Sunday, October 26, 2008
A Lesson from Merriam, Kansas
A recent column in the Kansas City Star about a shopping center built in Merriam, Kansas has some valuable lessons for city leaders in Raytown. Hearne Christopher, Jr., a political writer for the Star, recently wrote about a shopping center constructed in Merriam, Kansas. The shopping center, named Merriam Villlage, was financed in part by tax incentives provided by the city. It sits atop a large hill on I-35 just south of Johnson Drive. It is 300,000 square feet of prime real estate on one of the busiest interstates in the metropolitan area.
And, it is completely empty.
Whoever said, “if you build it, they will come” should take a hard look at what a national economy in recession can do to area developers’ dreams. The lone tenant of the Merriam Village was Circuit City. Even that is somewhat of a stretch. Circuit City pulled the plug on the location before it opened. The contractor constructing the inside fixtures for the store was told to pack up and go home in the middle of the job. Circuit City recently announced it was closing 150 locations nationwide (for a list of other national retail stores cutting back see my blog dated October 24, 2008 10:25 PM).
City officials would be wise to remember Merriam’s lesson before it creates any more tax giveaways to attract developers to the Walmart/350 Highway development.
Board Approves Controversial Budget
At its last meeting the Raytown Board of Aldermen approved the city’s 2009/2010 fiscal budget. But it was not without controversy. The center of the argument was $947,000 in one time expenses. Aldermen Barb Schlapia, Marilyn Fleming and Greg Walters argued that the items should stand on their own merit. For the record Aldermen Schlapia and Walters voted "no" on the budget.
Included in the $947,000 package:
$274,000.00 for “economic development efforts”. Detailed plans were not included in the request.
$50,000 for “city hall security upgrades”. The administration had argued that the upgrades were necessary in light of shootings that occurred in Kirkwood, Missouri last year.
$5,000 for exercise equipment at the EMS (ambulance) garage. The city already has exercise equipment. The equipment is housed in the police department and available for use by ALL city employees.
$50,000 for another salary survey.
$30,000 for a pilot study of outsourcing some payroll HR functions. Last year, the city created a full time HR position for managing employee benefits.
$188,000 to remodel the public works street department facility.
$35,000 for an item called “temporary agency fees”.
$5,000 for new countertops in the public works department. In keeping with the new security measures, the countertops would limit access to the offices of the public works department.
Word Watch . . .
This is a new feature of the Raytown Report. When a public official makes a statement that is less than accurate – it will be corrected here. This week’s “Word Watch” is attributed to Ward 2 Alderman Jim Aziere. At last Tuesday’s meeting Aziere stated that the Board had to pass the budget or the city could not function.
Not true.
The City of Raytown is not Washington, DC. Elected officials do not shut down the city’s ability to operate by refusing to pass budget resolutions. However, in the unlikely event that a budget is not passed in a timely fashion the natural course of action is to continue day-to-day business at city hall.
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86 comments:
At the time Alderman Aziere made the comment that if the budget was not passed, the city would shut down next month, I really doubted it. As a citizen, I could say nothing, but, Greg, I now question why you didn't challenge it? That butget never should have passed.
I do not approve of a budget without a plan for spending. How is $274K budgeted when no one knows how the money will be spent. Was this figure pulled from thin air?
Mayor Bower said at the BOA, "It is our budget. We asked staff to create it and they put a lot of work into it." I wonder why better direction was not given to staff? They did it but you told them what to do.
I was secretary-treasurer of a fire district and generated the budget. There was a definite plan of how every dollar would be spent with the exception of the contigency fund which was to cover price increases and emergency repairs.
Why is a $30,000 study needed for possible outsourcing of HR? What a waste! Can't a group of city employees conduct the "study"? This city wastes too much on "studies." Many companies large and small outsource all or part of HR and payroll. The last time I spoke with my contact at the Post Office over a year ago, I was told that part of HR was being outsourced.
By the way, I checked my home propert tax and it went up close to $200 due to the school tax increase! It was advertised how little it would cost the average taxpayer which was a false advertisement. I don't call $200 a small amount. People wonder why homes in Raytown don't sell. Why would anyone buy a home here after checking the tax bill and seeing the condition of the streets?
What we need is more board members who are frugal with the Taxpayer's money. We need more Alderpeople like Greg and Barb even though I don't agree with Greg about animals.
Andy Whiteman
EMS already has workout equipment in their station and as stated before, they have access to the workout equipment at city hall.
What a disgraceful budget. Almost a million dollars in wasted spending. And this is only the itemized ones. Bet there's plenty more that could have been cut. TAXPAYERS: NEVER, NEVER, VOTE FOR ANOTHER TAX INCREASE.
What a waste!
Greg, I don't know who said "If you build it they will come" but
I say when it comes to Raytown City Hall wasting taxpayer money, "If you give them
money they will spend it." Aziere's statement about the city needing to pass the
budget or the city could not function is just the way most of our elected officials
think.
I can't think of a bigger waste of taxpayer dollars than yet another study or survey.
These people can't seem to grasp the idea that the people are tired seeing their
hard earned money thrown out the window for something that should be handled by
the employees at City Hall. If they don't do their jobs, get rid of them.
Here's a salary survey for you and it won't cost you a dime. If you can't do the job,
my survey says you shouldn't have the job! Plain and simple. If you think someone
is being paid too much.......survey says............you are probably right!
If you think someone one is not being paid enough at City Hall.......survey says........
you are wrong!
If our elected officials think they are doing a great job..........survey says........wrong!!
Instead of surveys and studies this town should be spending the "extra" money
they seem to come up with for these surveys and studies on the streets and sidewalks.
Spending money on the downtown and making it inviting to possible new
small businesses would make better sense than any survey or study.
City Hall needs to realize that when the Wal-Mart opens this town will be gone
if they don't do something to make the downtown come alive again.
That takes absolutely no survey or study but, it does call for common sense
from our elected officials and that my friends is why we are in trouble.
Until Raytown elects people that actually think of the people, businesses and
the way tax dollars are spent first, this town will continue to go downhill.
It oblivious City Hall and our elected officials have learned nothing in the last
ten years. We need new faces and new ideas. We need to elect at least eight
new people next time around.
Greg explain to us, please, the out-sourcing study for Human Resources. I recall Bob Phillips saying Teresa Newton saved us thousands of dollars. I also remember her not being able to do the city clerk's job and the HR part of it. Now we have another full-time employee for HR and yet need a $30K study to out-source payroll. Does Ms. Newton still get paid roughly $40K a year plus benefits? And the new HR person, another $30K a year. And $30K more for a study. That looks like $100,000 to me which is what the city thought it was going to save by getting rid of Karlyn Curtis and Debbie Grant, two long-time city employees who got things done. While you're at it Greg, please thank Curt Wenson and Dan Estes for all their great ideas in this area of city business.
"If you build it, they will come," is a quote from the movie: FIELD OF DREAMS. I think city hall is dreaming.
I will add to 7:28AM: NEVER NEVER VOTE FOR A TAX INCREASE ESPECIALLY SCHOOLS. My school tax has gone up 5% which adds almost $200 to my homeowners tax. Outrageous!
As for Teresa (Henry) Newton's $40,000 per year, that is not a living wage for this expensive area. It would be a good wage in a place like NM where the cost of living is lower and people are poorly paid. I feel that ALL city WORKERS should have a wage increase to a living wage. Also the city is top heavy in management pay. As contracts expire and management is replaced, these salaries should be decreased.
Bob Phillips may have said that Teresa Newton saved the city thousands, but I believe it was in an article as a quote from Mayor Bower at a BOA meeting. If someone can realize these savings, I definately support raising their salary. In other words: a bonus for exceeding the job requirements. She is worth at least a living wage!
Andy Whiteman
Wow – this video is awesome. It doesn't tell you how to vote, but it has a powerful message.
http://www.catholicvote.com
No,Andy, Bob Phillips praised her in his words on the editorial page. Since you like raising city hall salaries why don't you voluntarily send them more money? There's no law against paying EXTRA TAXES! Also please take Ms. Newton with you and return to Roswell, NM Area 51 where you both can be rich and happy!
Dear WOW
The video was "slick" but the bias obvious. Can't abort those babies because we'll need them as cannon fodder for the Bush/McCain Wars.
Andy, If you think our worthless city clerk can't survive on $40,000 a year, then we'd better start raising our teachers salaries. Some teachers are making a lot less than her and they have a lot more responsibility. Better check out what some of these teachers are trying to survive on.
HEAR WE GO AGAIN WITH BLAH,BLAH,BLAH THE BUSH/CHENEY BLAH,BLAH NEO CON BLAH,BLAH WAR MACHINE...THE ROOT OF ALL EVEIL BLAH,BLAH,BLAH...THE ONES TO BLAME FOR YOUR LAME JOBS, BLAH,BLAH..MY CRAPPY MORTGAGE THAT I SIGNED THE PAPERS FOR BLAH, BLAH .....
SIGNED BLAH,BLAH
Don't you mean the crappy mortgage you were "forced" to sign.
Oh, my! You mean you went into with your eyes wide open!
Gosh Sarah Palin is reading this blog! How exciting! Why did she sign it BLAH, BLAH though?
Let's see. It is o.k. to kill with a scalpel butnot with a bayonet.
Both leave a dead body behind.
blah,blah,blah
six of one, half a dozen of the other regards bayonets and scalpels
to 3:10 Hi Again Sarah!
Bogus blog
This is about as intelligent as $%!# on a shingle. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!
Republicans just cannot fathom or face the facts that their eight years of terror is finally drawing to a close. Maybe things can finally return to normal here in this country when Senator Obama takes the oath of office January of next year as President of the United States! And hopefully the government will make all the people and businesses earning more than 250,000 a year on up have to pay their fair share on taxes and do away with all the tax cuts for these yahoos. The more that you make, the more that you are taxed, the less that you make , the less that you are taxed. What a novel idea!
Anon 12:25 PM, FYI Area 51 is in Nevada and the water in Roswell is not fit for human consumption. I checked out that city 6 years ago and the water made both Hank Dogg and me very ill.
Anon 12:43 PM, I agree with you about teachers' salaries. A teacher stood illegally at the pole and told me they would get a raise. Where is their raise? Someone sure lied to her so she would lie to voters. I favor raising teachers' salaries as long as administrators salaries are cut deeply. The Disfunctional School District is worse at budget management than the city.
Andy Whiteman
"The more that you make, the more that you are taxed, the less that you make , the less that you are taxed. What a novel idea!"
Spoken like a true socialist!!!!
What a moron
Went to work yesterday and saw that someone stole my Obama yard sign. Typical Republican behavior.
If you don't regularly take the Raytown Post this week's lead story about the groundbreaking is worth finding one to read.
When taking a picture of the small group gathered for the groundbreaking they were instructed to say "tax break".
Like all good little lemmings they did just that.
Are these people simple or what? Anyone with an understanding of basic math can see that Walmart is a loser for Raytown.
I can't wait until next April. I will campaign for anyone running against a Raytown incumbant.
Andy,
Please understand that simply telling someone what needs to be done does not mean that they will listen.
As for the budget -- there is more wrong with it than just the short list of items I published earlier this week.
I believe that the 5% (plus)across the board pay increase was excessive. It will give our senior department heads close to a $5,000 pay increase. Some salaries at city hall do need to be increased. But not all of them.
The city will spend $50,000 turning city hall into a bunker in the name of security -- but only 10 grand for street lights for the safety of our neighborhoods! Some folks have their priorities all mixed up.
There are some good things in the budget -- the decision to begin next year's street improvement plan this year (by repairing the sub-structure of 28 streets) is a surprising move. Especially in light of a very heated discussion the City Administrator and I had over the subject that left me with the impression that very little would be done.
There is always some give and take in any budget. But all in all, the budget left too many unanswered questions. Particularly in the area of economic development -- $274,000 of additional funding for economic development without one word of how it will be spent was the deal breaker for me.
That line item was was way over the top and simply put, too much to gain my stamp of approval.
I'll believe the street repairs when I see them Greg. I have learned when it comes
to Raytown City Hall, don't believe it until it happens.
As for the quarter million for economic development, if it involves a development
company, please, don't pay them anything until they at the very least
turn a shovel of dirt.
If it is to bring in new businesses, please don't let the codes people run them
out of town before they even get started.
Speaking of codes, do they have everything in writing or are they still going by the
TRD way of doing business? That was Turesdales Rules for the Day. I know he is gone
but is the attitude?
The possibility of someone getting a $5,000.00 increase in pay is
asinine. Five percent in these hard times is a slap in the face of every taxpayer
in Raytown. People can't make ends meet and our elected officials are OK'ing
spending like handing out candy.
People are losing their jobs to the bad economy but City Hall wants to take
their hard earned tax dollars to hand out pay raises?
Forget the bunker, spend the money on straight jackets for these bad decision makers.
I have nothing against people making more money when times are good.
But you only have to drive around town to see all the vacant buildings and closing businesses, bad streets and intersections, sidewalks cracking and the need for street lights and It is only going to get worse. Remember the cities income is
going down because another bad decision made by these people.
I say give out big raises when things are better for everybody. Few if any in the
business world are getting a five percent raise if any increase.
If these "representatives" treated the people like they treat Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee and so on
this would be a great place...again. I don't understand why they can't see what they
are doing to this town. If the people can't see we need at least eight new faces
on the Board of Aldermen, then Raytown is destined to fall.
I'm sorry if I'm negative but it's time for this city to do for the people for a change.
Is that too much to ask?
I think saying "Tax Break," at the ground breaking meant Tax Break FOR WALMART which is disgusting. By the way was a city permit issued for the ground breaking?
Administratiors pay should be cut, not increased. The real workers deserve a raise. I don't agree with giving a raise to a tie wearing chair warmer. Fire one of them and you could pay about 3 workers! I am not suggesting anyone should be fired. I am illustrating what could be accomplished with the money.
The fallacy with the budget is the city expects to receive tax money. With the economy down people will buy less and sales tax (as well as franchise tax) collection will be down. I saw on TV last night, that a middle class restrauant was hit hard by the economy. Regulars come less often or not at all. I guess that means less sales tax. Also property values are down with many repos. With the latest 5% Disfuctional School District increase people may be unable to pay their property taxes. When I was the treasurer of a fire district the draft(aka check but legally different from a check) from the county came several times a year only as people paid their taxes. There was a large check for the 1st half and a smaller check for the 2nd half and through the year taxes tickled in. I question the collection of property taxes will support the city budget or even the Disfunctional School District. The DSF is taxing people to death.
Andy Whiteman
When Raytown is on the verge of losing millions in income
it seems ludicrous to hand out big raises. Give the hourly workers an increase
but even then it should be kept to a realistic increase.
Our city management and elected officials made the decision to give away
tax income. Their promise was that more businesses would follow the new 350hwy. deal and that the tax income would actually grow.
I would request that other than city services, that a freeze be put on all spending
until this happens. They should not ask for anymore tax increases until they
live up to their projections of future income.
In other words put their money where their big ideas are, and quit giving away
and wasting our (taxpayer) money.
I second Pat's motion.
Andy Whiteman
and motion failed.
A motion fails when the lawmakers turn it down. The solution is to change the lawmakers to those who understand the needs of Raytown.
Got your personal property or real estate tax bill yet? Hang onto you hat, for the outrageous increases. I'd sell my house in a minute for what the county thinks it worth. I'm sure glad to be paying that BIG INCREASE in my fire tax, so the boys can enjoy those HUGE fire stations. It's sad that we have to pay anything to the city, because we're not getting ANY SERVICES for their portion.
Anon 6:13 is correct. Not only do we need lawmakers who understand the needs of Raytown, but they also need an understanding of COMMON SENSE and economics!
Anon 8:24 AM, most people don't get their real estate tax bill because they have a mortgage and the county refuses to send them even if requested. The average person has no clue where his taxes go!
I checked my wax bills. The huge increase was the school tax going from 67% of the tax bill to 72% of the tax bill. May home tax bill went up close to $200 because of the school tax. One writer stated the teachers aren't paid enough. Boy, did the Disfunctional School District lie to the voters!
Andy Whiteman
My 83 year old mother got her real estate taxes and they went up $200.00 on 54 year old home, not a fancy home either! I hope this is a "wake up notice" to the tax payers of Raytown, that they should NOT vote for any more tax increases mainly for the Raytown School District. I work for the school district and I see the waste of money that goes on every day. They would not have to raise taxes if they just learn to manage the money they have and stop paying the "fat cats" at the Administration Center at 6608 Raytown Rd.
You can bet that the school district will want another tax increase in 2009 because they are telling us that the district is BROKE!!!
How about those high water bills. We need some CHANGES at Public Water District #2.
You all need to change yourself and your thinking.
This was written by William J H Boetcker in 1916.
The Ten Cannots
You cannot bring prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot further brotherhood of men by inciting class hatred.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and
independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and
should do for themselves.
By
Rev. William J. H. Boetcker
question
since its the neo-con bush/cheney fault gas is so high...are they the ones to blame for it going down/...dam republicans just cant trust them..and about the fire station, i was just up there got my blood pressure checked and couple smoke detectors and they were cleaning the place and working on stuff..so give them a break...at least they are taking care of the place...
A friend of mine was telling me at breakfast this morning
he had received his real estate taxes. It appears that he is
paying fifteen hundred dollars a year for this tax and eleven hundred
of those dollars go to the school district. He said there are fourteen of
the same size houses on his block. These are not big houses either.
My friend then told me that only one hundred dollars went to the fire department.
Something seems out of balance here. I told him, sarcastically, but Joe,
the school district is broke and they need your money.
I can't write what
he said but, you can bet he won't be voting for a school tax increase
any time soon.
All five us agreed that Raytown will have a big new Wal-Mart and a school district next to none and nobody left in town that can afford them. The people
can only be asked to pay for stupidity by both the city and the school district
so many times and then even the most avid of supporters have to say ENOUGH!
Sorry for the second writing but I have been thinking about
some of the arguments on this post. I'm talking about the
political arguments.
Some say if McCain gets in it will be business as usual, a copy
of George Bush.....probably so.
Some say Barack Oboma will save us.........probably not.
Most of the focus from Obama is that he will tax the people making over
two hundred fifty thousand dollars a year and give the rest of us a tax break.
It makes us people that have been paying taxes all our lives feel better
to here things like this.
However, this probably won't happen either.
Lets face facts. the people that have to vote for this kind of deal all make over
two hundred fifty thousand, and the first thing these people do after an election
is vote themselves a pay raise. Asking them to raise their taxes is a pipe dream.
Not to mention the true people that run this country, the banks, big business and
insurance companies won't let this happen either.
Let's face it. The rich aren't going to give the middle class a break. We are the people
that have been financing them for over a hundred years and I don't think it will
change because of who is president.
As much as we might like to think government, any government federal or city,
is "for the people by the people" we all know or should by now they aren't.
The reason gas has gone down is because it got so expensive that the American people couldn't afford it. So we have all changed our driving habits. Don't worry it's only temporary, OPEC and the big oil companies are already scheming to get prices back up.
Okay, I can't stand it any more! Both McCain and Obama LIE! They can't do any of the things they promise without congress. The powers of the president are very limited! Study up on it folks. Blaming Bush/Chaney for everything, or Clinton/Gore for that matter, is crazy. If you want to blame someone, blame your congressmen and women. They are the ones with the power. All a president can do is work to change the things he, or she, finds important. And, if they are working with a congress whose power position is the opposing party, that can be impossible. The American people need to THINK! Our government is set up to be a balance of power. And the president, while the figurehead, isn't really the most powerful. If they believe they are, they are crazy!
Anon 8:43AM is correct. I learned it in HS that it takes Congress to act.
Obamba claims tax cuts for those earning under $250K but on his infomercial, it bacame $200K! Either it changes day by day or he speaks with forked tongue.
I don't trust either Obama or McCain but I have to vote for whichever I feel to be less evil.
The Disfunctional Schools take more tax dollars than all the other entities combined! DEFINATELY VOTE NO AT THE NEXT TAX ELECTION! My house is also a 50+ year old home that went up close to $200 in school taxes. If you do the math, 75% of taxes go to schools.
OUTRAGEOUS!
Andy Whiteman
'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
"On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi"
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
When the Bush TAX CUTS expire (Obama and the Democrat Congress have promised they will let them expire) we will ALL (except those who don’t pay taxes, they will receive “hand out”, “share the wealth” checks from the government) get a huge TAX INCREASE. People you'd better wake up and smell the coffee before you vote and not after! Many have already voted (early) for Obama and now regret that they did.
TO itellitlikeitis I suppose you have those numbers? The people that voted for Obama and now regret it. If you have nothing of substance to offer, why don't you just slither back into the hole that you crawled out of.
Very intelligent Anonymous 10/31/08, 11:18 A.M.: Thank you so much, its people like you who prove my point every time I make a post here!
i believe that cnn said to disbelif that the republicans were ahead per exit polls of early voters...hell its got to be true its cnn
Your little ditty is a funny poem...
But you and your vote should really stay home.
Onward O'Reilly, Newt, Buchanan and Rush...
Like you, Mr. Tell It, their brains are all mush.
Don't use your brain but your gut,
And we'll have 4 more years in this economic rut.
Once Sarha is president you'll know real fright...
So downward and downward and more to the right!
And enjoy taking that risk!
Cuz' we all know "Ignorance is Bliss."
--- Someone who has PROUDLY already voted for Obama and has no regrets at all!
let me know how you feel next year when your taxes are up and govt run health care is folding...you are truly a idiot
No, the idiot is you. Want socialism? Check what Geo W did for the fat cats on Wall Street. Want Marxism, see what Palin did by all but nationalizing oil profits in Alaska. You and Joe the Plummer should spend some time together. Neither of you knows sic'em from come here!
3:31...Did your mommie forget to put the adult site lock on the computer? Go trick or treating like a good little boy.
got a great big bag o candy...raising taxes on buisness and capitol gains?...who do you think will make those payments..they will be passed to the consumer,they will take the shape of existing workers benifets being cut (health care,retirement)and fewer jobs will be created and prices will rise..thats basic economics..and im not a kid i own a small remoldeling buisness with 5 employees, my wife is my accountant and we will have stay under the 250,000.00 mark next year or we will either have to let go 2 of my 5 employees or reduce or eliminate the health care coverage....and we have looked at it everyway and thats what obamas plan will force me to do..make less money or fire 2 employees....i found it funny in a earlier post that someone made a reference to when george w signed the wire tap law and everybody freaked out that the govt would be listining to everybodys phone conversations.....but you are okay with them making your health care desicions.......i would rather be a kid than be lead around like cattle...4:26 and 4:37 im sure you are little sheep and will follow each other right down the line to the slaughter.....are you voting for obama because your union boss told you to or did you research and read the plans on both macain and obamas websites.....or are you voting dummycrat just because you hate George W....make you wonder really who is the kid....breaking news..obama ceiling for tax cuts went from 250,000.00 to what biden said yesterday 150,00.000..maybe that was just another biden gaff....gov richardson (d) just stated that it was down to 120.000,00....go back to stealing macain signs.....
ACORN is calling they are looking for dogs and hampsters to register to vote...they will give you a ride to the polls $20.00 and a pack of smokes if you vote for obama...he is the MESSIAH
BRAINWASHED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg98BvqUvCc
THIS IS REALLY SAD.
heres some more FACTS from obamas website
401 k plans will be run by the govt
obamas plan cash out tax on the top
100,000.00 plan you will lose 7,000 at cash out..
pelosi/reid plan through congress same plan will cost you 19,000.00 to cash out..NICE HUH
elimanate bush tax cuts tax rate will go from 31% back to 33%..who do you think will pay for that...YOU...
Small buisness tax will move to 54% before local and state taxes..information taken from obamas tax plan.....Wake up do you really want that?......read be informed not brainwashed.....info is there read read read...any body with better facts put them out there...
Jessie Jackson, if you are the real Jessie Jackson, I spoke with you back in the 80' or 90's when you asked for my vote for President. We were both in California at the time. I doubt you will remember especially since I only told you my employee Id and not my name.
Jeff, you sound like you have good knowledge of economics, budgets, and running a business. If you are in my Ward and run for Alderman, I will probably vote for you after I hear more. We need people with REAL knowledge and experience running this city. I am very dissapointed with out city administration in general. After the last BOA meeting I can count on one hand the Aldermen who are looking out for the taxpayers.
We need representative who have interest in helping he taxpayers. The city does not have unlimited funds. The well will run dry especially if this poor economy continues. This also applies to the Disfunctional School Disrtict that hogs 75% of the taxes.
Andy Whiteman
Andy Whiteman
Jeff sounds like you do a lot of babbling without many facts. YOU'RE WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. Typical REPUBLICAN SCARE TACTICs!!!!
This is going to stir a hornet's nest -- but the truth is I am voting Republican this time around because of Sarah Palin.
Look at the alternative. Obama, Biden, and yes, even McCain, are part of the problem in Washington. They have had there run for some time and look at the mess the country is in.
Look at the 50 states and how they are run. Under Palin's watch Alaska has been a success story. Can you say that about Missouri under Blunt and Kansas under Sebillius?
I realize her position will only be as v.p., but she will have some influence from that position. In many ways her presence will be like a breath of fresh air compared to the crusty old politics the other three are dishing out.
12;24 which part did you not understand...i can slow it down and be more specific if you would like....funny about democrats you only believe what they tell you but the post above outlines a few of the 401 k problems with obamas plan.....i read today in the kansas city star (left leaning) that the democrats under obamas plan will tax your 401 and 457 contributions if they control the house..which is even more than the earlier post tax before and then again after you draw...good times there......again which part do you not understand or are you just a sheep?....and just saying its wrong wrong wrong dont make you right...give me some facts or can you..?
Lee Gray here...
America already has a socialized health care system. I'm proud to be part of it because it's better than my experience in the private sector.
The System is called: The Veteran's Administration.
Thirty-six years ago, when I came home from Vietnam, I went to the VA Hospitals in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Muskogee, Oklahoma. The system wasn't much to brag about back then.
But, today, the VA Hospital in Kansas City is considered one of the nation's best in the VA system and ranks higher than a number of private care facilities locally.
And the cost? Much cheaper.
Yes I have to schedule appointments well in advance, but I can go to the walk-in clinic if needed or the emergency room in an extreme case.
As a disabled American veteran I enjoy some other benefits.
Six years ago when BC&BS wanted to raise my monthly premiums to $650 a month because I turned 55, I decided to go to the VA.
I went in with the attitude it would be a miserable, hurry-up and wait experience...and boy have I been surprised!
So when the uniformed talk about socialized medicine, they need to change their attitudes and look at the facts.
The VA would be the perfect model for a national system for non-Vets.
Lee
PS. Before some smart-ass can say it, No...my disability is not MENTAL.
(smile) Lee
Lee - You may not be mental but Andy sure is. He need to get his head examine without helmet and aluminum foil. Oh my God, this guy is crazy.
I see we have another post with Karlin Curtis and Debbie Grant being metioned. I am so tired of hearing about these ladies and how wonderful they were. They must have not been that good or they would still be at city hall. Pick a new subject.
The reason they're not at city hall is Kurt Wenson. And whether you like hearing about them or not, there hasn't been adequate replacements.
Lee,
The VA may be good for you, but what about the state of Walter Reed for military health care?
I have heard that people with socialized medicine in other other countries are very dissatisfied with rationed health care--long waits to see a doctor even for an urgent condition, long waits for elective surgery. There is one Europen country that puts down senior citizens like animals if their health care cost is too high. They also put down children under a certain age for certain medical condition and the parents have no choice.
Socialized medicine is fine if you don't mind waiting to see a doctor an being put down if it is too expensize. If doctors were government employees, do you think many people would study to become doctors? I would rather have our pay for service health care.
If we went to socialized health care, people who don't receive health care now will overload the system.
Andy Whiteman
just heard on the news today that most military service members serving in iraq and the afgan conflict will not have thier votes counted because of not having a witness to the vote....add the fact that most not all but most active military vote republican....i thought obama wanted every vote counted...this was reported on cnn and fox news today..i refuse to watch msnbc...do you think if they always voted dummycrat he would make a push to have them counted......i was also talking with a kc cop last night at the grocery store who says they are putting a plan in place for election nite, just in case obama does not win to handle the civil disturbances....he sais they expect some level of property damage,looting and violence......cant wait for election day....maybe i will cling to my gun and my religion....
All this talk about riots if Obama does not win is sickenly sad. What kind of a nation are we if this is the way people react when they do not get their way?
Do you think Republicans will riot if McCain is not elected?
The talk about riots if Obama does not win is more REPUBLICAN SCARE TACTICS and I for one am tired of their BS. That's why I've decided to vote for ALL the Democrats this year, and yes that includes the state representative candidates too.
I don't know who brought up Karlin Curtis and Debbie Grant, but these two employees were the most dedicated employees that ever worked for the city. These were political firings conducted by Sue Frank and Curt Wenson. This is probably one of the reasons that no one wants to work for Raytown anymore. We've gotten a reputation for not treating our employees fairly. By the way, did anyone notice that Liberty, the new home of Wenson and Estes, have 3 tax hikes on the Nov. ballot. These two are true bureaucrats, keep taxing so they'll have more money to spend. Sure glad they are gone from Raytown.
republican scare tactics....dude you need to give up the x-files thinking..its the truth and most police departments have plans like that in place for all elections,world series ,super bowls, wto meetings, imf meetings.....get over it obama will win and when we are year next year you will be crying about your federal tax bill not your property tax bill...way to use the im voting all dummycrat no matter there position...like i said before who really is the kid.....its about time to go tailgating for your super bowl bound chiefs...get your face paint and headress on and go drive drunk...make mommy proud
Poor Jim! Didn't you get enough Halloween candy? Have you crashed from the sugar high? And "dude"? Do you think we're all Todd Palin? Now be a good little boy and stay off the big people's site or mommie is gonna put you in time out! And the Redneck Republicans won't riot in the street. They'll just lay in wait with their assault rifles. Cowards don't show their faces.
I also heard on the radio that there will be riots if Obama wins. Sounds like Denver where there are riots when the Broncos WIN the Superbowl or a playoff game! I can't believe idiots will riot for ANYTHING.
The emergency planning was also announced on the news. The Police, Fire Department, MAST Ambulance, KCPL, and MGE will all staff the operations center.
It is good to ALWAYS have a plan whether or not anything is expected to happen.
I am glad that idiot Wenson is gone. The most useless tie wearing charir warmer that this city has ever had!
Ok, everybody you have until Tuesday to make your decision. Please get out and vore for the person of your choice.
Andy Whiteman
Lee Gray here...
Andy you "have heard" is not proof of anything.
I've lived in Germany where there was socialized medicine. My oldest son has had free health care when traveling in Canada and Czechoslovakia and was impressed.
And this "putting down" the old and young...c'mon!
If there was NO HEALTH CARE at all...think Cave Man Times or Darfur, Sudan...then it would be natural selection. I'm fine with that. When I'm no longer useful to society I see no reason for me to be here.
Lee
dont show there faces...wow comes from a anonymous poster,,,hey the game is back on...the big peoples sight..i have been watching i see lee,andy and a pat..plus a lone fireman and a couple posts from walters,,,hardly lays claim to a big peoples site...dude
and you're not an anonymous poster, dudette?
Gotta' love those Republican scare tactics.
Here is the latest one. They moved daylight savings time back to right before the election so that it would be dark outside and scare democrats away from the polls.
You didn't answer my question. Do you think there is danger of Republicans rioting if McCain loses?
2:20 PM Dude, Why not sign your name or even a handle?
Andy Whiteman
the dude is my handle
OK, now that is clear.
Thanks,
Andy Whiteman
doubt the republicans will riot, we will be looking to hide our money...i dont have time to riot, i got to diversify and drop a few employees....dudette
If the people of Raytown were smart they would delve into the personnel records and hiring practices of the EMS department and wonder why they are ranked as one of the highest for medical mistakes in the state of Missouri? Could it be that they are hiring convicted felons that are then coming into Raytown residents' homes? I know of one such instance that I believe is now terminated and has more felony charges currently pending. They paid for this guy's unemployment too by the way, folks. Two employees have had suspended driver's licenses and they are driving the ambulances... Your tax dollars at work... Oh and also it's common knowledge in the community that Matt warns his staff before random drug tests occur - does anyone else find a problem with that?? Obviously not, King Cushman seems to slither right through...AND get new exercise equipment for the station. Really???
I personally know that if this is going on at Raytown EMS, only "certain" employees are being warned about drug tests, let's just say the class pets, not the hard working people trying to do their job... not a chance......there are those also who do not approve of the way money regarding equipment and other items is spent.....it smacks of a dictatorship in this tax payer's opinion.
I dont know where you got your information that EMS is ranked the highest for medical mistakes but you are wrong. We at Raytown EMS are very good at our jobs and have the best patient care around. Evidentally you dont know much about medical treatment, watch the news and see how MAST makes mistakes while the camera is rolling. You will NEVER see that at Raytown EMS. We take pride in our jobs, our work and with our patients and their family. And as far as the excercise equipment goes, I would think it would be a comfort to those patients and family members to know that we try to stay in the best health in order to perform our duties. Obviously you must be someone who has no clue to what the EMS world is all about. I dont know about the other things you commented on but I do know this--WE ARE NOT RANKED HIGHEST FOR MEDICAL MISTAKES!!! You dont EMS Service of the Year for most mistakes--check your facts again. Better yet find a subject you know about and stick with that--cause you suck at the EMS facts!!!
OK Matt, simmer down now...
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