Saturday, January 26, 2008

Let’s Do a Poll!

I’ve been bouncing back and forth on whether or not to try this out. With the Missouri Primary Election just around the corner, I thought it would be interesting to conduct a poll of my fellow bloggers to see how it stands up to the actual results. Of course, there is no way to tell if anyone is voting more than once. Or, if they are jumping party lines – but it could prove to be at least as accurate as those polls that predicted Obama to thrash Hillary in New Jersey or the Nevada pollsters who failed to predict Ron Paul would finish second in the Silver State’s Republican Caucus. The poll is not scientific. But it could be fun. Since there are really two contests going on (and since it is MY poll and I get to make the rules) each participant is allowed to vote in both the Democratic and Republican primary. However, in fairness, I ask that you only vote one time per party. Remember, we are the honor system – so let’s be professional about it and may the best candidates win! Who's Left? One of my advisors suggested that I put down who is still in the hunt in the respective Republican and Democratic party races to the nomination. So, here they are . . . Republican: Rudy Giuliani Mike Huckabee John McCain Ron Paul Mitt Romney Democrat: Hillary Clinton Barack Obama John Edwards

144 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'll take Obama in the Demo primary and McCain in the Rep.

Anonymous said...

Mitt Romney in the Republican
Barrack Obama in the Dem

If Hillary was elected would she have sex with the interns like Bill did?

Anonymous said...

Ron Paul.

No democrat running is worth a vote, JMHO.

Anonymous said...

John Edwards on the Democratic side and Ron Paul on the Republican.

Anonymous said...

Ron Paul...if I had to pick on Dems...Barrack...can you imagine if Bill & Hillary get in...the risk of Bill 'not having any sort of relations with anyone' is scary.

...no difference between the rest of the republicans and the democrats in my opinion, each wears a different suit but in essence are the same, Ron seems to be different.
Justin Tomac

Anonymous said...

Clinton or Edwards.... a little sex on the side never hurt anybody, it is a lot better than killing our sons and daughters over oil and big business like the Republicans and Bush/Cheney do.

There are not and will NEVER BE ANY Republicans including Ron Paul that are worthy of my vote!

Anonymous said...

Ron Paul on the Republican side.

John Edwards on the Democratic side.

HIllary has waaaayyyy too much baggage (take that Bill!). McCain and the other Republicans are the same old story with new faces. Obama campaigns like Romney. Both are still trying to find their message.

Anonymous said...

No one has really jumped out and won my vote on either side at this point but if I had to decide right now, it would be Edwards and MCCain. It is a long way to November however. The fur will fly!

Anonymous said...

Just a comment: Ron Paul is impressive but has less chance than that snowball in hell we keep hearing about. Alan Keyes is by far the most intelligent candidate and focused on returning democracy to the people...but he's a raindrop in purgatory.
What's interesting here, to me, is the support for Paul. But we Raytowners do like "losers" don't we?
Just look at our city council and school board --- eh, eh

Anonymous said...

Obama/McCain.

I'm a little worn out on Bushes and Clintons - in fact, I'm pretty well tired of our national "leaders" in general. They're both beholden to big business and special interests, though given the last seven years, I would not trust a Republican with running a hot dog stand these days.

It is very nice to see someone who thinks different, i.e., Ron Paul, get some notice. He's not my cut of tea but one of these days...

Anonymous said...

Ron Paul, the racist and anti-Semite, doesn't stand a chance

Anonymous said...

Personally, I have had enough of the Clintons, and I am dissappointed in our President Bush. Not because of the war, but the big business, lobbyist, etc. I can appreciate his tax ideas, however; it seems the big wigs like Senators, etc. got the big breaks. My choice would be Mike Huckabee. I really don't think we have much to chose from this year.

Anonymous said...

I failed to mention that it might be a good idea to write in Lee Iocca, as he seems to have a head on his shoulder. Has anyone read his book?

Anonymous said...

I hope Huckabee or Romney is our next President. I am a little surprised there are so many Democrats on this Blog. The most important things to me are low taxes, fixing the illeagal immigration problem and reforming the tax system. There are way too many people working on the side or for themselves that are not paying there share of taxes.

Anonymous said...

As of today my Republican choices are 1, 2, 3 as follows:
Huckabee, McCain & Romney. Romney is so polished and perfect in all his answers & appearances that I have a sneeking suspicion he has hidden baggage just waiting to be discovered. In a twist to anonymous 7:57's comment, there is not and never will be a Democratic candidate worthy of my vote!

Andy Whiteman said...

Anonymous 7:57 AM,
I have no issue with Clinton's having sex. My complaint is it is an abuse of power (with an intern) and mostly the fact that LIED ABOUT IT.

From what I have read previously on this blog, I think Raytown is mostly a Democrat city. I guess we can tell when the vote count is published assuming no crossovers.

Securing the borders are a top priority!

I already stated my votes anonymously.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!!!

I am shocked, yes shocked, to see that the party faithful have boldly stepped forward to say who you should not vote for because they have no chance.

Not to worry my friends. Vote for the messenger you believe in. The party hacks will have their candidates up again in November.

More than likely, it will be between Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum. At least now you have some candidates that honestly speak to issues.

eh,eh, indeed!

Anonymous said...

Hello Everyone,

I have created the following “poll ticker” to track the votes cast in our presidential primary poll. As with all works in progress, the rules of this poll already need to be tweaked.

A couple of posts have said they prefer more than one candidate, yet in the same party.

Sorry, but you are allowed only one vote per party. I cannot split votes for candidates.

If you do not want to vote for either a Republican or Democrat because of the yellow dog fever that often hits around election time, that is your business.

Vote for only one candidate per party. You need not cast a vote if you have no favorite in the opposing party.

The ticker will be posted randomly between now and February 5th.

Remember, this poll is only as “good” as the participants allow it to be. So, please, vote only once, and let the chips fall where they may.

Poll Ticker . . .

REPUBLICAN:
Rudy Giuliani 0
Mike Huckabee 1
John McCain 3
Ron Paul 4
Mitt Romney 1

DEMOCRAT:
Hillary Clinton 0
Barack Obama 4
John Edwards 3

Anonymous said...

Alright I said Huckabee or Romney earlier tonight. I am going Huckabee.

Andy Whiteman said...

Greg,

Thanks for the tally. Very interesting since many of the talk shows I listen to say Ron Paul is not a viable candidate.

I sure hope everyone has their mind made up before they go to the polls to make it go faster. When I lived in San Diego County, they didn't want people going to the polls. Everyone was sent a mail in ballot a couple of weeks before the election. I was surprised they weren't concerned about fraud because only a signature was required (NOT) notarized.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Nobody died when Clinton lied Andy.

Look at all that have died since Bush/Cheney have been in power.

Look at the lies that have been told about WMD's, etc...

All these Bush/Cheney lovin Republicans need to move to Blue Springs/Lee's Summit/Overland Park with your fancy forign BMW's, Hondas, and Toyotas with all the other Republican Bretheren.

Don't forget your mandatory Bush/Cheney bumperstickers! They are required on all your vehicles to show support for your baby killer president. Blood for oil.

Anonymous said...

Bush should be IMPEACHED!!! Talk about abuse of power!

Pat Casady said...

I would have to cast my vote for Republican McCain and
for Democrat Edwards.

Pat Casady said...

It sometimes amazes me to watch, read and listen to people
when it comes to elections and who they want elected.
I have a few worthless comments to the above writers.
First off, just because a person is a Democrat or Republican is
no reason to vote along party lines. These days you can only tell the difference between the two, is the button they wear on their collar.
Not much to choose from, an Elephant that bumps huge piles of
stuff on the people and an Ass that probably couldn't find it's self with both hands.
You need only to drive down the street to see that has happened
to this great country by all the imports on the road or go into any
store and try to buy anything made in America.
Neither party has done anything to stop the selling out of America.

Which gets back to my point. I don't think there is a dimes worth
of difference in anybody running for president. The only difference
is, one is a rich African American, one is a rich woman and the rest are rich white guys.
All will spend tens of millions for a job that pays only three or four hundred thousand a year. This makes me wonder if there is in fact
any intelligent people running for office..........I doubt it.

I am neither Democrat or Republican but to the person that blamed the Republicans for all that have died, I guess I have to agree with you to a point but, remember Harry Truman, John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson did
a fair share of that too.

Anonymous said...

I am a woman and I am very upset to see so many women voting for Hillary only because she is a woman. That is not a reason to vote for anyone whether they be male or female. My vote will never be for Hillary if I can help it. By that I mean if it comes down to it in November she's my only choice I will not waste my vote by not voting but I sure will not be happy about it.


My pick is Edwards for Dems.

I really don't care to even pick a Republican after what they have done to this country in the last 8 years.

Andy Whiteman said...

I agree with Pat. My father taught me to vote for the person, not the party. That is how I will cast my vote.

Anonyomous 4:47 AM, Clinton didn't directly kill anyone, but he took no action to terrorist acts. Maybe if he had, we wouldn't be in the mess we are in now. Clinton took no action! We have a 2 term limit for President. Hillary has already been there 2 years!

I am hearing that Bush didn't lie about WMDs. It was Sadam Hussein who lied about having WMDs because he wanted to make Iran afraid to invade. Sadam never expected the US to take the action we did.

What is really scary is that some of our medicines are made in China. With contaminated pet food, contaminated human food, lead in toys, how do we know our medicines are safe?

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

That's just it Andy. We don't know what is safe anymore and who has
to be held accountable when things go bad. This import stuff has gotten out of hand. The problem is if the USA put an embargo on China
Wal-Mart would be out of business in three months along with several
other big companies that have turned their backs on the American worker.

The economy is starting to catch up with us. If manufactures are going to Mexico,and most of the products are made in China along with all the illegal's in this country taking American citizens jobs, this was destine to happen.
No jobs, no income.........no economy.

Anonymous said...

I choose McCain and Obama

Anonymous said...

The solution is simple: Stop buying all the cheap forign crap!

Andy Whiteman said...

I vote for an embargo on China. If Walmart goes out of business, so be it.

Has anyone ever tried to buy an AT&T telephone jack? I did when I moved here and was doing some telephone wiring. The quality is horrible and they are made in China. I expected a quality product from AT&T and was sorely dissappointed.

Speaking of being accountable, who is accountable at City Hall and the School District? I think the problem falls back on the voters. How about the City Judge? There is no choice. I would vote for Judge Judy or Judge Alex. They are more competant.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Pat...obama is the poorest candidate of all of them: Net worth $1.3 million...Romney is the richest with several hundred million in net worth followed by Edwards, Clinton, etc.
Andy...Clinton sent cruise missles into two African countries over the bombing of US Embassies there. So he did do something, just not drop a Pedator bomb on Osama because he was with a Saudi prince. (And Bush let the Saudi's and Osama Bin Ladin's fmaily leave immediately after Sept. 11)
To "eh, eh, indeed," twidel dee and twidel dumb are not running for president but the school board. Vote Dean Bray and ignore the rest of the candidates. At least he's honest.

Anonymous said...

Put me down for Ron Paul.

Sorry, but there are not any dems that I feel good enough about to vote for

Anonymous said...

Poll Ticker . . .

REPUBLICAN:
Rudy Giuliani 0
Mike Huckabee 2
John McCain 5
Ron Paul 5
Mitt Romney 1

DEMOCRAT:
Hillary Clinton 0
Barack Obama 5
John Edwards 5

Anonymous said...

Hey Greg, quick question, how do you know some people aren't voting under anonymous names more than once? Is there someway to know other than everyone put down their names (Even if its just a tag line or something?) There is a good chance that Ron Paul's votes are skewed. Signed, Cautious Raytownite

Anonymous said...

Clinton

Anonymous said...

Ill pick Edwards

Anonymous said...

I like Edwards.

Anonymous said...

This is not an exact science. Apparently I am not the only person on the internet at this time of day. Why would someone think that things are 'skewed'. It sounds like another conspiracy theory.

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon January 28, 2008 5:22 PM, I have a bad memory, but to the best of my recollection, the cruise missles Clinton sent to Africa hit CIVILIAN targets!

Anon January 29, 2008 4:46 AM and others, I think any survey or poll is skewed, Especially the Raytown satisfaction survey! Maybe Greg just wants to do it to get the opinion of Raytowners knowing it is not scientific. What interests me is the votes Ron Paul is getting when Shanin & Parks (KMBZ 980 4-7PM) as well as other talk show hosts said that Ron Paul is not a viable candidate.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

There is no way that I can tell if people are voting more than once. The poll does allow you to pick your choice from each political party. It could very well be that Ron Paul is that choice over the other candidates on the Republican slate.

The people who post on this blog are very outspoken and independent. Ron Paul as a choice for some does not surprise me anymore than Barack Obama's high numbers surprise me.

You could also have people voting for a lesser candidate in an opposing party. That may explain Edwards high number as well.

On the other hand -- maybe people are just putting down what they feel.

So far it is a very small sampling. Let's see how it shakes out in the week to come.

And remember, we are on the honor system

Anonymous said...

Hi Everyone,

The state Of Missouri Democratic Party is holding their mass caucus meetings state wide on February 28, 2008 to select delegates for the State Convention in May and the National Convention in August.

The Raytown Democratic Caucus is February 28th at the Painters Hall Local #9, 9902 East 62nd Street, doors open at 6:30 P.m. and Close at 7:30 p.m. (there can be no exceptions on those times). No one will be admitted after 7:30 p.m.. The Meeting will be held on the lower level at the back of the building.

It is open to all voters who wish to participate but You MUST HAVE VOTED in the FEBRUARY 5th PRIMARY to be a participant. You need to be a resident of and be registered to vote in Jackson County, at least 18 years of age, declare yourself a Democrat and not a member of any other politcal party.

If you have any questions you can contact Sandy Hartwell 353-4431.

We have not had a good turn out in the past so please tell your friends we need all of you democrats to be there. It should be a fun time.

P.S. Also if you are interested in becoming a delegate to either the State or National Conventions please let me know.

Sandy H.

Anonymous said...

I would never vote for a Demorat and for the Republicans Huckabee has my vote.

Anonymous said...

Obama scares me to death. He says he will change things but can't say what he would change. Beware if he can't tell us that we are in for trouble if he gets elected.

Anonymous said...

Poll Ticker . . .

REPUBLICAN:
Rudy Giuliani . . . . 0
Mike Huckabee . . . . 3
John McCain . . . . . 5
Ron Paul. . . . . . . 5
Mitt Romney . . . . . 1

DEMOCRAT:
Hillary Clinton . . . 1
Barack Obama. . . . . 5
John Edwards. . . . . 7

Anonymous said...

Republican:
Mike Huckabee


Democrat:
Barack Obama

Anonymous said...

You can take Guiliani off the list, he's due to withdraw tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Good! Another Republican bites the dust! Hopefully all the rest will too! I am sick and tired of the GOP way!

Anonymous said...

Mitt Romney -- the only electable republican running.

There aren't any democrats worth voting for this time around.

Anonymous said...

Huckabee on the Republican side.

Obama on the Democratic side.

Anonymous said...

Obama if I were a democrat.

McCain because I am a republican.

Anonymous said...

Looks like you can scratch Edwards off the list too!

Anonymous said...

Snow removal in the city of Raytown.. First they tend to skip the side streets and then when they do work on them they have forgotten how to adjust their spreaders. They are throwing salt half way up to our house. Take care of the street and leave my driveway and YARD alone. Doesn't this public works director even get out of his office to check on these guys? We just keep going downhill, will it ever end?

Anonymous said...

I'm for Huckabee.

I will not vote for or give a preference on a Democrat.

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon 9:29 AM, I suggest you give Public Works a call. The number should be in the phone book or call the main number 737-6000. It sounds like you may have a claim against the city for killing your lawn.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Obama and McCain.

Anonymous said...

I am helping run the Huckabee campaign in Missouri, so he gets my vote.

I spent all day with the Governor yesterday in Jeff City and St. Louis. He's convinced he will win Missouri, and I agree.

Looks like he will be back in Missouri, in Springfield, on Friday afternoon. For all the supporters on here, it's an easy 3 hour drive :)

Anonymous said...

Anybody but Hillary.

Democrat Barak Obama

Republican Ron Paul

Anonymous said...

Just remember his name is,
Barack "Hussein" Obama.

Anonymous said...

remember it's George W "War" Bush

Anonymous said...

even though he missed the Vietnam one...coward!

Anonymous said...

Gee,Mark you are a real GOP suck a$$ !

I wish all the Retardplecians would just fall off the face of the earth!

Anonymous said...

Clinton gets it.

Never voted republican. Never, ever will!

If everyone wants a war going on, 3,4,and 5 dollar per gallon gas, 4 and 5 dollar a gallon milk, and a bunch of low paying jobs (under 15 dollars per hour) then by all means vote Republican.

If you want REAL CHANGE like a balanced budget, and a better economy, better paying jobs, then you had better wise up and vote DEMOCRAT!

Don't be fooled by the single issues either like they are gonna take our guns or they are pro life or pro choice, or pro gay or anti gay. That is what the Republicans want you to do. These issues NEVER go away because the Republicans NEVER want them to go away. They use these issues to their advantage around every election time! Same goes for the so called "Christians" in this country. What a fine President that George W Bush is, isnt he!

Anonymous said...

Poll Ticker . . .

REPUBLICAN:
Rudy Giuliani. . . . . 0 Withdrawn
Mike Huckabee. . . . . 8
John McCain. . . . . . 7
Ron Paul.. . . . . . . 6
Mitt Romney. . . . . . 2

DEMOCRAT:
Hillary Clinton. . . . 1
Barack Obama.. . . . . 11
John Edwards.. . . . . 7 Withdrawn

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon 1:17PM, "Hussein" is a common name in part of the world just like Jones, Smith, White, Anderson, Gonzales, Chaves, and Romero. By the way "Jesus" pronounced "Hey sus" is a common Spanish name like John, Michael, or David.

We can't judge a person by his/her name.

Disclaimer: I do not acknowledge or deny support of Mr. Obama.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Lee Gray here.....

You know, Mark, early on I liked Huckabee. He seemed real and sincere. And I liked his humor until he became a stand up comedian. (In Arkansas we'll tell 'em where to put the flag pole. Cute but cheap regards the Confederate Battle Flag in South Carolina.)

Personally, I think you deserve a medal for wasting a whole day with Gov. Blount. I've known his dad forever (since he was Mo Sec of State)...and always liked Roy Boy personally. But Matt is too much! Mission Accomplished...so he's not running again. Please! He knew Nixon would kick his butt.

Springfield is not an easy 3 hour drive. It's one of the most tedious drives in Missouri...right alone with the one to Jefferson City...which is why I never ran for state representative from here.

Noticed you decided against continuing our "recession" dialogue. Don't blame you. Smile

Best wishes to all. Enjoy reading your comments. And, thanks Greg, for providing a sounding board to Raytowners which none of the papers could come close to!

Lee Gray PS. Obama is looking real good as things weed out!

Anonymous said...

It really doesn't matter, the Dems will try to lose the election again. That way they can just complain about how awful everything is and not actually have any responsibility. The Reps, will take it and continue as they see fit, pissing of the Dems. If you really want change, we need to find a candidate that has the people in mind, not a party. Too damn many blind party go'ers out there. Just look at the Ridiculous people that would "never vote" one way or the other. How can you ever have change if you are so closed minded? It will be nice when all the people that think like that are finally in homes, and can't drive to the polls. We don't need them. Just like the parties, and the unions, there was a time and place, but not in today's world. And before everyone goes off half cocked, I grew up in a union family (UAW) and was a member of the Machinist's union for 10 years I do know what I am talking about.

Anonymous said...

Fine, Brother! What, are you a scab now or a rat?

Anonymous said...

I suppose you buy all made in china crap, drive a jap car, make 10.00 per hour at a rat job with no benefits. Dang, what a great living wage! You are part of the problem, not the solution.

Anonymous said...

Actually, management is my job now, and I drive a KC built F150. Oh and make about $40 an hour with pretty good benefits. Not sure what I have that is Chinese, other than PF Changs for dinner every now and then,very tasty.

Pat Casady said...

I don't get it.
I never have got it.

We the middle class, hard working, tax paying people backing the
very people that screw us day in and day out.
Republicans or Democrats it doesn't matter. They take our hard earned money and spend it any way they see fit to make them look good to the people (Big Business) that backed them with huge donations so they can help the these corporate people make even more money.

I don't care if it's federal, state or local government it will give and do everything
it can to woo these big businesses. None of the above do a damn thing to help
the people that work and pay taxes everyday. From eminent domain to illegal aliens taking American jobs, companies moving American jobs to Mexico or China. Sprint chose to let go most of their American employees and sent
their jobs to India. (I will never use Sprint or AOL for this reason.)

The problem with this system of electing a president in this country is, a true hard working, common sense person will never become president because he or she can't afford to spend the millions of dollars it takes
to acquire this four hundred thousand dollar a year job..................
I doubt that few if any front runners understand what the everyday person has to do just to survive.
Doesn't this tell you anything?
It just doesn't matter who gets in there, we're going to pay for it, one way or the other. The fat cats will get fatter and we will wonder why we can't afford to do anything but work.

Anonymous said...

I read where Spring Valley Elementary recently had a soldier that had served in Iraq speak to the student body. Instead of promoting stories about war, I would rather our children be taught that there are other ways to resolve conflict than fighting and killing. Is this really setting a good example for our young children? School administrators should really think about this.

Anonymous said...

Geez Pat, with the description you give, sounds like Nikita Krushchev was right....the Communists have succeeded without a shot, we now have a ruling party and a worker class...

Andy Whiteman said...

The reason Pat cites for not using Sprint is the same reason not to use AT&T. They worsened my disability and forced me out. Then I found that my job was in India. Their rates are too high so I buy my Long Distance elsewhere.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:19
The soldier's visit to Spring Valley had nothing to do with promoting fighting and killing. Yes, he had his uniform on and he did answer a few questions about what he did. However, what he talked about and showed pictures of was about life in Iraq, especially as compared to life in America. The students at Spring Valley were most interested in what life was like for kids their age in Iraq. It was even somewhat humbling for the older students.

This was a payback to the students at the school who adopted this soldier and his platoon. They have corresponded with the soldiers and sent care packages. Along the way, they have learned about others in the world as well as putting into practice sharing and caring.

As for resolving conflict, Spring Valley has always practiced peaceful methods, including student mentors.

Pat Casady said...

Anonymous 11:04,
I don't think we are in that bad of shape and sometimes I get a little carried
away but, we do have a society of haves and have not's.
And there will never be an everyday person in the White House.
A person that actually understands what the working people have to do
to live in this country. Elected officials don't need to worry about health care because
after they are elected they have it free for life. After we elect someone to
the senate or congress they always vote themselves a raise.
Yes, we still have the best system in the world...............I think, but it's beginning
to feel like it's broken. Money it seems will get you anything you want.
It can get you off for murder, it can get you elected to office and you never have
keep promises you made to get elected.
If I'm wrong please set me straight.

Anonymous said...

I still believe that educating our children are the teachers jobs, not the military. With all that our children are seeing on the nightly news about Iraq, I'm sure it is rather difficult to separate what the soldier told them from all the bombings, fighting, and killings. Believe that we should be setting a better example than promoting war.

Anonymous said...

Why would you let your children watch the nightly news?

Anonymous said...

Since when does a 20 minute assembly with a soldier mean that the military is educating the kids in place of the teachers? I would also venture a guess that not more than 1% of elementary students even watch news and are not making the connection you suggest. This was simply a soldier on leave thanking the students who sent letters and care packages, not an advertisement for the war or a recruiting pitch. I am sure Spring Valley would welcome you to come by any time and see the many ways that they encourage the students to work out conflict in a peaceful manner.

Anonymous said...

Lee,

To be more clear (my bad) I spent all day Tuesday traveling with Governor HUCKABEE, not Governor Blunt. Will be with him again tomorrow night.

As for the recession, I saw today we had .6% growth last quarter. Hard to recess while growing. But, you go on being a sourpuss. Smile.

Anonymous said...

Mark, you are a GOP sucka$$!

Anonymous said...

thanks for correcting me, Mark.
I am a sourpuss! smile
Best wishes/Lee

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon 2:11PM, What child watches the nightly news? That is when I did my homework so I could watch TV after the news. (I assume you mean the evening news because children shouldn't be up to the 10PM news (at least my bedtime was 9PM).

Re: Spring Valley: Children learn better from someone who have actually been there rather than the teacher. They got a break from class so did not consider it teaching. Besides that they deserved a "Thank you" for what they did for that unit. That is common courtesy. It would have been extremely rude to ignore the children after what they did. What type of manners do we want to teach the children?

Pat, I agree about the rich getting elected to office. I wonder why a person who doesn't need the job of President or Congressperson spends a fortune to get a job that pays very little compared to their wealth?

I think our early Persidents may have been workers. At least they were closer to the work than our Presidents today are. My recollection is that besides chopping down a cherry tree, Lincoln worked his way up as an attorney. Times have really changed.

I would like to see an ordinary person become President, but doubt it will happen.

Lee and Mark, what is the government telling us when it cuts the prime rate 3/4% and then 1/2%? Do they feel recession is here or maybe near. Yes, much of it was caused by poor lending practices.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

I can tell you for a fact why the Retardplecans continue to spend huge amounts of money on a $400,000/yr. job and it is very straightforward. It is so that they can make lots more money for their campaign contributors and themselves, again BIG BUSINESS! Forget about the working man and the middle class again, and the poor and working poor, yes, there is a working poor class and that is included when they talk about the economy and job growth. Their idea of a growing economy is to close plants here, send those higher paying jobs overseas, and create more minimum wage and part time minimum wage jobs here to take their place. Bottom line is that it really benefits BIG BUSINESSES huge profits and corporate greed. They always toot their horn about all these 'NEW JOBS' that have been created. If those new jobs are so great, try raising a family, owning a home, and a car on the wages provided by one of those jobs. Plus they generally do not provide health insurance, although they may offer it for the employee to purchase on their own(what a real benefit). We really cannot afford another 4 years of a Republican President. It has taken 8 years of one to wreck the economy. If people truly want change, and someone who will FIGHT for the working man, vote Democratic!

Anonymous said...

Do you really believe the democrats (whom I believe have been 8 of the 10 richest presidents) are in it help the middle class? Hillary really seems like she cares about you and me, NOT!! She may be the biggest bi**h in the world, but she's a Democrat, so the lemmings follow her lead.

I just did a search on the US constitution, and did not find the part about everyone should recieve a home, car and health insurance, maybe you could point that out for us. You know some people are very content having a limited pay/responsibility job and just partying their life away.

I agree that healthcare is important, but it is sometimes cost prohibitive especially for small businesses that everyone here seems to wan to help. Pat and Greg you are small business owners, do you have healthcare for your employees? If not, do you get it somewhere else? Just curious.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 4:55 a.m., I let it go the first time but know I can't do it again, obviously you do not have, or worked with a child that has special needs, your nickname for the Republicans is neither cute or funny. I read that I don't go any further.

Pat Casady said...

Guys, it really doesn't matter who gets in as president. These people
will tell you what they think you want to here and then never think about you again. It's the same even on a local basis.
People will say and do anything to get your vote then won't care if your job goes to Mexico, India, or China. Fact is they probably own stock in some of these
companies that leave the US and will profit from us losing our jobs.
Ask yourself this question:
When was the last time any politician local, state or federal did anything to make your life better?
Our local politicians have done their best to kill Raytown and even as we write there are a few businesses getting ready to fold up.
I guarantee they don't have a clue who they are either.
But I guess Mr. Wenson's plan is still working even though he is gone.

Anonymous said...

Where is Mayor Bower? Is he ever going to step up and exhibit some leadership? And the more he praises the failed Frank administration, the more foolish he looks. He continues to allow this dumb city council to walk all over him. Really, really, disappointed in him. Did I waste my vote?

Anonymous said...

Pat, you mention something here I want to expand upon a little more. "Fact is they probably own stock in some of these companies that leave the US and will profit from us losing our jobs."

Everyone,
This is very true...how many of you have a 401k or own personal stock in the company? How many of you get jumpy when the 'earnings' reports come back & you realize you will not make your magical 10-20% ROI on your investment? What do the majority of investors do?
Answer is: Most will dump the poor performing stock. Now think of the message this drives to a CEO, CFO Board Member of a large or small corporation of a publicly held company....it means eliminate or minimzie the cost so we can MAXIMIZE the SHAREHOLDER's VALUE.

I think we all agree this is short-term thinking...but with that type of pressure (i.e. Wall Street says my company needs to deliver x% of growth or they will not recommend my stock), does it surprise you that a lot of companies are offshoring/outsourcing?

My point is this...most of the Behaviour a person sees from a Corporation is driven by the very people that consume the products they produce....i.e. you and I who invest in the Stock Market expecting a certain return, then have issues with how much the product(s) cost, so we run out to the "lowest cost" provider without ever thinking of the impact to our local, regional or national (disregard the global) economy.
So the next time you blame the government or the company...look in the mirror because your behaviour is more than likely a large contributor to the problem.

Justin Tomac

Anonymous said...

7:22am anonymous, I started off on this message and I was going to apologize for what I had said, but I realized that I don't really have to. I am tired of being politically correct so I generally call it as I see it.

You see, it seems to be okay for a republican to poke fun at the democrats or any other party for that matter. I am sick and tired of all these high and mighty republicans that live in glass houses. It is okay for Rush (UGGH!) Limberger cheese head to call them demo whatevers, and that is acceptable. That is a bunch of garbage!

I personally do not see the Republicans or whatever I want to call them having a viable plan that I agree with for the next four years. They most certainly do not get my vote.

As for the person that said that they studied the US Constitution that said they could not find anything about a car, health insurance, or home ownership in there, are you stupid or what? Of course it is not in there. Apparantly you did not understand someones commentary! You probably should re read it before you comment.

Anonymous said...

Yes, some people have already conditioned themselves when it comes to shopping. Some of us do not patronize Wal Mart. Some of us look at the labels and see where items are made. If one is ever vigilant you can purchase a lot of products made here in the USA. Some of the items may cost a little more, but I am willing to pay more to keep their jobs here in this country. At the same time I am getting a far superior product than the cheap forign made crap. Of course, there are some instances where you have to give up because they no longer make that product here in the US anymore. So sometimes we have to settle for a cheaply made product from another country of origin instead or do without.

We are all guilty of helping to farm a lot of our manufacturing jobs overseas or to Mexico by looking to buy the cheapest of items. Sometimes cheaper is not better.

Anonymous said...

1st Choice: Mike Huckabee
2nd Choice: Mitt Romney
3rd Choice: John McCain
4th Choice: Ron Paul

The last Democrat I voted for (for President) was Jimmy Carter, which was a mistake I will always regret. I was relatively young and void of good judgment at that point in my life. Unless the Democrat and Republican parties change their platforms drastically I couldn't vote for a Democrat for President.

Anonymous said...

Greg, these three votes looked rather suspicious to say the least, all on Jan.29th at 4:38 AM, 4:39 AM, and 4:41 AM. Probably just a coincidence (NOT)!


Anonymous said...
Clinton
January 29, 2008 4:38 AM


Anonymous said...
Ill pick Edwards
January 29, 2008 4:39 AM


Anonymous said...
I like Edwards.
January 29, 2008 4:41 AM

Anonymous said...

All these votes look suspicious. We had better count the hanging chads. It is Florida all over again. Jeb Bush is involved in the fraudulent voting going on here. The Republican and Democratic votes have been comprimised. This reeks of a conspiracy!

Now just how is anyone going to prove anything here? How many republicans have voted on here more than once? How many democrats have voted on here more than once? At any given time there are literaly hundreds of thousands of internet users on the web at all times, day and night. Anything is possible. those are legitimate votes, now you are going to discount them and make up new rules as we go along. Just like Florida all over again. Just because those were posted so close together doesnt mean a thing. I know that I have posted before and someone else has posted within a minute of my post before, and that happening is not uncommon.

Andy Whiteman said...

I think the person that said that they studied the US Constitution that said they could not find anything about a car, health insurance, or home ownership in there was making an intelligent comment. I think what he/she is really saying was that the Constitution gives us the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happyiness but not to entitlements. We have the right to WORK for the car, health insurance, and home owner ship. As my father put it, "The world does NOT owe you a living."

I question why illegal aliens are entitled to free health care, welfare, and housing? Good fences make good neighbors, but the city government in Raytown is against good fences.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Oh my, the democrats are getting more and more votes... we need a recount. We can't possibly let this happen at any cost. This would be very bad for us. Change the rules. Grow up and get a life room monitor!

Anonymous said...

Andy, who said that anyone was ever entitled to a free car, house, or health insurance. You see, there is someone out there twisting and distoring words(misinterpretation).

I can understand what was being communicated earlier and it was obviously taken out of context.

When one goes to work they expect to get paid a fair wage usually with fringes. Business likes to try to make as much profit as possible, even if it is at the expense of its loyal employees. Sometimes the owners of businesses keep increasing their income and lifestyles while their employees do not get increases in wages. Sometimes these owners hve so much greed that they eliminate jobs here and go out of the country for cheap labor so that they can reap even more profit for themselves. Sometimes they use other dishonest tactics against their employees to reap the huge profits. Most often these businesses, both large and small, side with the Republicans and their ideology. I do not care how much anyone wants to argue this point with me because the facts stand for themselves on this issue. The Republican party has single handedly destroyed laws that were enacted to protect workers and workers rights, all for their own benefit monetarily. They have been trying to infringe upon ones right to belong to a labor union. The condition of the economy is their fault. The democrats had a balanced budget and a budget surplus to boot, then Bush got in as president. Within a month he managed to destroy the surplus, and it has been downhill ever since. Now I can see what is wrong with Raytown, we have way too many Republicans out there. They like things all screwed up.

Anonymous said...

Republican-Mike Huckabee

Democrat-What a scary thought!

Anonymous said...

We have a Republican mayor and way too many Republicans on the board of aldermen,Melson, Schlapia, Fleming, Creamer, Azier, Hamilton, White and maybe more, this is what is WRONG WITH RAYTOWN.

Anonymous said...

To: Anonymous February 2, 2008 7:44 AM

“What is WRONG WITH RAYTOWN” has nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats. There are idiots on both sides of the fence (and if the shoe fits wear it); it has to do with who the people are voting into office on the City Counsel. Which by the way is overwhelmingly Democrat (voters) in Raytown, so your Republican theory has absolutely no merit! Plus your information about which aldermen are dedicated to a certain political party is not correct.

Anonymous said...

To Anonymous Feb.2, 2008 9 A.M. I beg to differ with you about the politics of the BOA. Been around here a long time and these people may tell you one thing but most of us know their TRUE political affiliation. The only thing that you got right is there are a GROUP OF IDIOTS on the board of aldermen. As for who is voting in city elections, it's so few anymore it is very hard to tell. Just tells me most people are so disgusted about city government that they won't even vote. The MAJORITY of voters have given up on Raytown.

Andy Whiteman said...

Anon 11:32 PM, You are correct. Obviously that writer thinks he is entiled to a car, health care, and a house. I can agree with you about big business because my employer poisoned me to force me out while they sent my job to India. When I call for technical support or customer service at many companies I get people who can't speak enough English to understand what I want. That is one reason I will never buy another Epson printer even thought I used to like their quality.

Anon 9:29 AM, from what you said about the BOA and voters, I am led to conclude that the majority of those few voters who are voting in city elections are idiots since they are voting for idiots. The intelligant people need to get out and vote to get control away from idiots.

Andy Whiteman

Andy Whiteman said...

PS. I can name some on the BOA who are not idiots. Obviously the idiots forgot to turn out in these wards.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Based on the number of ballots pulled in the last major contested primary, Raytown is about 68-32 in favor of Democrats.

I would beg to differ about the affiliation of some of the BOA members listed. The author may think anyone opposed to the RDA is a Republican. In truth, the RDA probably represents well less than 10% of the Democrats in Raytown.

And, for what it is worth, most partisan politics are over national issues, not local. Which is why our BOA or Mayor don't run as partisans.

Anonymous said...

The reason that our mayor and board of aldermen run as nonpartisan is that's the only way Republicans can get elected in Raytown. Try to hide you party affiliations, but a lot of us know.

Anonymous said...

My vote is for Mike Huckabee; hope he gets the nomination on the Republican side.

As far as any of the Democrats, I would have to say "none of the above".

Anonymous said...

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

Andy Whiteman said...

I saw in the KC Red Star today that one of the cities towards the north which is smaller than Raytown is seeking a City Administrator. I certainally hope Raytown decides that job is unnecessary. That money could be better used resurfacing the streets, installing street lights, or just about anything other than hiring a tie wearing chair warmer who has to ask the BOA for permission to make a decision.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

Poll Ticker . . .

REPUBLICAN:
Rudy Giuliani. . . . . 0 Withdrawn
Mike Huckabee. . . . . 11
John McCain. . . . . . 7
Ron Paul.. . . . . . . 6
Mitt Romney. . . . . . 2

DEMOCRAT:
Hillary Clinton. . . . 1
Barack Obama.. . . . . 11
John Edwards.. . . . . 7 Withdrawn

I will do one final count tonight. But it appears that most who want to vote have voted.

Pat Casady said...

It doesn't matter what political party the BOA members are.
The fact is most are followers not doers.
Who, if in in their right mind, would have voted to give away all
that sales tax income if they really knew what it would do to this town?
They were talked into it buy by the last administrator.
But they still don't get it. They still think like him because most of them were there when he was here.
Most of them don't even have a clue that the Center 63 will be vacant in less than two years. They focus all their attention to that damn Wal-Mart and have lost touch with the businesses that are here.
Raytown needs and the people should demand a true Economic Director.
We don't need another City Administrator that is using Raytown for a steppingstone to move elsewhere.
Raytown is losing businesses and I don't think they care. They have
settled on Wal-Mart to save this town and instead quite the reverse
will happen.
Not only are businesses leaving but just the knowledge that a huge
Wal-Mart is coming to town, property values are taking a dive.

So you see it just doesn't matter if they are Republican or Democrat.
They should have been smart Raytowner's first.

Anonymous said...

The BOA, Mayor, new Finance Director and new City Administrator must have an audit completed so that we know where we stand on fiscal concerns. The past Finance Director and Senior Accountant left for a reason and it very well could be that they saw the writing on the wall for the finances at City hall

Anonymous said...

Democrat - Hillary

Republican - Romney

Anonymous said...

Poll Ticker - The Final Count!

The final count is in. Everyone remember to vote early tomorrow - a storm could make a big difference in late results.

REPUBLICAN:
Rudy Giuliani. . . . . 0 Withdrawn
Mike Huckabee. . . . . 11
John McCain. . . . . . 7
Ron Paul.. . . . . . . 6
Mitt Romney. . . . . . 3

DEMOCRAT:
Hillary Clinton. . . . 2
Barack Obama.. . . . . 11
John Edwards.. . . . . 7 Withdrawn

Anonymous said...

New Budget 3.1 trillion dollars

Another reason to vote Democratic!

Exercise your right to vote!

Anonymous said...

Since so many Republicans were cavalier about not naming a Democrat and commenting that none of them are worthwhile, I considered pulling a GOP ballot today just to mess up their primary. You know...give them what they deserve! Another loser like Geo W Bush-it

Andy Whiteman said...

Did anyone have trouble finding the poll? AT 5PM there were so many cars at Raytown High that I expected a long line. They were going to have a Basket Ball game and to poll was stuck in the dungeon.

All who were no longer in the race were on the ballot. I questioned what if someone voted for one of these people and was told that the ballot wouldn't be counted.

Andy Whiteman said...

THIS IS A NONPARTISAN JOKE THAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY BOTH PARTIES!

While walking down the street one day a US Senator is tragically hit by a
truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems
there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you
see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the man.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is
have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose
where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down,
down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle
of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in
front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with
him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, Shake
his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while
Getting Rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and
champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a
good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time
that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator
rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St.
Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls
moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a
good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St.
Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose
your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never
have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I
think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to
hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren
land covered with waste and garbage.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and
putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I
don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and
there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar,
drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a
wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"



The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning.
Today you voted."

Anonymous said...

If someone voted for a candidate no longer in the running, then they are sorely uninformed and I'm glad their vote won't count.

Pat Casady said...

If you haven't heard by now Raytown is about to lose another business.
City Grounds Coffee Shop is going out.
This was Raytown's first coffee shop.
Along with a great lady that owns this shop was some of the very best coffee I have ever tasted.
I truly hate to here of any businesses in Raytown closing but the circumstances
that lead to this stores demise even made me a little sick to my stomach.
First the economy, nobody can control this. Then the cost of doing business,
you can only cut back expenses so far and rent is set.
Sheri would have had no trouble handling these two business problems but she couldn't fight City Hall or the Chamber.
You see when an old friend of the cities and the chambers opened up the same kind of business the term fair play went out the window.
At nearly every meeting of the cities, Mr. Tim Truesdale pushed her competition.
Sheri, a member of the Chamber, was also let down by the Chamber.
They pushed her competition too.
Nobody in business will blame fair competition because with fair competition you both have a level playing field. This instance was far from fair.
Both the city employee and the Chamber were so one sided it caused financial damage to City Grounds and forced her out of business.

I would suggest the city look into the ethics of this but I don't think it would make a damn bit of difference but I will say this, I will never trust the city
and I will never ever join the Chamber of Commerce. There is no point.
If you aren't a friend of the system you simply need not apply.

Anonymous said...

The Chamber is and has always been about the Chamber, not the local businessman. It's sad that they are so self centered and that's probably why their membership is way down to what it was a few years ago. Again you see the "good ole boy" system at work not only at the Chamber, but also at city hall with that silly Truesdale out pushing his friend's business. There is still room for more housecleaning at city hall.

Anonymous said...

Pat, if Sherri can proove your statements in court, I suggest she get a good attorney who is willing to work on a contigent basis and SUE ALL INVOLVED not only personally the also the Chamber and the City. The city is responsible for the actions of its employees.

Anonymous to avoid city harassment

Anonymous said...

Where is the snow removal? If they would push the side streets today they could save a lot of salt and road repairs in the future.

Anonymous said...

What snow removal? Same as usual.
There are 3 little potholes on the trafficway at the end of the city's island (turn into Center 63)that have been there at least a month. Two days ago when the weather was 68 degrees it would have taken 3 buckets of asphalt, one guy and a shovel to provide a temporary fix after A MONTH! But NOOOOOOOOOOO! That would require a city employee noticing the problem, which he can't because he doesn't live here, doesn't shop here and would have to get out of his truck.

Pat Casady said...

To Anonymous 8:25
Though I would like to see these people pay for their deeds I
doubt they were breaking any laws.
Being unethical should cost jobs and members but probably won't
and I don't think there is a law suit there either.
The facts are, it's very hard to make a business go in Raytown.
Not only is there the threat of Wal-Mart taking away what little business, business owners have in this town but, if you don't belong to the the various
clubs or clicks and don't have the political pals, it's doubtful you will make it here.
It didn't used to be this way. It wasn't that long ago that the city treated everybody
the same. Then came the snakes from out of town. Most are gone now but they taught lying, stealing and back stabbing. After all it's easier to screw over
people than it is to be fair. I guess it's just easier to push your friends business
than it is to be ethical too.

Anonymous said...

Greetings and Readings from the Salamander:

Time for a few reality checks.

How about that Kansas City School Board? Where else on planet earth could you find a group quite as stupid and out of it as in the KCMSD?

They fire another superintendent because he is obviously not doing the job. Does he leave? Not yet. First he must sit on his butt for six months working as a consultant -- all for a pittance -- $250,000.00 for the 180 days.

What company in the world would fire an individual for not doing his job; then retain him as a consultant at such an outrageous price?

Why would anyone with the brains of an ant go to such a consultant for any reason.

Remember: It is your tax dollar at work and those controlling it are working mightily to screw every penny.

Speaking of school districts: How about Raytown -- The Home of Quality Schools (whatever that means) wants a property tax increase which it claims will go in its entirety for teacher’s salaries.

The tax, if it passes, (God forbid) would raise over 5.6 million dollars; we are told every dime has been pledged to teacher’s salaries. The Salamander has obtained some interesting figures.

The Raytown district has about 500 teachers. If we divide the 5.6 million into 500 parts it appears each teacher will get a hefty pay raise, averaging $11,200.00 per teacher, per year.

An $11,200.00 pay increase at one time for all teachers is not too bad for a district which claims it is scraping for money to keep the doors open.

“Pass the poverty, please.”

Last but not least. Are Raytown’s two weekly papers ever going to tire of telling readers how professional our staff at city hall is?

Professionalism projects itself. It is not necessary to hammer us week after week about how lucky we are to have all those dedicated, overworked experts on the payroll.

Specifically, quoting a city administrator who left his job (or was forced to leave) with only two days’ notice is an insult; especially when he claims we now have the most professional staff on line at city hall in its entire history.

What does he know about past administrations? He was here hardly two years. In addition to that, the mayor and council must not have been too impressed with his tenure. If they were, why was he told to clean out his desk and be gone within 48 hours after his resignation?

Perhaps it is time to get real in Raytown. We should quit deluding our rational.

Andy Whiteman said...

I forgot to check in last night.

February 6, 2008 10:52 AM, Are you kidding? What street repair? I complained about a section of street destroyed by tractor trailers over 2 years ago. This still has not been repaired and is now a safety hazard! This same area of street was skipped last year with NO overlay and is so bad it antagonizes my dog. I think the noise bothers her because I can hear it too! The money is better spend on tie wearing chair warmers. The people don't need street repair.

February 6, 2008 11:24 AM, The city does not spend time looking for pot holes. Someone needs to report them. My report is over 2 years old and has been made numerous times. Maybe it takes someone being injured before something is done.

Andy Whiteman

Anonymous said...

The city can be sued if their neglect causes an accident, especially if it has been brought to their attention. Put it in writing to the department head and copy all elected officials and the city attorney. Building a good case.

Anonymous said...

Gosh Mr. Whiteman, considering your support for and chummy relationship with the mayor I'm surprised you can't get that road fixed. If it was that important to me I'd call City Hall every day and every time you are on TV in front of the council you should bring it up. Regards one of your earlier comments I'm still waiting to see your list of "intelligent aldermen."
To whoever said that the BOA is not dominated by Republicans, look again.
See where Mitt the Twit has now bitten the dust and apparently whoever the guy on here is that was supporting the Huckster in Missouri he too is an also ran.
The the "Salamander," right on brother or sister. You've got it figured out.

Anonymous said...

Dear February 7, 2008 5:55 PM Anonymous. If you really believe that being a Democrat or Republican has (or has ever had) anything to do with good or bad decisions being made at Raytown City Hall you are absolutely out of your mind. If this is what you really believe I have but one question for you; were you born stupid or did that occur later on in life.

Anonymous said...

Well I don't know about all that and how to answer your question but I do know one thing, I've lost more IQ points than you ever had.

Anonymous said...

Hey anonymous above why didn't you just answer the anonymous above you with two words? Jim Aziere

Anonymous said...

Interesting... Kirkwood, Missouri must have had a similar situation as Raytown does. A high number of disgruntled citizens that obviously have problems with how the elected officials are running their town.

Sounds like the elected officials had better start LISTENING to the people and TAKE CARE of the residents in this town instead of looking after their own personal gain or pet projects, monuments, and the like.

I am amazed that nothing like that situation in Kirkwood has happened here or anywhere else.

Anonymous said...

Again all you need to do is look at these people sitting on the city council and most of them are Republican or tend to support Republican candidates. Check out their yard signs or their bumper stickers in the upcoming partisan elections. This will tell you the truth. And with the mismanagement that we've seen from Bush over the last 8 years, I believe it does matter what party is controlling our board of aldermen.

Pat Casady said...

Kirkwood?
I have to tell you guys I looked hard and long at the TV this morning hoping it wasn't Raytown they were reporting on.
I have known many people that would love to see Raytown City Hall
be blown away in a tornado or just vanish. At least the top floor.
Heck, I've been there.
I don't know what caused that man in Kirkwood to cross that line into
craziness and I would never condone what he did there but, in
a way I understand.
When you get a group of elected officials and city department heads
that tell each other what a great job they are doing day after day, they actually start to believe it. They quit listening to the people and if they screw over the right person you have a Kirkwood on your hands.
Truthfully, the way our City Hall treats businesses and people, I'm surprised someone hasn't gone nuts here.

Andy Whiteman said...

February 7, 2008 5:55 PM, I have mentioned the road issue at almost every BOA meeting. I now have another more frequently travelled road (part of the one way Raytown Rd) to add to the list. I feel like I am talking to a wall. The only response I got was from a dpeartment head who said they can't afford to maintain the roads. I asked why is it the city expects people to comply with codes, but the city is in complete violation? He couldn't answer.

Calling City Hall every day is a waste of time as was the first call. A previous anonymous has a better idea of puting it in writing.

Seriously, if a tie wearing, chair warmer job such as CA was eliminated, the city would have some money for maintenance!

I don't put out a list of intelligent aldermen because it would be assumed the others are complete idiots. They know who they are anyway. Names have been mentioned by others so it seems rather obvious.

KIRKWOOD:
That was a horrible incident! It just prooves that there are "people" (really animals impersonating people) running around with a screw loose. Frankly, I am surprised that there is not security at board meetings such as a metal detector. I do not consider Chief Lynch sitting there as adequate securtity (no disrespect to him is intended) but he can only act after the crime has taken place. There needs to be prevention.

Maybe the board is afraid of something. I arrived at the last meeting a few minutes after 7PM and the doors were locked. I mentioned that maybe that was to keep people from speaking but they may have had other concerns.

Andy Whiteman

Pat Casady said...

Andy,
About the road repairs or the lack there of. Maybe they should forget the monuments and towers at intersections and fix the streets.
This is just another example of wasting tax dollars for things the city really doesn't need.
I remember what Lee Gray once wrote about the gateways and monuments that rings so true. He said "They were Gateways to the Grave Yard."
I guess when your car loses it's front end just after you pass one of these Gateways you can sit on the hood and say, What a nice monument.
Priorities be damned, who needs good streets anyway? But they better put up some new street lights so we can drive around all the holes, oops I forgot, we don't need them either. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

Lee Gray here.
Yes, Pat I wrote that but the late Claton Viebrock gets credit for that line. He was right then and he's still right.
Best wishes/Lee

Anonymous said...

When the first "Gateway" was built at 63rd and Blue Ridge Cutoff many citizens laughed and called it the "Gateway to Nowhere." I beginning to believe they knew what they were talking about.

Anonymous said...

Better contact the Fire Marshal here in Raytown and explain to him about the doors to a publc meeting place being locked while conducting the business at hand at the BOA Meetings..... Those doors are to remain unlocked even if it is a closed session. That is against the law, and the City is not above the law in this case, it is a matter of publc safety. Sorry Guys!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, Andy let's spend money on a metal dectator. Bullet-proof glass has already been put in the previous open windows to the finance department and the back door is locked to the public. Wouldn't need all that security or paranoia if the city officials weren't so arrogant. One reaps what he/she sows.

Anonymous said...

Why the heck are they spending money putting a 'gateway' at Raytown Rd and Gregory? That is not a gateway - it's an intersection. If you MUST spend all that money - put it where visitors see it entering when coming into town. Elsewhere is most definitely a waste.

Anonymous said...

Great, another target for my clunker automobile when I am drunk and trying to get home from the bar after the board meeting!

Barb

Anonymous said...

Such a tragedy in Kirkwood. It only goes to show what happens when people become frustrated with their government. All elected officials should take a look at themselves and see how they are treating people. When you start ignoring or failing to respond to the people that you were elected to represent bad things can happen. I only hope that our own city officials will not overreact by trying to install elaborate security measures, but instead take a look at themselves and how they do their jobs. A little kindness and understanding goes a long way in defusing these situations

Anonymous said...

I fIgured that BARB had a police escort in order for her to get home from the bars.

Andy Whiteman said...

Barb (if you are really Barb), You are in a position to repair the streets to protect your automobile as wells as everyone's.

There is about a 4" drop off from the street to the gutter at my drive way as well as along much of the street. I probably need an alignment, but it would be a waste of money until the city repairs the street. This dropoff is from poor quality overlays in the past. (If you do something about it and the nuisance violation of a street, you won't hear about it from me at every BOA meeting.)

Anonyomous Feb. 8, 2008 4:50 PM, A good point about notifying the Fire Marshall, but the doors were locked so people could not get IN. They could get out since the locks are released when the door is opened from the inside. I have previously complained about the wooden double door to the chamber having one side locked. This would hinder egress in an emergency. (Being a former firefighter, I take notice of fire code and safety violations. I was called "Mr. Safety" when I was in head injury rehab because I made an issue of all hazards.)
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I have always said that the Gateway project was a waste of money from the time construction started. True it looks nice, but what usefull purpose is served? Just drive past the beautiful Gateway and see crumbling streets and a code violation of an Olde Baptist Church which still needs to be paid off!

Andy Whiteman