Monday, March 16, 2009
SIGN WARS
Or Why Some Call it the Silly Season
Last Friday I received a call from a neighbor who asked that I place a yard sign in a co-workers yard. Ever the politician, I could not resist the opportunity to put up another yard sign, so I jumped in my car and planted the new sign
The next morning I received a phone call from a gentleman who told me it was his yard that the sign was placed in. He had no problem with the sign, but did have a problem with what transpired the following morning.
He told me my opponent for Alderman in Ward 1 had stopped by his house early Saturday morning and asked if I had been given permission to place the yard sign.
The gentleman told my opponent, “Yes, he put the sign there because I asked him to.” He then sent him on his way.
For the record – I always ask permission before putting up a yard sign.
The yard sign caper has caused me to wonder what is going on in other wards this election. So, I asked around. Here is what I have found out:
WARD 2: Justin Tomac is challenging incumbent Jim Hamilton. Both are known be campaigning. But both seem to have had a late start. It is too early to tell what may develop in this race.
WARD 3: Alan Adams vs. Christine White. Adams is known to be campaigning and passing out literature. There are not any reports of Christine White actively campaigning for re-election.
WARD 4: This is turning out to be the race to watch. Both candidates, Sandy Hartwell and Bill VanBuskirk, are campaigning hard. With just over three weeks left until the April 7th election, it appears that either candidate is capable of winning.
WARD 5: An interesting set of contests because two aldermen will be elected on April 7th. Three of the seats have no incumbent. Alderman Clifford Sargeon was appointed to finish the incomplete term of Pat Reilly.
Of the four candidates running, Michael Lightfoot seems to have the most active campaign. He has yard signs out and has been seen campaigning door to door. Steve Mock is reported to be campaigning behind the scenes. A few of his yard signs have begun to show up throughout the Ward. There is little campaign activity reported on by the other two candidates, Clifford Sargeon and David A. Ward.
SCHOOL BOARD: Only one candidate, Rick Thode, has made an impression with his campaign. He appears to have a well-organized campaign effort that has made good use of yard signs in boosting his name identification.
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96 comments:
Speaking of campaiging. Why is Alderman Pat Ertz allowed to campaign for the new city tax in a taxpayer furnished truck? He is using a truck that belongs to Water District # 2 . That's our tax dollars that are being used to promote this tax. I'm sure this must be a vioalation of the Missouri Ethcis Commission rules. Does anyone have an answer?
Greg,
It would appear that in this town if you do things right or if you
speak the truth, there is a certain group of people that doesn't want to hear it. They will make up things about you and make false statements or quotes, even out and out lie about you.
However, when they do it about me I figure I hit on the truth and it hurt them.
Their only comeback to me is get out of town or the new one, that I have a foul mouth. It's too bad they can't come up with any truth or have the guts to sign their names. They take make false accusations under the
"Anonymous" sign in. I doubt they realize how desperate their actions
make them seem.
Pat,
You are correct. Some people have good reason to hide behind the anonymous tag. But the ones who use the format to belittle others and hide behind the anonoymous tag are are cowards.
Keep the Faith!!!
Yawn. Greg self-serving Greg once again. Deal with some real issues...and answer the requests on here about the police chief's retirement salary (last blog) being half of his working salary. Suppose there's nothing more to be said about the police/ems tax request either. Of course a good local murder case today will be fuel for the fire on that one. Too bad the vision on this site is 20/200. Focus.
Pat, I ignore comments such as you are describing. They are just trying to run down others and make them angry. Those writers have no clue what they are writing other than the don't like what you, I, or someone else said. If they don't like the truth, they have a problem. If they want to address issues with fact, then they deserve a reply.
Good night,
Andy Whiteman
If we had more police on the force they could have not stopped this tragic murder.ut I am sure the police will use it to push their agenda
I have to say, I'm not for any more taxing. But, as I have been saying for the last several weeks, Raytown will and does need more police officers. It's a fact of Raytown life. The population is changing and I'm afraid it's not for the better. With more terrible crimes starting to appear
it's only a matter of time before property values go down even further.
I for one want the protection. Life in Raytown isn't the same as it was twenty years ago. There are bad people out there and with unemployment on the rise, crime is only going to get worse. Without more police, I don't think Raytown will keep up with the demand.
To those who think the police will this new murder case as a prop for the new tax I say shame on you. Four people lost their lives, it's not an advertising opportunity.
Yawn. Why not call the p.d. and ask the questions you want the answers for. Seems you only want to run Greg down because of your lasziness in finding out you own information.
How typical!
Isn't it nap time for you now?
I agree with Pat. I wasn't in Raytown 20 years ago, but times are changing and crime is increasing everywhere. I used to live in a town of 125 houses where people felt safe and left their doors unlocked. People couldn't understand why I locked my doors. Crime can and will travel to areas we think are safe.
Crime is surrounding Raytown. Anyone who thinks Raytown is an island is foolish. Criminals will expand their area.
Good Day,
Andy Whiteman
Thanks God Raytown is different than it was 20 years ago. The all white suburb it once was is slowly changing into a more welcoming, diverse, ad younger community. The fewer people we have here that were around 20-50 years ago the better.
whatever. you show your ignorance by comments like that
Anon 8;58
Have you every called our PD and tried to get them to do or give anything. The best person would be an alderman and Greg has the expirance to get the correct answers.
No I am not down on our patrol officers. I feel very sorry that they have to work for someone like Lynch. He should be the poster child for lazy. His assistance don't want to take messages or supply answers. His dispatchers don't want to send out officers.
Maybe next April we can vote to out source the dispatch to Jackson County Seriff Department. If that passes and things imporve then look at cost savings of having them take over patrol.
I believe this recent murder shows are deparment has to out source services anyway.
If out sourcing doesn't work then Bush an McCain wouldn't have let so many companies do it to us hard working now unemployeed Americans.
No to Lynch and No to his tax
Here is an additional thing Alderman Walters should check on Lynch.
When was the last time he actual was in uniform and helped patrol are streets. Chris used to, but I guess Jim is just to good for that.
Lynch if the charter ever pass you know your days are numbered as we need an appointed chief responsable to the people
No actually the 12:36 writer is right. Move on old people. I'll even give you an example and one this blog site operarater can enlighten us on. Tonight's local TV news reports that Blue Ridge Bank is sitting on $13 million in bailout money. That would be the old heads of Raytown who were directors and big shots in the Chamber of Commerce. NOw all those GOPer big shots are the new socialists and the rich poor. That's funny!
I just recieved my sewer billing today and stuck in the middle was juck. yes, junk pushing the Lynch Tax. Only thing that tax is going to do is Lynch are pay checks.
Like Pat Ertz using the water district truck to distribute these lies of service impacts, which I would agree is very questionable so is this piece in the bill. Who paid for it! It doesn't say. I am not sure if Pat broken any ethics laws un using the truck for pushing this tax. I do believe it sure says what kind of person he is and he can use the water truck for whatever he wants. I hope he pays back the water district for the gas as the hard working people in district 2 should pay for his play.
Now not printing who paid for the piece that is a violation of the law. However when you are James Lynch I guess you are above the law. So, I am not mad at him for this but think him for I have been trying to get people to believe he was no good for along time and now he proved it.
You can not hide the facts on this one Andy or Pat I am sure you to got this in the mail or will in the next few days.
We should be so proud to have him represent our hard working officers. I hope this bad apple does take down the rest with him.
I want to thank Alderman Walters for not placing his yard signs in the right of ways.
I sure wish that guy running against him would take the time to read the city ordenance and learn he can not put the signs in the right away.
However, he appears not to be alone one of his buddies in the area South of 350 also likes putting them whereever.
The two of you need to grow up it makes the city look like trash. Then again I have seen some of the houses with your signs. I guess we all know that you to guys will not be needing "Neiborhood Services" based on your base supports. If I recall from the artical in the Post one of you pulled the city employee's budget I guess based on you base support we know which department you willl be fully cutting first.
We with luck the city admistrator will get on public works to at least get those signs cleaned up. However, I bet he has not noticed because we all know he is to good to move in to the city like is stated in his contract.
Wait our good board members with I believe the except of the lone wolf voted to let him have the exeption to the contract. I wonder if they ever once think before they act. I guess Bower didn't think to ask for a study on this issue before they voted.
Saw Larry Edwards on Channel 7 at the BOA meeting tonight pushing the police/ems tax. If that isn't enough to make you vote against it then please join Larry for the new TV sitcom Hi, I'm larry and this is my brother Daryl and my other brother Daryl Bob Newhart Show.
I haven't Received my sewer bill yet, but will be expeciting it.
Anon 4:29 PM, I disagree with you about dispatch. I used to dispatch a Sheriff's Department and Raytown dispatch sends officers on calls I never would have dispatched. (Such as cold reports.) Raytown dispatch provides excellant and professional distatching. I have always received a prompt response on every call I made except last July 4th and my call was non-emergency anyway.
I have lived in many cities and Raytown has a top notch Police Department! I called 911 in KCMO and waited 6 minutes for 911 to answer and 30 more minutes for officers to arrive for a prowler THERE NOW! The dispatcher wanted to know how I knew the prowler was there?
Chief Lynch is easy to contact. He is at every BOA meeting or I email him.
Good night,
Andy Whiteman
Andy,
Would you then be willing to provide you number to this blog. You could then serve as the go between. Citizens would first call dispatch and when they give one of their normal we just don't want to work comments for example. We are sorry you have had a car parked on your street for days with two flat tires and a cracked window, but there is nothing we can do. Odd Andy that when an alderman gets a call the police address the issue. I know others that have called in about parties and have had to be ready to call the news media or one of the elected officials to get the police to come out. The reason in this case the dispatch didn't want to send the police.... Are you ready for this, becasue they had already sent the police out to talk to the group. Who cares if they are still making loud noise and walking up and down the street with open containers of beer we have an issue.
If only one or two people told me of these things I too would thank it was just them, but as I have talked with citizens from all over the city and the stores are all the same we have an issue.
That is on top of the sub-population of that group who have tried to contact Lynch and it seems he has yet to learn how to return a call. Hint we pay his salary so he works for us the tax payers. You know the same group he wants to pay higher taxes to fill is pockets. It is not our job to find the time to go to a boa meeting and get the answer why his dispatchers have the right to send officers when they want in any of the above examples.
One other that I hear offten is on the weekends or late a night a stray dog will be found by a home owner in their fenced in back yard, but dispatch will not send anyone out - Reason not a police issue. Odd when I speak to the alderman it seem the police are the ones to handle these calls after hours.
You know what I tell them my fellow citizens when they complain. 1st to call Sue Frank and flood her phones being she is married to one of Lynch's captains. She was a formor mayor and she have looked into all of the departments to make sure the tax payers get what we are paying for. 2nd call Mary Bower at the Raytown School district as David has said people should not bother his wife. Well then he too needs to find out about the issues with all departments and get them fixed. 3rd - we are a 4th class city so any of us can run for cheif so we need to flood the ballot. If we do a pettition to file it doesn't cost anything and it bothers the city clerk who has to do extra work to verify all the signers.
So we all will wait for either Jim to start doing his job or you to step up and be the go between.
I believe people are tired of being taxed. Every time
elections come around in Raytown, there is always a new 1/2 cent for this or 1/2 cent for that. The last two increases were for, I believe, for the streets
and before that the schools district. The problem is the streets are still bad and the school bought more properties. At least one of the properties
was a huge waste because as it turned out it wasn't suitable for their planned use. Not to mention over priced.
In short the people don't get what they are promised.
They see big corporations getting big tax breaks and then are asked to make up what our elected officials gave away. It's really not fair for anybody.
Now the police and EMT's will probably suffer from bad decisions and mistakes made by our elected officials. With the lack of new (Tax paying) businesses
coming into town, Raytown should freeze all upper management raises until there are some new tax paying businesses brought into town.
We have to remember, the upper management raises that everybody is upset about (supposedly) has nothing to do with proposed addition of officers and EMT.
If our city leaders were more conscientious in how they gave away and or spent taxpayer dollars, and if the people could see tangible results with how their money was being spent, it would be easier to vote for any new tax.
Right now, upper management raises and tax give aways aren't the answer.
I sort of feel sorry for poor ole Larry. He thinks his comments are so important. He can't see city hall is just using him for their own agedna. More than anything he makes people mad seeing him every time there is a meeting he is becoming another Witty, Adkins or Titus up there, any day I expect to hear him sing like Rosemary Adkins did. These people are sick.
Wow!
I don't appreciate that personal attack. You should be banned from this blog. Greg - Use delete key pls.
You know I don't really like Larry either, but at least he stands up for what he believes in. If the rest of the good citizens would start doing that the tax issue would not even be on the ballot as those at city hall would know the greater precentage of the citizens are not happy with the yearly tax increase request from some government agency that is then not spent on what it was to be spent on.
It would be nice if those in our city like Larry, Andy and Pat could see Lynch for what he really is and the cost associated with the way he runs city hall.
If luck a group will get the facts out about all of the lies being promoted by this new tax as well remind us of all the past tax related lies.
If we band together we will not see any new taxes until the current tax dollars are spent on what we had been told they would be spent on. Is that not why like fools we all voted yes on them in the past.
So disagaree with Larry or me for or position, but don't attack our wellness to take a stand.
I agree that personal attacks should not be made on this blog.
I decided about 2 months ago to quit deleting comments that I found distasteful for awhile to see where it took the blog.
The only exception I made was when people began using vulgar language.
To that extent it worked -- bloggers have cleaned up the language on their own.
Deleting comments about others is a touchy subject. I have been accused of unfair censorship for deleting comments in the past. So, I thought, why not let them all stand?
We have to remember that "one man's terrorist is another man's revolutionary".
At this point I can only ask that we all refrain from calling each other names -- it really adds nothing to the debate, no matter what the subject.
I would be interested in hearing what others have to say about this -- and appreciate the few recent comments regarding it.
Personal attacks by anonymous writers get no attention from me because they give no meaning to the debate. They are not proper in a debate. Others may or may not feel the same. You may attack Larry, Pat, Witty, or myself. Unless you will state facts and sign your name I ignore personal attacks.
Anon 6:53 AM, I am not paid to be a go between between the people of Police Department. I have received prompt, professional service from the police.
Since you state many people have complaints, why not present, dates, times, and details?
The police are not responsible for responding to animal complaints. Animal control is staffed after hours (I believe until 9PM) and on weekends (I believe during day hours.) The Police Dept. will dispatch animal control for complaints during the staffed hours. After hours, the dispatcher will call out AC on an overtime basis BUT ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES. A stray dog is not in itself an emergency. I called them at 2AM for an altercation with a skunk. Since the skunk was dead, it was mutally agreed that they could pick up the body the next day to abate the health hazard and for rabies testing.
The Town Marshall is an elected office and is NOT controlled by the Mayor or Aldermen except for funding.
You or anyone may contact the Chief with an email since you can't get through by phone. I can understand your not wanting to go to the BOA meeting to complain. I too, have better things to do. I am extremely dissatisfied with the management of this city and that is the only place to voice a complaint short of going to court.
If you had been at the meeting last night, you wouldn't have complained about the Chief's pay raise. He didn't receive one. A previous board granted a 5% yearly increase with no expiration of the 5% annual increase. THIS BOARD changed it to 5% yearly increase for this 4 year term. The increase stops at the end of the term unless the board decides to increase or reduce the salary. If you look at it, the Chief is receiving what a previous board voted on. I repeate he received NO raise last night. He would have had it anyway. We don't know who will be elected in the future. The salary is decided for the office, not the person who may be elected.
As I have stated before here and to the BOA, I agree with Pat that upper management wages should be frozen. Actually I feel they should be decreased as contracts expire ot the incumbents resign. Some of the positions could simply not be filled. We don't need all of those highly paid people while the real workers don't receive a living wage.
Andy Whiteman
Good Day
March 18, 2009 10:59 AM
Greg,
Thanks for keeping the blog going. We really have some closed minded individuals living in our city. I often wonder if some of the individuals on here came from Waco, TX. The can not see the truth even when several have presented it. Yet, these same individual are on her always complaining about things that have nothing to do with our city. If they find other places to be better to live could we get a group together to help them pack. Maybe a Lynch sighting blog with photo's would help others see the truth,. However, I believe those that are closed minded can never find the truth that they just don't want to here. I guess the rest of us will have to keep calling our Alderman when the dispatchers and police are less then responsive to the duties that our tax dollars pay them to preform.
Mr. Walters,
Your question is a philosophical, double-edged sword.
I understand the argument for allowing comments to remain on the posts. People should be given the right to say what they please and make their opinions heard.
However, a latent function of these comments is the weakening of the debate. Attacks on a person instead of their ideas creates an environment where innovation of new ideas is stunted. I, for one, have cut back on how often I read/post on this blog because the once intellectual debates have become juvenile foodfights with lots of name-calling.
As you said, "One man's terrorist is another man's revolutionary." On this blog, though, you are the judge, jury and executioner. Therefore, your definition of terrorist and revolutionary, as well as the purpose of this blog is what really matters.
If the purpose is to let everyone speak their mind, let the comments stay.
If it is to generate timely, constructive debate, then such comments can be counterproductive.
In this country, people can say what they want without persecution unless it directly conflicts with the country's number one purpose, public safety. Thus, you cannot yell fire in a crowded movie theater. Similar concept here.
The only thing I would like to see is the "Anonymous" signers
that lie and spread false facts removed. It's hard to debate with
people that just want to waste time and argue just to be arguing.
Just got my sewer bill 3/17 4:42 and you're right! It's criminal that the city would pull that BS...using taxpayers money to send out an "information" piece on the tax! Not only that...but the envelope mailed piece cost more than the normal sewer postcard billing piece.
I will never vote for ANYTHING the city wants nor anyone currently in office who would allow such an inappropriate piece and thing to happen!
Oh and larry you wouldn't be up there playing kissy with the PD if you knew what they said about you behind your back. But go ahead and be stupid.
For those of you wanting facts for yourself here is one you can check that I hope you agree is wrong as it is a violation of the law and sets the wrong example.
It is apparent that Jim Lynch is not the only individual drawing a city paycheck that is “Above the Law”. Last time I checked it is illegal even in Raytown to park on the sidewalk. However, just drive East on 72nd street from Raytown Road and nightly you will find an EMS truck parked on the sidewalk. The vehicle is in front of none other the Matthew Cushman’s, director of EMS. Home. It is nice to see him set this fine example for our youth that if you work for the city you get to do what you want. I guess the only public safety issue Matt and his friend Jim are really concerned with is bring in more of our hard earned dollars.
I know Cliff Sargeon was appointed, but he is still an incumbent
You are correct. My mistake. It has been corrected.
The reason the sewer bills are mailed in an envelope is because of Federal Law regarding privacy of account numbers, etc. to prevent identity theft. Also there was a delivery issue with the post card billings sticking together. I used to carry mail and a stack of post cards is very difficult to sort and deliver because they stick together. You could receive your neighbors bill or vice-versa.
I suggested using envelopes long before Federal Law required it because city items such as the quarterly news (which was discontinued) or important notices could be piggy-backed with the sewer bill.
Who paid for the notices in this bill is unknown to me. When I complained about the Dysfunctional School District soliciting votes for the tax increase via mail, others on this blog stated it was OK because it was an informational mailing.
Are the writers complaining about the city mailing, the same writers who said it was OK for the Dysfunctional School District? It seems to me there should be a standard for ALL and not one for the City and another for the Dysfunctional School District.
I agree with Daniel and Pat that this blog should focus on Raytown issues and not personal attacks which have nothing to do with the subject. You or I may not agree with a writer, but there is no need to launch a personal attack which diverts attention from the issue at hand. If this was done on a radio talk show, the caller would be cut off.
Red Dogg says it is past her bed time.
Andy Whiteman
Good Night
I watched the BOA meeting Tuesday and was AMAZED how the BOA thinks or better yet their lack of thinking. They were more concerned as what kind of sod was being put down at the old FBC site. Then when the subject of raises came up they were just like a bunch of bobble heads. Did they stop to think maybe the city can't afford the BIG raise the chief got. Most companies and cities are cutting back and we are just racing right ahead with his hugh raise and now this silly tax. We will be like Kansas City pretty soon cutting city services oh I forgot what services does the city provide. I guess that would be police, fire and ambulance. The police have already started saying if the safety tax isn't passed their response time will be down. Come on this is just a phrase they use to scare us. The only thing that could get slower is that they not show up at all. We were scared into passing the fire bill and look at those palaces and fire protection is no better than before. So get smart and vote NO on this one.
Anon 7:39 AM,
I am in total agreement, did anyone else watch it? If you did, did anyone note the amount of time the 'Sod Issue' took? The off & on discussion was roughly 15 minutes.
Here is a question, "if the sod was part of the original contract, why was the change order ever brought up and why didn't any of the Alderman ever question why this was a change order, especially since it was all reimburseable money from a grant?" It appears it was a mole hill that was turning into a mountain.
Next big block of time was spent on the Pay Raise issues. My belief the vote went the way it went was not because the Alderman thought or think Lynch or this position deserves the 5+2+2+2 raise, or even that it was/is in the best interest of Raytown...in watching the body language & facial expressions it is very apparent that this was more of a vote against Greg Walters then what the issue is. My only thought is how puerile or childish, just shows how petty and cliquish the board is. Is this how all of Raytown is, still acting like it is a high school popularity contest? The BoA reminds me of "high school musical".
No argument here but I did notice that Greg talked about how deserving the chief was of a raise, just not a nine percent one. That's playing both ends and hardly straight out talk about how these hard times call for sacrifices from everyone.
I also agree with those questioning the use of a city envelope and the apparently city produced "neutral piece" on the tax increase for police/ems. Andy if the billing is for privacy, why until this sewer billing, has it been done on a postcard? Your theory doesn't wash. I'll bet the city is back to postcards next month.
There was additional expense in mailing the billing out with an envelope. And I know of one person who got "three bills" so so much for the post cards stick together argument.
If you'll notice one of the arguments for the police tax is that it will "reduce the current burden placed on the City's General Operating fund..." This is the same old ploy the state used to pass gambling for education. True the casino money went to education but the previous general fund money for education was raked back by the state to waste elsewhere.
People don't buy this pig in a poke.
Please vote NO. Make the city and all its tentacles learn what the rest of us have to live with. And that's living within our means.
I am not surprised by the time the board spends on what should be simple, minor issues. I was once involved in village politics. I was amazed that the most trivial issues produced the longest discussion and debate! As I said, Raytown is governed like a home owners association rather than a city. To a HOA, the sod issue is really important, but to the city, overall, it is really a trivial issue to decide how money proved by the Feds will be spent.
Another problem with the board is they are more concerned with personalities than issues. The real focus both at the BOA and this blog should be the issue, not the messenger. Greg makes a good motion, and it is apparently voted down because Greg made it, not based on the merrit.
Anon 9:08 AM, If the envelope thing was to send out the election ad, why did the BOA vote several meetings ago to lease a folder inserter machine from Pitney Bowes specifically for the privacy issue? I suggested this to city officials long ago back when we had the city manager's publication mailed every 3 months. I suggested making it letter sized and and including with the sewer billing to save postage.
By the way, has anyone noticed there are more details on the sewer billing?
Andy Whiteman
Good Day
Andy,
I for one noticed the other items posted on the front of my sewer bill. It was nice to see a reminder going to all residents about the upcoming election on April 7th. However, it seems odd they didn’t mention that we would also be electing school board members; two for the normal term and one to complete the open seat.
Yes, the items mention do all tie directly back to the city. However, if we are going to use this new format to communicate issues related to the citizens as a whole then what is the harm in reminding everyone abut the other items on the ballot. The only thing I get out of it is Bower has yet to pull the city, school district and chamber together as he so many times promised while running for mayor. This would have be an easy way to at least give everyone the appearance the three bodies are in harmony.
It could be that he is finally relaxing he has bitten off way more then he could chew and has broken his relationship with his campaign treasurer and school board member Cathy Mack.
I believe the simple fix going forward is a larger font in bold just reminding everyone of the election date.
The Wise Old Owl
Bower has turned out to be a worthless mayor. He's all talk and no action. He worries about pit bulls, pigs, fireworks and all this other trivial stuff, but he needs to raise your taxes again. He watches as we lose population and businesses. What do you want to bet that the 2010 census will be down at least 2000 people from what it was in the 2000 census? This guy is just the male version of Sue Frank, another looser. VOTE NO ON THIS UNECESSARY TAX!!!
Greg,
Again, I don't like the personal attack. Please do something....
i believe thats called freedom of speech.
from what i am reading daily on this blog it sounds to me like a new mayor and a new boa are needed. i hope people get out and vote new people in this year and no new taxes. what makes anyone think at this point in the economy that they should get a raise. sounds like greed in raytown city hall to me
1:02 If some states the facts to support the preformace of one or elected officals it needs to stand.
I am lead to beleive that you think Bower is doing a good job by the way you don't like 11:28 comments.
11:28 just stated the facts of why we all need to question the type of mayor we have.
I for one have yet to see him even try to bring about anything he promised.
My property value is down. Shopping within the city becomes more and more of an issue everyday. If I shop at ACE or the new Wal-mart I get to help pay for the maintenance of Wal-mart parking lot. Not fair to ACE who has to collect and gets nothing in return. Now Bower is out pushing for additional tax dollors. Dollars that if you red the fine print will allow current funding to go back to the general fund. Why do we need to do that becasue Bower had to have his big box store, but what should anyone expect from someone that build big stadiums for a living. He keeps wanting to increase staffing at city hall, yet we have nothing to show for it. Where are the new business and where is code enforcement. I recall at one point he road with public works to see first hand how they did on snow removal. I have yet to hear that he has road first hand with neighborhood service. However, I have heard from several that he believes we should address this issues with our neighbors and not get the city in on the issue. If that is tuely his thoughts on codes then it is time to let the 5 yes, five associates that make up that department go. Why pay them if they are not doing anything.
Did you miss the last BOA as well as all the comments on here about the amount of time wasted on sod?
My question is why was this brought up unless my guess and please not this is only my take. We are about to see the next Raytown Park - Named for the one who brought it to our down town - Sue Frank Park.
Don't you jump me too soon that I am reaching. Why sod and not spree the seed. It is much cheaper. Also I have heard and on Saturday actually saw pictures that the soon to be soded area will be used for the upcoming chamber BBQ. I give it a few months after that before Al Madox and crew decide good old Sue needs a park.
Additonal proof is she was one of those yelling at city hall to make sure part of the ashpalt from the old church was left. Why not people need a place to park when they are downtown enjoying her park.
The only thing that Sue Frank should have named after her is a sewage treatment plant. I can't state my reason for fear of being censored, but maybe you folks can quess.
Wise Old Owl, I agree the flier in the sewer bill should have addressed the election as a whole in the public interest.
11:28 AM, Who really brought up all of that trivial stuff you said Bower brought up? Pit Bulls was started by Greg Walters before Bower came into office. The other stuff (some of which I supported) were brought up by Aldermen, not Bower. By the way it is my understanding that Greg Walters wants to move on with curbside recycling but Bower will not allow it to proceed.
********
Since the city is putting in a park, where will the park goers park? Any good sized park needs parking spaces. I fail to understand why there can't be parking where it was backing the 63rd Sreet businesses? That would provide parking for both the businesses and the park. Everyone would be happy. But it seems the politicians need people to be disgruntled to distract from important issues.
Andy Whiteman
I have a friend that was sited by the codes people and the,
I guess dog catcher, when his dog got out accidently. It happens.
However right next door to him is a home owner with five dogs
and three cats with several old cars and vans parked on the grass
in the back yard and next door, an abandoned house in disrepair
trash stacked in the back of the yard, owned by the same people.
When these people go out of town, sometimes for weeks, they
leave the hose running to water the animals. The dogs bark all day
then someone comes over and puts them up for the night. It starts
all over again the next day. Many complaints have been made to the city with no results.
Anybody have any ideas?
Pat,
I would have that person call the mayor and their alderman in the middle of the night.
Why not wake them up if your friend is being awaken by the animals and the city doesn't want to address the issue.
The other option is to have your friend wake up the codes enforcers. I know that at least one lives in Raytown off of the 5500 block of Northern. I know Batson will be as mad as all get out, but maybe then he will get the idea that we are tired of the way he does his job.
Pat,
I agree with you about non-enforcement of codes. At the BOA one night, Johnny Osborn (when he was still employed by the Fascist Fief of Raytown) stated that a complaint must be made otherwise they don't know.
I question how your friend is making the report? A phone call leaves no documented record for the complainant's part. I suggest an email with a BCC to the sender to keep on file. If no responsnse is received, I send an email to the supervisor and Mayor. Since this has gone on so long, I would take it directly to the mayor and Aldermen.
It sounds to me like the dog issue could be reported as Cruelty to Animals. You might need the APSCA. When I lived in Aurora, CO; I had to involve The Dumb Friends League (who had enforcement powers) to get the issue resolved.
The plain fact is some ordinances are unenforceable. I went to court about barking dogs and our muni-Judge wouldn't enforce it. It appeared that neither the prosecuter or the Judge had ever read the ordinance or was aware of the American with Disabilites Act. Joanne Graham who was city attorney at the time told me that I would have done better in civil court. That is ridiculous. The Fascist Fief should do its job. Johnny Osborn even offered to come out before his shift started and witness the dog barking. That was above an beyond his duties, but the dog owner could claim that he caused the dog to bark by his mere presense.
I think much of the issue has to do with who is complaining and who is being complained about. Enforcement in the Fascist Fief of Raytown is not based on what the ordinance states. Enforcement is based on how the codes officer feels or what his opinion is of the situation.
Anon 8:09 AM, I doubt anyone will answer their phone in the middle of the night. If they are smart, they will turn if off. I turn off my phone when I am sleeping. If I forget to turn it off and anyone wakes me, I won't talk to them because I am in no condition to talk. I wouldn't blame any City employee or official hanging up on a middle of the night call and blocking the caller's number. An employee works an 8 hour shift and is not on duty at home and has a right not to be disturbed. When I worked for AT&T any employee I called off the job received 15 minutes overtime for every call even if it was only 2 minutes.
Andy Whiteman
If these city employees are not doing their job from 8 to 5 then I think they should get a call in the middle of the night along with the mayor and the 2 aldermen from that ward. Sometime extreme measures are required to get results.
Call the city administrator if there is a problem with non-enforcement of codes at a given address.
737-6000
i noticed the online raytown post has a public safety sales tax poll on it to vote on. so far of the 7 votes the tax is winning so all of you out there who oppose this tax need to go to the online poll and vote and show raytown citizens are against this tax
Greg is the only one who is opposing the tax. I believe that will do it for him this year. Like McCain he is for a change too. The whole city is united on this while he is alone. Time for a change for the good of this town.
There is another candidate that apparantly did not read their information when they filed or maybe the city no longer cares if a candidate plays by the rules. There are all kinds of signs in the right of way throughout the city. I for one am tired of Mr. VanBuskirk's signs being in the right of way and it looks an awful lot like they he isn't getting permission either. It seems they are just ignoring city ordidances. Please tell me why the city isn't doing something about this they always have before.
The city ordidance says these signs must be outside of the city right of way which is 11 feet from the street. If the city isn't going to do domething about these the signs are illegally placed they should throw out this law and then everyone including every "We but ugly houses" signs and every other sign on telephone poles and in the right of ways or nailed to a tree will line all our streets once again.
I have not seen what's going on in Mr. Walters ward but every one of Vanbuskirk's signs are illegal.
its election time stop being so petty anom 2:40
Not to defend Mr. Vanbuskirk, but most of his signs are legally placed in yards. The city always gets carried away with political sign enforcement and does very little about these other signs, including Mr. Knabe's real estate signs. I could find a sign for EVERY candidate (including the school board) that might be a few feet in violation. Let's not get too carried away with where the candidates signs are, rather let's pay attention to what they are saying.
Thank you
I think Mrs. Hartwells signs are not placed legally. Take another look !!!
Why doesn't the stupid BOA/Mayor quit worrying about grass for the FBC Park and plant a Victory Garden for city residents?
To my knowledge ALL of my signs are where they are supposed to be. I have not placed any signs in empty lots or on the highway right of way. Everywhere I have placed my signs it has been with the permission and blessing of the property owner.
If the ANONYMOUS individual that has been complaining about the placement of my signs can drum up the intestinal fortitude to actually contact me regarding your accusations, I would be more than happy to discuss this issue with you.
Bill Van Buskirk
Candidate for Alderman Ward Four
Walters signs are pretty far up in the yards. He told me he wanted the sign thieves to get their feet wet when they steal them.
Pardue must have misread the city ordinance. His signs are about 11 inches from the curb. Not 11 feet.
Victory Garden………victory over what?
I think it’s your priorities that are out of whack.
I think a city garden is a good idea, but the Federal Grant requires green space.
I am surprised that I haven't seen any signs in violation. Last election made the city look like a ghetto and enforcement wouldn't act unless they received a complaint on each and every violation and they still wouldn't do anything. I couldn't believe they didn't see the signs while driving around!
I think the 11' from the street is a guess. Check your survey. I called the surveyor before I moved in because I was puttting up a fence. In my area residential streets the easement is 25 ft from centerline and the feeder street, I believe is 35' from c/l. I had a stake survey and on one street it easement was 7' from the curb while on the other street I believe if is about 5 feet from the curb. (I will have to go measure the stake if I think about it.
The 11' might be correct in some areas, but not all. There could be a real battle if someone wants to bring out a survey and argue the issue. That may be one reason for non-enforcement--it is one of the codes that is non-enforceable. Obviously a sign posted very close to the street is in violation.
Andy Whiteman
are we voting on sign violations or more important issues. i dont know how you can think it looks trashy when all it is next to is bad streets that need overlays. and by the way they won't be there much longer anyway. get a grip and complain about something worthwhile
I think the point is that people who are running for election are violating the law with illegal signs. Why would you vote for anyone who is in violation of the law? Another point is this city has numerous unenforceable and/or obsolete ordinances that should either be removed or rewritten.
At least I haven't seen election sings in violation this time even though others claim to have seen them. It was really annoying in the last city election with the illegal signs supporting the school tax increase and the city was either too lazy or was showing its support of the tax by not enforcing the code.
I think others will agree that if the city has a code, it should be enforced. Codes are enforce on a selective basis.
Either enforce this code or remove it.
The city is in violation of its own codes. If an Alderperson is elected who has an illegal sign, he/she then gets the idea that it is OK to have crumbling streets which is also a code violation.
If a person who doesn't pay his taxes can be appointed to a Cabinet position, apparently the assumption is, it is OK to violate the law.
Andy Whiteman
then they need to take it off the books. i still say people are petty to gripe about this and breaking a ridiculous sign law has nothing to do with crumbling streets. i would like to see the sign law gone and new appointed people who will fix our streets and do what is good for raytown not good for their own pocketbooks
I see from Andy's and Mr. Van Buskirk's posting that someone needs to give them some examples.
I guess, I am going to have to come out and get you some address.
The Sly Fox
Take a picture also with date and time you silly fox. Because these signs are really going to make a difference. Use common sense and use your time more productive you high school drop out.
Anon 2:55
The pics would be a good idea to prove Mr. Batson of Neighborhood Services is not doing his job. However, should we be surprised he can not even maintain his gravel driveway.
The sly fox always knows the facts
OK time for you to come out. Did you finish the high school?
"Sly Fox"; It has become very apparent that your problem has nothing to do with where my signs are placed and everything to do with your personal dislike of me.
If you will bother to look around you will find blatant violations of various candidate and ballot issue signs. I make every attempt to comply with the rules.
Some property owners while doing spring clean up work in their yards have moved my signs, whenever I see that has been done I always move them back to there original spots.
Mr. "Sly Fox" I think it might be good if you would crawl back under the rock from which you slithered or have the intestinal fortitude to confront me personally.
Bill Van Buskirk
Candidate for Alderman Ward-4
Bill
I think comments from silly fox do not deserve your response. I would ignore it. I have seen your sign and found no violation. Keep up the good work. This silly folks never even completed the high school. He is attacking you personally as well as hard working people. Good luck!
Election should be based on the issue not the personality
Riding through Raytown not one of the signs are legal, Walters, Hartwell, Pardue, Lightfoot only one I seen is Mocks that is, where it needs to be.
Bill Van Buskirk, you expect people in ward 4 to support you? When you come off like that, it doesn't matter what "Sly Fox" has said, be a man and handle it in a professional matter.
"Mr. "Sly Fox" I think it might be good if you would crawl back under the rock from which you slithered or have the intestinal fortitude to confront me personally."
If you think the residents of this town deserved to be spoken to like that, I guarantee you will not take ward 4, Maybe your comments need to go public.
Yeah, we really need people like you up on the BOA. I'm saving my vote for Sandy. I had met your wife, who BTW is a lovely person and was leaning towards you, but after I see what you think of the residents, it looks like Sandy will be the best to represent the people.
I have never heard that woman make a remark like that, not even in writing, you have just hung yourself up by the gonads. To be honest, I don't like a lot on the BOA, but I have never heard them belittle a resident even when they did deserve it. Good thing for copy and paste and folders.
You sir should be ashamed.!
I agree the homeowners move signs and may very well be unaware of the ordinance. As I have said, I have seen no violations this time but it was very blatant for the school tax hike that took their share of property taxes from 67% to 75% of the total. Even if the homeowners have moved them, they are still in violation.
The school election wasn't homeowners moving signs. I saw signs placed in violation from day 1 and never moved.
If anyone takes the time to get addresses, please send it to code enforcement so your time isn't wasted. Remember this is the show me state.
Andy Whiteman
Mr. Van Buskirk,
I don't believe I made any indication that you had any signs out of compliance with the city ordinance. I stated that Andy and you both need examples of sign locations in violation. How do you know I am not one of your supports who wants to make the point that several candidates including you need to follow up on sign locations. Again, not know which campaigns are in violation. It could be I have heard rumors of your anger tendency and did not want to disrupt our friendship or congregational relationship by say anything to you.
It appears you have proven the rumors that I have heard to be correct about your attitude. With luck you will take Andy with you and clean up any and all signs that might be missed placed though out our city, which is why indicated proof of locations was needed.
Please do not assume that I am not a supporter. I am one of the few on this blog that just wants facts. I have seen several candidates who placement of signs is very much in the right of way. However, to date have failed to get specific location. My take was to give general street locations throughout the city and not specific candidates to prove the inability of our cities code enforcement. Last time I check in your ward there is at least one other candidate running for Alderman. Then I believe the city is being flooded by at least one candidate for school board and the tax proposal. Doing the math there is at least 4 campaigns for address within ward 4 that could be the violators.
However, based on how you appear ready to tar and feather my fine fur for others direct attacks on your specific campaign (Anon March 20th 2:40). I do hope to see you at church tomorrow where together we can pray for your campaign as well as your quick temper to miss judge others.
I know I will need to now pray if I will contain to be a supporter as I am still in shock at the tone you have taken against me, when my have been directed at codes NOT candidates.
The Sly Fox
I am also sick and tired of language and personal attack on this blog. Thanks to our friend Greg who allows this kind of nonsense under the curtain of free of speech. The person who should be ashamed of is Greg.
Greg it is time for you to take action as a blog administrator and be responsible for this blogs contents.
See everybody at church tormorrow.
Which church?
I never implied that I was angry; I was merely suggesting that the individual should confront me in person instead of hiding behind their cloak of anonymity while displaying their animosity towards me. I would be more than willing to discuss the issue with the individual if they would get in touch with me.
It would appear that much of what is being said in regards to me is from the rumor mill. If you believe that rumors are an appropriate way to learn about people then it reflects on your values and character, not mine. Maybe I'm not the one that should be ashamed.
Bill Van Buskirk
Wow... With bickering over sign locations, it is no wonder the city maintains its present state. People are calling for these signs to be either enforced or taken off the books. With meetings once every two weeks, this seems like a waste of precious BOA time to me.
1) People who drive around looking at sign locations- Do something more productive with your time. Examine what other cities similar to Raytown do to attract new businesses, volunteer at a local school and read to the students. HELP the town instead of criticize silly ordinances.
2) Church comments? Ridiculous. Not productive. 1st amendment. Enough said.
3)Bill Van Buskirk attacks/comments- The tone of his attack on the "the sly fox" was slightly out of line; however, it should be commended that he actively sought interaction with his constituents on this blog which Ms. Hartwell has not. Most politicians could use a lesson in tact. BOA candidates are in it for the betterment of the city and don't raise enough money to hire a campaign manager to proof any moves they make. Was he out of line? Absolutely. Should we cut him some slack? Absolutely.
4)Simpleton bickering discourages people from staying in the city/ getting politically involved. Personally, I would like to provide an environment that encourages our young, politically-active minds to take part in Raytown politics. Look at the ages of most candidates on the ballot. Look at the percentage of the growing under 25 population. Are there any residents under the age of 30 that appear poised or interested to get into the Raytown political mix in the new future? If so, we need to get them involved and provide them with reasons to stay in Raytown. Greg Walters, Bill Van Buskirk, Dave Bower, Clifford Sargeon, Sandy Hartwell. How many years do we have left to draw names from this political hat? Seriously now, are their any budding political minds in which it is not too late to convince to stay in Raytown?
(Unfortunately, I have no clever animal name to insert here. Wise Old Owl, Sly Fox, The Hawk, and The Falcoln were all taken)
I have forwarded a copy of the flyer to the Missouri Ethics commission, and I encourage everyone here to do the same. There are several issues that are illegal with the flyer: 1) the use of pictures of city vehicles and employees for campaign ads is strictly prohibited, 2) The campaign manager is using his city email and city phone to conduct campaign business "says so on the back Lt Hudspeth", 3) they mailed this out using tax payers money to pay for postage. All of these are grievous and quite frankly I expect better Mayor Bower, I am very disappointed. As for Mr Cushman and his parking if he does not have room for that ridiculous behemoth he calls a truck than leave it at city hall like the codes people do. All you have to do is pay attention around town and you can hear all sorts of interesting things about or fine EMS department. My next door neighbor is a nurse at a local nursing home, and she says Raytown EMS is a joke. Every time they are called they are condescending, angry, and spend 30 minutes with the patient in the parking lot before they even start to the hospital. I have also heard they have fired three employee's in the past year; two for being drug addicts, and one for being a convicted felon. Wow and all that from the EMS agency of the year...who got second?
VOTE NO WE CAN DO BETTER
Can soneone help me figure out who Sally Allen is? I see she is runing for school board. I didn't think anyone else had filed.
Finally an intelligent comment on this site. Well done We Can Do Better!
Excellent points and have no doubt they are true.
To the goofball who had never heard a city official talkdown to a constituent, apparently you never saw Mayor Sue Frank addressing Lee Gray, charter commission chairman, during that process.
KCTV5 will investigate the waste of public money. Go to the website. Not sure anyone wants to be public as there's always retaliation and people with badges and guns are no one to mess with.
I wonder why there are complaints about mailings for the sales tax ballot issue? It is OK for the Dysfunctional to spend taxpayers money on the same type of mailing but not the City. These complaints are not logical. The Dysfunctional School District really hiked property taxes so that it is too expensive to live in Raytown. I think that drove property values down. Now the District is disputing the lower assessments.
I have never gone in search of illegal signs. I have better things to do. During the last School election, they just happened to be very noticable since I walk and drive around town quite a bit. I haven't observed illegal signs this election, but maybe it is because I am not looking for them.
I agree with Bill Van Buskirk that the person who is complaining about his signs should contact him. With all of the anonymous personal attacks on this blog, I tend to wonder if the posts about Mr. Van Buskirk are posted by one of his opponents?
I have given permission to some candidates to place signs in my yard with the restriction that it must conform with city code.
I have made the point to the BOA several times that there are unenforced and/or obsolete ordinances (not just the sign ordinance) that should be revised or deleted. I wonder why on earth there is a sign ordinance unless it was originally enacted to remove signs of a candidate who someone on the board didn't like?
Andy Whiteman
Anon 11:40,
1) I don't know in which realm of reality you and others on this blog live. However, if the Sly Fox or an others want to find ordinance violations be it signs or non-maintenance of gravel drives and post them or better yet turn them in to the mayor and BOA then great. I personal wish I had the time to drive around and turn in those around my home that can not maintain their property value. However, none of us should have to do this as Neighborhood Services is suppose to be pro active. You said individuals with this mindset should get involved with something to include finding ways to attack business. However, what business would want to open in our city based on the homes and / or business maintenance that they see traveling through our city. If I were a business owner I wouldn’t want to open in Raytown as I would fear loosing part of or not picking up a client base for them fearing the type of location they were getting themselves into.
I have had the opportunity to speak with or obtain flyers from several of the candidates as well as read the on-line version of “The Raytown Post”. The thing I don’t find to surpassing is it is the how are not currently on the BOA that are complaining about the code enforce. Then again, why would you if you where on the BOA as this would be a sign that you know there is a problem, but have done nothing to fix the issue.
Although I might even believe some of the ordnance are silly. The fact remains they are on the book and until we change that then they need to be pro actively enforced. I am guessing it is only a matter of time before the city gets sued by someone they do enforce a code on while allowing the neighbors on either side to be in violation of the say ordnance. Yes, as others on here have pointed out and as I am too aware of myself code enforcement officers pick and choice whom to sight for violations. This paints a picture in my mind of discrimination or protecting those who contribute to specific campaigns as well as an overstaffed department. The easy fix is for codes to just do their jobs in a pro-active manor.
2) I don’t disagree do we really need religious comments on hear. However, it is called freedom of speech so we all have to learn to accept some will post things that we might know feel brings mar it, but that is the posters call not ours.
It has been a while since I have been in school, but I believe the first amendment are the separation of church and state and the freedom of speech so I don’t understand the reference you are trying to make. Unless you are one of those take wants to take “God” out of our nation. Well, you did bring up the point!
3) It is apparent that Mr. Van Buskirk is not a politician. What politician would respond to many of the silly comments left on this blog? Unless he feels guilty for the placement of the signs, which I have not seen any in question, but have only traveling 350 within Ward 4. His response does come off as him being a hot head, which we really do not need at city hall. As for attracting participation of the 20 some year old crowd into politics we first must look at voter history to see if the even actively vote. From what I have seen we are doing go to attract this age group to participate in the presidential elections.
I would say the biggest thing that hurt voter turn out in our city elections in Sue Frank and her “Raytown Reaching for Tomorrow Group” or whatever they are calling themselves these days. Fact is that since the creation of her wonderful group the voter turn out in city elections has been on a decline just read the result for the KC Star. Not to mention the negative impact her administration had on the business population of Raytown. Again, it was her administration that wanted to drive business out of downtown. Okay, so we where going to get a new building, but who was going to pay for it and why if that project did come about would we impact the property owners like Pat.
As to your point on separation of church and state, why is this group meeting at Raytown First Baptist? I believe this clearly does give many posters the justification to bring up religion. I believe RFB is placing their non profit status in jeopardy by allowing political organization to actively function out of their church. Again – Thanks for bringing up the point on separation of church and state.
4) Again what realm of reality are you in, myself I am active in many community groups as well as those through my employer. They all have one thing in common, which is being able to attract additional participation. Based on my studies it has noting to do with bickering. I have found it has more to do with awareness of the group as well as coordination of schedules. In some cases in is the lack of follow up from current members to those who want to join with out seeming over bearing. If you were actually involved in something you would know this is truly the hardship groups face. Now keeping them active is a different story and often they do drop out because of silly bickering, but the bickering has always been internal issues most often related to the direction the group is going or leadership. Again not anything to do with impacts to the community.
The only good point that you made is the underlining message the life is to short to bicker. However, it is often the bickering that leads to change.
Pat,
Thank you for the blog about your friend it clearly demonstrates that our codes enforcement is anything, but pro active.
Mr. Van Buskirk,
One point the article in “The Raytown Post” you complained about sign ordinance for business are currently too restrictive. Does this explain your choice of placement location that is coming under fire? As it to me is clear you take the position of being lacks on code enforcement and I believe I have express my concern of how that is truly one of the underlining factors with promoting the attraction of new businesses. As pointed out above, I am concerned about your postings.
Might, I suggest a more positive approach in the future for example: To my awareness none of my signs are placed in violation of any ordnance. If you are aware of one in question please contact me so I may have it replaced. I thank you for your assistance with this matter, as the sign are a costly expense to the campaign that I do not wish to be removed and trashed by the city.
First off, Raytown's EMS are one of the best I've seen since moving here from the east coast. I have had them many, many times come in the case of life and death. I HAVE NEVER had any problem with the dispatch or the professional who have arrived at my residence and attended to my husband, who if not for the fact that their response time, was not what it was would be dead 15 years ago, or last year. I'm not for a new tax, during these times things are just too tight.
I don't care for Sandy Hartwell, I personally have had run ins with her, but I have never seen her conduct herself in such a matter as Van Buskirk. If this is the type of person Ward 4 wants to represent them, then God help us. The man needs to read the book on "How to win Friends and Influence People." Or, at least take angry management classes.
Ward 4 Resident
I've come to the conclusion that Raytown cops don't have enough to do. If they can run radar on a Sunday morning on the street that goes to one of our many churches, they don't have enough to do. Not buying the argument that they are too busy. This latest waste of taxpayers dollars just made up my mind on the sales tax increase. I'm voting NO
On the lighter side of the religious issue:
It is to bad, we can not ask Noah how he addressed all the animals’ complaints.
I agree about the cops. They are only out there after speeders when there is no real crime to solve.
Greg I know you would have first hand knowledge if these allegations made against the ambulance are true or not, and I know if they were true you could not comment on them. However if that is the case the reciprocal would also hold true and you could say they are false, so would you please be so kind as to tell me if they are false. If you say nothing then I will understand and I can read between the lines. If they are true than can someone please tell me what incriminating evidence Matt Cushman has on the council to keep his job? I mean really a convicted felon? In our homes? Drug addicts? Who get to give drugs to others? As for the mailing I find it in poor taste to mix campaigning with tax payer funds, say what you want about the school district but you never saw them put banners on school buses. I too agree but add........ WE DESERVE BETTER.
Picking on cops and paramedics... what a joke... I guess all they do is eat donuts too...It is the silly season...
No one is picking on anyone, if these statements are true.... If they are and I believe them to be then we are the silly ones for doing nothing
Please take the time to find the truth before automatically believing every allegation or story you hear. If there are serious concerns about the quality of our EMS employees, and not just griping, I challenge you to find the real answers and the real story before distrusting the people who have dedicated their careers to serving you.
In addition to my above post, I meant to ask what is the problem with an officer ticketing speeders on a Sunday morning? How tragic it would be for a family to be on their way to church only to be in an accident caused by something so negligent and preventable. And if there is not a burglary or homicide being commited that very minute and the officer is using his "downtime" to protect our streets, I'm not complaining one bit. Perhaps someone is a little chapped about receiving a ticket? Our officers and dispatchers are doing a wonderful job of prioritizing the 911 calls that come in and a wonderful job of protecting this community to the best of their ability being grossly understaffed.
I tell you what. You call Mr. Cushmann and Mr. Lynch and discuss the issues directly. Or you can continue to make unproven and grossly inaccurate statements. You are joke when if you think what you are blabbing about is remotely true. Perhaps you don't read books or have T.V. and need a different kind of fiction in your life.
The last post is right These people have earned more than this. They do deserve our trust.
close to 56 th st and ash whom has no address which is a codes violation-4 wheelers dune buggies noise dust cussing boom box noise no grass-alderman says nothing we can do about it-I understand living in the county with no restrictions-DA-living in raytown with codes to prevent a resident from having to put up with the county bum - and guess what-HERE HE IS STINKING UP MY HOUSE THAT I HAVE MAINTAINED FOR 40 YRS-AND GUESS WHAT-THEY ARE - - - - -, AND YOU CALL THE POLICE OR CODES OFFICERS AND THEY ARE TREMBLING SO BAD YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND THEM.
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