Sunday, March 1, 2009
Fireworks Reminder / Raytown Report History
Reminder: Fireworks Vote This Tuesday
The Raytown Board of Aldermen will decide the fate of legislation permitting the sale and shooting of fireworks in Raytown at its regulare meeting this Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Raytown City Hall. This is an open public meeting. Individuals who may wish to address the Board on the proposed legislation may address the Board of Aldermen at the beginning of the meeting during Public Comments.
The Raytown Report – A History
In 1997 former Raytown Alderman Garth Bare and I started a project we called the Raytown Reporter. I had just been defeated in a bid for re-election to the Board (I had lost by three votes – believe me, that sets your mind to second guessing “what if”. . . but that’s another story) but still wanted to keep in touch with what was going on Raytown City Hall.
So we founded the Raytown Reporter. It was truly a labor love. The format was that of an electronic newspaper. We wrote stories, editorials, had a lively Letters to the Editor column and had a pretty good time of running our little enterprise. At one point we even sold advertising with point and click coupons for local businesses.
After about ten years Garth and I decided to pull the plug on the Raytown Reporter. The project had become tiresome and was a lot of work of which neither of us had the time to dedicate.
However, we both saw the value of this media in the age of the computer. After a little brainstorming we decided to switch the format to that of a blog. The end result is the Raytown Report.
What I find most interesting about this particular blog is that it has taken on a life of its own. Typically, the administrator posts a weekly message to guide discussion. Posts to this page make it very clear that the discussion is not guided by me as the administrator, but by the public who read and share on the Raytown Report. A good example is my weekly post of February 16th about the passing of our dog, Biskette, though read by many it was commented on by very few. However, the buzz that week on the blog was about the local politics, security alarms, door to door solicitors, etc..
And that is how it should be.
One of the regular contributors to this page, Andy Whiteman, wrote that the blog is not read by our elected officials.
On that point I would differ. Because I believe that the Raytown Report is read, and read frequently, by many members of the Board, and yes, even the Mayor.
A good friend of mine, who used to serve on the City Council in Kansas City, once told me that the Raytown Report is like Pitch Magazine.
“No one reads it (the Pitch)”, she told me, “but they (the K.C. City Council) all know what is in it”.
Perhaps your elected officials do not read the page. But the counters (and counters do not lie) on this page tell of 500 to 600 people who regularly visit the Raytown Report on a weekly basis do read it.
That is significant.
A good example of how invaluable this blog is in bringing focus to the debate at city hall was when it was exposed on this page that former City Administrator Michael Miller was actively searching for a job in Alaska.
I later learned from my seatmates on the Board that some officials at city hall were aware of his job hunting months before it was shown the in light of day on this page.
Be that as it may, within two months of the posting on the Raytown Report, Miller had resigned his position at Raytown City Hall.
If there is a lesson here it is that what you say is important. So keep on reading and posting – your messages are being heard and they are making an impact in Raytown.
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139 comments:
I have been told by some city officials that the do NOT read "the blog." Maybe they are lying about that but I take them at their word. One city official had NO clue what the blog was! The Pitch is an adult type publication so I can understand people won't admit to reading it, but the Raytown Report is not that type of publication so why lie about reading it? Maybe it is like Obama telling people not to listen to Rush Limbaugh?
There is also a bill before the board for second reading regarding dangerous structures in Raytown.
The next meeting will also address raising the salaries of Police Chief and Muni-Judge but not the City Collector.
Greg, if you or anyone would like a good dog, there are 70 German Short Hairs at the Raytown shelter. This is a private project not related to the City. A rescue group is using the space to care for and to abopt out the dogs. These dogs came from a puppy mill the owner torched and are both puppies and adults. I am sure all would like a home.
The group could also use donations of dog food, supplies, or time.
The Raytown Shelter also has othe fine pets available for adoption. Anyone wanting a pet, please check it out.
Andy Whiteman
I am wondering what is wrong with Michael Miller's seeking another job? If he was seeing the city doing downhill, he has that right. He had a contract to work a certain length of time, not a life time contract.
When I worked for the Post Office, they didn't have transfers so applying at another PO was applying for a new job. It was known what I was doing because referencs were checked. I made no attempt to keep it secret. I assume Michael Miller's references were checked so of course someone had knowledge of what was happening.
Andy Whiteman
Andy,
The problem with Michael Miller looking for a job was the fact he
Started looking a few weeks after Raytown hired him.
Not to mention he was hired as a City Administrator to make
Raytown his number one priority and probably paid close to or over
a hundred thousand dollars a year to do the job. He did nothing!
more waste of time and taxpayer dollars.
That was two bad City Administrators and the taxpayers nothing, if you
are keeping score. Both did more damage than good. Yet, the Board of
Aldermen turned a blind eye to both. Along with a Community Development
Director and a Public Works Director that ran more businesses out of town
than brought into town.
This brings me to wonder what platform the incumbents (all but one) are
going to run on? Please reelect me because I'm not finished ruining this town.
I will pray for you Casady.
You're right on Pat. You've got these idiots at city hall figured out. I only hope the voters in April see the same thing.
The City Council is not the only place that could use some new blood. Look at the miss the School District is in.
They just passed a bond issue a few years back and now they're singing the blues because they've already run through the money.
They can't even open their new school on the east side of the district!
May the good lord save us from those who would pray for us because we do not dance to their tune.
Such pious nonsense like the comment "I'll pray for you" written above has to come from a narcistic primadonna who believes he has a hot-line to God.
There are so many worthwhile things to pray for on this earth. Why use prayer as stepping stone to further a political agenda?
Well when Rush Limbaugh is the political guru of "I'll pray for you" one can't expect much from the praying crowd poster above.
Greg,
Your inflated vision of self-importance is sickening.
If you were half as important in shaping public opinion as you think you are you wouldn't have lost the last 2 Mayoral races you've entered as badly as you have.
Yeah, your constituents keep sending you to the BOA (although many are dying off now) but the rest of us know what a horse's patoot you are.
Laughing All the Way
Casady
Time to let go man. They're gone.
You still have your grease trap in the middle of downtown, and you still live near Holden, MO.
Funny how, as bad as you claim it has been, you're still here in Raytown. Holden not conducive to your business? Too far for your customers to send their dead forklifts for repair?
Sounds as if Raytown has been pretty good for you over the years Pat. That's why you're till here, right?
Here is an interesting question. I know its early and the focus is on the current alderman/ school board races, but who do you all think some potential candidates for mayor will be? Let's pretend Mayor bower doesn't run again and that Greg decides not to run this time.
Pat does not live in this town is not a surprise but he has an opinion and he think it counts. False
No one cares. The sad thing is he has not figured it out yet.
A person doesn't have to live in this city (not town) to have an opinion. Pat happens to own property in this city and pays both property taxes as well as personal property taxes. No only that his business generates sales tax.
As for the rest of us who live here, we all have an opinion and think it counts, but obviously it doesn't.
Andy Whiteman
The guy who doesn't care for Greg or Pat should re-read the posts.
Greg doesn't claim to shape public opinion. In fact, his post says that it matters little what he writes as this blog has a life of its own.
Pat simply writes the unvarnished truth. I bet those who don't like it are usually the ones who gain from it being hid from the public.
The one how posted the venomous and personal attacks against Pat and Greg are typical of the bully.
If you don't agree with his vision of reality watch out.
As for this blog on the internet. It's a good idea and one that allows people to say what they feel about issues.
The jerks that use it only to attack and belittle are always with you. It is the clever, honest and insightful that are the real treat.
Let's hope Mayor Bower decides not to run again. He hasn't done a thing for the city.
Hey, Laughing all the Way. Have you ever run for public office?
I didn't think so.
Again, to the people that don't think I live in this town,
true, I don't have a home here but I spend most of my
time in the building and property I own in Raytown.
I pay my taxes to Raytown both real estate and personal property, and I make charitable contributions. So, if for no other reason that gives me
the right to my opinion.
You are going to have to come up with something
a little more clever to silence me.
Yes, most of the people in Raytown have been very good to
me and my business. I have made a lot of friends in the thirty years
I have been in Raytown. The likes of you will not change that.
I'm glad that you like the way things are going in Raytown,
most don't.
There is some difference between you and me. First, I'm not ashamed
of what I write. I sign my name to it. I never take cheap shots at
anybody. Lastly, I think everyone has a right to their opinion, even
you, The Hawk, Laughing all the way, and The Kid.
But, to be honest, "Anonymous" you are the one who's opinion doesn't
count. Without a real name you are just another shooter in the dark.
Anon March 2, 5:17 PM - regarding the "miss" the school district is in, the district is not singing the blues about the money from the bond issue from a few years ago. That was a capital bond issue and the money has been spent on the projects that were the subject of the bond issue. Thise projects have come in at or under budget and there were no hopes that they would have more money to spend on other capital items. They may be singing the blues about revenues for ongoing operating expenses but that is separate from the past capital bond issue. The district is going to have to figure out how to deal with a declining revenue stream without regularly going back to the taxpayers.
As for the new school on the east side, they could open it this school year but imaging the absolute chaos that would create by opening the school mid-year. The opening of the new school starts a domino effect with student and teacher movement at the other 9 elementary schools that would be so counter-productive. They were planning to open it for summer school but have chosen to not do so because it will save $50K to not have it open for summer school.
I think that those who put there name on here are great. I am happy that you think placing your name makes you more important to this blog. I will be honest, I only read this blog for laughs. Every once and a while I post something because Greg, Pat, Mr. Theode, and some times Andy, write something that i find rediculous. So i respond. True Pat some may not care. HeckMost on this blog probally don't, but without opposition there is no reform. Without debate the best course of action cannot be found. I honestly am that voice. The voice of opposition. I honestly could have the same views, but there is a different view i will let it be known. Most people hate that. They cannot stand someone opposing them. That part i find funny as hell.
As for Pat comments above. Yes you do pay real estate and personal prop. You also pay state and federal taxes, so what. Most people still think your opinion does not matter. Worse comes to worse, businesses can move. Most of us cannot sell our homes. So if i wanted to be correct, you only have a minor opinion that i think you can express. Your opinion isnot as valid as a resident. Nowe that is not saying that your opinion does not could. Think of it as if you were voting for president. You can vote for whom ever you want. But the Electorial college is the ones who pick him or her. Not really you. So you are the citizen and residents are the Electorial college. That sums it up i think.
There is a huge difference between an opposing
opinion and personal attacks. I welcome a debate
as long as it stays clean and factual.
"Greg doesn't claim to shape public opinion. In fact, his post says that it matters little what he writes as this blog has a life of its own."
I have seen several posts deleted, some because of personal attacks which is the right thing to do, but when a citizen asks a question like why is the Walters business not in Raytown is deleted, it puzzles me. It's a simple question not hard to answer. If you don't agree with the administrator (Walters) he deletes the posts, many have been deleted because he just couldn't or wouldn't give an answer.
If you're for the people do you not think that if an elected official is asked an honest question, and it is asked tactfully should it not be answered?
With the elections coming up and being a new resident to the city and in Mr. Walters ward it really concerns me that he would delete posts that residents asks. Maybe I just don't understand, I'm a registered voter and I know whom I'm not voting for.
I just received a flier from the Dysfunctional School District. There was a table of percentages. It stated that 98.5% of classes are taught by HIGHLY QUALIFIED teachers. That raises the question: are 1.5% of classes taught by unqualified or poorly qualified teachers?
Why aren't 100% of the classes taught by highly qualified teachers? How can this be a "Quality School District?"
Anon 9:44AM, I agree with you about debate. You said businesses could move. Actually it is easier for a homeowner to move. A business owner had to find someone who wants to buy that TYPE of business which would be difficult. It doesn't make sense to move a business away from its customers. There would be few or no customers in a rural area. I know it is customary to sell a house and then move, but why does it have to be done in that order? It took me about 6 years to find a house and due to disability more time to remodel the new house and to pack. Hence I bought a house and will sell the one in Raytown AFTER I move. It will sell better vacant anyway.
By the way, I am not moving because of the fascist, feudal type of government here. I am moving because of the miserable climate.
Andy Whiteman
Pat what personal attacks are you referring to? I have never read some personally attacking you.
I have had a few personal things thrown at me but they don't
bother me. I just consider the source and go on.
I've been told to get out of town and so forth. But, what people
don't know about me is I care deeply for Raytown and I will
write what I feel (I won't make things up and I never lie)
if I think it needs to be said. I will fight hard for any change that
will make this town a better place.
Sometimes the truth hurts and the only way somebody can get back at me is to tell me to leave.
They will get rid of me soon enough. Until then I'm not going anywhere.
Andy - the percentage for Highly Qualified is actually the percentage of courses taught by a Highly Qualified teacher. A Highly Qualified teacher is defined by the MO Dept. of Elem. and Sec. Education as an individual who has the appropriate certification for his/her teaching assignment. It doesn't necessarily mean that the teacher is unqualified or poorly qualified but more likely that the teaching certificate expired, one was not completed at the time of hiring, or they are teaching a course beyond their certification.
The most recent info has Raytown's rating at 98.6% for highly qualified teachers. This is higher than the State of Missouri overall (96.4%) and higher than Lee's Summit, Ray-Pec, Park Hill, Independence and Liberty. They are behind Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Fort Osage and Grandview. Having 100% of courses taught by highly qualified teachers is apparently an extremely difficult level to attain. The only recent instances I have seen in the area are Blue Springs in 2007 and Grandview in 2008. Otherwise, it has been less than 100% for everyone.
Paid your telephone bill lately? If not, when you do, take a good look at the list of extra charges. My bill contained 10 taxes in addition to the AT&T monthly charge.
My monthly telephone service charge is a base of $23.65. The added taxes raised the total due to $39.87. Almost 75%.None of the taxes were themselves very high. But they certainly added up.
Why should the Salamander call a rapacious phone billing to your
attention? Simple. To remind one and all just how devastating these
niggling tax increases and levies can become.
Think of this when you are asked to vote yourself another 1/2 cent sales tax.
This tax, like several others in years past, is "Designated" for
public safety.
Regardless of what the tax you are voting on April 7 is called, this
much is certain: If it passes, Raytown will have one of the highest sales tax rates in the state of Missouri.
The 1/2 cent tax will apply to almost every purchase you make. The Salamander recommends you think twice before voting yourselves another sales tax.
It will bring Raytown's sales tax close to 9% on purchases.
IT'S COMING..... The Bi-annual Meet The Candidates Night.
Scheduled for
a few weeks from now at city hall.
Don't miss it. A chance to meet and share your views with those who will represent us in the future.
Keep raising those sales taxes and you will continue to drive consumers to other cities. Look at the larger (high dollar) purchases and see how much you can save by going to a business that is not in one of the high sales tax districts. Believe me there are plenty of them out there and that's where I intend to shop if this new sales tax passes. Think about it before voting for more new taxes for Raytown.
Anon 3:43 you are right. By not buying the new washer at Clarks or the new lawnmower at Raytown Lawnmower, you might have enough left over for a decent meal at one of our eating establishments.
the point being anon 3:52 is do not raise taxes in Raytown.
my question is, why would anybody even consider raising taxes in this economy? Have they lost their minds
2 March 2009
Public Service Commission
Governor Office Building
200 Madison Street
PO Box 360
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0360
Dear Commissioners:
This is my two-cents worth on KCP&L’s rate hike request.
(Two cents are about all I can afford with my retirement investments down 50 percent.)
If KCP&L hadn’t absorbed Aquilla, I suspect the need for a rate hike wouldn’t be as necessary. Just recapturing one of the Green Boys’ golden parachutes could reclaim one-sixth of the $66 million request. I remember an $11 million severance for one of them.
While an estimated $10 a month more per customer for service might not be viewed as drastic, in these economic times I would suggest that it’s just plain stupid to raise any prices to struggling consumers.
I, myself, would like a PSC rate hike as I am also a “public utility.”
I produce natural gas…even more so since the economy dictates a beans instead of meat diet.
I also generate power and am an electric unit, according to physicists. I use some of that power to serve others --- providing help, donations, paying taxes, etc.
My older sister has always bragged to her friends since I was a child that her brother was “a big oil and gas man….oil on his hair and gas on his tummy.”
I’ll file the appropriate paperwork with you for my new utility, “Scintilla,” because a scintilla of worth is all the average person has left.
Thank you for your consideration. Hopefully my new utility produced a smile and something for you to think about where the KCP&L rate hike is concerned.
Lee Gray
PS. By the way Salamander...I too have been astounded by AT&T's bills and the taxes included.
I called them and asked what I could do about my $14 (basic service) being billed at $29 monthly.
I opted for NO Long Distance (which I never use)...and that will save me $5.44 a month. If I need "emergency long distance," AT&T will charge me 33 cents a minute for it.
The taxes on land line service are ridiculous!
It is sad when a Mayor plays up on being a project manager and understanding how to run a business. After all if like myself I am sure you have heard him refer to himself as the "Big Dog".
Well, it is time the "Big Dog" stops chasing the big stick AKA "Box Stores" and have us giving away our tax dollars to get them to build a bigger store in our city. He might be in the business of building bigger and better stadiums. However, we are small land locked community. We were incorporated by the foresight of several small business owners and it is about time we get back to basics and start working with the small business owners.
Since he has taken office more and more business are closing up. Many will feel I am being to hard on the mayor, as we all know that we as a nation are facing hard economic times. However, then why is he supporting the sales tax increase? Would you vote for any tax increase if you lost your job or if you don’t know from day to day if you have a job? Could it be a sense of guilt for the tax dollars he has help to give away to Wal-Mart. Not to mention helping one of his supporters get a tax break for painting their building. Last time I check with neighborhood services there is a code to keep your home / business painted. Does this translate to tax breaks to all of us for painting our homes and or business? Let’s get real! We all know it is because this was a business. However, I am sure I am not alone in wanting to know how a real estate business brings about revenue to the city. All I can say is I believe we all have one real estate company in Raytown that we don’t want to use not that boycotting works.
Has he done the math to figure out how many police officer positions could have been created he not support giving in to corporate welfare? Wait that would mean our hard working associates at city hall would have to focus on more then one thing at. Gee, did I just answer the question we all have why he keeps waiting all of these studies? I am guessing he doesn’t drive by Wal-Mart that often and count the number of times we have at least one police officer out of service due to some issue at Wal-Mart. So we the taxpayers have to wait on service long as corporate America is covered. Maybe this is why he supports the tax increase, but wait doesn’t the power point presentation say the actual officers would be assigned to traffic. Maybe we are working our way through this and the public safety sales takes is to put more traffic officers on the street. They would address public safety issues related to traffic and is that not must often do by tickets that generate revenue. The revenue from the tickets could them be used to hire more officers. We could just do this now and get the same results and not increase taxes on our hard working citizens. Wait this would mean our officers would have to start enforcing traffic laws and not give away warning like they do today.
Enough food for thought. I just hope that my fellow citizen wake up before our fine mayor drives more tax dollars to other committees.
Anon 12:59 PM, Thanks for explaining highly qualified teachers. I guess the 1.4% consists of substitutes or those who are teaching subjects other than on their certificate. When I was in HS, I had a teacher who wasn't qualified to teach Study Hall! Pretty sad.
Salamander, I used to work for AT&T. Why don't you call customer service and ask them to explain all of the taxes especially the Federal Subscriber Line Charge and the Federal Universal Service Fee? I bet they can't explain it.
Anon 7:44PM, You are lucky Long Distance is only 33 cents per minute. I have seen much higher prices. I assume the $5+ you are saving is for not having calling plan. I know where you can get LD for less than 5 cents per minute out of state plus all of those taxes. There is a $10 activation charge. Other than that there is no charge other than what you use. If you are interested please let me know. (At least it was $10 when I signed up a couple of years ago. It may have changed.)
Andy Whiteman
Mayor Bower is going to turn out to be one of the WORST mayors in Raytown's history. He's lazy, appears not to have any political skills, and acts more like a dictator than a leader. He's apparently running the city's budget like he runs his household budget (into the red). His administration continues to run the small businessperson out of Raytown. I'm sure that our surrounding cities are welcoming some of these people with open arms. If he keeps it up all we're going to have left is the places that he has given tax breaks to. Give me a break why would you give Knabe's real estate company a tax break? It generates NO SALES TAX and probably hires only one or two people at very low wages. Sounds like a political payoff to me. I believe that corruption is alive and well at city hall. Why else would the city not entertain a state audit to clear themselves?
Thanks, Salamander, for the heads up on Meet The Candidates. I hear that Raytown's favorite non-resident, Alle Maddox (aka, Foul Mouth Al), is involved in the debate. I hope old Foul-Mouth won't be running the debate. We deserve better.
Checked my phone bill. You are correct. Raytowner are being pennied to death with sales and other taxes.
By the way, any word out there on a bank-break property tax the school board has been discussing--in private and closed sessions, of course.
I would like to think nobody is against the proposed 1/2 cent tax
because they think the Police and other services have enough
or are just wasting taxpayer dollars, because I don't think that is
the case. In a few months Raytown will need more police than ever
before. They will have to stationed around the 350hwy. and Raytown Rd.
area, more than likely 24/7. Without more officers the rest of town will
be venerable.
The timing and climate for another tax increase is just wrong.
People have been watching as their tax dollars have been given
towards huge corporations that in reality didn't need the money.
They have had tax increases with no tangible results. They have watched their
tax dollars go for studies and surveys for less than reasonable reasons.
For buildings and the purchase of property that in the end the taxpayers
have had to tear down.
So it only makes sense they are a little leery giving the city more money.
I am certainly not saying the Police or services are at fault. They may be
a victim of circumstances in all this. But I don't think we can afford not to
have more police in Raytown.
no new taxes until the economy is better. REGARDLESS OF WALMART
Anon 8:10 AM you also described Preisent Obama. Both Obama and Bower are excellant orators and good at pulling the wool over the sheeppeoples eyes!
David Bower reminds me of Jim Jones "Here take a drink of my kool aide" If we vote this tax in we are all STUPID. Let's hope we are smarter than the followers of Jones.
How can anyone in his or her right mind compare President Obama to Mayor Bower?
Let us make sure we get this straight Obama inherited the economic mess our country is in thanks to a fixed elections in 2000. I don’t believe Bowers had a brother that help him pickup any part of the city in his election. I think we will all forever wonder what really happened in Florida that year.
President Obama is trying very hard to keep our national unemployment level from hitting what it was when Roosevelt had to clean up the last biggest Republican mess and with any luck the biggest our nation will ever have to see. His stimulus package is out to not only creating jobs in America, but results we can see as did Roosevelt’s. It is a sad day when the political philosophy and lies of one party cause the Democrats to always be the ones to get our country moving forward again with the exception of Lincoln. I know you many readers will disagree, but history speaks for itself.
As for our Mayor the closest comparison with him in Obama is they both did inherit something from the previous leader. I don’t recall Bush supporting Obama. However, Sue Franks sure was there for Bower so unlike our nation that will be able to move forward those in Raytown are faced with the same old “Frank” just in a new wrapper. The taste is still bitter and overly priced for what you get. Yes, the legacy of those bitter years is slowly coming to an end and as those in Iraq and us on the news saw the fall of the status to their lead so are we thanks to the fall of the old First Baptist Church.
Now as April 7th and our city election approach lets think twice before casting our votes do we really need those on the board that just wag their tails and follow the Mayor or do we those that will stand up for what they believe in. We need leadership that will not give some guy a tax break because he was either their former boss and/or former Alderman. We need people who will question wasteful spending on studies. I guess that is how they do it in the would of building big stadiums, but that is not how that back bone of this nation and city does it. We do it by living within our means.
Actually, I think most people have moved beyond the 2000 elections. I would certainly hope so at this point.
Before you give Roosevelt too much credit for making progress against unemployment, check the records. After many years of the Big Deal, unemployment continued to climb. World War II had as much or more to do with reducing unemployment as did any of Roosevelt's programs.
What an idiot 3:43 PM is? You showed your class and stupidity and low life.
No 6:31 pm it's you who lacks class and intellect! 3:43 pm is right on! Only thing Mayor Bow-wow-er Big Dog and Obama have in common is that they're both over 6 foot tall.
BOWER SHOULD BE IMPEACHED
I feel sorry for you. Get a life.
Alderman Walters as we consider the police/ems tax hike I'm curious how many minority employees there are in both operations. None? One? Two? While the firefighters aren't part of the city it would be interesting to know about their diversity locally also.
Rather or not on feels Bower should be impeached one should ask him an international businessman like him. Would in tough economic times not start reviewing the productivity or lack there of at city hall. By a simple review of just one department, neighborhood services. I believe we would have the funding for the three officers and on EMS associate. Now you might be thinking that would eliminate the whole department as it is today. However, would that be a bad thing? Yes, I don’t want to see our town turns into the slums of Greater Kansas City, but are the members of this department really enforcing the ordinances on nascence and property maintenance now. Just drive around our city and it doesn’t take long to answer this question. The parking lot behind BlockBuster on 350 highway has turned into a hang out for semi trucks and often the trailers. The old IGA at Blue Ridge Plaza comes complete with plywood windows. The in crowd seems to be parking anything from cars to trailers on the on the grass. Homes go with paint peeling or even unprimed boards. The sad thing is these are all things found right on the main streets through town.
To think we wonder then why homes are not selling and businesses are not opening, yet the Mayor is the one that pushed for the Community Development Director. Have we not had someone in this position in the past with the only difference being the title of the position. This is the “show me state” so call the position what ever you want what I want is to see more business and those that don’t ask for tax breaks from the city.
As to some of the contributors on the blog, I do believe only the top positions are required to live in the city with the only one being our chief who I am sure only does so because of state statues (law) on his position being elected. All of the others have received special approval to not have to relocate to our city. It seems that part of our consideration should be to require a 20% pay reduction for not living in the city. I wonder how many of them would still was that special consideration. I wonder if the joke could be on this group of leader if the winds of change bring about enough new votes to the Board of Alderman this April. As I believe, all of these special consideration were not passed by ordinance therefore not making them set in stone. I am sure we would have to give them the initial number of days to relocate or resign, but would that really be a bad thing. It would defiantly send a message that the citizens of Raytown want leadership at city hall to have the best interaction with the community, which can only be done by working, living and shopping here.
For those who are attending the candidate forum are we required to bring a bar of soap incase we need to help Al clean up his foul mouth.
anon 9:06 pm
You don't have your facts nor commonsense to find the facts. Did you just wake up from whatever you were taking. I am sick and tired of whatever coming out of your foul mouth. You are a sick person.
Anon 9:35
I hate to say, but I drive by the Ridge Plaza everyday to and from work and yes the old IGA does come with it's own set of plywood boards for windows. I hope Greg is right that our city officals do read this blog and will do someone thing to clean up our city.
9:06 should be thanked for bring these issues up and not try and hind the fact that those at city hall are not doing their jobs.
Could it be you are in fact one of these city employees and find it sick that anyone would expect you to actually work for the pay check you are getting or are you one of those that finds it acceptable to park on their grass.
Why do people park on the grass does that keep it from growing so they don't have to mow as often.
What is the date of the candidate forum? Mayor Bower said at the BOA there is a town hall meeting 3/24 at 3PM and 6PM. Are these different events or one in the same?
As for the trucks, where shoud they be parked? It is illegal to park them in a residential area. Raytown citizens who are truck drivers can't park in front of their homes? This city is driving working people out when they passed that ordinance.
I have seen one Black officer on the PD but haven't seen him for about 3 years. Don't know if he is still here. The PD has women. There are women in the EMS and as we know woman are minorities. I really don't care about a persons race or sex as long as they can do the job. There is such a thing as reverse discrimination.
Andy Whiteman
Thank you Andy. You are making intelligent comments and we really appreciate that. I always enjoyed your comments.
I haven't had regular access to the complete Kansas City Star (only what is available online) since December. Last January, the Star published the results of a study that compared different aspects of quality of life among 20 KC Metro communities. Raytown finished towards the bottom of every category, and I believe last overall. After the data was released, Mayor Bower promised to move Raytown up the list the next time the study was conducted. Before praising or lambasting Mayor Bower, Mr. Walters, or the rest of the elected officials in this city, I think it would be interesting to see the results of this year's test. A previous poster referenced the poor economic times as a reason for failed business in Raytown, which could be true. To what extent the economic climate or failed promises is the cause of the current state of the city could be resolved with the new results of this study.
Though it will never be changed due to budget constraints, I think it is rather ignorant to believe the city can be led back to its prosperous roots by employing a part-time mayor on a measly monthly stipend. Would there be any chance to lead out country out of the hole it is presently in with a part-time President?
On that note, I thought I would throw some unemployment statistics out from the Roosevelt-era.
1933 24.9
1934 21.7
1935 20.1
1936 16.9
1937 14.3
1938 19.0
World War II begins
1939 17.2
1940 14.6
America gets Involved
1941 9.9
1942 4.7
1943 1.9
1944 1.2
1945 1.9
I just read the latest bad news about Raytown in today's K.C. Star. It's something that most of us as homeowners knew, but were waiting for it's conformation. Property valves are DOWN over 10%, the most of any (tied with Hickman Mills) on their survey. The other problem is you can't even sell your house even when you reduce the price. Mayor Bower and his BOA must be held accountable for some, if not all, of this decline. The POOR management of city hall is definitely a LARGE factor in what's happening to our declining property values. More new taxes are not the answer to our problems.
The houses in need of paint, out buildings allowed to continue standing even though they are rusted through, dented and mangled beyond repair. Gutters falling off homes, yards full of junk -- those are the factors that drive down the value of property.
When those types of neglect are allowed, the price paid is a drop in property values.
Maybe this will be a wake up call to City Hall that the code enforcement department is a joke.
Let's see what they do at City Hall about this article. My money is on "they will do nothing, ignore the facts and continue to ask us for more tax dollars.
Speaking of tax dollars. I watched the City Council meeting last Tuesday night.
Is anyone aware that the City Council is going to vote the Chief of Police and the Municipal Judge 5% pay increases!
Sounds like we really need that tax increase doesn't it?
Unbelievable!!! Only in Raytown!
Ya, but we're going to have a big new Wal-Mart Super-Center! It's going to have a beautiful asphalt parking lot.
Along with a new Hy-Vee and more school buildings per square mile than any other city in the world.
Of course you might jar you teeth out driving on Raytown streets getting to these places.
Maybe our elected officials can next pass ordinances that will
let the homeless live in all the vacant stores in town.
You guys are of to a great start this morning. Can you think any good positive thought that would make my day. It is depressing and I will quit writing on this blog. I am done.
To Anon 8:13, I say if you're not willing to face the facts that we have serious problems that no one is addressing, then GOOD BYE
Mr. Thode
I want to thank you for trying to keep us all with an open mind and less ready to decide if our mayor or any alderman is take some form of blame for the state of the city and its lack of economic growth. However, might I recommend that either your father or you go out and talk to the small business owners and find out how well our city treats them. This will provide first hand insight into the problem and hostily felt towards those at city hall. It also might help ensure is place on the school board. By the way, from what I have heard your father is the first candidate running for school board in a long time that actual owns up that we have a problem and we best be addressing it. I wish him the best and look forward to meeting him. I hope he is out talking to residence. I have and to be honest if I owned a small business in Raytown and had to deal with the games city hall likes to play I too would close or relocate. I believe most people are willing to corporate, but let’s be fair and treat everyone equally. This appears not to be how most of the small business owner’s feel. I don’t believe the fix is an additional costly study, which is the mayor’s approach to running city hall. It is past time for the “Big Dog” to get off his porch and start talking first hand one on one to these business owners. Let the master project leader come up with a project to restore the faith in our current small business owners that will drive others to want to locate within our city. If you think I am wrong then ask yourself why was all the energy and focus at city hall placed only on get the Wal-Mart project underway. I am sure your father could teach city hall as well as the school district about a thing call multi-tasking being it is clear the mayor doesn’t have this concept mastered.
I also want to thank you for pulling the number in response to the individual whom wrote about Roosevelt and working to address unemployment. I would say the individual who wrote that WWII had more to do with ending the large unemployment record was correct. However, your numbers do show that the “New Deal” was doing its part to reduce unemployment from the all time high in 1933. Again is not President Obama trying to prevent additional raise in employment so with luck we never see that lovely 24.9% like in 1933?
Would you be so kind to share with all of us the numbers for the four years prior to 1933? I for one would be interested in see what the increase was if any during that administration.
Again, I wish your father the best and hope he is our meeting the voters so we can at least have a levelheaded voice on the school board. The work it takes to win an election is nothing to the work it is going to take to clean up the mess the school board has all of us in.
Mr. Thode
I want to thank you for trying to keep us all with an open mind and less ready to decide if our mayor or any alderman is take some form of blame for the state of the city and its lack of economic growth. However, might I recommend that either your father or you go out and talk to the small business owners and find out how well our city treats them. This will provide first hand insight into the problem and hostily felt towards those at city hall. It also might help ensure is place on the school board. By the way, from what I have heard your father is the first candidate running for school board in a long time that actual owns up that we have a problem and we best be addressing it. I wish him the best and look forward to meeting him. I hope he is out talking to residence. I have and to be honest if I owned a small business in Raytown and had to deal with the games city hall likes to play I too would close or relocate. I believe most people are willing to corporate, but let’s be fair and treat everyone equally. This appears not to be how most of the small business owner’s feel. I don’t believe the fix is an additional costly study, which is the mayor’s approach to running city hall. It is past time for the “Big Dog” to get off his porch and start talking first hand one on one to these business owners. Let the master project leader come up with a project to restore the faith in our current small business owners that will drive others to want to locate within our city. If you think I am wrong then ask yourself why was all the energy and focus at city hall placed only on get the Wal-Mart project underway. I am sure your father could teach city hall as well as the school district about a thing call multi-tasking being it is clear the mayor doesn’t have this concept mastered.
I also want to thank you for pulling the number in response to the individual whom wrote about Roosevelt and working to address unemployment. I would say the individual who wrote that WWII had more to do with ending the large unemployment record was correct. However, your numbers do show that the “New Deal” was doing its part to reduce unemployment from the all time high in 1933. Again is not President Obama trying to prevent additional raise in employment so with luck we never see that lovely 24.9% like in 1933?
Would you be so kind to share with all of us the numbers for the four years prior to 1933? I for one would be interested in see what the increase was if any during that administration.
Again, I wish your father the best and hope he is our meeting the voters so we can at least have a levelheaded voice on the school board. The work it takes to win an election is nothing to the work it is going to take to clean up the mess the school board has all of us in.
Today is such a beauitful day. Everyone can agree that it is.
To the guy who was all but sacreficing something on the alter of Obama. Remember that Bush inhereted a recession as well. Obama is not working hard he is work horrible to fix the economic problems of our country. He spoke of everything accept how to pay for it. Well close minded as you all are you probally don't care that our children's children are the ne who will foot the bill for Pres. Obama's great economic plans. Think about that.
I am sorry to say that the repub that ran was not s great a candidate either. But at least he did not have big plans and bigger failures for our economy.
READ A HISTORY BOOK BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR IDIOTIC MOUTH. No president has ever been worth his weight in what he has promised DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN.
All of you crying over a 1/2 cent sales tax increase. So the tax goes to almost, ALMOST, 9 cents on the dollar; And that is if you even do your shopping in Raytown. I bet, No I Know, that at least, AT LEAST, half of you don't even do your all your shopping in Raytown. I bet some of you do more shopping in Lee's Summit than Raytown, and so will pay another city's high sals tax. Shows how real supportive of Raytow nyou really are. Cry about the sales tax increase then shop some place else where the sales tax is already higher. Not to mention it seems to me that you all doing care about how this community is going down hill as far as criminally. Our police officers are fighting as hard as they can with the limited man power that they have to keep the horrible crimes from Kansas City spilling over on to our streets. Our nice new Quik Trip has started closing from 12 am to 2:30 am because of the large amount of activity from large parties just to the west of our fair city. The police department has responded to an ever growing amount of what i can only guess are gang related disturbances and fights, some with weapons including guns, that run up and down the west border. to my knowledge our southern border is not much different. During the month of december the police department had what they called a "Directed Patrol" shift that worked on only drug, stolen vehicles, and gang related violence problems along the 87 Street corridor. The program was very successful. Raytown in team work with South district Kansas City police arrested an amount of criminals in the hundreds just in that month. Due to funding, i only assume, is why they cancelled that program. According to my interpretation of the public safety sales tax, has had to make large budget cut from there training and valueable programs that were provided by them. I for one am sickened by the fact that you people think our police department does not need this funding. The more training a police department has the better equiped they are to fight crime and make this town better. The elderly assistance program that was cut last year was a great service. During poweer outages and storms that destroy, the police departments would make rounds to the elderly who were apart of the program make sure that they were okay, and inform the power companies the irgency of getting power back on. For some of you that may not be a big deal, but for those older folks that are relying on ventalators and other things that need power to keep them breathing and even living it means the world.
The paramedics who are going from medical call to medical call, because they only have enough man power to run 2 ambulances. Tell the people that have to wait for medical attention that you don't care about them enough to up the staff of Raytown Emergency Medical Services. tell them the reason they had to loose those critical moments was because you people wanted to not give up a 1/2 cent. How can you all call yourselves Americans. I am mortified of your comments and actions that are repercented on this blog.
Anon 9:58
What history book are you reading from?
What political party has always had to clean up the mess others leave behind?
From what you write you sound as if you are retired. Please tell me how your portfolio looked during the Clinton years vs. George W Bush. I know my own grandmother had nothing good to say about her portfolio during the Nixon years. It sounds like the amount of need you place on social programs that you best always be voting and voting Democratic. As I wonder where many American’s would be without social security and I think we all know, which party and President to think for that. However, again I don’t know what history book you are reading form. Good forbid I get on the bandwagon as others on here have about what Hover for fun I would suggest goggling "Hooverville". I would hope it would open your eyes to what our President is try so hard from reoccurring. Why is it now under the new administration that restrictions are being placed on the money that these large companies are seeking? That sure was not the message under Bush.
As for the cuts with in the city programs of the senior, I to am sad to see them go as I do agree many benefited from them. However, don’t you realize when you give away the farm like we did with city dollars to Wal-Mart the money has to come from some place. Every time the good old boys at city hall allow a tax break for some company who picks up the cost? Do not we the citizens in either reduced services or higher taxes.
Asking for additional tax when we are in this economical mess and then complaining about how are children will pay of Obama’s plan is a total contradiction. Yes, you are correct I support Obama and his plan, why because he is also looking to reduce the defect. Are we going to reduce anything by this new sales tax or only allow for money to be shifted around so we can give some other “Big Business” a take break? I believe the past actions of the “Big Dog” answers that question. Please tell me you do recall under Clinton the deficit was on a decline. I believe it was New York that had a large sign counting down the balance, but it was going down faster then expected so they took it down. What a shame as it would have been so much fun to watch it climb under Bush. Yes, we will see a climb before a decrease, but what do you expect after what we as a nation had in the White House for eight years.
Look right here at our own state, which Governor went in and cut programs for seniors and children and what party did he represent. I hope you got out and voted this past November for someone that understood those cuts were wrong.
Well, I am sure your mind is set that it is a good thing to increase taxes when people are unemployed.
By the way would you please explain to the rest of the readers on this blog how we can do all of our shopping in Raytown. I don’t know of any clothing stores anymore. Silly me Wal-Mart that really helps America what a great company to work for, NOT!
Anon 9:58 a.m.,
"All of you crying over a 1/2 cent sales tax increase. So the tax goes to almost, ALMOST, 9 cents on the dollar; And that is if you even do your shopping in Raytown."
The point is 9 cents here, 20 cents there, 5 cents there, etc., incrementally adding it up you end up giving away the majority of your $1 to services that are questionable at best.
As for Shopping in Raytown, here are some lessons from a Customer/Consumer:
1st, Raytown Business's have to offer what is wanted or needed
(Do an inventory or understanding, does Raytwon currently fit this bill?)
2nd, Raytown Business's need to understand that just because they offer the 1st part Raytown residents will flock to them...they need to entice or make aware or attract us to these stores/services. This is typically done by delivering what is wanted in the timeframe needed, at a competitive price with the highest quality and friendly/or at least tolerable customer interaction...
To shop somewhere just because it is your hometown does not make sense to me....your idealism may work for awhile but will never be sustainable and that is what makes a community/city/state/nation viable & growing...
As I see it.....
I can agree today is a beautiful day in the State of Misery.
From my experience the sales taxes in the metro are outrageous! I do my grocery shopping every 3 to 4 weeks based on who has the items on sale that I want and who doubles coupons of up to 50 cents not 49 cents. (I have never seen a 49 cent coupon.) So I usually shop Hy-Vee or Hen House as having the on sale items. (Sometimes Apple Market.) The last time I went to Hen House at 119th & Roe I looked at the taxes on the receipt. They seemed high so I did the math and the tax was 9.45% ON FOOD! Maybe certain food is taxed differently. I don't know.
Those running the city seem to be easily hoodwinked by developers whether it be RED or Walmart. How do these companies influence our elected officials to make such ignorant decisions?
******************
Daniel, the Red Star hasn't published a full edition in about 3 years since they changed the size of the pages. They have eliminated much content and make frequent reference to web articles. You are probably getting more than us subscribers.
Also than you for publishing the unemployment stats. My father said (and this was his opinion not mine), "The Democrats start wars and help the economy. The Republicans end the wars." A HS teacher said, "War is good for the economy. It puts people to work." That doesn't seem to be true for the Iraq/Afghanastan war. The economy is worse. I wonder if tha might be because American jobs are outsourced? There are no jobs in America for Americans.
Good Day,
Andy Whteman
Obama's is just a guy from the most currupt section of this nation, who's ideals are nothing but Clinton knock offs. He appointment cheats and associates with people who i personally would call terrorists. He has done nothing but stick the governments hand in where it shouldn't be. He has created a Socialist governement, and you don't care. democrats are no different than republicans. Hell 180 years ago they were the same polictcal party. The Democratic Republicans. Bet your history book left that out. Again Bush inheritted a recession also. Or did you forget 8 years ago. I will give you that it was not as bad possibly but a recession non the less. Who did he inherit it from, history says Clinton. The only thing Clinton did was take away the honest persons right to protect him/her self by making those rediculous gun restrictions.
Wal-Mart got a tax break. They won't pay what there local property tax. Well being as Wal-Mart will be selling like crazy as all of them do, Sales tax. WOW look at that. Yeah they got the break on porperty tax; But out of the entire city they will bring in the most sales tax. You close minded nuts.
What was so wrong about Bush. yes he surely could have done better, but history has shown that we had worse. I will put this to all of you regarding Bush. Lincoln was the most unpopular president during his last year or two of office, due to the civil war and his stand on slavery and all that hoopla. Now he is one of the most famous and highly respected presidents in history. I thin kthe same will come of Bush. Yeah we hate him now for the War and other crap. But in the span of time his actions just from 9-11 it's self will grant him honor. He did what everyone else wanted him to do. His Admin tightened the lazy security of our borders and attacked the attackers for once. IF he did nothing else for this country, what he did toward terrorim was enough.
Everyone knows that most generally What a president ran and got elected; most of it never even happens. It sounded good so we voted for it.
I am 25 years old. I am a sucker for helping people who need it. But i am also beleive in Gods method of you can only help those who are willing to help themselves.
Regarding the lower deficit for Clinton. Before 9-11 the deficit was still declining. Due to the war it as what happens in every war, it climbed. Your annointed one pres. Obama is sending more troops to Afganistan, But mostly pulbicates that he is bringing the tropps home from Iraq. Well keeping the war in Afganistan going is not going to help the deficit at all. Its a war. wars cost money, lots of money.
I am YES all the way for the public safety sales tax. You won't change my mind about that.
Again i am 25 years old. I will never be able to see any amount of money from social security. It will be depleated way before then i am sure.I think that program was a waste of time and money. If they were trying to help when that was laid out, they were drinking a little too much. My beleif is you put money in you can take money out. You can only take out what you put in. They should have made it a giant savings account with those principles. The government would make the interest and the people who put into it would have it when they need it. Simple, Easy, Workable. Thos who don't put in, don't expect anything back. thise people who take advantage government programs that feed off of social security, but do not ad to it funds, get rid of them all. We want this country strong it is time to get back to our founding fathers core values. Work hard, make your living, respect people and therer property. Be a Honest God fearing man who does his worth. This country nneds to get back to it's biblical roots and take a serious step. the government is not going to do that the individual is. This country was once "One Nation Under God" and that is where it needs to return.
IF the Big 3 are going under. Fine let them. Hondas are just as good a vehicles as Chevys, and are cheaper, historially last longer, and over all have better gas mileage. Hondas are also assembled in the USA as well. So let GM go, let Chrysler crash, and farewell Ford. Maybe that will teach them to charge so much for there cars.
You people are crying about the economy when it is all your faults. you paid the rediulous amounts for cars, you took on the overbearing mortgages. You the government, the presidents did not do it you did. I am sick of the pathetic crying of helpless people who can only blame themselves. Change your life them you can change the world we live in. Better yourselves you will better the world.
Does anyone know if Steve Mock is supporting the tax increase?
I only ask as I heard he had a fundraiser and Chief Lynch was busy pushing tee-shirts and information for the increase.
I am lead to believe then that Steve likes higher taxes, so I now having to rethink who I want to be my next alderman.
At least I will drag myself to the polls rain or shine, hope others can take the time away from this blog and do the same.
i am just curious about what happened to the updates of jason whitaker from the post on doing all his shopping in Raytown. maybe he could give us a insight on what kind of businesses we need to bring to raytown. since there has been only one update maybe he is having a hard time staying in raytown for his family needs.
Anon 12:26,
I have to assume the gun ban you are upset with Clinton has to do with high capacity clips or assault rifles. Would you please explain then why you would need a high capacity clip or assault rifle? I ask, as I don’t believe either are suitable for hunting or are high capacity weapons allowed. If it is for personal protection, who needs an assault rifle and do really think you need more the 11 shots (1 in chamber + the 10 in your clip)? History has prove these items are really designed for is elimination of human life as war and gang shootings have proven. This is not the Christian way to celebrate the ownership of a firearm. One of the 10 commandment is “Thee shall not kill” and Jesus said the most important commandment was “Love thee neighbor as you love me”
I am not trying to sound judgmental as the “Bible” I read has a part in it “Judge not you be Judged”. Therefore as an active Christian and member of the NRA, I ask that you tone down about needing these types of weapons. It makes everyone assume you are with the NRA and that this is the standard NRA view. I ask the you spend more time reading you “Bible” and praying so that you find the peace that appears to be missing from your life. With luck others will not get the impression all Christian are crazed gun packing individuals living in religions compounds. However, as soon as I read your contribution to this blog. I thought of Jimmy Jones and David Koresh who spent way to many hours reading into the “Bible” and miss representing Christianity. Have you stopped to think those actions from people like Koresh is why they want a ban on high capacity clips and assault rifles?
I wish you the best and pray that you will find the true light while you are still young enough to enjoy life.
Accually it says you shall not commit murder. The bible also says that if you commit acrime of human standards that you has be punished by human standards. I read the bible quite a bit in fact.
Why would you need more than 11 rounds. Why would you need any. Why would i need an assault rifle. Well i am not going up against a burglar with a AK with my 6 shooter. Then you will say. What about the police. Well you all aren't pro public safety so i guess i will have to take it apon my self to defend my property and my family. You can pray all you want. Pray for the end to come so that we don't have to deal with crime anymore then you won't have to worry about the tax.
Your some green peace hippy. Not a Christian. If you were a Christian you would be telling people something like you know that you are a sinner and jesus it the way the truth and the light. Not miss qouting the bible and trying to hide behind your qoutes.
You spoke of true light. Well true light is that God is coming and we will have to deal with his vengence. God is good, but more important God is Just. that is biblical. the laws of man are nothing to the power of God. Fact. Don't run up my shorts with your misguided interreptations of the bible.
You want to know what else you should prayer for. Pray for yourself and those like you,who think that the it is thou shalt not kill, instead of THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT MURDER. read then quote don't qoute then find out that someone you were trying to belittle knows the truth.
Here is just a reminder how OUR tax money is being spent in Raytown. Our BOA paid a company $50,000.00 to do a study called infill housing,(and I have lost count on how much money was paid to other companies to do the same thing.) Mainly what are we going to do with downtown Raytown. What the hell are we paying John Benson for he is suppose to be a city planner? Then we paid a company $15,000.00 to research recycling, fireworks and smoking when in the end all we did was practically copy the oridance Lee's Summit had on fireworks. Now they want a half cent sales tax, the value of our property is gong down, KCP&L wants a 16% increase,the water will be going up and I am sure the school is standing in line with their hand out next. Wake up and vote these clowns out of office. And any candidate that is for the tax needs to be gone, and do not vote in any more bobble heads. Let's get some independent thinkers in. Let's fight to save our city!!! City hall sure as hell isn't!!!
Would the gun happy individual,
Please start readying the New Testament. It is the Old Testament that has the eye or an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Again Jesus said it is not for us to judge others.
Also please support your position on burglaries where assault rifles where used by the criminals.
This is the first I have heard of people burglarizing homes with assault rifles and few and far between of home invasions involve assault rifts.
If you have the time please visit the library and read the NRA’s Rifleman. They always have one page dedicated to the armed citizen and none that I have read fit either your overly paranoid philosophy or the weapons used in a burglary.
No personal attack please.
If Steve Mock is supporting the sales tax increase, I think he will be defeated. Anyone has to be out of their mind to support ANY tax increase in this economy. And Jim Lynch's salary is too high for what he does. This guy needs to wake up and take a voluntary freeze on his salary until times are better.
i second that
Thanks to our City Council if you spend your money at the new Walmart in Raytown the taxes go to pay for the Walmart, which really means Bentonville, Arkansas.
At least for the next 23 years. That is how long it will take for your sales tax dollar to pay off the debt created to build the Walmart parking lot, large footprint store and (the big secret at city hall) the intermodal bus station designed to bring out of town shoppers to Raytown's "new" Walmart.
So you may be better off spending the money in Lee's Summit. At least that way you can visit your tax dollar at work.
That is unless, of course, you are travelling to Bentonville.
Personally I think Steve Mock will be another bobblehead and we don't need that. I like the young man Michael Lightfoot. He is a young business owner in the city and I feel he has a real heart for the city and wants to see it grow. Let's give him a chance.
This year alone there have been 10 home invasions where the criminals have used what was described as machine guns. These have occurred ever too close to our city's borders. The Old testament is just as important as the new testament regarding our religious history. You have to understand the entire bible not just what conveinouses you. If you do not understand it all you are being misguided. It is sad that you two or ho many there are arguing about gun rights a religion. If either one of you had seen you would not waste your time spatting religion on this blog.
To the great mind of Anon 9:26pm March 5 2009
That was deep. i do not know how you could say "big secret of city hall" If it was a secret you wouldn't know. swirl that in your head. I am totally against the bus station, and walmart is my prime reason. How many of you have been in our current wal-mart. I go in there very frequently. If you have you would know exactly what i am talking about. There theft rate is through the roof. Not all but i would say half has to be attributed to the rif that is pulled in here from the inter city by the buses. Now don't get me wrong public transportation is almost a necessity in this day and age. But from what i have heard our Walmart and the New blue ridge "Mall"-Mart have the 2 top theft rates in the metro. Well it also could be said that these two Wal-marts have the most different bus stops with in a close proximity. Cannot be just a coincidence. Think about that. the they want to put a hudge bus depot in the middle of our city. Sounds to me like that more cops maybe what we will really need then.
Food for Thought
Those who live within Ward 5 will elect two candidates that are one for a four year term and one for two years.
Yes, out of all four candidates Michael Lightfoot is clearly the best choice not only to represent his ward, but our city as a whole. His experience as a small business will bring about the personal challenges small business face when dealing with city hall.
The four year race now appears to be the more difficult to pick the person that will best represent the ward. Prior to Steve Mock’s fundraiser, he would have been my recommendation. However, he was allowing prior tax increase information to be pasted out at his fundraiser. Maybe the answer is we all need to call Mr. Mock and wake him up on our economical situation and even though this is a small increase what impact it will have on us.
As for his opposition, can we really aford a Creamer clone. Everytime I think of Joe Creamer I recall the item he brought before the board to allow individuals to restore cars in their front yards. It was refreshing to see the board vote against that if now we could only get them to pull together and find out why we have a department that is to enforce these issues, but does nothing.
With the fear that Creamer would end up with an additional vote should he bring back the trash the front yard issue. The only clear choice is Mock.
One last note on Mock’s fundraiser. It was our elected police chief Jim Lynch that was passing out the information supporting the tax increase. Readers should be aware that the board of alderman have an upcoming vote to increase Lynch’s salary by 5%, which means he is looking at getting about $4,500 - $5,000 as he is making some where between $90,000 and $100,000. Seems a little odd that he is working on a pay increase when so many companies across this nation are freezing raises.
I know it is hard for someone to win a write in election, but something doesn’t seem right to just give the police chief position to Lynch. I therefore recommend we all write in William E. (Bill) VanBuskirk two years ago when he was running for city collector he mentioned he had his Missouri certification as a police officer.
I don't know if you realize it or not but the last four or
five writers made a good case for the "Public Safety Tax."
They (City Hall) say that it will let the police hire six new police
officers. We can call them the Wal-Mart Squad because that's probably be where they will spend most of their time while the others
try to protect the rest of us.
Anonymous 12:16 you need to do some more research, the sales tax
the new Wal-Mart collects, the city won't see a dime for 23 years. It's probably the same with the Hy-Vee. It's time we all realized that City Hall has sold us all down the river. By the way how are your streets doing? The Raytown Plaza is coming along nicely too. The 63rd.St. bridge is a nice one too. Tax dollars at work???????
Why should we pay an elected marshall in a 4th class city almost $100,000 dollars a year? I bet if you compare his salary to other 4th class cities in the state he is the highest paid of all of them. So we need a new sales tax to help pay his outrageous salary. NOT FROM THIS VOTER.
Well i think i have been silent enough it is time for some of you to get back to disliking me again. I feel that some of you forgot me.
Let me address Anon8:12, then i will address Anon 8:01.
8:12- What do you mean Wal-Mart squad? Are you referring to the guy above who mentioned that the new bus system in raytown to go with the new wal-mart will bring more crime? If so then YES that alone would be great casue for the sales tax to pass. Wal-mart is happening. The bus deal mostlikely. So it won't hurt to have more police that is for sure.
the New Hyvee did not get any tax breaks like Wal-Mart to my knowledge, Mr. Walters maybe you could shed a little more light on that?????
Now on to the raytown plaza issue well when the contractors back out it is not the city's fault. So really you can't blame that one on them. The streets okay that is there fault. I will give you that. Why on earth they are not taking care that is beyond me. The street department is something I myself and probally everyone else will never get.
With that being said, you cannot hold the lack of action by the street department and the BOA against the Police and EMS. The public safety sales tax is for them, not the BOA and definitly not the street department. Who knows where the money would go if they had control. But they don't. the money is going to the police and EMS, and them ALONE. I have been a big supporter of this sales tax for a while. In the very beginning when we were told about it, i was sceptical. I did not want the BOA to have another line to draw from. But reading and asking questions, i deducted that the BOA has no hand in the pot. So if you are using actions of the past to sway your vote sceond guess that. The Police department has never let me down. All the police officers are very helpful and i think that you will not be disappointed in the services you will get from this tax. Ye sthe economy is hurting, I know. That is your all big voice. But how much more would our society be hurting if the criminals get the upper hand. Think about that.
The Hawk
I forgot to address the other anon. Why would you want VanBuskrk running your city law enforcement. Because you don't wanna pay Lynch. You will be paying him the same amount. So what if he has a police certification. Does that make him a good chief. NO. Any nut who goes to UCM can get a police certification. That definitly does not make them qualified to be a chief.
To Anon 8:31. Hey smart guy the public saftey sales tax doe not go to the chiefs paycheck. Shut up if you don't know anything..
The Hawk.
For someone that signs their postings “Hawk” you either are the first hawk to have bad eyesight or as other have indicated you are the “Chicken Hawk”, which I don’t recall are noted for their eyesight.
Where did the poster that suggested we all right in William E. (Bill) VanBuskirk recommend do so to save money. The posting says, “doesn’t seem right to just give the police chief position to Lynch”.
I checked and Lynch is the only who filled for the position, so I am let to believe the poster feels the voters should have an option for who is the next police chief.
I don’t know Mr. BanBuskirk, but from what I know about Lynch anyone would be better. Based on the salary I am surprised Sue Frank has not talked her husband into running. Maybe the poster should have recommended writing in that name instead.
Now are you going to attack me that Sue’s husband is not one of our police officers. If yes, please save us all the time of hearing from you again and do your homework first.
Hold on there partner!
Bill VanBudkirk is running for alderman of ward 4.
This one needs to be cleared up before it gets too far.
I believe he is running against Sandy Hartwell.
He is, but there is no rules that we can not write him in for police chief.
I beleive if he really wants to serve Raytown he would best benifit us by moving Lynch on
If he would win both, which one do you think he would want the one paying less then $10,000 a year or one paying nearly $100,000
As pointed out we could also write in Sue Frank's husband.
The Walmart on Hillcrest across from Bannister Mall had a KCPD mini police station. The new Walmart in Raytown should also have one.
I don't know how much of a deterrent it will be but there will be a police presence and an immediate response time if needed.
Good Day,
Andy Whiteman
“Hawk” you really need to do your homework.
Hy-vee getting a tax break is old news. However, for you and all others that don’t recall that got the tax break back on Feb 12, 2008. The bill was 6133-08, which became ordinance 5276-08. This lovely one is going to cost us a half of cent sales tax for the next 10 – 20 years.
I believe someone made a good point that the public safety tax is only an additional half of cent, but where do we draw the line. It would mean if you shop at the new Hy-Vee you would be paying an additional 1%. Okay, that is until the next group wants tax dollars for something.
Yes, I will be voting against the public safety tax, but that is because I have to many friends in Raytown that have lost their jobs recently and another group know don’t know from day to day if they will have a job. So, I am in the boat with those that don’t believe this is the time to beat my fellow citizen when they are have enough finance worries.
As one poster pointed out maybe we need to look at what other forth class city’s our size pay their chief and reduce our chief salary as needed.
Andy,
Thank you for the thought of the police putting in a substation in the new Wal-mart. It seems to work for Independence Center.
To Anon 10:05 and 10:50.
Me don't have a choose for Judge either. How has done more for the City, Judge Fann or Chief Lynch. Yeah think on that. Yes Former Mayor Frank's husband is a member of the police department, in fact he is the 1 of 2 Captains in the police department. I know of him well. I beleive that you are very ignorant if you think that Chief Lynch has not done much for this city. You would be even more ignorant to write in some based on the fact that you don't like a person either. Voting is not suppose to be a popularity contest and is surely is not suppose to be personal. Voting is to best serve the greater good, not your own personal vandetta. Don't come on this blog and attempt to out think me you can't.
Also you will not be saving any money by voting for another police chief, The position's salary goes up. So whois in that position does not matter. How about you do home work and not let crappy emotions screw up your facts while you type.
The Hawk.
Hawk are you indicating you think better of Lynch the or fine Judge.
Well gee... something we can agree on.
If I had to pick between the two of them I would be stuck with Lynch on my island.
Would you then agree with me that part of the issues with people not taking care of their property is our Judge for granting extension and not getting everyone to just comply.
To Anon 11:30.
Don't vote for it, then don't come crying when you are in trouble and the police of EMS don't have the man power to get therre quick enough.Your freinds that don't have jobs, do they think that just because the are not working that crime with take a day off too. That is just a absurd as saying guns kill people. But hey i am sure that more people in this city like myself care about being protected from criminals regardless of work. Because they are not making rediculous excusses to vote no.
If you don't have a job get a job. IF you cannot afford you Lexus of Cadi, buy a Chevy or a Honda. If you cannot afford you 200,000.00 homes live in a 125,000.00 home. If you suck at saving money listen to someone who doesn't and learn from them. This bad economy is not going to be fixed by the government. You people need to take financial responsibility for yourselves. I have only been preaching that this entire time.
The Hawk
Yes i agreed. Our Judge doe snot enforce much. She also grants way too many continuences and allows people to put off paying fines. If you have not sat in on a court session you should. If she would just make people pay up front, a bet our city would be in a right better place financially.
The Hawk
Hey Hawk,
Are you a graduate of the Raytown school system?
Because if you are you need to sue it. Or please explain what language you are writing in.
Maybe this would be more understandble for you,
is yu a gradate fo the Raytune schoul distruct?
To what do you refer. I may only have a couple of spelling mistakes. Who doesn't on the blog. That was a weak insult. Try better next time.
The Hawk
To what do you refer. I may only have a couple of spelling mistakes. Who doesn't on the blog. That was a weak insult. Try better next time.
The Hawk
O-TAY, i will
O-TAY, i will
I am glad you will. I gets almost boring reading bad insults.
The Hawk
Hawk,
Was the insult directed at you or was it directed at our school district.
This is the same district that spent as I understand $400,000 each year for the next 10 years to lease the field material and bleachers at Raytown High. We could have hired top teachers for that. Please note I have not been able to verify that information, but I am search.
I would say they wasted money on the recent mailing. We got two copies. Maybe Greg would be kind to let us know what the print and mailing for this would cost. I am sure it could have been done for less if printed on newspaper paper and black ink.
In addition, I have help to many new residents in our city try and get their kids enrolled. No one in an administrative position can give you they same answer rather you talk to the district office or one of the school. Each time the issue was only resolved after I took them up to meet Dr Overfelt. Not sure it was really his place to help, but he has always been very willing.
If the district’s spending habits as well as lack of communication within the administration units is an indicator of the type of attention that is paid to teaching the students it is no wonder our district is starting to score lower. Again, this is what was recently explained to me. I would have liked to receive a link or something to use to support this.
Thode,
Being you dad is running for school board, would you be able to provide anything to support what is being told on the street?
Either way, I believe before we give the city or school district any more funding we need to make sure they can start using what they already have a little wiser. I don’t think we need to spend great amounts of the money on studies either. I believe we need to have those at both city hall and district administration start doing the research before comes before the two voting bodies. As well, the two voting bodies need to think before they act. Maybe before anyone is allowed to run for an office we the voters should request to see the candidates personal budget and credit report. I know I don’t want someone representing my tax dollars that can not manager their own money.
Hawk is an idiot!! Don't know where this person dreams up all this c--p. Yes, use the scare tactic to get our elderly to vote for a tax that is not needed. MISMANAGEMENT AT CITY HALL IS WHY THEY WANT THE TAX. Wake up Raytown, no new taxes until we see a state audit. Then we would know the truth.
Mr. Thode
I don't know how you could say that the teachers are bad at the schools. It is not the teachers that are bad, it is the students it comes right down to how they were brought up in the home. No respect for the teachers. The teachers don't need to be replaced the misguided parents need to. You cannot blame a teacher for an ignorant student. I ue the word ignorant because to call a human being stupid is false. Humans are the smartest being on the planet. The kids were brought up to not respect ad there is no willingness to try hard.
As for the idiot that rote under you. what are you talking about. i never said city hall does not mismanage funds. The tax is not for city hall it is for the police and EMS. So dumbass figure that out. THE POLICE AND EMS GET THE MONEY! NOT THE BOA OR ANY OTHER CITY HALL DEPARTMENT! PERIOD! You don't know if it is needed or not you baphoon. The BOA cut all the funding last year for the police department so they would have whatever money they needed. Ask Mr. Walters why he really is against the sales tax. It is because he won't be able to get his hands on it, Nor will any other BOA chair. Dreaming this stuff hardly. This is life cumcwat. Think about that you have nothing but complaints to the BOA and City Hall. So you are willing to jepordize the police and paramedics because of that. That is like blaming the chinese for the japanese role in world war 2. It is prejustice against a whole when only one part is the problem.
Let's bring it more to home for you smiple minded nut. Let us say that you work at Wal-Mart in the sporting goods section. Let us also say that Wal-Marts policy is to pay it's employees due to the entire stores performance. REMEMBER THIS IS HYPOTHETICAL
You are a hard worker, everyone in your department is a hard worker. Your numbers are staggering awesome. Now the Clothing department cannot keep a hanger straight to save thier lives. Because of them you don't get the perks of your hard work. Not only that but because of them you start loosing funding to keep you department running, because the Clothing wants more of the general fund to conduct surveys and stupid crap.
Now there is a way for you to get money back. Creat a specific "tax" in this case that will only go to your department, and can only be used by your department. You would rather have someone say hell no to spporting goods because cloths screwed up. Ha fat chance. You would want that money because you accually deserve it.
Think on that. I know some of you might not get it because it requires to think out side you box.
The Hawk
Oh and one more thing. I think i will keep some misspelled words in my posts for fun. Entertainment that is what it is all about.
Mr. Thode. To you one more thing.
If your father does make School board, make sure that he remembers, a teacher cannot make a child learn, a teacher cannot make a child behave, and a teacher cannot be expected to raise a child if the parents are not on board as well. The decline in stupid standardized test scores is not a teachers fault. The IDIOTS that thought up this No Child Left Behind crap are to blame. The most rediculous thing i ever saw. IF my kid is not getting it in school then i personally wouldd prefer him to be held back so he can get it. These kids that are in High School and only have a 6 grade reading level. That is wrong. That does not benefit the child, and it surely will not get him any farther that McDonalds as a job in the real world.
You dad runs on those beliefs i will praise his name to the far ends of the earth and i am positive that he will get ellected.
above was
The Hawk
Well Hawk you just showed you are not from corporate America.
The first part of the posting was to you.
The second was to Thord.
Please slow down on the cafine and read what others have writen before responding.
No most of my rant was to 1:14.
the Hawk
Nevermind i got you. My computer was skipping my slow dial up does not keep up. I got the message now.
thanks for the straightening out.
The Hawk
I'm smelling another diaper change for the Lil Hawkster!
Gawd, and to think these are adults that are posting. High school kids behave and have more respect for each other then many of you posting here do.
Anon 2:56 pm, who do you think the kids learn the disrespect from, themselves?
To some previous poster, Hy-Vee gets a 1/2 cent for some period of time, now the BOA want a 1/2 cent tax to replace it....go figure!
Mr. Hawk,
It is good to have you back. Though we differ on many issues as well as our methods of presenting our arguments, you do provide some out-of-the-box ideas and principles that people should question before cementing their beliefs.
I know your post above was a miscommunication and not directed towards me, but I would like to respond to it anyway. I have never said we have "bad" teachers. I think Raytown has some fine teachers. I have attacked the idea of the football field because it prevents the hiring of new teachers. Secondly, I think we are separating "good" teachers from "bad" teachers using the wrong adjective. There was a debate above about the "qualified" teachers in the district and how many we possess. The better question is how many "effective" teachers do we have, which is a little more difficult to define. The test scores do not lie. The percentage of students taking the ACT do not lie. When only half of the students take the ACT, and those that do are performing gradually worse, something is not right. How we define effective teachers is something that needs to be addressed. That said, we need to be able to provide an environment that encourages the effective teachers we lose to the Lee's Summits and Blue Springs' of the world to say no and remain in Raytown.
Which leads me to the questions the Anonymous poster raised.
Anonymous-
These are my personal opinions. Though my father may agree with some or most, they are not his words.
I agree with you about the problems in the home contributing to poor behavior and performance in the classroom. I would like to see the district, first and foremost, adopt a policy that is much stronger than the state's policy on participation in athletics. I believe if you have a single F, you should not be able to compete in sports or other activities. The state allows two F's. Our district allows one. I think zero should be tolerated. I also think parents should be held accountable for their child's behavior. If the student is continually misbehaving in class, he should be removed. If that puts an extra burden on parents to take off work to stay at home or make arrangements for their student, maybe that is a good thing. The district ranking in the MSIP reports was abysmal. As I've said before on this blog, when asked if they felt safe in school, the results from teachers and students ranked the district in the 12th and 9th percentiles respectively in the state. Lee's Summit ranked in the 78th percentile I believe. We are much closer to becoming the Kansas City School District than people believe. To date, the district has held one meeting on School Safety.
As a product of the Raytown School system, I seen first hand the strengths and weaknesses of the district. I have witnessed great success stories coming from the district. Likewise, there needs to be accountability on behalf of the students, teachers, and administration for the successes and failures of the district.
As for the financial end, that is my father's forte. I do not have the technical know-how to specifically regurgitate his message. However, his general message has been continually clear. A increase in appropriations to the school district via taxes is not necessary. The district is in the position it is now partially due to the mis-truths spoken by the the former superintendant and partly due to the lack of fluency in the financial language on our current board. Currently, the district has no financial committee. The district is stocked with highly qualified educators, but lacks a single person with financial expertise. We would not want the children in the district to be taught by a bunch of accountants. It would not provide the most affective teaching environment. It has a chance of working, but a better solution is to have teachers in the classrooms. The same applies to the world of finance. The looming defecit the district is facing would be more effectively combatted with the knowledge of somebody with 33 years experience in the realm of finance.
Also, what "word on the street" are you referring to. I would be happy to provide any clarification I can.
--------------
For those that asked for the data. Unemployment in the country went from 3.2 percent in 1929 to 24.9 percent in 1932. We turned the corner in The New Deal, but it was WWII that pulled us out of the Great Depression.
My, my, my! The blog your Salamander posted the other day did stir things a bit.
Writers to the blog are right. We most certainly do not need a sales tax increase in the middle of an economic downturn.
As for the sales tax increase. The taxphobia nuts are trying to sell it as “Law Enforcement Enhancement”.
Let’s cut thru all the silly rhetoric. The main purpose of the sales tax increase is to raise pay of police department employees, increase their over-size bureaucracy and let them build a war chest to come back for another tax increase in a couple of years. They are just like the School District. They are never satisfied with what they have. Several weeks ago it was reported in the Raytown Post by one of their minions that the School District will have to come back for another block-bluster of a tax increase.
The Salamander is tired of hearing it. On the one hand we are told crime in Raytown is down. On the other hand we are told we must hire more cops, analysts, or whatever they are called.
Yet, in the real world of commerce, when business is down you lay off people, not increase the payroll. The Salamander wonders why those who live off the taxes of others also want to operate under a different set of rules.
Government employees – whether local, state, or U.S. Government, – it doesn’t make any difference, make on the average 43% more in pay and benefits than those whose taxes pay their bills. (See Forbes Magazine, Feb. 17, 2009 issue).
It just is not right.
Raytowners have a chance to say No. The Salamander recommends they do just that.
Anyone who is running, whether for election or re-election, should be turned down emphatically if they are endorsing this tax. If that occurs we won’t have to go thru this type of vote again next year.
Mr. Hawk,
I have heard this all before. Vote for a transportation tax. It will only be used to fix your streets.
Next thing you know that dedicated sales tax is paying for the parking lot at Walmart.
Remember this one? Vote for casino gambling. The money will go for education.
Another lie.
Perhaps the real answer is in better business practices at city hall. You know, things like accountability, honesty, etc.
No, sir, I will not vote for this sales tax. Not in this recession and certainly not when the same clowns who run our city government at still in charge.
To Mr. Thode: Lots of luck running for the school board. This is from a school district employee (I can't reveal my name because I would be fired for letting this info out to the citizens of Raytown), they have no idea what supplies and equipment they have in stock. No inventory is taken, they just spend, spend , spend. The district doesn't care cause they can get more money the next fiscal year, July 1st.
I will not vote for any tax increases for the school district. I don't care if it would get me a raise, I just want the school district to have common sense on how they spend OUR TAX DOLLARS and not think that there is and endless money tree. Remember, you can't teach common sense.
I have seen first hand that the "no child left behind" rule is c--p! Teaching comes form home. If anyone is interested, the new alternative school in the Aquila building has "disapiln boxes" in each room to place kids inside with a desk, chair and lights for them to do their homework. It has a door that can be closed with vents cut into the walls for ventilation.. I have seen where kids kick the wall, scream, throw fits and even urinate on the floors and be totally out of control. I don't know how long the teacher's keep them in the boxes.
I will not vote for ANY new city taxes either. The city is just as bad as the school district!
Ok people we don't need to be name calling and insulting each other. After all, don't we all have the same common goal? Yesterday sounds like a bunch of children squabbling.
We all can state our opinions and others will accept or reject the opinions on their merrit. There are comments I don't agree with but I don't call the writer names.
Seems to me the school's punishment cage is a civil rights violation. I am surprised that it hasn't become an issue. Maybe the ACLU needs to be notified.
I have previously stated the trouble is parents don't assume responsibility. By ordinance citizens are responsible for the actions of their pets. There needs to be a law to hold parents responsible for the actions of their offspring. I am aware of some really obnoxious children whose mother thought were "little angels". By the way, the mother was obnoxious so maybe in her viewpoint they are little angels.
The Hawk has some good thoughts. I would like to see him run in the next election, but I won't be here that long.
Good Day,
Andy Whiteman
Andy,
You say people should be held accountable for their actions. Shouldn’t this include the enforcement of property codes to include parking on the grass. You have stated you don’t like the ordence, but it is still on the books so shouldn’t the volaters be properly punished. You can not pick and choice what should or shouldn’t be enfoce because you disagree with it. If you don’t like it work to change it and to our great elected officials if you are not going to enforce it or other codes then take them off the book and disband the department. Maybe then many on this blog would feel different about this new tax you all are pushing.
Anon 1:57 PM, I agree with you that codes should be enforced. I didn't say that I didn't like the parking on yards ordinance. I said it was stupid.
I have told the BOA numerious times that there are many outdated and obsolete codes that should be deleted or rewritten. In fact I believe I said that all codes should be reviewed.
I have complained over unenforced codes. Many are unenforceable especially when a muni-judge acts like she is ignorant of the ordinance.
Good enening,
Andy Whiteman
I didn't say that I didn't like the parking on yards ordinance. I said it was stupid. ---Andy
So you like things that are stupid, right?
Don't try to twist words. I NEVER said if I liked or didn't like no parking on yards. I SAID THAT ORDINANCE IS STUPID!
As an FYI, I don't park on my yard.
Good evening,
Andy Whiteman
Wouldn’t it indicate by default that if you believe an ordinance is “Stupid” that you do not like the ordinance? Otherwise why would you call it stupid.
There is nothing wrong with the ordinance about parking on the lawns. Just drive around the city and it doesn’t take long to spot the homes that the residences believe it is socially acceptable. That might be okay when you own 40 acres in the country, but not in the city. As we all have heard our property values have gone down therefore we shouldn’t be donning “Stupid” things to drive them down further.
I do agree our judge is truly the town fool. There is no need for any ordinances or Neighborhood Service Department until she starts holding the violators accountable. Maybe the “Big Dog” needs to bit her right on her *** and wake her up. However, I think he is too busy pushing his “Public Safety Tax” to realize what the city lost with the 10% average assessment decrease for homes in our city. Silly me, we all know he can only focus on one thing at a time just look at everything that got put on hold for an all out push on getting Wal-Mart. Maybe Andy and I have been to quick to pass judgement on the judge. The true person to blame on the lack of code enforcement could be the “Big Dog”. Maybe the judge is waiting to hear she can focus on other things again. “Big Dog” stop having a one track mind; focusing only on one thing at a time. We all disserve better and I for one still believe you can teach an old dog a new trick.
I read on the blog that we need a state audit of the books. Don’t forget the school board when you push for the one on city hall. Also we need to have the Attorney General investigate our judge to see if he can remove her fulfilling her obligations. While he is at that figure out if the current school board members are getting a kick back from the company we are leasing the items for the football field from. Why else would the vote to spend that kind of money. I guess the members of the board expect some form of compensation for there time and they are going to get it one way or other.
Odd is one of the school board members was “The Big Dogs” treasurer. Maybe when she was out walking him she was teaching him to dump where ever as I know after hearing about him pushing for the new tax, lack of concern on code enforcement and decrease in property values he took a big one on all of us.
I agree that we need a state audit of the city, the school district and public water district #2. All are exhibiting signs of WASTEFUL SPENDING.
Anon 9:48AM, We agree on some issues and disagree on others. Just besause I say something is stupid doesn't indicate like or dislike. It is just idiotic. Since I don't park on my yard, it doesn't bother me one way or the other. It is just stupid to have that ordinance. The Fascist Fief of Raytown is run like a neighborhood association rather than a city. Anyone who wants to control parking on yards should live in a neighborhood association that controls everything you do with your property.
I agree if it is an ordinance and should be enforced. I do know of some homes where people park on the yard simply because there is no place to park. I don't complain because it doesn't bother me. Many Raytown homes were built 60 or more years ago when most people had only one car and the plain fact is driveways are too small.
There is really no way to get rid of the judge. I called the Attorney General and was referred to a state office that reviews judges. I filed a complaint and was told they had no jurisdiction. The only complaint is to District Court. As I see it, there is only one person who runs for the office so the voters have NO choice. I am going to write in Judge Judy. She and Judge Wopner have common sense.
Being disabled, I can only focus on one thing at a time. In other words, I am unable to multi task. It seems to me that the city is trying to handle too many issues at one time and that is why the city is going to pot.
Goof Day,
Andy Whiteman
Andy,
Do you happen to recall who it is we need to thank for Traci Fann first running for judge?
Yes, I recall which Alderman we need to thank. Sure is nice that individual doesn’t have all the code violation in their neighborhood.
If you are wondering who it is next time you are at that board meeting see who thinks she is the best and is on top of things.
Would be nice if that Alderman would clean up the mess created and find someone to have ran against her. Then again why would they if they think she is doing a great job.
Until they work for a solution they are, but part of the problem!
I read the postings about the code violations behind BlockBuster. Greg, is that not part of Ward 1? I thought you were the champion of getting things done. Yes, I drove past last night and it still is the great parking lot of semi-trucks and / or trailers.
By the way to who ever said what do you expect, working people need a place to park their big rigs as they can part them at their home anymore. Please tell me any city in the Greater Kansas City Area that allows semi-trucks to be parked in the residential neighborhoods. Also from when I drove by at least some are not small independent drivers unless JD Hunt has changed.
I am not sure where the writer was speaking about houses needing painted, but I spotted a row of them on Raytown Road from 69th to Gregory. I am sure those homes really helped the rest of us with our decreased assessment. The owners should be so proud of them. Makes me wonder if they are all rentals and we all know the board is too busy to crack down own the rental owners to clean up their act. Doubt me drive through Gregory Heights, which is part of Ward 1 and see the mess there.
Does anyone know what happened to the nice and helpful public works associate that would actually help the elderly and others on load their recyclables. This was the colored man that always a bright smile and took the time to say hi to everyone. I brought a load down this weekend and so slender white guy was drawing a paycheck. I can not say he was working as all he did was set in the car and watch everyone.
Mr. Bower please change the current pay raise method to pay for performance. Once this is done ask Chief Lynch if the mobile surveillance cameras could be use to monitor the public works performance. Together, I bet the two of you could real give city hall a good associate cleaning.
First you have to believe in you, your family value, your friends and family, your community, town, state and country to make a positive change. Let's find a solution together rather than pointing fingers. Tell us about the community services or volunteer work you performed recently and how it feel. Contributing a little bit would go a long way. You should be proud of your town first otherwise everyone would feel negative about your town. So contribute in solving the problem rather than becoming a problem.
Anon 12:53
Please spend sometime at city hall getting to know or elected officials then get back with us.
It will scare the **** right out of you.
How many hour a week or month do you give back to the community?
I am not retired, but still seem to give on average 50 - 60 hour a month.
How do you think we should contribute? By suporting these fools with every tax increase yet not seeing anything for our dollors.
I hope you do not play the stock market you sound like one of those who buys high and sales low becasue they don't have a clue or what to hold those in charge accountable.
If Bower was a good Mayor he would call for an AUDIT. He doesn't think twice to call for some lame study.
I think you need to look at the mirror or get some help please. The path you are following is only downward. Life is too short and enjoy it. Next Sunday, please go to church, it may help.
Sorry prayer is not going to fix our city.
But it may help you.
Who's going to monitor Marshall Lynch to see if he is doing a good job? Maybe if he did more we wouldn't be asking for more tax money for police officers.
Anon 12:53, who I am guessing, is the same person at 2:37 and 6:15.
It sounds like someone might have hit a nerve of one of our fine elected officials or city employees.
I don’t believe recommending someone go to church or prays is the answer when they are speaking the truth. Maybe several individuals need to tone it down some, but you have made it clear they did get the attention right or wrong for some issues the city needs to address or you would be running your religious ideas. Yes, I know the truth hurts but the sooner addressed the sooner the issue(s) can be resolved.
As I catch up on the blog over the past week, I would believe there are many on here that are unhappy with city hall and the mayor. It sounds like you might have found one of these to start a tag match with you. I hope it made the two of you both feel better. Might I suggest that all of those who read my posting take a moment of silence before moving on and pray for both of these individual, because the insults back and forth are not going to solve any issues.
Many on here make me laugh and for that I thank you as there is not enough laughter in our world to day. I feel sorry for those that get into these tag match as life is to short and if the one individual is as religious as they clam they should know this and just ignore the other writer. To those that don’t see an issues at city hall you reminding of the individuals that drink a 12 pack of beer or a bottle of whatever a day and don’t think they have a drinking problem.
I hope the greater percentage of those on here will agree there are some serious issues at city hall. If not, it sure wouldn’t have been the underlining hot topic of the week. It would be nice if Greg would make sure his fellow elected officials know that there are some really unhappy citizen right know. However, if I know Greg he will wait for the result of the up coming election. I could be wrong, but I think there is going to be major change on the board and the out come on the tax issues will speak to the happiness with the current spending trends.
The problem with this bogus blog is that no one knows who is writing. The author has no information to support their point of view. Generally, the comments are based on personal agenda or rumors. If you have an issue then bring it up to the approopriate individual or organization.
Jack
Jack,
From what it sounds like at least on here many have tried that path. However, when those that are the appropriate individuals or organization are the problem who would you recommend they contact?
If maybe one of the "Call for Action Programs"
Look forward to you take
Sure, if that resolve the issue. Why not?
It's pretty easy to see why Raytown is in the shape it is from reading this blog, the paper and watching BOA meetings. There are just a lot of really stupid people here and functionally illiterate ones. We pretty much have what we deserve government wise.
Why would an intelligent person fun for office?
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