BY GREG WALTERS

At last Tuesday's meeting the Raytown Board of Aldermen unanimously endorsed a Proclamation in support of a Self-Directed Support (SDS) Program for families with family members who require "special needs" assistance. Mrs. Jessica Haynes, shown in the center of the photograph holding her son's arm, has been lobbying Legislatures and Senators in Jefferson City to continue State Funding to help families in need with the cost of maintaining their home for developmentally challenged family members.

Haynes made the request through Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters and Mayor McDonough for a proclamation as a sign of public support to continue the Self-Directed Supports (SDS) program.

To learn more about Mrs. Haynes campaign to improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens you are invited to visit Mrs. Podcast, "Leading for inclusion. The Missouri Brief". 

FROM JESSICA HAYNES . . . 

Hello Greg,

I wanted to share a new podcast episode for "Leading for Inclusion: The Missouri Brief."

This episode will be a powerhouse—we are bridging the gap between our huge "on-the-ground" local win with the Raytown Proclamation and the structural reality of the SDS program using the "car analogy" (Engine, Steering Wheel, and Brakes).

I've highlighted how the Proclamation serves as a blueprint for other advocates and how local support creates the necessary pressure for our state-level fight. I also made sure to include a special "thank you" to the Board of Aldermen for their role in making this happen.

Thank you again for all your guidance and for giving this mission such a strong platform!

Use the following link to view the Podcast.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/from-to-pistons-156479543?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link 

Our mailbox is exploding with mail from our readers!

You are invited to visit what we call the "Back Page" of the Raytown Report. This section is devoted exclusively to those who wish to share their thoughts on what is happening in Raytown. Take a few minutes to read what your friends and neighbors have to say.

USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE
"COMENT PAGE" TO POST YOUR COMMENT

GREG WALTERS

FOREWORD BY ALDERMAN GREG WALTERS

This week we are turning our front page over to Jessica Haynes. Mrs. Haynes is leading a state-wide effort to protect funding for families with children who need "special needs". The funding would help support families to afford raising their children at home. Medical professionals endorse this proactive plan as the best for the child and the families who are faced with the responsibility of bringing their children up to prepare them to become a viable member of the community.

A United Front for
Eastern Jackson County PART 2

By Jessica Haynes

Raytown has always been a city that stands together. On Tuesday, April 21st at 7:00 PM, my family and I will be at City Hall to ask the Mayor and Raytown Board of Aldermen to take a formal stand for our neighbors with disabilities.

We are requesting a Proclamation to protect the Self-Directed Supports (SDS) program—a lifeline that allows residents like my son, AJ, to live at home, hire his own support staff, and continue to remain a vital part of the community he loves.

The State is Watching Raytown! 

This isn't just a local conversation; it has become a statewide story. Journalist Stoker Wieczorek recently highlighted Raytown in Ozarks First, noting that our community is at the forefront of the fight for disability rights. For those who cannot join us in person, the meeting will be live-streamed, allowing the entire region to see Raytown’s leadership in action as we stand up for our own.

The "Budget Boomerang" Effect:

As of July 1st, a state budget cliff threatens to "zero out" the safety infrastructure of this program. This is more than a policy shift; it is a massive fiscal failure.

• The Math: Supporting a neighbor at home costs roughly $50,000 a year.
• The Crisis: Without these supports, the state is legally forced to institutionalize that same person at a cost of over $600,000 a year.

By "saving" a few dollars today, the state is effectively signing a half-million-dollar bill for Missouri taxpayers tomorrow. This is a "Budget Boomerang" that will hit Raytown and our great state of Missouri as a whole 12 times harder than the money the state claims to be saving.

A Bipartisan Fight for Dignity!

We are not fighting this battle alone. We are incredibly grateful for the leadership of Senator Barbara Washington and Representative Donna Barnes, who are championing our cause in the Capitol.

We are also heartened by the powerful commitment from Senator Rusty Black, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Black recently stated that these services are "lifelines that allow Missourians with developmental disabilities to live with dignity."

Senator Black has pledged to work with his colleagues to restore these critical funds. By issuing this Proclamation, our Mayor and Board of Aldermen will provide these state leaders with the "ammunition" they need to tell the Governor: "Raytown protects its own. We choose Independence over Institutions."

We believe that families are the best "quality control." Unlike state-run institutions that often hide behind bureaucratic layers, the SDS model creates a direct line of accountability. We hire, train, and supervise because we are the ones who truly know and care for the people we love.

Join Us at City Hall . . . 

We invite all our Raytown neighbors to join us on April 21st. We will meet in front of City Hall at 6:45 PM for a community photo before the meeting begins at 7:00 PM. Let's show Missouri that Raytown is a Community of advocates who support dignity, fiscal resposibility and most importantly . . . each other.

Raytown Fire Protection District News 

BY GREG WALTERS

The Raytown Fire District is looking for additional storage space for its growing supply of medical equipment such as . . . crutches, wheelchairs, shower stools, and even hospital beds. These items are provided to residents throughout the Community Paramedic Program run by Matt Cushman of the Raytown Fire Protection Disrict. If you need equipment or would like to donate, please contact Mr. Cushman at 816-737-6035.

Raytown

Police Report

March 27, 2026  /  4:21pm

Felony Warrant/Criminal Damage to Property - Gregory Blvd & Hunter Ave.

An officer on routine patrol observed a male on a bike obstructing traffic on 350 and tried to conduct a pedestrian check. The man fled on his bike but was located nearby by other officers, despite the fact that he tried to change his clothes and alter his appearance. He initially provided a false name, but was identified as a subject with a felony warrant who is wanted by the US Marshals. He was taken intocustody on the warrant as well as fleeing/resisting charges, and while at the PD jail, he repeatedly kicked the jail vestibule door, breaking the lock.

March 28, 2026  /  2:00am

Felon in Possession - 55th St & Blue Ridge Cutoff

An officer on routine patrol conducted a traffic stop for an invalid license plate. The driver was flagged in the police database as a convicted felon and armed and dangerous, and officers observed a loaded Draco-style firearm sitting.

USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

Aldermen to Consider Impeachment

Process at April 14th Meeting  BY GREG WALTERS

Nearly one year ago, newly elected Ward 3 Alderwoman Latrice Thomas was called into the Mayor’s office and told she could no longer serve as Alderman for Ward 3.

She had taken the oath of office shortly before the confrontation with the Mayor took place. . The Mayor’s actions effectively blocked an elected official from performing her duties without any formal process.

Since that day, Ms. Thomas has not been seated at any meeting of the Board of Aldermen.

Missouri law is clear. Under §79.240, a mayor cannot remove an alderman from office.

Only the Board of Aldermen—or a court—has that authority. 

The Mayor’s decision to cut off her access and prevent her from serving bypassed the legal process. Leaving the Board now responsible for deciding whether to formally impeach Ms. Thomas or restore her seat.

At the most recent Board meeting, only three members appeared. Two had notified the Mayor in advance and were excused. Four others did not attend and gave no explanation. The absence of those four members from the Board meeting effectively blocked the meeting being called to order because of a lack of a quorum.

On April 14th, the Mayor will attempt again to convene the Board. The public deserves a lawful, transparent resolution to an issue created nearly a year ago. As stated above, the final decision on this matter rests with the Board of Aldermen.

How to Make Public Comments on April 14

The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:00 p.m.
Public Comments are the first item on the agenda.

To speak in person:

1. Arrive at City Hall at least 10 minutes before 7:00 p.m.
2. Enter the Council Chamber.
3. The Public Comment sign‑in sheet is immediately to the left as you enter.
4. Sign your name and you will be called in order.
5. Each speaker is allowed five minutes to address the Board on matters concerning the City of Raytown.

To speak via Zoom:

1. Call Raytown City Hall at 816‑737‑6000.
2. Request to be added to the Public Comment Zoom list for the April 14 meeting.
3. You will be given instructions and a time to speak during the meeting.

USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

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

 USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

   USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

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.

INTRODUCTION BY GREG WALTERS

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. 

  USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

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.

 USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS      

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.

USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

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

USE THIS LINK TO  Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

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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