a member during the meeting.  

Legally speaking, the Mayor cannot remove any member from the Board of Aldermen. Only the Board of Aldermen has the authority to do so.

Does the absence of those four members indicate they are unhappy with the way the entire issue has been handled? It is coming close to one year since the Mayor started this issue. Both sides of the issue have "lawyered up" to argue the cased befoe them.

Greg told me an interesting statistic from his 40+ years in Public Office. There has never been an impeachment of any public official in Raytown. He hopes the Board will take careful consideration of what is learned from the upcoming meeting on April 14th. 

The meeting has been rescheduled for April 14 at Raytown City Hall located at 10000 East 59th Street in Raytown, Missouri. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm. 

This is a public meeting of the Board of Aldermen. The Public is allowed to attend and participate during "Public Comments" to address the Board of Aldermen. 

It is best for those wishing to speak during Public Comments to show up a little early so they will have time to sign in as a public speaker.

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If you tell the truth.
You don't have to remember anything!
MARK TWAIN

Truth Watch is back!

This week she is offering a clear and easy‑to‑understand look at the

two sales tax questions Raytown Voters will decide on April 7th.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026

Capital Improvement Sales Tax – 3/8¢

Raytown Voters are being asked whether to continue the existing 3/8‑cent sales tax for another ten years. This tax supports capital improvements and may also be used to retire previously approved bond debt.

Transportation Sales Tax – 1/2¢

This question asks voters to continue the existing 1/2‑cent sales tax for transportation needs, also for a ten‑year period.

What Voters Should Also Know:

• Both of these sales, when first brought before the voters years ago, were set for a five year term. This renewal is for a ten year term for both taxes.

• The Jackson County Election Board is paid to conduct the elections for the City of Raytown. The set up costs . . . legal advertising, the hiring and use of election judges are static costs passed on to the City by the Election Board.

• If the city had placed these questions on the August ballot, the cost to Raytown taxpayers would have been noticeably lower. The reason? The August ballot will also have State, Federal and other area wide initiatives on the ballot. This spreads the cost of holding the election to many public entities. Thereby lowering the cost of the election burden on Raytown considerably.

• Had City Hall waited until August to hold the election, which will be the most crowded ballot to come before voters this year. Since Raytown would only have two items on the August ballot, the cost to taxpayers would be minimal, with the State and Federal elections picking up the bulk of the tab. 

The Two Taxes . . .

• 3/8‑Cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax — A ten‑year extension that can also be used to pay off old bond debt.
• 1/2‑Cent Transportation Sales Tax — Another ten‑year extension of an existing tax.

The Talking Point You’ll Hear . . .

Proponents repeat the same line: “This is not a tax increase.” Technically true. But it’s only half the story.

What They Do Not Tell You . . . 

• When originally brought before the voters the sales were both for a five year terms. Both taxes have since been increased to ten year terms. The change from the original tax brought before the voters is significant. By continuing with the ten year term This lessens the length of oversite by voters for the life of the two taxes.

• The city chose to hold a stand‑alone April election with only two items on the ballot an unnecessarily expensive choice. The Jackson County Election Board has basic set up costs for every election they oversee. The only way those election costs can be decreased is by holding the election at times when other entities, such as Jackson County, the State of Missouri, Raytown School Board Elections, the Raytown Water Supply District, and the Raytown Fire Protection District would share in the cost of the election. This cost sharing would have saved the City of Raytown considerable expense in the cost of holding the election.

A Closer Look at the 3/8‑Cent Sales Tax:

The 3/8‑cent sales tax includes language allowing the money to be used to retire previously authorized bond debt. So while the tax is being sold as “capital improvements,” it may end up paying for financial debts from previously issued bonds that cost the city more money than the new issues offered in the tax package. 

In the long run, this should save taxpayers in Raytown money. In fairness to the issue, it would be interesting to know exactly which bonds were being paid off. It is a talking point voters would appreciate . . . showing how much "more" money is being generated by purchasing the old bonds. In fact, it would help "sell" the issue to the voters. 

This is the part voters deserve to understand before they vote.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this week's Raytown Report.
Please take a minute to share your thoughts on our Comments page
(aka . . . the "Back Pages") of the Raytown Report
by clicking on the word Comment shown below.

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Raytown

Police Report

March 5, 2026

1:44pm

Drug Offense - 10000 block of 350 Hwy

Officers have been watching a residence known for drug activity and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving the house. The driver had multiple warrants and expired driver's license, so she was taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle incident to arrest, officers located fentanyl and prescription pills. The passenger was also arrested on warrants. The investigation is ongoing.

March 5, 2026
2:00pm
Robbery - 6200 block of Blue Ridge Blvd

The victim caught the suspects trying to steal tools out of the back of a car in the parking garage and confronted them. He physically struggled with one suspect and had him in a headlock when the second suspect pointed a handgun at him. They fled the scene with the tools. No one was injured and the investigation is ongoing.

March 8, 2026
1:54pm
Aggravated Assault - Walmart, 10300 E 350 Hwy

A woman approached the officer working off duty at the store to ask for help. She reported that her boyfriend had threatened her with a gun in the parking lot during an argument. The off duty officer called for assistance from on duty personnel, and together they took the boyfriend into custody safely and recovered a firearm. It had been illegally modified to fire fully automatic and was loaded with a 30-round extended magazine. The boyfriend was arrested for aggravated assault and the gun was recovered, pending future charges related to the illegal modification. The investigation is ongoing.

 

To view the video of the Raytown Aldermen Meeting 
covered in this week's story
Board Meeting marked by Tension and Unusual Behavior
click on the following link to view the video of the meeting.

https://raytownmo.new.swagit.com/videos/377040

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Board Meeting marked by

Tension and Unusual Behavior

The latest Raytown Board of Aldermen meeting had more drama than usual.

During Public Comments, Mr. Morris Melloy, who ran for the Ward 3 seat last year,  paused mid‑speech to check on Alderwoman Bonnaye Mims. She was turned completely away from him, facing the opposite direction. It wasn’t the first time this has happened. At the previous meeting, she also turned her back while he spoke. 

People in the audience noticed. One alderman later called the behavior “bad manners.” Most folks would probably agree that when a private citizen takes the time to speak, the least elected officials should do is hear what they have to say.

After Melloy finished, Alderwoman Mims claimed he had called her a “______ ______,” language that is not allowed for print in the Raytown Report.

Mims also said she had an audio recording to prove it.

Melloy denied the accusation. He has since filed a Sunshine Request with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office to obtain a copy of the recording, which he is entitled to do since the comments were made by Alderwoman Mims during a public meeting.

The rest of the meeting was short — under an hour — but still managed to produce another awkward moment.

As the meeting ended, Alderman Greg Walters quietly said to his seatmate on the Board, Ward 1 Alderwoman Theresa Tush, “such as it is.” The Mayor immediately challenged him, asking if he had something to say to the Board. Walters replied that he did not have anything of significance and began gathering his papers in preperation of leaving. 

The Board is clearly under pressure, especially with potential legislation on the horizon that could remove one of its members.

But even so, it’s hard to understand why Alderwoman Mims repeatedly refuses to face Melloy when he is speaking.

Or, why the Mayor reacted so sharply to a simple four‑word comment spoken to his seatmate setting next to him after the meeting was over. 

Raytown residents deserve calm, respectful leadership. With ten people on the Board, there’s no reason for tension to spill into public meetings.

On a personal note, Greg tells us he has known Morris Melloy for three years. He describes Mr. Melloy's manner as polite, soft-spoken and what he called an "old school gentleman". Walters went on to say he has never heard Melloy use profanity in the three years he’s known him. The idea that Melloy would use a slur toward anyone simply does not match the character of the man I have known for three years.

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To view the video of the Raytown Aldermen Meeting 
covered in this week's story
The Big Issue: Impeachment Power
click on the following link to view the video of the meeting.

https://raytownmo.new.swagit.com/videos/375539

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BY PAUL LIVIUS

The Paul Livius Report

The February 17th meeting of the Raytown Board of Aldermen was unusually tense. It brought surprises, questionable behavior, and one of the most controversial issues the city has faced in years.

The Big Issue: Impeachment Power

The main topic was a proposed ordinance that would allow the Board to impeach one of its own members.

It has been nearly a year since Latrice Thomas defeated incumbent Ryan Myers in a three‑way race. Interest in her performance—especially in Ward 3—has remained high.

A large crowd attended this first meeting on the impeachment matter. Special Counsel hired by City Hall asked the Board to suspend its normal rules so the charges against Alderwoman Thomas could be read twice in the same meeting.

Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters objected. He said that in his 25 years on the Board, he had never seen an impeachment request and warned against rushing the process. Special Counsel eventually withdrew the request.

Because the rules were not suspended, the second public reading—and another chance for public comment will take place at the March 3rd meeting. On March 17th the Board will meet to 

Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting

Public Comments

Tuesday, March 3rd and March 17, 2026 — 7:00 PM

Raytown City Hall, 10000 East 59th Street

Speakers from the Public are allowed five minutes each to address the Board.

A Call for Basic Respect

Rude behavior from elected officials should never be acceptable—yet that’s exactly what happened.

During public comments, Mr. Melloy, a well‑known speaker who shares feedback from his Raytown Community Awareness facebook page, addressed the Board. While he spoke, one alderman reportedly turned their chair around and faced the wall.

Several people in the audience noticed. One alderman later confirmed he heard about the incident and called it “bad manners.” We would go further: It was disrespectful, unprofessional, and beneath the dignity of public office.

When citizens take the time to speak, the very least elected officials can do is face them.

Our View

Interest in the situation involving Alderwoman Thomas is clearly high, especially in Ward 3.

Because the Board kept its normal rules on February 17th, the second reading and discussion will take place on March 17th. If the Board chooses to move forward, a formal impeachment hearing would likely follow in April.

Editor’s Note: All Raytown Board of Aldermen meetings are open to the public. As is the Public's ability to address the Board of Aldermen. Comments before the Board are limited to five minutes per speaker.

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This week's story began as a friendly give and take by two writers on what we call the Raytown Report Back Pages. Also known as our "Comments Page". So we have picked up the story pretty much where it began. Hope you enjoy it.

BY GREG WALTERS

Is it safe? 

Is it safe anywhere? I maintain it is much safer at Royals /Chiefs Stadium than it is in the Crossroads District.

Even that portion that buts up agains Crown Center. Another interesting point is the lack of room. A new stadium in the confined area of the southern boundary of the Crossroads (at Crown Center) would mean a much smaller stadium.

Goodbye to the magnificient Fountains in the outfield. Goodbye to tailgating in a large (safe) parking area adjoined to the stadium.

Say hello to expensive bars and nightclubs to drink. This discussion covers several of the most heated points in the ongoing stadium debate. The move from the expansive Truman Sports Complex to a more urban setting like the Crossroads District represents a fundamental shift in the Kansas City fan experience. 

KAUFFMAN STADIUM
HARRY S TRUMAN SPORTS COMPLEX

Safety and Security

Fans often cite the "concrete moat" effect . . . controlled, gated environment where security is concentrated at entry points at Royals Stadium as a major safety advantage. 

While the Crossroads location is generally considered safe for daytime activities like gallery hopping and dining, it is still in a public urban area.  

While generally considered safe for daytime activities like gallery hopping and dining, it is a public urban area. Recent incidents, including shootings and at crowded events has fueled concerns about the district's ability to maintain safety during high-traffic night games compared to the private lots at "The K". 

ONE OF THE PROPOSALS UNDER
CONSIDERATION FOR THE CROSSROADS

The proposed Crossroads Stadium would seat approximately 34,000 to 35,000 fans, which is roughly 3,000 to 4,000 fewer than the current capacity at Kauffman Stadium. 

Fewer seats will undoubtedly mean higher ticket prices for fan.

Iconic Features: While the Royals have expressed a desire to keep some version of the famous fountains, the footprint is much more "confined  to an area spanning only 17 to 18 acres between Grand Boulevard and Locust Street.

Parking/Tailgating Culture

• The Loss of the Tailgate: The proposed plan relies on roughly 40,000 existing parking spaces scattered throughout the downtown area rather than a single, massive adjoining lot.

• New Norms: About 1,500 new on-site spaces would be built. This shift essentially moves the pre-game experience from personal grills and coolers in a "large (safe) parking area" to the district's bars, restaurants, and nightclubs—a move critics argue is designed to maximize commercial spending. 

Economic Motivations

The "Benjamins": The project is estimated at $2 billion, with the Royals ownership group pledging over $1 billion in private funding. The location choice was heavily influenced by "neighborhood connectivity," which is often code for capturing more consumer dollars before and after the game.

While it is true the area of Kansas City stretching from the Missouri River to Crown Center does have many entertainment venues, most notably the KC Streetcar will keep the area crowded. How many will attend  a baseball game? Do you think the convenience of the KC Streetcar and downtown proximity could outweigh the loss of traditional tailgating for the average Royals fan? Still, it is a culture that began at Royals Stadium and is loved by baseball fans in Kansas City.

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USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF THE JANUARY 30TH MEETING OF THE RAYTOWN BOARD OF ALDERMEN.

https://raytownmo.new.swagit.com/videos/372731

What Impact can Raytown expect from the

World Cup Tournament next July?

BY GREG WALTERS

Once every four years nations from around the globe participate in the World Cup. This year Kansas City will be one of the host cities in America to serve as a game site for early rounds of the World Cup.

Those games will be played at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium. Five games will be played between June 16^th through July 11^th.

As one can imagine, the World Cup being held so close to Raytown’s borders will definitely have an impact on our city.

Consider the following . . .

The Kansas City Metropolitan area only has 36,000 hotel rooms. Tournament officials anticipate 650,000 guests to the Kansas City area in the one month of games played at Arrowhead Stadium.

Some of those traveling from countries across the world will not be staying in hotels. A significant number of them will bring a tent and make for shelter while in the United States.

This is expected to be most notable in cities surrounding the Harry S Truman Sports Complex.

It is important to remember Parking will not be allowed at the parking lots at the Truman Sports Complex during the World Cup games.

Those cities surrounding Arrowhead Stadium are expected to be witness to this overflow of fans looking for a place to stay and park their vehicles during games.

Jackson County Parks officials have voiced concern of people setting up their base camp along the Rock Island Bicycle and Walking Trail. The northern terminus of the trail is located at the Sports Complex near the Chiefs Stadium.

From there it crosses the City of Raytown south along Raytown Trafficway and then southwest diagonally across Raytown to the intersection of Noland Road and 350 Highway. From there it stretches across Lee’s Summit west for a total of 13.6 miles.

The trail has been a popular location or homeless to set up their camps. Jackson County Park officials have expressed concern the practice may increase during the one month of World Cup games.

The Raytown Park Department plans to use the Terry Copeland Dog Park as a parking location for fans to park their vehicles.

Park Board member have recognized there may be an influx of visitors looking for a place to park their cars during World Cup games.

• Terry Copeland Dog Park is located one mile from the Truman Sports Complex. The park has 200 parking spaces on its property.

• Colman Park is located within 1.5 miles from the Truman Sports Complex. It also has 200 parking spaces at its location. According to Park Board Director Dave Turner a final decision has not been reached on whether or not to use Colman Park as a parking location for the tournament.

The Park Board’s intention is to use the parking revenue to pay for an increase of the number of security personnel at Raytown Parks during the month of July.

In our view, the Park Board deserves recognition for taking a proactive approach to addressing the increased number of Raytown visitors during the World Cup Games in Kansas City.

There was much more said during the Aldermen meeting. Most interesting were remarks by Raytown Police Chief Bob Kuehl addressing the Police Departments plans for enforcement of City Ordinances during the World Cup games.

We urge you to view the following video to view what transpired at the meeting.

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USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF THE JANUARY 30TH MEETING OF THE RAYTOWN BOARD OF ALDERMEN.

https://raytownmo.new.swagit.com/videos/372731