Saturday, February 9, 2008
Sidewalks to Nowhere
Last Thursday’s Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting (broadcast on Raytown’s Public Television Channel 7) was an interesting one to watch. A heated debate took place on whether or not a business that plans to relocate in Raytown on 350 Highway should be required to build sidewalks along the right of way on 350 Highway and Blue Ridge Cutoff.
The location in question is the vacated Honda Dealership on 350 Highway on the city’s western border.
Mid America Coach specializes in converting automobiles, vans and buses for handicap use. They are anxious to move into the location. No one is opposed to that – in fact, they would be a welcome addition to a building that has set vacant for nearly ten years.
The problem is city staff has recommended the new occupants be required to build sidewalks on Blue Ridge Cutoff and 350 Highway.
After a number of motions, votes and re-votes, the Commission settled on a compromise – of sorts.
Since there are no sidewalks anywhere on 350 Highway it was decided to set aside the requirement for them build sidewalks at that location.
The same situation is also true for the Blue Ridge Cutoff frontage – there are no sidewalks anywhere along that street in Raytown. But for reasons that that are not clear, one member of the Commission, Tom Pettis, changed his vote on a similar motion that would have set aside the requirement on Blue Ridge Cutoff.
It appears that Ward 3 Alderman Christine White, who has a seat on the Commission next to Pettis, somehow persuaded him to change his vote after he had previously voted to exempt the business from the requirement.
Raytown has often been criticized for being a difficult town to open a business in. After watching the P&Z meeting the other night, it is hard not to agree.
Unlike Walmart and HyVee (who are also relocating on 350 Highway), Mid America Coach is not asking for a handout in the form of a TIF or Tax Abatement to pay the bill of opening up shop in Raytown. In fact, HyVee was never approached about putting in sidewalks along 350 Highway just one mile east of this location.
The issue will go before the Board of Aldermen for final approval in the near future. The Board has the authority and the ability to change the recommendation of the Commission.
It is rare that such action is taken, but this is one instance when it should be taken without hesitation.
An interesting footnote . . .
An interesting footnote to this story is another construction project underway on Blue Ridge Boulevard and Hunter Street. The School District is building a Day Care Center at the location. Even though it is a major project, they are not being required to build curbs or sidewalks at that location for the grade school age children to use.
State law exempts the District from the law being used by the city to require Mid America Coach on Blue Ridge Cutoff to build sidewalks.
In a strange twist of how we govern ourselves, the entity that produces the revenue (the private business) has rules enforced on it that are exempted on the entity (the School District).
Go figure!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
135 comments:
Sounds totally INSANE to me! Why do we need sidewalks to nowhere? Sounds like the bridge to nowhere in Alaska. I don't understand P&Z at all, especially after their idiotic decision on my fence which has cost money I really can't afford and created a safety hazard. I originally designed it so it wasn't a safety hazard.
Obviously P&Z wants to make it difficult for new business. It is really discrimination when Walmart is not required to have a sidewalk.
I think there is a safety issue when a school or daycare does not have a sidewalk especially on Blue Ridge! Who will be responsible when the first child is injured or, even worse, killed? I sure wouldn't want that responsibility.
When and how did Christine White get on P&Z? This is a real conflict of interest because she is an Alderperson and a Realtor.
Andy Whiteman
Greg I am aware of any such law? Where might I find it?
It is probably in the ever evolving Code of Ordinances of the City of Raytown that can be accessed from the City's website.
Andy, to answer your question about White being on P&Z. I believe that the mayor appointed her. And you are right, there is sooooo much potential for a conflict of interest. WHITE HAS NO BUSINESS SITTING ON P&Z. The good ole boy system is alive and well at Raytown city hall.
I wonder if this business would have demanded a handout TIF like Walmart, would the P&Z look the other way?
Speaking of sidewalks (or lack thereof), my children often accompany me on Sunday afternoon walks (too chilly today for that). Most of Raytown does not have a sidewalk. On the Streets/Paths that do, I would not consider them sidewalks based upon the condition they are in.
Is this the P&Z's way of creating more islands of concrete that will never be upkept? Guess the only way to justify an organization is to 'create' a need for it.
Justin Tomac
I was surprised there wasn't a coroner's inquest in the death of the teenager who went over the 63rd St. Bridge. If he'd have been on the south side of it, I'd have known he probably tripped over one of the large chunks of concrete curb on the broken sidewalk. City liability is certainly a question in my mind.
Some people seem to forget that some subdivisions in Raytown were put in some 50+ years ago when some of what Raytown is now was not even annexed yet so it was under County Rule. It was considered the country back then. Most streets started as gravel two lane roads, later to become paved over. They also had a drainage ditch on both sides of the roads, with culverts under the ends of the driveways which are intended for runoff stormwater, that is until the homeowners decide to fill in the drainage ditches and create problems for adjacent landowners. There were no sidewalks planned back then for these areas.
In later years as more subdivisions were built, the developers also incorporated sidewalks and curbs into the plan.
Sidewalks are nice if someone is going to take on the responsibility of maintaining them like the city should, as most homeowners are not going to do that as they usually are located on easements.
Why should the city impose ridiculous expectations on some businesses and not on other businesses? It is a discriminatory practice that needs to stop now!
Anon 6:22 p.m.,
Thanks for the history lesson. Since I moved here ~5 years ago, I surmised what you related but am now certain of the history.
I agree the city should have the obligation to maintain them. Unfortunately, it appears our City has issues on deciding who, what, when & where should be under whatever flavor of the week code there is.
Greg, has Raytown ever adopted a formal code or planning & zoning regulations or is this loosey-goosey (just luv the technicality of that term) like the rest of the cities codes?
Justin Tomac
I live near downtown in an neighborhood without sidewalks. My house was probably built in the early 60's. I would assume it was in the city when built but maybe sidewalks were not required at that time. I do have curb and gutter that ends at my property line. My former neighbor questioned whey she had no curb and gutter. I could only conclude that the subdivision ended at that point because her house is much older. Actually I am glad there are no sidewalks because I am unable to shovel snow. No sidewalks was a big buying point for me.
I have seen the trenchs for storm runoff. Reminds me of Mexico with open sewers. I discovered them when I fell into one while walking the dog after I first moved here.
Why should the city clear the sidewalks (if they are there)? Most cities have an ordinance requiring the property owner to clear sidewalks within 24 to 72 hours after the storm depending on the city I checked with City Hall a few years ago and Raytown had no ordinance requiring that sidewalks be cleared as of that time. That totally surprised because I had to walk in the street on 63rd. The homeowners couldn't clear them anyway because the city snow removal from streets was dumping onto sidewalks.
But I do agree that if sidewalks are required for new homes or businesses they should be required for ALL NEW homes or businesses. The exception would be when there obviously can't be pedestrian traffic such as the Honda dealer.
I agree with Justin that the city has issues of who, what, when, where, and the day of the week on enforcing codes. I also suspect it depends on who is doing the enforcing them and what side of the bed they got up from that morning.
By the way, which mayor appointed Christine White to P&Z? I never saw it in the agenda or heard it discussed in open session. Of course I didn't go to every meeting but still don't recall it in the agnda. Could it have been done in closed session?
Andy Whiteman
Mayor Bower would have appointed White to P&Z. It should have been done in open session on the agenda, probably by resolution adopted by the BOA.
Some answers to some questions are in order.
One write asked where they can find the law that exempts the school district from regulations on new construction requiring curbs and sidewalks.
I know there is a city ordinance requiring the construction of curbs and sidewalks when new construction is built on property in Raytown because I remember voting for it.
The ordinance does allow the Board of Aldermen to waive the requirement if they desire.
When I learned of the construction of a new day care center at Blue Ridge Elementary on Hunter Street between Blue Ridge Boulevard and
63rd Street (which is in my Ward) I called the Public Works Department at City Hall to remind the of the ordinance.
It was then that I was informed that the School District was exempt from the ordinance under State Law.
Considering all that the city has done for the school district in the last couple of years I believe they should make the improvements.
Incidentally, there are sidewalks to connect to on both Blue Ridge Boulevard and 63rd Street off of Hunter Street.
On the other hand, requiring a business to build (short sections of) sidewalks that do NOT connect to existing sidewalks is creating is an unreasonable demand on business looking to locate in Raytown.
----------
Jason Tomac asked if the Board has adopted any formal regulations for Planning and Zoning regarding sidewalks, etc.
Yes, they have -- but they are also subject to the Board for approval or change as they see fit.
For instance, if a builder develops a small subdivision, sidewalks would be required to front the new homes built. However, that does not mean that the Board must require a single home being built on a vacant lot to have a sidewalk in front of it.
Common sense should be the rule to follow. The Planning and Zoning Commission came up with a good compromise on building the sidewalks on 350 Highway by abating the the construction of sidewalks that do not connect or to or will be used by anyone.
However, requiring sidewalks on Blue Ridge that connnect to NOTHING does not make any sense.
The previous comment was written byh Greg Walters.
First off, Greg,
The term "common sense" with your fellow aldermen has no place.
Their track record of giving away, wasting and squandering away tax
dollars is a matter of record.
Second, this town should embrace any business that would even want
to try and open a business here. But we all know how that works. It
ain't gonna happen without someone in the city showing how stupid they
can be by showing the prospective new business who's boss of the world.
At least Raytown's ten square miles of it.
If Raytown wants sidewalks Raytown should put them in. How can Raytown justify
making a business install sidewalks that will probably never be used by more than
three or four people a month?
Common sense? Ya, Right!
All of the citizen based boards or committees usually have an alderman as a liason to those committees. What you may not know is the Mayor has a seat on P & Z as well. Although the last mayor and now the current mayor did not and does not now attend. It seems to me that the mayors would want to due everything that is required of them as mayor even if it is inconvenient. Maybe this mayor is just tired of it because he was on that board for 18 years and most of that time as chairman. Other mayor did attend those meetings every month why not now?
Andy,
Your house was built before the
60's. When I was a kid I use to walk down Willow on the way to my sisters who lived on 65 Street and that was in the early to 50's and that subdivision was there then.
You are right about the mayor having a seat on the P&Z. Why is Mayor Bower not fulfilling all of his responsibilities as mayor? Is he tired of the job already or just lazy like Sue Frank was?
Anonymous 10:01 AM, thanks for the info. About all I really know is the seller told me it was custom build for the orignal owner.
Anon 11:04 AM, I would like to see Mayor Bower actively particapate in P&Z. I think it is important for Raytown's growth. But the plain truth is if he went to every meeting of everything, he would have no free time. It is my understanding that the office of mayor is a part time job. If the mayor is expected to participate 24/7, then the office needs to be paid as a full time job.
As for a side walk on Blue Ridge & Hunter, I have not seen the area, but when children are involved, I feel it is a safety concern. Its only use might be a bus drop off or an auto drop off point. A sidewalk along with curb and gutter will establish a "boundary" to keep vehicles on the street. It also creates a visible boundary for the children not to enter the street.
One would like to think the BOA would use common sense, but I can count those with common sense on the fingers of one hand and still have fingers uncounted. (No, I will not publish a list.) Sometimes common sense will prevail on certain issues and not on others. Maybe board members, should be required to take a common sense test before being allowed to put their name on the ballot. This speaks towards those who signed their petition(s).
Andy Whiteman
Andy, Mayor Bower should have known the requirements of his office before he ran for the job. So, I don't have any sympathy for him. Skipping meetings is not an option. If he doesn't have time for the job (and we all know that he spends about half of his time out of town) then he should resign and allow someone who does have the time to be mayor.
Debating the reuirement of sidewalks is certainly appropriate, as is the concept of one political sub-division abiding by the regulations of another. However, I wish you would refrain from labeling all of the school district's early childhood programs as simply a "day care center." Even a basic review of the programs there would show you that it is so much more than that.
Ok I guess I missed it, I did not see where the law can be found. I would like to read it for myself I am just curious what else the school district can ignore. I would googel it but I would not know where to start
Mayor Bower made it clear that he had to travel with his
job when he was running for Mayor.
Remember, Raytown has actually been run by a City Administrator for the last Eight years. I'm not saying it's a good thing but that's the way it is or has been. I question the choices the city has made in that department
but those are the facts.
Just because the old mayor was at the P&Z meetings didn't exactly make the committee make good decisions did it?
Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with our town? Then I see and here about some of the things that go on in some of these city meetings and then it becomes embarrassingly clear.
City Grounds Coffee Shop is closing. We decided there is nothing to lose by sharing our experiences. Please note that we are not COMPLAINING – we are simply conveying our experiences with local papers, City Hall and the Chamber. We are not blaming any of these entities for our business closing.
HISTORY: We opened in August 2006 providing quality coffee and specialty espresso drinks. Our new customers welcomed us with open arms and excitement that there was finally a coffee shop in Raytown. In the last 18 months we have raised and donated thousands of dollars to over a dozen local charities. The coffee we use not only is the best, but it also helps support farmers, workers and their families who are ethical, loyal and hard working.
LOCAL PAPERS: When we opened, we sent press releases to local and metro papers. Although we purchased advertising from both local papers, neither one wrote about our opening.
In November 2006 the Raytown Tribune wrote a small article on page 3 about City Grounds. In the same edition, a large article on the front page was about a conceptual coffee shop opening in 6 months on Blue Ridge Blvd. The Tribune did this 3-4 times. We called the editor of the Tribune to ask why he was favoring the future coffee shop? He stated that it was because they were part of Raytown’s redevelopment and we were not.
CITY HALL: The first week we were open the Manager of Community Development, Tim Truesdale, came by asking numerous questions about our advertising, marketing and promotion plans. We assumed he was performing his professional duties by showing interest in a new Raytown business. In March he began asking questions about our cold drink menu, products used, consistency, equipment, etc. A couple of weeks later he returned inquiring about making espresso, such as: how heavy we tamp the grounds, how long to pull the shots, etc. These are not questions a regular customer would ask. A customer made us aware that Truesdale was close friends with the person opening the shop two blocks away and the reason for the inquiries became clear.
When the new coffee shop opened, Truesdale sent out internal emails to many, if not all, city hall employees promoting his friend’s business. A customer informed us that at the City Spirit meeting last July he spent time promoting his friend’s coffee shop to the group he was directing. At a Chamber Community Development meeting, we were told that he raved excessively about this new coffee shop.
Mayor Bower, in contrast, has been very supportive and encouraging to us as business owners and long time residents of Raytown. We praise him for his efforts and objectivity.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: As a Chamber board member, the owner of the future coffee shop sent an e-mail to all Chamber members regarding a survey in November 2006. This email was signed with a blurb about his future business. We asked for an e-mail list, so we could benefit from the same opportunity. We were told that we could purchase a street address mailing list, but e-mails were not protocol. After discussion, the Chamber later provided an advertisement in the newsletter and promoted our grand opening and future events via their weekly e-mail.
When the competition opened in May 2007, an exclusive email was sent to all Chamber members specifically promoting the opening. We had not seen this done for any other member and were told that we could have had the same email sent when we opened. Unfortunately, when we joined the Chamber we were not made aware of any promotion opportunities that they provided. The Chamber has not sent any such e-mails promoting any other new businesses that have opened in Raytown since this event.
IN MY OPINION: When a person is in a management position for community development it is unethical to promote one business over another. It is improper that Chamber board members receive preferential treatment over other Chamber Members businesses. It is apparent that both City Hall and the Chamber endorse only one coffee shop in Raytown, although there are actually three coffee shops. We encourage you to try the Oasis Coffee Bar at Woodson & 350Hwy.
We had hoped for a fair playing field. We have experienced that in Raytown it is not what you do but whom you know. We understand that life is not fair, but ethics and integrity should come into play at some point.
Our last day of business will be Saturday, February 16th. We have attempted to sell our business but, unfortunately, inquiries immediately lose interest when they find out we are located in Raytown.
We have appreciated our friends and customers and wish them well and thank them for their support.
Sheri & Becky Wells
I think that the story above is evidence enought that Truesdale's job and days with the City of Raytown should be numbered! Time for him to go!
As for the person looking for city ordinances, go to Raytown's website, it is there. If you cannot find it, sorry, but the ordinances are there. It will redirect you to another website called municicode or something like that. Look harder!
If Mayor Bower doesn't get rid of Truesdale after all of this, all I can say is city hall is more corrupt than many want to believe. As for the Chamber they continue to practice the good ole boy system and if you're not one of the them, then to hell with you. I understand that the "other" coffee shop downtown is not making it and is being "propped up" by out of town money, so I suspect that this won't last forever.
Also have been told that the coffee shop next to the high school has become a hangout for the kids. Don't believe that I would want to stop there if this is true.
I have become very fond of City Grounds Coffee Shop.
I try to stop by every morning to have one of the best cups of
coffee I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy.
Sheri and Becky always have a smile and a greeting when you walk in.
I will miss City Grounds but, as much as I like specialty coffee I
won't be going to the other guy.
I don't understand how a city can let an employee do what Truesdale
did. We all have friends in some kind of business or another. But a
city official, especially a so called Community Development Director?
That's just wrong and unethical behavior and should not be tolerated
buy this town. I don't even want to get started on the Chamber of which
Sheri was a member.........but not on the board.
All anyone can ask of their city or town representatives is to be treated fairly.
Very seldom does it happen here, and yes life isn't fair but you shouldn't be
blind sided by the city either.
There are several things that can make a business go under.
Economy, location, mismanagement and competition. These are things you can try
and defeat to make a go of it. Sheri isn't saying that Truesdale is the
only reason she is closing. But what he did should not be dismissed by
this town.
Reply to 12:49
From my point of view, if the people we have at city hall say they cannot require the school district to follow the zoning code, then (since we hire them to manage this part of our laws) we are somewhat tied to their advice.
I can think of no reason why they would mislead us.
A lawyer friend of mine offered the following explanation and link that should give you the specific answers you are looking for.
3. Exemption from Municipal Regulation
Not all examples of the subordinate legal status of local school boards involve
limitations on their power. Some times local school districts can benefit from being mere
arms of the state. A nice example of this is the freedom of local school boards from
municipal regulation. State courts have held that school districts are not subject to a
variety of municipal laws, ranging from building codes to election procedures, in the
absence of state laws expressly authorizing municipal regulation.
http://media.hoover.org/documents/ednext20043unabridged_briffault.pdf
On a brighter note, I did ask that the city connect to the curbs the school district will create at the entrance to the "school district's early childhood program".
It looks like we will be able to do that -- though at city expense.
Anon 12:49 PM, Codes are very difficult to find via this City's (or any city's) web site. Sometimes a keyword search works, sometimes not. Try calling 737-6004 and ask that the code be emailed to you. Charla was very good about helping the citizens but she is retiring and I think she is part time now, so I don't know who you could send an email request to. Maybe someone there could tell you.
It is really strange that schools are exempt from local codes since many of these codes involve safety!
Andy Whiteman
The city clerk is the one responsible for keeping track of the ordinances, but I'm sure Teresa couldn't find them if she had a road map.
There are more people in the City Clerk's office than Teresa.
Most businesses have regulations on personal emails. I wonder if Raytown does? By state law, these emails become official records.
Sad story on the coffee business. Obviously the Chamber hasn't changed in the decades we've lived here. Except to lose membership and focus on what Chambers were created for: To help local business succeed.
Mr. Truesdale has obviously broken the public trust of his position and must be fired.
One thing about the coffee story and this is just an observation, new businesses cannot afford to do fund raising or make donations that cost the capital needed to operate. While altruism is applaudable it won't keep one in business. When a business is successful and established, that's when it can work for the greater good of the community. Some profits should go to the greater good or the government will just take them to fund stupid wars, stupid Gateways, stupid everythings.
To feb.11 at 12.18p.m.,
God forbid don't let the Mayor resign now Barbara is still mayor protem and she would be the one to take over the prosition. If you think Raytown is in trouble now justwait until then, we really would be in trouble.
Anon 1:06 PM, while I am not a customer of either coffee house, I would say fund raising is a personal decission somewhat equal to advertising. Fund raising does draw in more customers for that event and hopefully they will like the product and return for regular business. Perhaps helping the community will draw customers from the groups who were helped. Maybe I am wrong, but that is my opinion.
Andy Whiteman
City Grounds,
I do not drink coffee but I am sadden to here that you will have to close. I have been in your position myself in another city but I was not in competition with the city and others favorites businesses in that city. I was only fighting Hobby Lobby and could not compete. That was fair all though I really didn't like it.
Just so you know Mr. Helt (I hope that is spelled right) has for many years been a Favorite of city. He was with Raytown Reaching for tommorrow, The school District. the economic advisory Developement council, and any place else they could find to put him. So it should not surprise you that they bent over backwards for him.
Every time I drive by his business I wonder how he can stay open. I never see more than one maybe two cars there. He sure is NOT Starbucks. If it makes you feel any better he will probably not make as long as you have. Having been where you are I know it doesn't make you feel better.
Regarding Tim Trusdale he should be fired on the spot today but we all know that is not going to happen don't we. A new business coming into Raytown should not have to compete with anyone from city hall not public works, community developement, not the BOA and diffinently not the Chamber of Commerce. They should be there for any business where they are members or not. the Chamber is here or should be here to bring businesses into Raytown not run them off.
The city is required to be sure the building is safe and up to codes. However, we as a city need to be sure we are not running off any potential business. We come across as unwilling to try to work with these business. From what I have heard from business owners that is why businesses don't want to come here.
I have an idea don't close your business just move it to Lee's Summit you would probably do very will there and it would serve Raytown right for their playing farvorites. GOOD LUCK WITH WHAT EVER YOU DO BUT DON'T LET THEM BEAT YOU.
City Grounds,
I do not drink coffee but I am sadden to here that you will have to close. I have been in your position myself in another city but I was not in competition with the city and others favorites businesses in that city. I was only fighting Hobby Lobby and could not compete. That was fair all though I really didn't like it.
Just so you know Mr. Helt (I hope that is spelled right) has for many years been a Favorite of city. He was with Raytown Reaching for tommorrow, The school District. the economic advisory Developement council, and any place else they could find to put him. So it should not surprise you that they bent over backwards for him.
Every time I drive by his business I wonder how he can stay open. I never see more than one maybe two cars there. He sure is NOT Starbucks. If it makes you feel any better he will probably not make as long as you have. Having been where you are I know it doesn't make you feel better.
Regarding Tim Trusdale he should be fired on the spot today but we all know that is not going to happen don't we. A new business coming into Raytown should not have to compete with anyone from city hall not public works, community developement, not the BOA and diffinently not the Chamber of Commerce. They should be there for any business where they are members or not. the Chamber is here or should be here to bring businesses into Raytown not run them off.
The city is required to be sure the building is safe and up to codes. However, we as a city need to be sure we are not running off any potential business. We come across as unwilling to try to work with these business. From what I have heard from business owners that is why businesses don't want to come here.
I have an idea don't close your business just move it to Lee's Summit you would probably do very will there and it would serve Raytown right for their playing farvorites. GOOD LUCK WITH WHAT EVER YOU DO BUT DON'T LET THEM BEAT YOU.
Sorry I hit the darn thing twice so you get to read it twice or not.
Ms. Newton is the only one in her office. The other girls work for Administration. Thank goodness for that they are the only left who know anything there. Newton is the city clerk and she is the one who is suppose to keep the ordinances.
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CHANGES
Tonight is the first "reading" of the CBD ordinance change. The legal notice of it was originally published as a chage of an ordinance #xxxxxxxxxxxx. I had no clue what that ordinance was since the common name was not stated. Fearing a cover up, I requested a copy.
Charla had no clue what it was and had to forward my request to John Benson. I protested numerous times that notice was NOT published correctly and finally it was published correctly as a CBD amendment.
I suggest everyone check it out and voice their opinion:
1) There are overlay areas with no specific boundaries.
2) The CBD area has expanded quite a bit to the South and also to the West.
3) The Town Square area allows building WITHOUT height limits! (Someone can build a 100 story building?)
4) There is a maximum fron yard size of 5 ft with no back or side yards required.
(5) Lots could be as small as 20 x 50!
This may be OK for a businesses, but it is totally unsatisfactory for a residential area. Do you want houses near you with numerous people crammed into a 20 x 50 foot lots? These will be worse than apartments because off-street parking is not required.
I feel that this plan would lower residential properity values. I am looking for a house and will never consider on a slightly larger lot simply because of noise issues of the houses being too close together.
Andy Whiteman
Anon 3:59PM, You may see few cars at the coffee shop on Blue Ridge because there is parking in the rear. There is also the possibility of walk in business.
I have been by there in the late evening after 8PM and observed many people inside. I didn't count but there usually there were more than one or two. It is easier to observe walking rather than driving if you are paying attention to your driving.
Another writer stated that Raytown High students were hanging out there. What is wrong with that? It is an ideal place to meet with a friend or group. They are off the streets and not in trouble. I would rather see the HS students there than spending their money or doing other things I can think of.
I am not taking the side of either business but I feel BOTH could have benefited the community.
Andy Whiteman
Andy, The seniors and the teenagers just don't mix well together, especially in a place this small.
1:06 anonymous responds to Mr. Whiteman And how many businesses have you operated?
Watching you on Channel 7 with the city BOA and EMT Cushman just thanked Wall_mart for a pucky little 1000 dollars. Fire Cushman along with Truesdale
The Truesdale mess points to a problem at City Hall.
It looks like the city is not going to do anything about the abuse of authority as it relates to City Grounds.
Does the word "enabler" fit here?
By ignoring the problem they endorse the behavior.
Anon 7:40PM, Good manners dictate a "thank you" even if we think $1000 is paltry. Even $1 deserves a "Thank you". Walmart was not required to donate the $1000. It was a nice gesture. I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. It may be more if there is a next time.
Andy Whiteman
The $1000.00 Pay off.
I'm surprised you guys don't remember that a vote could be bought with a
small bag of popcorn as it was a couple of years ago. What do you think
a thousand dollar check will do? This is actually a small check I think I've
seen them give even larger amounts somewhere around seven thousand.
Though I don't particularly like Wal-Mart I never said they were stupid.
If Wal-Mart keeps handing out a check every now and then, this bunch at
City Hall will give them anything they want.
It's too bad some of the people and businesses in the 350 Live area
can't afford to pay their way onto the "good old boy" side of this
mutual admiration society too.
If anybody who reads this knows anyone being threatened with eminent
domain or condemnation please have them get in touch with me.
I have information they need from the Castle Coalition. It is an "Eminent
Domain Abuse Survival Guide." It also has a DVD they can watch.
I also have contacts that could turn into free or discounted attorney services.
Anon 2/12 6:68PM, On second reading, I can understand your point. Maybe the management needs to establish rules of conduct within his business and and ask anyone in violation to leave. He certainally is facing losing other customers if he doesn't. I think it is good if the HS crowd has a place they can go, remain sober, and out of trouble.
Pat, I didn't think of the donation as vote buying. Maybe I am just plain stupid. I wonder if others who have issues with the city could make a donation and resolve the issue? If Walmart had donated enought to buy the new intubation devices (over $16,000) or a new ambulance, that would be real vote buying.
Andy Whiteman
ive been reading this blog for a while now, just for a laugh, and never really thought about posting until the last couple of weeks.
first thing was to those people who talked about the shooting in kirkwood and talked like the people here in Raytown should be scared. You people should be ashamed of yourselves! I know it can get bad here sometimes but that is no reason you should want to threaten people.
The other thing that i saw here is all these conspiracy theories about pretty much everything that goes on. I watch the cable show and seems like people on city council are pretty much talking through the problems and coming up with solutions. Do you all have proof of something illegal or do you just like acting like republican wing-nuts screaming about UN troops and unmarked helicopters?
The other thing is that everyone here is always willing to say this or that is a bad idea and we shouldn't do it but no one ever seems to come up with any ideas of their own.
You don't like walmart? OK. But knowing that walmart aint goin away just because you dont like it, do you want walmart and its business in raytown or in some other city?
If you all have so many concerns about laws being broken and ethics then why aren't you down there on the TV demanding that your concerns are listened to?
I honestly think most of you just thrive on being miserable and you wouldn't be happy no matter who was elected or what businesses were in town or anything else.
I am disgusted by the comments on this page. I have read the continuous slanders thrown about here and have only to say a couple things b/c they are deserving of little to no response.
I am in the coffee industry, a business professional of several years and a Raytown resident. Though I am in the coffee industry I have been nothing more than a simple coffee customer in the Raytown area for several years now. Though I am not an evolutionist I think the Darwinian principle applies here. The coffee shop of higher quality, better community support and all around passion for coffee and Raytown has succeeded. Before Benetti's ever opened I visited City Grounds on multiple occasions desiring it to be a good experience and had never been impressed by the service and or product. We live in a capitalistic society where marketing and product play a hefty roll. Benetti's coffee shop has shown itself worthy of making money and has made huge strides in creating community in Raytown where there hadn't been any before. Shame on anyone who has little to know education concerning these things but believes they have the right, simply b/c they have a computer, to get on a soap box and gossip about a business who has done nothing but good for this community.
No one on this page has the right to assume anything unethical has gone on behind the backs of the Raytown public. Such conversation is disappointing and honestly has only been said b/c of personal agenda and hatred.
Blogs like this make me sad and remind me of the backwards thinking that has hindered the city of Raytown for the last 20 years. Let progress be progress and let Raytown grow.
PS. Gossip is what is truly unethical so please keep you tongues to the business of speaking of truths.
I agree with the last post. I tried to go to both shops for my morning coffee but every time I went to City Grounds the owner was bitching about something or talking about how people are against her. But, when I went to Bens shop he was always positive and upbeat and seemed interested in what I had to say about things and was interested in trying to do something for the town.
I just dont see how it is possible that whenever one of walters ideas or some business get shot down its because of some vast conspiracy. People vote here and Bower beat Walters. People vote with their pocketbooks here, and Ben beat City Grounds.
It aint no conspiracy people and maybe you could see that if you'd get your heads out of your asses once in a while.
As for the guy that said Bens is usually empty - the only thing I have noticed about going there is that it is usually hard to find a seat.
And the coffee is great! Good work, Ben.
Yeah. A big NO to Wal Mart, Republicans, and the establishment in power at Raytown City Hall.
I sure as heck don't see or hear of any logical solutions to any of the city's problems, just the same old BS!
Sure I have a computer, and I vote also. That in itself gives anyone with a vested interest in this community to bitch about whatever they so desire. Don't like it, go somewhere else!
As for the coffee shop thing, there is favoritism that does go on at city hall, codes enforcement, neighborhood development, etc. You can say what you want but I know what is going on. I always happens in Raytown. You sure can't change my mind about it and you sure don't have any control over me!
The problem is the people who complain are the people trying to badger and control others. Others being those who desire to live in a creative and exciting Raytown.
Where is the positive action? Where is the encouragement for the business who works hard for a better Raytown?
You are right, you can bitch all you want but tomorrow you're neighborhood will have no growth, the value of your house will not have gone up, you'll still have nothing to do on a Friday night with the family and you will still be a crabby and disgruntle person.
The positive changes in the this city are happening b/c people desire to see it happen and nothing more. The support for local businesses of interest will succeed and there is nothing that you "grumpy, tired, time wasters" can do or say about it.
Thanks God for people who are tired of complaining about their "fair shake" and who are actually getting up and doing something to change this community.
just more proof that all you people can do is bitch. small minds = no solutions and unfounded paranoia.
get a grip.
One day Sue Frank and Dave Bower made an agreement with the UFOs that if they would build a walmart here they would allow the aliens and the cia to come in and take all of walters supporters away as a source of food.
I bet Chris White probably shot JFK, and Tim Truesdale is in cahoots with the Commies and obviously the voters in Raytown are being controlled by something Clevenger is putting in the water.
Be glad you have this fine blog to help spread the word about whats really going on in town.
Oh my goodness...what bickering. Anonymous 3:46 states after all his gossip that we shouldn't gossip.
I have been to both coffee shops. I prefer the coffee in one and the ambience in the other. Both shops have been friendly. I have heard employees at both shops bitch about the other one.
Let people choose where they want to go.
One does not have to be a genius to understand why a business like Benetti's is preferred over one like City Grounds. All it takes is someone to walk into Benetti's and be greeted by Ben's infectious enthusiasm for this town and life and you are easily won over. When you walk into City Grounds the air is a little more toxic. It is a rare occasion that you catch a smile from Sherri Wells. It may be because she feels she was dealt a bad hand by the City and the Chamber, but the fact is that her negative opinion of the City exuded from her and made a trip to City Grounds feel like a negative experience. I personally think there is more than enough room in Raytown for multiple coffee shops. However, I don't think there is room in Raytown for someone who only has negative remarks for the town(ironically that is all that seems to be on this awful blog). If you all have such an issue with Raytown - go somewhere else. You are either part of the problem or you are part of the solution - ranting and raving on a website does no one any good - you want to change the town - go do it.
Truesdale is entitled to have his own opinion. Yes I get that he is a city employee but oddly enough I believe he is still a person and that gives him the right to an opinion. And just as Mr. Truesdale is entitled to his own opinion so is everyone else. Just because someone tells you that A is better than B does not mean you have to automatically agree that A is better, no you get to judge for yourself - if everyone thought that City Grounds was soooo much better than Benetti's then City Grounds probably would not be going out of business. Between the coffee, the art, the atmosphere, and the friendly upbeat service, it is hard to beat Benetti's. Personally, I hope we get more business owners like Ben. If we had more people with Ben's enthusiasm, energy, and passion then maybe, just maybe, this town can stand a chance after all.
Ben's place isn't even his. Out of town money is propping up his business. How long can this last?
Ben was one of those phonies that came out of RRFT, so he was the chosen coffee shop for downtown. As has been said before it's the good ole boy system at it's finest, something Raytown is famous for.
Benetti's is not being funded by anyone other than the hard work and determination of Ben's own hands. I know for a fact.
You may be referring to the character "Marcos Benetti" a fictional character that Ben created as an iconic figure for the Cafe. He is the "pretend" supporter for the shop.
A fun and playful idea. Another creative breath of fresh air into Raytown old bones.
To the person who is making accusations that Ben doesn't own Benetti's you are just another gossiper that was spoken of earlier.
When will you people wake up and see that this community needs places like this.
You are hurting our city with your prejudice and bigotry.
-Henry M.
Yeah! Let's get pitchforks and fire run Ciy Grounds out of town! How dare they lose their rose colored glasses!
Benetti's coffee sucks. Its bitter and their frozen drinks are gritty. Let's get onto another topic greg.
Finally, this last blogger, a real intellect. "Rational discussion, my name is Raytown."
It's funny how eloquent one side of this argument is and how upset and unwilling the other side is.
Back to last night's BOA meeting, Christine White stated that P&Z will not grant exceptions. At face, that sounds logical since we "ass/u/me" that the codes were written for a good reason. That is not always the case. Some are poorly written, unenforceable, obsolete, and/or written for no logical reason at all.
One would think common sense would prevail, but Common Sense has died. Does it make good common sense to require a sidewalk that goes to nowhere or a curb and gutter that requires the city to spend money attaching the street to the curb and gutter especially when the plan is to widen the street in the future requiring that the curb and gutter be removed. NO SENSE AT ALL! A sidewalk leading to nowhere is insane, a waste of money, a safety hazard to anyone reaching the end of it, and is not in conformity with the remainder of the area. It tends to make people think, "What idiot would put a sidewalk here?" We need people on P & Z with good common sense.
**********
In response to several anonymous writers, I agree there is a lot of gossip here. I look at almost everything as opinion unless I know the writer to be a person speaking with fact. I will tell you most of what I write is opinion unless I make specific statements stating I have ovserved something such as pavement conditions, snow removal, etc.
With so much complaining in this blog, I am surprised that I am usually the only one to speak to the BOA! One writer long ago stated that people have a life to live and other things to do. Well, so do I. I would rather spend my evening at home with my dog on my computer. But if the issue is important enough to me, I make the time to go to the meeting. I was glad that I wasn't the only one at the last meeting. There was a young man who spoke on recycling. I commend him for doing this. I would like to see him run for Alderman or Mayor when he is old enough to do so.
We need Mulder and Skully here to investigate the consiracy theories. I tend to believe some of it is true while there may also be other reasons as to what is happening from the opinios that I have read.
As for Walmart, there are others who can explain the reason against Walmart much better than I. It is a done deal. Face it, Walmart is coming like it or not. No one is required to shop there. We can still chose where to vote with our dollars.
Andy Whiteman
Just like the yuppie gourmet drinking uppitie crowd... If you dont like things in Raytown, you can just as easily go away and leave those of us that have been here a lot longer than you newcomers alone, anyway, I prefer Folgers coffee made at home to any of these shops, including starbucks.
bunch of queer republicans!
I'm for the Folgers too!! Who needs a gourmet coffee shop except all these rich Republicans.
Anon 10:56 PM, How easy would it for you to move? Could you pick up and move or would you have to look for a house, get financing, sell your house, and pay the movers?
I wish I could move but I was forced to move here and am trapped. You must think it is easy to move. It is not simple at all. It is very time consuming and expensive. I have been looking for a house for 5 years and unable to find a decent house in a decent area. I am very picky because of the expense it better be a house I will be happy in the rest of my life since it has to me my last move. So maybe the people you are addressing would like to move but can't.
As for coffee, it all tastes the same to me. I am not uppity enough to demand Folgers. I buy the cheapest at Odd Lots or on sale at Walgreens. Lately that has been Chase & Sanborn which is what by parents used to buy when I was a kid. My father taught me not to throw coffee out. I make a pot. If there is enough for the next day, it sits there until the next day and gets reheated. If not, I put in a scoup and some water and the timer brews it by the time I get up.
I think the coffee shops are a good place for people to go and socialize. It is a luxary for some people like going out to dinner or to a movie. Come to think of it, part of the problem may be the economy. People don't have the money for a luxary item.
Andy Whiteman
FINALLY a death blow to this unproductive bitchfest of a blog!!!!!
http://www.complaintfreeraytown.org/
Try being positive if you think you have it in you!!!!!
What a bunch of BS! Now we have another looney tune religous group telling us how to run our lives, what to say, what not to say, when to say things, when not to say things, and on and on.
Stay out of our politics and things will be much better for all.
There are positive things about this city, but they are just a mere drop in the bucket compared to the things that are wrong that are a major component of this tyrranic form of local government and chamber of commerce coupled with all the looney religous goofs that wont leave politics out of the pulpit.
A positive: the weather today is supposed to be a lot better here in Raytown.
A negative: Maybe I wont hit a pothole in Raytown today(NOT!)
Get real people!
What kind of a dream world is this group living in? Didn't go very far but it sounds like some commercial venture. Buyer beware.
Some people just won't face facts. Yes, I agree their are a few positive things that come out of city hall occasionally, but we have so many problems that aren't being addressed. So stick your head in the sand and hope they'll go away. If we don't talk about them, then they'll never get resolved. And this blog is a wonderful forum for that. Thanks Greg.
To Anonymous's 3:44, 3:46, 4:03 and 5:30.
It's nice to know there are people that will still kick a person when they are down. Sheri would have had every right to scream at the top of her lungs how she felt. Putting your heart and soul into a business along with almost every dollar you have doesn't always play out.
A person expects that it's a gamble to open a business, they don't always make it.
But when you have a person that works for the city spying, stealing ideas and learning how to do certain things. You have the right to put some of the
blame on him.
4:53, you are wrong about people who are complaining trying to badger and control others. Us complainers are the one's tired of being pushed to our limits. Some of us have tried to talk to our representatives and have
been shot down. That's why we use this Blog. Also being positive has got to start with the city. They have to start treating the people with respect before they
can expect respect
5:30, You are right Tim Truesdale has a right to his own opinion. But not the right to boast one business over another in public meetings.
5:48, As far as being creative you might check out
www.coffeedetective.com logo.
I have nothing against Benetti's. As I have nothing against the group that Scott Wals got started here The Main Street group. I just choose to not have anything to do with anything Tim Truesdale has got his fingers in.
That's my choice and my opinion, as is writing on this Blog.
It's a place where we can vent. As some of you have found out it's a place where those of you that think you are better than the rest of us can write and tell us how bad or wrong we are along with what our attitude should be. (Your opinion)
We don't have to take what you say as fact any more than you have to take ours.
Coffee shops are for rich republicans? Go tell that to the Broadway Cafe.
The atmosphere in Benetti's is nice and new and fresh. The coffee is subpar and bitter. The employees were friendly.
Can anyone explain the appeal of this Marcos Benetti character? I know that various food and drink establishments have mascots (Ronald McDonald, the Taco Bell chihuahua, etc.) but I find the Benetti thing confusing and a bit useless.
Once you step out of Benetti's, however, you're still in Raytown, amid the empty storefronts and across from the abandoned church. Not to mention -- there's a crematorium next to the coffee shop, which, for some reason, is a turn-off for me.
It seems that downtown Raytown has a long way to go. I somewhat fondly remember the Raytown Plaza from my childhood, taking piano lessons at School Music.
But before renovating that area, it would be healthy to research why those businesses closed in the first place. The city seems to keep dealing these slaps in the face to local business owners by giving Wal-Mart their tax breaks and making concessions for big business.
I'm not really qualified to speak on the closing of City Grounds, as the owner is my mother. But I will say that their coffee is some of the best I've had and I have a lot of respect for the hard work that my family put into opening that shop. It's too bad that the city and chamber don't support small businesses the way they seem to support the big ones.
After recently spending a month back in Raytown, it's nice to come back to Montpelier, Vermont, a town of 8,000 people and four locally-owned coffee shops that co-exist with support from the city.
Sounds like this coffee shop needs a kiddy mascot in order to survive. It is a bit confusing. What next are we going to hand out coffee in cute little kids mugs? As some have already said this guy Ben, whatever is name is, is a product of that Reaching for Tomorrow group that has caused so much division in our town.
Ok children of the play yard. Get control of yourselves. If you can not say anything NICE do not say anything at all. This is a lesson your parents should have taught you. There is no need to name call, degrade one another, or throw fist. Teachers know that when children lash out at others they do so because they feel bad about themselves. Saying mean things makes the child feel better about themselves. That being said children throw fits when the world is not going their way. It seems like there is a whole lot of that going on here, the world not going your way. It seems like most of this group is pretty powerless. You have given away your power to others because you can not take responsibility for your own choices. You always have a choice. No one is ever stuck any where. You must be willing to make a choice and stick with the consequences. Natural Consequences are a part of life. You may not like what your choices have brought to you. If that is the case choose again. So children play nice and choose differently today. Stop picking at people because you have low self esteem. GET A LIFE!!!!!!
Mother Hen
To Mother Hen No problem ever got solved by not talking about it. So you think Raytown doesn't have problems? All cities have problems, but it's the leadership that can resolve these problems. The BIGGEST PROBLEM in Raytown is we have NO leadership at city hall, so that's why we continue to have to talk about it.
Anon 12:31AM and others, What is wrong with complaining? If no one complains, it ain't going to get fixed because the ass/u/mption is every one is happy with the way it is.
You are living your live as a lie acting like everthing is great! Personally, I don't like liars. If anyone asks how I am, I tell them the truth, "I am trapped in the State of Misery." Yes, there is a positive side, today is not as miserable as usual and much less miserable than tomorrow will be.
This blog serves a good purpose allowing people to put their thoughts together and be a part of the solution. The solution will never be achieved until 1) the problem is identified {that means complaining}, 2) discussion on what the problem really is, and 3) figuring out how to resolve the problem.
You non-complainers can live your live in a fantasy world. I live in the real world as do others who are participating here.
My opinion is if you are big business like Walmart, Macys, JC Penneys, you are welcome in Raytown, but if you are a small business man, it is going to be hard going.
There is room in Raytown for many coffee shops but 3 requirements will be missing for most. The 3 requirements are 1) location, 2) location,and 3) location. These requirements are what is keeping business away because Raytown does not have them.
Mother Hen, was Chicken Little on for your hatchlines? You will eventually discover that the sky is falling.
Anon 10:48 AM, I sincerely hope that the voters will stand up at the next City election and put goodleadership into office.
Happy Valentines Day,
Andy Whiteman
No leadership - that's why we have to talk about it to solve it.
I think i read earlier that cassady and others wanted to fire Cushman cus he said thank you when Wal Mart give him a check. Well he accepted money from the devil so he must be in leagues with the aliens, huh?
I guess the fact that we have the number one EMS in the state doesnt cut it for you good folks.
Seems to me that real leadership is when you do what is neccessary even if it is unpopular.
You all talk about the good ole boy network but do you think mahesh or bower are part of this?
Seems to me when you talk about gettin rid of your professional staff and replacing them with walters and lee gray you are talkin about bringin back the good ole boy system.
we all saw what that did to raytown and created all the problems we have now. I aint no outsider. ive been here and ive seen it happen. now that we finally have some smart folks workin for us all you can do is trash it.
id rather have my head in the sand than up my ass like the rest of you complainers
Why are you ripping the other business, etc apart, if the real problem is the leadership at city hall?
Andy stated his opinion is if you are big business like Wal-Mart, Macys, JC Penneys, you are welcome in Raytown, but if you are a small business man, it is going to be hard going. Yeah, and you guys are ripping a small business man apart, worried about where his money is coming from - like it matters, you should be glad someone is putting their money in this town.
It is truly sad when any business goes closes and people lose their dreams . If there was documentation of the city employee etc wrong doing against the first coffee, then that documentation would have already been presented. Everyone is dealing in hear say information. The other coffee shop opened in May 2007, guys that was 9 months ago! Now if the first coffee shop could not let go of their anger, resentment, and bitterness for the past 9 months, then that is what put them out of business. If they do not let go of it after they close, it will KILL them also.
Now answer these questions.
What authentic actions have you taken to get changes at city hall or do you just enjoy sitting around with their finger up their butts?
Why aren't you calling Action 5 News, why aren't you peacefully protesting, why aren't you getting a group together from each ward to run against the good ole boys? Why aren't you spending your money and time to get your guys elected?
Why haven't you gone down there at every board meeting demanding change in leadership?
Why are you not petitioning to have the problems removed?
Why haven't you talked on the phone with the Attorney General or whoever in this state has some jurisdiction of city leaders?
Why haven't you done something besides what you have been doing for so long, to get something done?
Probably, because you do not really want anything change, you just want to keeping being miserable, small people, blaming everyone and everything, crying about not having any power or control - if not, you would be off your computers and working to make sure the changes you want to see HAPPEN!!!.
No, Sue Frank and her incompetent cronies created a lot of this mess. Now I like Mayor Bower, but I'm still waiting for him to show some leadership. His inexperience is showing by him not doing anything to solve the massive problems that Frank and Wenson left behind.
When Sheri posted her thoughts and experiences on this blog, she did not - not once - say anything negative about Ben Helt or Benetti's Coffee Experience. If you are going to attack her while defending Tim Truesdale, the Chamber of Commerce or the Tribune, then you are more than entitled. But to attack Sheri on Ben's behalf is unnecessary and flat out mean. I'm sure that Ben is a great guy, and yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion on who is best, etc. Sheri put her heart and soul into opening her shop. To start out on an uneven playing field was tough enough, but to kick her when she is going through hard times and be SO personal about it, how can anyone be so merciless and live with themselves?
Ok Mr Andy,
You are in control of your life, and if you do not like it you can choice differently. You can choose to move. You may have to live without something, do things differently look for momentary support in another form. You are never stuck.
Beside acorns fell on chicken little, not the sky.
Second, you have every right to your opinion but not at the stake of another’s well-being. So tell me one action that this blog has created toward positive change?
Dissatisfaction is the first step toward change however when you stay in the dissatisfied state it does not become the solution it becomes the problem.
So what is one change you feel needs to happen? What are you personally willing to do to make that happen?
Well, well ,well.....It's nice to see some folks coming out of the woodwork and standing up to the chronic bitchers on this piece of dirt blog of Greg's.
You folks make old "laughing all the way" proud! It's about time we started firing back at these buffoons.
I gotta admit...the poster with the conspiracy theory about the alien agreement and Wally World just about made me shoot my mixture of Sheri and Ben's coffees straight across the room!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Laughing All the Way
Wait a second Anonymous 11:34am.
I said nothing about firing Cushman! I don't even know Cushman.
What I did say was the check that Wal-Mart handed to the city was
just to keep them in front of the board with a remembrance of them
giving money. I also stated that Wal-Mart wasn't stupid.
They know if they keep greasing the wheels it will be a smother trip
when run over anybody or business that gets in their way.
In a way buying the city and their votes.
Kind of like lobbyist that hang around D.C. working for big business.
By the way, I don't think Mayor Bower and Mahesh are a part of the Good
Old Boy network. That's pretty much the right side of the room at City Hall.
You may be right about Raytown having some smart people working for us
but they aren't on the BOA and there's at least one that is a hired head that
needs to be severed!
Where you choose to keep your head is your business as for the rest of us we
will keep our eyes open and watch as the BOA votes to give all of Raytown's
income away, votes in eminent domain and condemnation to get rid of everyone
and welcomes Wal-Mart to town.
That's progress! That's moving forward!
The buffoons are all either sitting on the BOA or out here defending them.
Leadership is only as good as the community leaders represent.
Of course, when someone does run like ALL the people on BOA all they have to look forward to is getting their reputations smeared out here by a bunch of mean spirited hypocrites.
Well not ALL of them cus as we all no there is one BOA member whos poop smells like flowers and never does anything wrong.
How did the rest of them get elected? Maybe the other guy was riht and the water company is doing something to the water.
Things change because of this blog? Name one thing any of you have seen through to completeion. Name me one thing you all have done that made the livs of people in this town better.
The BOA is corrupt. The mayor. The school board. Public works. EMS. Police. All bad. Bad Bad Bad.
You think youve helped things sitting in your shop all day cassidy? DO you even live here? I thought you lived in Sleaze Summit or someplace.
And Whiteman? We are all tired of hearing about your damn dog! Just think of all that the BOA could get acomplished in a night if they didn't have to sit through your ranting.
You live in Misery? Well move then. The rest of us are proud of our town and think Missouri is a great place to raise a family.
Yes it takes work to make it any better. So now we have all these people that are willing to work. Did you go to the Main Street meeting Cassiy? I dont think I saw you there. Did you offer any suggestions? Did you offer any volunteer time?
Seems like you have plenty of time on your hands as much as you post here.
No. But you will probly be the first to start bitching cus you dont like what they are doing and you will throw around your acusations about how they are all conspiring against you or whatever and youll trash a lot of good people who were willing to try and do something positive.
you all talk about holding BOA for their actions in elections. Well i think the people did that when they elected Bower over walters and this blog is just sour grapes cus the people herw knew better.
So I will open this discuss up to all. I really want to know.
Tell me one action that this blog has created toward positive change?
Again, dissatisfaction is the first step toward change however when you stay in the dissatisfied state it does not become the solution it becomes the problem.
So what is one change you feel needs to happen? What are you personally willing to do to make that happen?
All you need it Love!
GOD says,
My sweet little darling children, I am very disappointed in you. Have you forgotten that I MEANT IT went I said, "Do Unto Others, As YOU Would Have Them Do Unto YOU and When I said that "Love Thy Neighbor" thing, I meant that, too.
Now I have just gotten off my afternoon conference call with Satan in Hell and he has told me that he do not want you guys down there either and he also reamed me out for not doing a better job of watching what you guys were doing. I told him that thought I had worked hard at placing only one idiot per village; however, it seems that all of the village idiots have gathered in Raytown, MO.
You say that you now have another Looney Tune Religious Group telling you how to run your lives, what to say, what not to say, when to say things, when not to say things, and on and on, please explain where this group is, because you guys need someone to tell you how to believe.
Mother Hen and Liberty Bell have asked you many questions, but you seem to have lost your voices, or should I say your fingers, because you have not responded to one of them.
Now you guys had best get, that I mean and I have always meant those "Do Unto Others, As YOU Would Have Them Do Unto YOU" and "Love Thy Neighbor" things.
This is your last chance, because I do not want you, Satan does not want you, and if you do not get it, I will be FORCED to call the UFO MOTHERSHIP and have a UFO Express come down here and get all of you for their FOOD SOURCE. My concern is that the Aliens will not want you either.
I found this on the web and thought you must not know it was available
Public Works
Information Hotline
737-6064
The Public Works Information Hotline is available to report a codes violation, animal control complaint, pothole complaint, streetlight outage, or a concern regarding the Pubic Works Department.
When calling, please leave the following information:
Your name, address and phone number and a detailed message regarding your concerns.
O I found that on the front page of the City of Raytown site
To Gutless 1:21,
Again I wish people would quit putting words down that I have never said!
I have never said the city was conspiring against me.
I don't know why you think the BOA, Police, EMS, The School Board etc. are corrupt. I have never said such a thing. I merely stated that when Wal-Mart
is handing out checks at the BOA meetings, there is a reason for it.
And my name is spelled Casady........... What's yours?
I'm also getting pretty tired of people saying "I don't live here." I own property here just like you do. (maybe) I pay taxes just like you do. I have just as much right to voice my opinion as you do.
Just because some gutless unsigned moron tells me to shut up, don't
think for a minute it's going to happen.
The Main Street thing is a great deal for Raytown. I think it is good idea.
I have never said anything to the contrary.
I have great respect for Scott Walz for getting involved and starting it.
I've been going to meetings like this for over thirteen years and frankly I have never seen anything get done yet. However I hope this Main Street deal will help Raytown. Just because I don't go to the meetings doesn't mean
I'm against it.
It doesn't bother me that there are people out there that don't like me. I'm a little too old to care about them.
I feel that the people that know me understand me.
But please, please stop saying and writing what you think I say instead of what I say. I can get myself in enough trouble without help from the likes of you.
And it's 'because" not cus. Though I certainly feel like it sometimes.
Who is Scott Walz? Been around here a long time, never heard of him or his business. Before people go following someone, he needs to earn the community's respect. That's what is wrong right now, we've followed too many of these self proclaimed wise men and women and you see where that's gotten us. EXACTLY NOWHERE. So before we go following Mr. Walz down the yellow brick road let's check out his motives.
I'm waiting.........
Mother Hen,
Do you not have a job to do? Or a life to live? Or is your life purpose to be online all day, trying to stir up trouble? If that is your purpose, maybe you should start writing more books or something.
Little fuzzy now are you. Did you forget to take a nap? Just want to know what positive impact you have made in Raytown. Since this is the place for it all to happen.
I am pleased with my irritation I seem to be causing. :)
To Complaint Free,
I went into your website a while ago and was wondering how long it would take you to slip on your uppity attitude now we don't we. Your last comment was not exactly your best monent was it if you don't want people to complain.
You wrote:
I went into your website a while ago and was wondering how long it would take you to slip on your uppity attitude now we don't we. Your last comment was not exactly your best monent was it if you don't want people to complain.
I don't know what this website is but I have no idea what this post even means.
now we don't we?
best monent?
If there was ever a reason to support more money for the schools it would be this blogs demonstration of the lack of basic language skills held by some people in the community.
Who is complaint free? What website? I am still waiting......
OK before you start busting on Scott Walz, he is a business owner here in Raytown. He owns a company that does computer work for half the country.
He has asked no one to "follow him" he just likes Raytown and wants it to be
a better place. As we all do.
Scott has spent a lot of time and money to research the Main Street organization and I admire him and everybody involved in it.
I don't go to the meetings because they have a projected time line of twenty to twenty five years. I'll be on the wrong side of the grass by then. But I wish them
well. I did however go to the first meeting and met a lot of nice people.
Main Street is a nation wide organization. It has worked in Warrensburg and Lee's Summit. I hope it can work for Raytown as well.
What is wrong with complaining or trying to make your world better and if no one is listening who else do you get your point across. How many times have those of you who don't want anyone to question what is going on in the world said something has to change. The fact is the only way things do change is because people question and demand answers and change. The people that came to this country because of tyranny and oppression were and are greatful for their freedom of speech. For those of you who don't want anything to change or only want a few people to have the right to say what is on their minds I'm sure that there are a few millon people who could tell you many places in this world you might move to if that's the kind of world you want. We are not perfect here in this county but we are sure as hell better off than anywhere else. Why do you think all those people came here? You can thank those people who came here and started this country because they wanted freedom to say and do what they wanted without fear of retaliation. They gave us the consitution to secure those rights not ony for those who complain but also for those who want to think nothing should change. The fact is complaints, anger, and discontent make things happen and usually for the better.
There seems to be an awful lot of poor spellers on here. Looks like some may not have passed the 5th grade either.
Probably where the republicans get the majority of their supporters!
Interesting how someone says something about Republicans, religious groups, or the BOA they are sure quick to jump on here and defend their honor or what little honor that they have left!
Again, dissatisfaction is the first step toward change however when you stay in the dissatisfied state it does not become the solution it becomes the problem.
So what is one change you feel needs to happen? What are you personally willing to do to make that happen?
Mother Hen or is it Mother Ducky?
One positive thing from this blog...for starters you have to admit it is a lot more informative and entertaining than any of the other 'news' sources Raytown has to offer.
As for one thing I am doing different...hhhmmmm...let's see....involved in neighborhood watch group (are you?)....shop almost exclusively within Raytown (do you?) only when a place in town does not offer it do I go elsewhere....pay my taxes, love my family...hhhhmmm...attend religious services more than 1x weekly...hhhhmmm...what else....go to work...
Geez, I guess I really don't see what else I should need to change..except read anymore of your comments.
Happy St. Valentines Day All.
Justin Tomac
Mother hen - why don't you get the discussion started with what is one change YOU feel needs to happen? What are YOU personally willing to do to make that happen?
I would like to see people on this blog refrain from personal attacks and try to understand another point of view. Ask questions so you can see where they are coming from instead of attacking their character.
Mother Hen I've got a different second name for you if you're interested.
You sound like Shirley Wittman. Condensinding ignorance and arrogance. You demand answers? See my assistant. Go to Helen Waite.
Positive plans for Raytown
1) Defeat the school bond levy in April
2) Defeat all city tax increases until citizen basic services are restored
3) Do both of the above to show the elected elite that we are not a bunch of mindless sheep and see through their tax and spend BS plans
4) Fire Truesdale for many reasons
5) Get that former school district PR flack Hecht and Chamber boy of the year some help for his apparent schizophrenic dilemma over who owns his coffee shop
6) Knock Nico's rose colored glasses off
7) Pluck Mother Hen who should have called herself Little Red Hen but wasn't smart enough to
8) Take Cushman's overtime and Wal-Mart checks away
There's more but let it suffice to say So "You Want A Revolution?" The Beatles
I believe in the conspiracy theory. The no complainers have a cover up so good that they actually believe nothing is wrong. We need to get Skully and Mulder here PDQ.
I agree with Niko about personal attacks. Nothing is gained by them. I won't make a personal statement about a city official on this blog. If I have something to say, it will be in writing to Mayor Bower on a sheet of paper as prescribed by city ordinance. I feel that is the way many of these issues should be handled rather than on this blog assuming the accusations can be backed up with facts. By the way, I do not feel my comment about the no complainers is a personal attack since they are not one person but it seems they are doing a lot of complaining about the complainers. Sorry, but I live in the real world, bot their fantasy world.
1:21PM, My ranting is over street repairs and SAFETY issues that should have been done in the past but the BOA felt other things were more impostant than maintaining the streets. Now I am told it is too cold to even buy asphalt. That I believe, but this never should have become an issue ni the first place. The city will enforce a ordinance against a person even if the person can't afford to correct it. I want to know why the city is allowed to maintain a nuisance? Seems they city is exempt from its own ordinance. By the way, the board doesn't know there is a problem if no one tells them. Do you think they are mind readers? Obviously they can read the minds of the no complainers.
I have already told you why I don't move if you just scroll up. There is no reason to repeat myself for the 3rd or 4th time. If you really want me to move, be a part of the solution and send a dontation at least 150 time larger than Walmart's. That will enable me to find a house more quickly. After I buy the house, it will take me at least a year to move. No, I don't expect anyone to do that but if I had the money I would have been out of here years ago.
Since a worthless job forced me to move here and then worsened my disability, I am stuck here until I find a house (which may be never the way prices are going up.) In the meantime, I can try to make Raytown a better place in the State of Misery.
Liberty Bell makes many good points. Why is anyone concerned where a small businessman's money comes from? We all know Walmarts's money is from Bentonville. People want a quality store such as Macys. If Macys moved here, would there be a question of where the money is coming from?
I also wonder why no body called CH 5. I would like to see Usher investigating the Olde Baptist Church.(another code violation). The monstrosity is suppose to come down, but I won't beleive it until I see the Federal Permit and a legal notice posted for bids.
The only time Channel 5 comes out here is for a murder, abduction, rape, or meth labs or drug busts, period. They love to show all the negative things about Missouri in general.
You want real progress for Raytown?
1. Get a new Mayor
2. Forget about a City Administrator, this city cannot afford it.
3. Elect all new aldermen.
4. Get rid of the current Community Development Director.
5. Elect all new school board members.
6. Get rid of all the chairwarmer positions within the school district and city hall.
7. Get some local people to run the Chamber of Commerce instead of out of towners.
8. Any and all elected officials school district or city should reside within the city limits of Raytown.
9. Run the ones without any common sense out of town.
10. Jesus is not going to come to Raytown's rescue. All the church preachers and ministers need to do their job and stay out of politics.
11. Anyone holding a public office that might just possibly reap a monetary gain because of the public office and their regular job has what is defined as a conflict of interest and should recuse themselves from duty. Basically resign.
There you have it. It is pretty straight forward. Get out and vote. That is how change is done.
Well said Anonymous Feb. 14 9:44 P.M., these few suggestions would go along way in restoring credibility to our city government and out town. WE DON'T NEED A CITY ADMINISTRATOR. It's a luxury that we can no longer afford.
Does anyone else see the irony in complaining on this website that there's too much complaining on this website? No?
-Just observing not complaining
OK I finally get it.
I think I know who you are,
Anonymous 2/13..4:53
" 2/13..5:30
" 2/14..2:17
Don't be afraid let the rest of
them know who you are.
To anonymous on Feb. 14 at 7:35pm and 9:44pm finally some one who makes sense. I will vote for new school board members the only one running and is qualified to hold the position is Dean Bray. He truly cares for the children. And as for taxes increases my answer is no. And thanks Barb but this time I can buy my own popcorn.
Mother Hen,
The website is from the people who own the Funky Monkey store across from the Bank of America on the south side of the highway. I through away the website after reading. If I am remembering right it's Complaintfreeraytown.com if not call them.
Ok I will check out the website. Just wondering, how do you throw away a website?
This is for the idiot who thinks he's smarter than the rest of us and seems to think that some people who have trouble spelling have a 5th grade education.
I assume you have never heard of Dyslexia. If not hear is a listen for you. Dyslexia is an inherited inability
to read or do math. It can be either reading or math or for the most unlucky cases both. There is nothing you can do about it because there is NO cure. There is some help for those of us who are lucky enough to have teachers who care enough to see the problem and see to it that the child has extra help. The truth is most teachers don't recognize the problem or don't care enough to find out why the child is having trouble. But it NEVER goes away.
The one thing I forgot to tell you is that it's a FACT that people with Dyslexia have a much higher IQ and that is how we find ways to live in this world. Einstien (can't spell) was Dyslexic, You have had a former Dept. Head here in Raytown who is Dyslexic and a State Rep. of Raytown who you probably voted for that is also Dyslexic. The are several entertainers & writer of television shows & movies names you would probably recgonize if you heard them. Authors of books who are Dyslexia. Many of our Federal and State officals who are Dyslexic. I know what you are thinking "How do you know that"? Because those of us who have it no the signs and also because there is a lot documentation and studies that have been done. Many of have become adults before we have found out the reason we have struggled all of these years and we found out through some of these studies.
I feel sorry for you people with any intellegence don't make statements like you did because it shows how really ignorant you are. I don't know who you are refering to on this blog But I would put our intellegence and our education up against you any day of the week.
By the way, if there are any misspelled words in this just deal with it or don't we really don't give a D--- we get our points across.
Mother hen, I printed it off and read it then promptly through that away and did not write down the site. Whatever the reason I don't have it because it wasn't worth keeping.
Anonymous 3:43 pm that has got to be the most piss poor excuse that I have ever heard of. No it is not ignorance either! Maybe you should have paid more attention to grammar and english in school like most of us did instead of daydreaming like you obviously did.
The fact is that a lot of educators have been succeeding in 'Dumbing Down' things so that they can get more kids through the system, hence the 'No Child Left Behind Act' and there are people that, like myself, that are very annoyed when someone does not utilize proper spelling. And text messaging is not helping either.
What a cop out!
Try reading something as ridiculous as this line:
I wuz goin too tak mine brake know.
BillyBob wuz axn mi bout sumptin butt mi bad?
So, basically just what type of crap is that?
Brake is on a car. Break is what you take at work. There are the proper usages and the improper. We sure don't have to stoop to your level to interpret what you meant, come up to everyone else's level instead.
And don't even get me started on ebonics. That is a bunch of garbage!
To anonymous Feb.15 5:23 What an arrogant, ignorant, bastard you are. I just hope none of your family members ever have any problems like dyslexia.
Must be another republican Bush supporter.
Wait. All of the above were written too close together. It must be the same person. NOT!
Anon 3:43 PM, I really thought the reference was to the individual who was writing like text messaging or using slang ie. "cuz".
The TM and slang has no place in writing. I have seen mispellings and poor grammar but just ignored them as typos because (not cuz) I do it too. There ain't no spell sheck here.
Maybe it is a benefit to be Dyslexic. My niece was thought to be retarded, but actually she was Dyslexic. She went to therapy to learned to work around it. She just got her Masters and is a consultant for the no child left behind act in her school district.
To the person who said elect a new school board, how do you do it when only one new person is running? Maybe you better find some more intelligent, frugal people to run as write ins PDQ.
Andy Whiteman
About the school board thing: Finding people that are willing to be on the school board and doing a write in campaign is a viable option. There are usually a few slots that come up for election (2 or 3) that way the whole board is not replaced at the same time.
The same thing could be applied to the Board of Aldermen possibly.
These are just suggested solutions to local problems. Don't kill the messenger!
Anon 6:45 AM, I suggested a write in for the school board because the filing deadline is past.
A write in could be used for the BOA, but I think a candidate who either pays or petitions to be on the ballot has a beter chance than a write in. Anyone serious about running for the BOA should get on the ballot. The write in then becomes an option if those running are unsuitable to the rest of us.
I hope some "write ins" volunteer to run for school board. So far, there is only one person I will vote for.
Andy Whiteman
Defeat the April 8th school district levy? YOU BET I WILL VOTE NO!!!!!! It just gives our current school board more money to waste. The Raytown School board is just as bad as Kansas City's school board. How are the citizens of Raytown assured the the money will be used for salaries? The school district is in the RED BIG TIME barley surviving!
"The people should not be afraid of government. The government should be afraid of the people."
"Writers lie to tell the truth. Politicians lie to cover up the truth."
V is for Vendette - A "Matrix" Movie
For your information...Wal-Mart does not 'hand' out money to anyone. Non-profit organizations or agencies have to fill out a grant application which is reviewed by their corporate headquarters. Not only has Raytown EMS benefited from these grants but REAP, Raytown Fire and Raytown Police and Shepherd's Center of Raytown. Any non-profit can apply but none are guarented.
You folks here can just take something and run with it without any regard for the truth... Calling our EMS and police and Public Works corrupt is just flat ridiculous. And then saying they need to be fired because they accepted money for a grant... A GRANT!!! money for grants that have been handed out for nearly decade to the police and fire departments... Focus on the real problems here and it is not found in a police car or fire truck or ambulance... nor is it found in a coffee mug for god's sakes... Sometimes you guys have real good issues to talk about and then someone throws in a red herring and off we all go lambasting a good men...dedicated to this community...
You all are all about the ma and pop shops but will stop at nothing to tear someone apart that decided to invest in our downtown when others have ignored it or better yet done nothing to improve it... complain away... you guys are great!!! and don't you dare call me a republican... I bleed bluer than all of you... I patroned both City Grounds and Benetti's and both are great people that deserve our support... Why do we always take sides... why? Perhaps the blame should go to you all for the demise of City Grounds... you you invested a little of your money at home with them and less energy typing dribble in this... our local businesses may do better.... call me crazy!!!
Yes, very well said!!!
Lay off and invest in those willing to stake their economic stability in providing something for this community. And jesus!!! Lay off the City Workers... they are not in this fight!!! They are doing their jobs... Bark all day at the aldermen... that is fine... FOCUS!!! FOCUSS!!! FOCUS!!!
Focusing would be nice for once here... Don't throw the baby out with the bath water...
Post a Comment