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
Comments
Barrack Obama in the Dem
If Hillary was elected would she have sex with the interns like Bill did?
No democrat running is worth a vote, JMHO.
...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
There are not and will NEVER BE ANY Republicans including Ron Paul that are worthy of my vote!
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.
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
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...
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!
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
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!
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
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
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.
for Democrat Edwards.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Sorry, but there are not any dems that I feel good enough about to vote for
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
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
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
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.
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
Mike Huckabee
Democrat:
Barack Obama
There aren't any democrats worth voting for this time around.
Obama on the Democratic side.
McCain because I am a republican.
I will not vote for or give a preference on a Democrat.
Andy Whiteman
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 :)
Democrat Barak Obama
Republican Ron Paul
Barack "Hussein" Obama.
I wish all the Retardplecians would just fall off the face of the earth!
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!
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
We can't judge a person by his/her name.
Disclaimer: I do not acknowledge or deny support of Mr. Obama.
Andy Whiteman
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!
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.
Andy Whiteman
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.
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.
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.
I am a sourpuss! smile
Best wishes/Lee
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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...
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
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.
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
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.
Democrat-What a scary thought!
“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.
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
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.
As far as any of the Democrats, I would have to say "none of the above".
Andy Whiteman
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.
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.
Republican - Romney
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
Another reason to vote Democratic!
Exercise your right to vote!
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.
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."
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 to avoid city harassment
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Barb
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