-- BREAKING NEWS --
 |
| Photo credit: KSHB-TV 41 |
In the wake of a sweep of local elections in which three new Aldermen were elected to the Raytown City Council some local leaders have stepped up to speak out on a proposed Walmart Grocery Store in Downtown Raytown.
Former Raytown Mayor Sue Frank and the President of the Downtown Raytown Main Street Association, Steve Guenther, were interviewed by KSHB TV 41 in a story broadcast on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
In the news report broadcast on KSHB-TV 41 both Guenther and Frank express concern over what is planned by Walmart.
To view the entire newscast use this link: VIEW NEWSCAST VIDEO
". . . Frank doesn't want it.
"That becomes the image of your community, rather than the neighborhood character and downtown feel that we've been trying to develop for a long time," Frank said.
The Raytown Main Street Association has a vision for the downtown area, calling for a more attractive streetscape, obscured parking lots and big windows on storefronts.
Main Street Association president Steven Guenther said he doesn't oppose Walmart itself, rather the size and look of the 42,000-square foot store.
"It would be a dramatic setback," Guenther said.
The downtown area has design standards as new businesses come in. The city of Raytown said Walmart has requested to opt out of those guidelines for its proposed store.
Guenther envisions a town square-type atmosphere for the empty lot with a larger number of small retailers. He thinks Raytown needs to wait for a different plan.
"I think we have to realize at some point in time, we can have something better," Guenther said."
To view the entire newscast use this link:
VIEW NEWSCAST VIDEO
To post and view comments use this link comments
ELECTION RESULTS
WINNERS ARE MARKED IN BOLD TYPE
For Alderman, Ward 1
Josh Greene . . . 272 Richard Tush . . . 121
For Alderman, Ward
2
Jerry J. Kinman . . . 51 Jim Hamilton . . . 110
Jason Greene . . . 279
Jason Greene . . . 279
For Alderman, Ward 3
Christine White . . . 48 Janet Emerson . . . 219
Chris Merrill . . . 62 Mark Moore . . . 21
Christine White . . . 48 Janet Emerson . . . 219
Chris Merrill . . . 62 Mark Moore . . . 21
For Alderman, Ward 4
Rita Bennett . . . 107 Bill VanBuskirk . . . 328
For Raytown School
Board
Pam Arnuld . . . 1746 Bobbie Saulsberry . . . 1852
Richard Thode . . . 1738 Ken Grist . . . 948
 | |
| Greg Walters |
The
Candidates Have Had Their Say
NOW IT IS YOUR TURN BY GREG WALTERS
April 2nd is
Election Day in Raytown. Since early in January one of the most crowded races
in recent Raytown history has been taking place.
Candidates have been going
door to door, asking for you vote. Yard signs have been popping up in
neighborhoods. Strangers to most of us before the election process, the
candidates have been doing their best to raise your awareness of their vision
for Raytown’s future.
Municipal Elections are truly
a unique American experience.
So please, if, on Election
Day, you are at all hesitant about voting, remember this.
Even though we live in the
21st Century, there are still many in this world who can only dream
of voting in an election to choose their leaders.
Please remember to vote on
Tuesday, April 2, 2013.
Raytown Debate Draws Small Crowd
Last
Tuesday the League of Women Voters conducted a “meet and greet” event at
Raytown City Hall. The forum was a step away from the usual debate format used
in past years.
I
was going to watch the event from the comfort of my home. So I popped a tape
into the machine, turned on the television and went upstairs to grab a bite to
eat. When I returned I was surprised to find that the event was not being
televised on Raytown’s Channel 7.
So
I grabbed my coat, hopped in the car and drove up to City Hall to watch in
person. I missed the beginning of the meeting. Judge Traci Fann, City Marshall
Jim Lynch and both candidates for Ward 1 had already spoken.
What
surprised me was the low turnout. There were 14 candidates at the event. Only
27 people showed up to watch.
It
was good to see Aldermen Charlotte Melson and Michael Lightfoot in attendance
at the meeting. Neither of them are up for election this year, but by their
presence they showed a sincere interest in this year’s election.
The
Mayor was absent, as was City Administrator Mahesh Sharma.
All
in all, the event was a step backward from the give and take of a debate. An
exchange of ideas that can only be made in the give and take of a debate, the
occasional bold accusation, watching how a candidate performs under pressure,
are elements missing from the meet and greet forum used by the League of Women
Voters this year.
I
sincerely hope that next election whoever is hosting a pre-election event will bring
back live debates.
Whoever
made the bone-headed decision not to televise the event should be sent to sit
in the corner with a dunce hat on.
The
city’s expense in televising candidate forums is almost non-existent. We live
in a time with amazing technology that allows us to view live uncensored,
unedited events so that voters can judge on their own how to cast their vote.
The
decision not to televise the forum was just plain wrong.
Fortunately,
there was an individual who took the time to make a video recording of the
event. To view that recording, use this link USE THIS LINK.
The
races are divided by wards and school districts. Scroll down the page to view
the video you wish to watch. (VIDEO COMPLIMENTS
OF RAYTOWN ON-LINE)
 |
| Paul Livius |
Why We Do Not Make Endorsements
BY
PAUL LIVIUS
Sometimes
we are asked if we intend to make endorsements in city elections.
A
fair question. It deserves a fair answer. It is a simple one.
No.
The
reason is quite simple. We all have a different point of view on how our city
is run, who will do the best job and, in general, what direction we want our
community to go. Greg and I do not view our opinions as any more important than
anyone reading this page.
Make
no mistake about it. We will give our opinion on different topics. But we draw
the line when it comes to endorsements, which we view as “telling” someone how
to vote.
But we do strongly believe in helping those
who want to step and serve their community a platform to tell their story.
So
here is what we are doing.
Way
back in late December, when filing for office opened, we decided to offer our
space, free of charge, to candidates to tell their neighbors why they are
running for public office. A good number of the candidates took us up on that
offer.
Following the Fit Bottomed Girls column is a reprint of those essays by the candidates who chose to participate. We
start with the municipal races and move through the School Board races. If a candidate
is not shown, it is because he or she did not respond to the opportunity.
Raytown
elections are usually a very low turnout event. Please join Greg and I by going
to the polls on Tuesday, April 2nd to make this election one for the
record books.
FIT BOTTOMED GIRLS
Okay, so I am not a Fit Bottomed Girl. But I did want to take this space to
share something with you about the FBG site we have been hosting on the
Raytown Report.
FIT BOTTOMED GIRLS
Something to Shout About! BY GREG WALTERS
 |
| GREG AND HIS HAT |
They have made the big
time. And not in a small way.
Last week Time Magazine
posted its annual The 140 Best Twitter Feeds of 2013. The FBG website ranked number 83
in the Health and Family category.
When
something this good happens the appropriate thing to do is go shout it from the
rooftops. It is especially special because the Fit Bottomed Girls website is
anchored here in Kansas City with a truly national list of writers from across
America.
We
know from tracking that some of our readers made their way to the FBG’s ranks
from the Raytown Report. Keep up the good work girls. We are proud of you!
Check
out the Time Magazine story at:
READ
MORE
WARD 1
 |
| Josh and his fiance', Macee |
My name is Josh Greene and
I seek your vote for Alderman in Ward 1 on April 2nd.
I feel that there are
several issues that need to be addressed in our city to secure a strong future
for our city. One of my biggest concerns for Raytown is the fact that a
substantial percentage of the population of our city is over the age of 55.
When this baby boomer generation moves out of their homes, Raytown will be
faced with a challenge. Either we will have laid down the framework to
encourage young families to move into Raytown, or landlords will purchase an
abundance of property in Raytown, causing depreciation of property values. City
Hall must take an active stance to promote this through proactive government.
Another issue that is very
important to me is the current situation with the Raytown YMCA. The closure of
the Raytown YMCA deeply saddens me. That being said, I believe that the city;
in collaboration with the school district, should start and maintain an open
dialogue to open a community center in Raytown. Many other cities within the
metropolitan area have one or more community centers, and I believe it is time
for Raytown to join that group. With a community center, we provide our seniors
with a place to be socially active, and also provide our youth and students
with a venue to participate in activities, keeping many kids off of the street.
This also provides another venue for community events to take place.
Lastly, we need to promote
transparency and accountability at City Hall. Government cannot be truly
effective without maintaining legitimacy, and legitimacy is lost when people
feel they cannot trust their elected officials. If elected, I will only be a
phone call away to help you in any way, shape, or form that I possibly can
within my power. It is the job of any elected official to not only represent
you, but to listen to your needs and wants from the local government.
I hope I can count on your
support on April 2nd. If you have any questions, feel free to call me anytime
at 816-260-6325.
WARD 2
Raytown, MO- Raytown
educator and former 5th Congressional District candidate Jason
Greene, has filed and expressed his intentions to become a Raytown Alderman,
representing Ward II. “I’ve decided to run for many reasons, but ultimately to
help facilitate a more accountable and transparent city hall.” Greene said. “I
hope to have the opportunity to be a voice for all taxpayers, and stand for
the responsible use of our dollars. In addition, I plan to promote and
advocate for sound residential and business investment.”
Jason has been a resident
and a Social Studies teacher within Raytown community for the past 7 years,
serving also as a head coach for both Cross Country and Track and Field. He
received his undergraduate degree from Northwest Missouri State University and
attained his graduate degree in Political Science at University of Missouri –
Kansas City. If you wish to contact Jason Greene, you may through email at Strengththroughliberty@gmail.com
WARD 3
 |
| Chris Merrill and Family |
My name is Chris Merrill
and I am running for Alderman in Raytown Ward 3. I am 36, been married for 14
years with 1 child, and lived at my current address for 15 years. I started
attending Raytown schools in first grade and graduated from Raytown South High
School in 1994.
I have been a member of the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) Local #124 for 17
years. At the end of my 5 year apprenticeship I passed my masters exam to
recieve my Masters Licence. Since that time I have recieved many other
certifications. I am a very active member of my union, volunteering my time for
DADs day (dollars for diabetes), Christmas in October, Local #124's Childrens
Christmas party, and delivering Christmas baskets to the widows of deceased
members of Local #124.
My wife, Jeannette Thomas Merrill, is a paraprofessional for students with special needs in the Raytown School District, and my son attends school at a Raytown Elementary School. I am a member of the Union Sportsmen's Alliance. I also like to coach my son’s sports teams. I have coached baseball at Kansas City Baptist Temple and now at Raytown Sports Association. I am also a youth wrestling coach for Mat Rat Wrestling Club overseen by O'Hara High School.
I would like to have the
opportunity to be the voice of my ward. I am a very good listener and
would work to correct the concerns of the people of my ward. The best way
to contact me would be email, chrism7280@yahoo.com.
 |
| Janet Emerson |
My name is Janet Emerson,
and I am a candidate for Raytown Ward 3 Alderman this coming spring. Now
having the time to devote to this important position, I have the concern and
drive it takes to bring positive change to this City. I want to help
return Raytown to the prosperity it once knew. In order to do this, I
will need your vote in April.
I have been a resident of
Raytown for 36 years. I have seen Raytown thrive from its early years,
but I have also witnessed a troubling loss of businesses. In 1997, I
started a company with nothing, and it independently grew to be one of the top
international astronomy/telescope stores in less than five years. In
addition, I have been instrumental in founding two other companies which have
achieved success. I will use my knowledge and experience in this field to
help guide the commerce policy in Raytown so that businesses want to come to
and enrich our city and remain and prosper in it.
I raised my daughter
through the Raytown School District from kindergarten to when she graduated and
left to go to college. She received a quality education via the teachers
and administrators of this District. I want to ensure that quality
education is available for every student here because our young people are the
future.
If elected, I will keep the
Citizens in my Ward up-to-date as to what is considered and planned so that
they may voice their input about how this City is being run.
Unfortunately, I do not feel that the Citizens are typically aware of the
workings of the City. I want there to be as much transparency as possible
and for them to be as involved as they want to be. After all, it is THEIR
community.
I wish everyone in Raytown
a marvelous 2013. Please, if you haven’t done so, register to vote before
March 6th (voter registration forms are available at the library on
Raytown Road), and if you’re in Ward 3, please vote for Janet Emerson on
Tuesday, April 2nd.
WARD 4
 |
| Rita Bennett |
I am Rita Bennett and your
candidate for Alderman for the 4th Ward.
I have lived in Raytown for 15 years and first moved here because of
location and stayed because I felt safe and comfortable here. I have been the resident manager of Raytown
Village Apartments for 8 years, having been Assistant Manager the prior 2
years.
I have been active in the
community, was a volunteer for the Reaching for Tomorrow effort and a member of
the original Tree Board for three years, serving as Chairman for one year.
I am seeking a position on
the City Council because I am interested in how issues are being handled at
City Hall and am concerned by recent events that have taken place.
I feel strongly that
Raytown can be in a leading position in the Metro area as to providing a
wonderful place to live and having all the amenities people want close to their
homes. There is already a forward
movement to attracting all types of business which is the driver to bringing
people into the city, and I would like to see Raytown be a place that offers
neighborhoods that welcome people to come in either singly or with their
families.
There is no reason why
Raytown cannot be a jewel in the crown of the greater Kansas City area. The location here is very attractive in many
ways, especially in the economic times we find ourselves in. I would work hard to bring Raytown to the
attention of young people just starting out as to buying a home and settling in
for a lifetime.
Keeping finances in mind,
Raytown could invest a relatively small amount of money in a city-wide effort
to connect all areas in a theme such as the stonework and street lights already
installed at 63rd Street and Gregory and Raytown Road. These places have a finished look, and where
there is room a fountain could be added.
While we are enjoying the benefits of being stronger commercially then
can we not extend this to the neighborhoods and areas where we live?
Election day is April 2nd
and I would very much appreciate your vote.
If you are not registered yet then you can do so at the Public Library,
6131 Raytown Road, phone# 353.2052. until Mar 6th for this election. If you go to all that trouble, then please
vote for me!
 |
| Bill VanBuskirk |
I have filed to run for
Alderman in Ward IV. I have worked hard over the past four years for the people
of this ward and for all of the people in the city of Raytown. To do the job of
alderman right it has to be an 'every-day' job, not just a 'now-and-then' job.
For me it has been and will continue to be an 'every-day' job.
Anyone who knows me well
knows that I have worked hard to improve our codes department and its
enforcement, promoted economic development, always striving to maintain and
improve our infrastructure, as well as continuing to work on a multitude of
other important issues. The safety and security of our city has and will
continue to be a priority for me. If I am re-elected on April 2nd I will continue
to work hard to make our city a better place to live.
We have been able to
acquire grants that have saved our citizens millions of dollars on a large
number of projects, we encourage our staff to pursue any grants that might be
available to us; I credit the diligent efforts of our staff for successfully
accomplishing this, it will be an ongoing effort.
I have always made myself
available to constituents, listening to concerns, problems, opinions, and
ideas. Unfortunately, I can't always make everyone happy, but I will always do
everything I can to resolve each situation within the limits of my power and
make a fair judgment based on the information at hand.
We have accomplished a lot
of good things over the past term, but there is still a lot of hard work to be
done, and a multitude of tasks to tackle. There have been hundreds of
resolutions, ordinances, and issues that I have had to make decisions about
over the last four years, some decisions are easy to make, and others are very
difficult. My colleagues and I don't always agree, but I will always do what I
believe is in the best interest of those who have chosen me to represent them.
It would be impossible to always make decisions that everyone in the city will
agree with, but I will always weigh all of the information and evidence
available to me prior to making a decision regarding any issue.
I feel we should never be
satisfied with where we are as a city; we always need to be striving to make
our community a better place, which is a never ending job. We have faced many
challenges over the past four years and there will be many ahead of us.
My wife Mary Jane and I
have been married for over 48 years. We have been homeowners in Raytown for
over 40 years, living in the same house. We raised our family here, they all
went through the Raytown school system, and we are members of a local church in
Raytown. We raised four boys and have six grandchildren. I retired from
Hallmark Cards in the graphic arts field back in 2004 and was employed there
for over 40 years. I also proudly served as a reserve police officer for the
city of Raytown for many years. I now work part time for Enterprise-Rent-a-Car
in Raytown. I currently serve as president of the board of directors of the
Salt Springs Cemetery Association. I am a member of the Raytown area Chamber of
Commerce. My wife and I have been involved in many activities and organizations
in our community over the years. I have served on both the Municipal and
Legislative Committees, and currently serve on the Police Pension Review
Committee. My wife serves on the Council for the Aging.
I do have an opponent, I don't know much about her, nor do I know her motive for running. But, I can assure you that my motivation for running has not changed from what it was four years ago; it is to serve our community and to strive to make it a better place to live.
Anyone wishing to reach me can call at: (816) 737-2799, or you can e-mail me at: re-electBillVanBuskirk@comcast.net. My campaign facebook page is: Vote Van Buskirk. I appreciate any support you can give; allowing me to place a sign on your property, volunteering some time, or urging friends and neighbors to vote for me.
I am thankful to have had the honor to serve the people of our city, I will always serve to the best of my ability; it is my hope that you will allow me the opportunity to continue to do so.
I do have an opponent, I don't know much about her, nor do I know her motive for running. But, I can assure you that my motivation for running has not changed from what it was four years ago; it is to serve our community and to strive to make it a better place to live.
Anyone wishing to reach me can call at: (816) 737-2799, or you can e-mail me at: re-electBillVanBuskirk@comcast.net. My campaign facebook page is: Vote Van Buskirk. I appreciate any support you can give; allowing me to place a sign on your property, volunteering some time, or urging friends and neighbors to vote for me.
I am thankful to have had the honor to serve the people of our city, I will always serve to the best of my ability; it is my hope that you will allow me the opportunity to continue to do so.
RAYTOWN SCHOOL BOARD
Rick Thode for Raytown School Board
 |
| Rick Thode |
I am Rick Thode, and I am
running for reelection to the Consolidated C-2 Board of Education. I was
elected in 2009 to serve a one year term and reelected in 2010 to serve a three
year term. My wife, Sandy, and I have lived in the school district for 25
years, and our three sons (and Sandy) attended Raytown schools. I am a graduate
of Wichita State University, obtained an MBA from Northwestern University and
served as a CPA for 33 years before retiring in 2009. I serve as Treasurer on
the Park University Board of Trustees and am past President of the Children’s
Center for the Visually Impaired.
I am standing for
reelection for three reasons. First, our schools significantly improved their
test scores last year through standardization of curriculum, enhanced teacher
training and strong leadership and commitment from the Administration and Board
of Education. I want to continue our upward path and believe that attention to
rigor in the classroom will further boost our success and enable our kids to
graduate and attend college.
Secondly, it is essential
that the district win its appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court of a recent
lower court decision which would require our schools to accept student
transfers from the non-accredited Kansas City school district. In my view, the
decision was wrong and the transfer law is unconstitutional. If the decision is
upheld, our district will become overcrowded with student transfers, and
Raytown taxpayers could be required to pay the bills. I will fight to make sure that every legal
and political argument is made to the Supreme Court to win the appeal and
protect our district from this illegal encroachment on our schools and taxpayers.
Finally, I will fight TIFs
which allow cities to wrongfully take taxes of school districts and other
jurisdictions and reallocate such monies for projects which have nothing to do
with education. I participated in the successful negotiation of the Winchester
TIF which would have cost Raytown schools over $14 million in district money.
TIFs are designed to line the pockets of developers and lawyers and take money
from our teachers, schools and children. I will fight to protect our schools
from the egregious misuse of public funds and will demand that TIFs be
structured with claw backs and terms that require authorities to use money for
valid growth opportunities.
I seek your vote on April 2nd.
To post a comment on this blog
click on the word comments on the line directly below this sentence.
Comments
Let the finger pointing begin.
First finger-pointer out of the chute was Raytown News Editor, Randy Battagler.
Randy blames the Y's action on "corporate greed."
Here is what he wrote in the week's editorial column.
"The Y has become like a lot of greedy corporate types and just want more than they should."
Nice-sounding populist verbiage, Randy. But how do you know how much money the local Y was making? Are you their accountant or bookkeeper?
We do know this much. Membership has dropped almost 50% during the past two years.
If anyone feels like pointing a finger of accusation the Salamander suggests we look toward Mayor David Bower.
Mayor Bower admits he knew in advance what the Y was planning. He kept silent. Apparently he was asked to keep his lip buttoned. And he did.
That kind of inaction deserves some sort of accolade -- perhaps a "sleeping watch-dog of the year" award.
Perhaps Mr. Mayor is just being open with his admissions. Who knows. Stranger things have happened in Raytown.
Some years ago former Mayor Willard Ross was on the Board of Directors of the now-closed Park Lane Hospital.
The board voted to close the establishment. Believe it or not, Ross (who was then Mayor of Raytown) admitted that he was not aware there was even a vote of the Board to take the action.
What can be done about the closing? There are avenues to explore.
1. Have the city take over the Y-operation and run a community center. This would surely take another sales tax increase, which is unlikely. It is just as well. There is not a chance of a snowball in Hell that the city would be successful.
Look at the city's track record.
City Hall doesn't have the business acumen to operate a swimming pool which is open only three months a year.
The park department made such a mess of Super Splash they had to go out and hire someone to come in and straighten the place up.
2. How about the school district?
Problem is the first thing they would want is a property tax increase. That bunch knows only one mantra: "More taxes. We need more taxes. Don't you care about your children."
The district already receives a mountain of money which, rightfully, should not go to them.
Example: A large number of children who are residents of Consolidated C-2 District go to either private, parochial or other schools. C-2 is paid handsomely for every one of those children. The annual amount received by the district is staggering, and it would easily fund operation of a community center.
3. Go out and find someone interested in purchasing the facility and running as a "for profit" entity.
It might not be as difficult as you think. The city can pretend the interested party is another Walmart, HyVee or a now defunct real estate firm.
Promise them all the TIF money, CID funds, and other taxpayer funded goodies they need. Surely this largesse will pique the interest of some entrepreneur.
Mr. Greene has lived in Raytown since he was ten. The confusion may be a result of the following.
He just bought his first home in Raytown six months ago.
Looks like he's here to stay!
Walmart will not care about the other businesses in Raytown any more than they do about their employees who they treat like second class citizens. I pray the board of zoning adjustment and our city council tell them to go take a flying leap. It's bad enough to have one Walmart in Raytown we sure don't need another one.
Walmart has caused the tax payers in this city so much money by not holding up their end of the bargain. If you believe mayor Bower and his statement that "they haven't asked for anything" you are crazy but we all know that we can't believe anything he says don't we.. Walmart always asks for something and usually gets it in small towns because the powers that be think it will better their city but it usually isn't.
I am so proud of the Waldo community because of how hard they have fought against Walmart. I hope that Raytown stands against Walmart and Bower as hard as Waldo has.
I suggest again you get a copy of that letter if you did not get it in the mail today.
A City Council that has squandered our city tax dollars on tax freebies to corporate America.
A City Council that refuses to listen to its people when they cry out to no more tax giveaways to Walmart.
How could anyone vote for an incumbent this election?
You Go Girl!!!
destroyer of business and all that goes to make a community grow and thrive. I think anyone who supports the downtown grocery operation should read the Wal-Mart agreement.
You will find that the extra two percent sales tax which the 350 store sticks into its pocket provision will also apply to the downtown store. in other words,therereally will be very little, if any, economic gain from the new operation.
Why?
(CNN) -- A man plowed a car through the front doors of a Walmart store in California Sunday, then attacked customers with a blunt object, police said.
The suspect drove more than 10 feet into a store in San Jose, California, got out of the car and began assaulting people, San Jose Police Officer Albert Morales said.
"He almost ran me over. ... He was in there to hurt people," one shaken witness told CNN affiliate KTVU.
Four people were injured, one seriously, Morales said.
The CNN affiliate showed video of the deep red Oldsmobile that had smashed into a beer display, leaving boxes and cans of Budweiser scattered on the Walmart store's floor.
The suspect was arrested on assault charges and remained in police custody Sunday afternoon, Morales said.
His motive was unclear, Morales said, but police believe drugs or alcohol may have been involved.
This sounds like a true success story in the making.
I wonder how many small businesses make it with just minimum wage folks. Because those are the job creators that Walmart is known for taking out of business when they locate in a town like Raytown.
Walmart has a reputation.
It is well deserved.
It is a NOT a warm and friendly corporate partner for anyone.
I am voting tomorrow and I am voting against the incumbent that misled me about Walmart.
It is time to show City Hall that poor judgment has its cost.
Why is it that the City Administrator gets a $30,000 pay increase and then refuses to move to Raytown?
I am so tired of the city I love to call home is made the butt end of jokes by the poor leadership at City Hall.
We need people that put us ahead of bureaucrats who openly show their contempt for us by their actions.
We need people who will put Raytown citizens first. Not second behind Walmart and absentee bureaucrats.
This election is our chance. PLEASE go vote and find a friend to go vote with you.
but, here is the reality of it all. The friends
of this cities government will re-elect their
friends. Most likely the Neighborhood Mart
will go in and even sadder is the fact the
donut shop, as I warned, is losing customers
because of their politics.
Our downtown area is finally showing some
glimmer of coming alive again and the people
don't want it to happen. The Raytown Plaza
is starting to live again. As I said before,
the downtown area needs an anchor to bring
in more businesses. Someone to invest and show
Raytown is not dead yet.
If our city leaders let this happen and don't
protect the downtown businesses that we have now,
then I will be at the head of the line calling for
their removal. Before administrations ran businesses
out of our downtown and nobody stood up for us.
Now they want to bring back business and the people
don't want it.
TO THE CITIZENS OF RAYTOWN:
Less than 20% of the sheepole vote in Raytown city elections. That means elected officials are elected by a small fraction of the sheepole, namely special interest groups, their friends, church groups, and fellow club members. IF YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT HOU YOUR CITY IS RUN, PLEASE GET UP, GET TO THE POLLS, AND CAST YOUR VOTE. IF YHOU DON'T VOTE YOU HAVE NOT RIGHT TO COMPLAIN!
I'm going to go vote now. After which I will go to 63rd and Woodson and buy myself a donut and a cup of coffee to celebrate.
One final word, Pat. Walmart is a step backward for Raytown. Not a step forward.
Let's show Pat how wrong he is vote.
Vote and buy a donut!
but, I've been here for over thirty three years and
this is the way it has been.
PLEASE, PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG!
I don't mind being wrong. In this case I hope I am
wrong. Now, having said that, will one of you that
don't want the Neighborhood Mart, please tell me
what would work? What will draw other businesses to
our downtown? Remember this is a grocery store NOT
a full out Wal-Mart.
It is no secret I hate W-M I have ever since the
first one went in Raytown on 67th st.
Raytown lost over half the businesses when it opened.
We lost over thirty more when the new one opened.
But, you know how this happened? You the people, telling
me I'm wrong, shopped at these W-M's you seem so against.
I know some of you are going to tell me "I don't go in
W-M," and I'll tell you they don't stay in business
with nobody going in them!
By the way, I hope I can join you with a donut and coffee
at your Pat was wrong party.
A 24 hour grocery store in the middle of a residential neighborhood, surrounded by residential neighborhoods on the path to get there will bring an element to this town that you do not want.
If I am to believe what I read in the Raytown Times the Raytown Plaza is bursting with activity.
Who needs a Walmart when you already have the growth and activity at the old Raytown Plaza?
Andy Whiteman
Is it just me, but why would a former mayor send a letter to the citizens that the Wal-Mart downtown would be a bad thing for our city.
This makes no sense as this is the same lady who thought it was a great idea to give away the farm to Wal-Mart on 350 Highway.
Don’t forget this is the same person who forced the city to buy the Old First Baptist Church so that we could turn it into a great downtown retail place.
Now she doesn’t want a business in that same location that will help generate sales tax and pay the salary and over generous pension plans that went into place when she was mayor.
I just have one question for her, which we should all ask...
...What do you really want?
At least it is a signal that the incumbent Aldermen were less than responsive on issues like Walmart, the City Administrators raise and the secrecy we have come to expect from Raytown City Hall.
I hope they rest of the Board listens and pays attention to what the voters said.
These were not small victories. They were landslides!
Rick Thode lost by 8 total votes to Pam Arlund for the second spot.
The earlier returns did not include all of the Kansas City precincts. The corrected numbers are up.
Apologies!
Maybe Randy will read the results and realize that he has a responsibility to report news instead of carrying the Mayor's water.
Time will tell.
I'm glad I was wrong!
I wanted a change in our elected officials.
I just didn't think it would happen.
Even in this election only 1618 people
voted for the aldermen. All of them put together!
That's less than each of the three top vote getters
in the school board election. Even at that, realize
there are, I think, over ten thousand registered voters
in Raytown.
Our only difference as I see it is what to do
with our downtown green area. I want this
town to grow. I want an anchor in the downtown
area to bring in more people and business.
I don't care if it is a grocery store or a nice
restaurant. I just want this town I have been in
and a part of for over thirty years to finally
be the town I know it can and should be.
You don't like W-M. Neither do I. I guess the
thing is, what brand name company would you
feel good with moving in? It's going to happen
so all of us are going to have to deal with it.
Will I shop there? No. I like "The Store,"
Consentinos, and Apple Market. Some Hy-Vee too.
The downtown redevelopment- $1.2 Million
350 highway Wal-Mart flop- $69 Million
The look on the Mayor and BOA's faces Tuesday night April 2nd- PRICELESS
Note to the Mayor and all of the Aldermen... Either work for us or we will replace you. Raytown has spoken.
Maybe he'll run for Alderman or even Mayor next time around!
NO MORE WALMART !!! Walmart sells GMO food, undermines local businesses, gets unprecedented tax breaks and attracts unwanted crime element, attracts unwanted traffic/traffic pollution, and pays lowest wages. Their profits go out-of-state. Raytown needs to attract business whose profits go back into our tax base; who help to build this city which is so woefully and visibly sliding into demise with trashy looking storefronts announcing a more-than-ample number of dollar stores and thrift shops. We've got Walmart on 350 and 40 hwy already. Considering their "real" cost to the community vs. what they give back why would anyone in their right mind consider more of the same? It's time for our City Council to drop the dunce caps, stop the greed and desire for the easy fix and get off their glory-seeking, greedy backsides and do their jobs to grow this crumbling example of a city into something of a profitable, beautiful desirable and profitable nature instead.
Apple Market - Woodson Rd
Apple Market - Blue Ridge
Aldi's - Gregory
The Store - Raytown Rd
Hy Vee - Gregory
Hy Vee - 40 and Noland
Walmart - 350 hwy
Walmart - Sterling and 40
Price Chopper - 63rd St
2 failed grocery stores downtown and 2 empty grocery store buildings near by.
Truck route next to a retirement center, apartment complex loaded with kids at play, and a library.
Forget how walmart is a horrible degrading company that feeds off of government money, it is still just a bad idea for downtown.
The GREENSPACE needs to be a GREENSPACE. A fountain dedicated to the original Raytown Resident, Ray the Blacksmith. A small parking lot/farmers market on the east side. A gazibo/water garden on the northwest corner for senior pics or wedding pics. A park on the southwest corner specially designed for handicaped children and handicaped parents to play with thier children. Benches spread around a walking path for elderly to walk. You could get a shake from a newly renovated soda fountain at Fox Drugs( donated by frinds of Fox Drugs?) and eat it on the park benches.
This would be my dream, what is yours?
The new aldermen elect have not event taken their oaths of office and their is already someone bashing them.
Whoever you are. Mayor Bower and Company were bringing this city to its knees. The apathy you complain about is the most obvious symptom of a public that begins to believe that no matter what they do their leaders will ignore them.
Yesterday the public spoke.
The big question is, will the rest of the Board of Aldermen listen?
I don't think we want a Walmart loading dock facing our library, and a 24 hour grocery store downtown. I agree with Mr. Guenther.
We can do much better.
so far when he said:
"He doesn't oppose Wal-Mart itself, rather the size
and look of the 42,000-square foot store." He went on
to say "He would rather see several stores on the property."
I believe this is the best idea I have heard so for.
I hope City Hall will listen to a sound idea such as
this. Our leaders need to limit the size of a single store
that can go in to the green area. Let's face it, a big
store in the center of this town will look ridiculous.
This is a chance for the leaders of this town to design
a downtown we all can be proud of. A chance to actually
have a Main Street with shops that we all can be proud of.
NOT another huge building so other towns can laugh at us even more.
I have always said, our City Hall worships at the house
of Wal-Mart. I wish they would prove me wrong and downsize
this plan and let Raytown really grow like the people
want it to.
Part of me says it would be nice to have a brand new business near my office that generates traffic flow. As long as no tax breaks are offered up and a new source of sales tax would be added to the city coffers to help offset the loss of revenue from the 350 HWY wal mart's 22 year non tax contributing fiasco. The other part of me says we already have several other long time community grocers in the area and some will probably fold from the loss of business if this walmart home style grocery store happens. That bothers me! I envisioned the green space being a community gathering area with a stage for free weekend concerts just like so many of our other local communities have. Families setting up lawn chairs and enjoying a great evening. Or maybe a new community center with indoor walking, pool facilities and meeting rooms like the one in North Kansas City off Armour Rd. Instead it seems we'll get another wal mart sucking the life out of our town. When you flush a toilet the water in the bowl lifts slightly before it begins to spin slowly and gains momemtum just before everything disapears down the drain. That, I'm afraid, is what will happen if this wal mart thing goes through. Anybody want to by a downtown commercial building?
what I found in my almost three foot high
stack of old Raytown papers.
The following was the headline in the August
30, 2006 Raytown Post:
"BIG RETAIL INVESTMENT COMING SOON ON 350."
"When the Raytown 350 Live project is fully
developed, revenues of local taxing entities
will be greatly enhanced, according to a
cost benefit analysis prepared for the developer.
The analysis is based on the initial plan for phase
2 for a second large box store.
Projected total revenues to all taxing jurisdictions
over the 23-year financing period of the development
would be $60.3 million versus $5.9 million if the area
is not redeveloped."
THE BREAKDOWN:
"City of Raytown--$11.2 million versus $2.8 million.
Raytown C-2 School District $3.1 million versus $1.6
million. In addition the distric would have new and
improved buildings and facilities worth at least
$18.5 million.
Raytown Fire Protection District-- $3.8 million versus
$463,566. In addition, the fire district will receive
$450,000 for additional equipment."
My question is: since the developer hasn't lived up to
their agreement then why should the people of Raytown be
responsible for making up the unachieved sales tax bond
payments?
Vanbuskirk is a democrat. Both Greenes and Emerson are die hard republicans.
Question for some who have been here a long time...did the Y get any tax breaks? I recall something about that but cannot remember. If so, wouldn't those still be in effect and possibly give some leverage to stop the closing?
As for the other three newly elected city councilmen, I don't care what party they belong to as long as they listen to what we have to say and put us first.
The ones they are replacing lost by big margins because they did not listen to the people.
How about a small movie theatre instead of a Wal-Mart?
Like the Fine Arts, etc.?
Raytown has never had a movie theatre.....
Hello Bloggers.
We truly need to make sure we can get the word out for the next big meeting for the Wal-Mart deal. We are so very lucky to be able to talk like this. I enjoy it more when people are not afraid to put a their name on what they want to say but I understand the fear factor many people have because of city and government officials. I love to read these blogs! I hope to read many, many more!
How about this for an idea. What if the city were to link to the Raytown Report through its website.
These comments are the first real discussion I have read about Walmart and the development in Downtown Raytown.
That way City Hall could find out what the people are saying.
Last Tuesday's election sure did show how out of touch Raytown City Hall is. Maybe their new Public Information Officer could join in the discussion.
What do you think?
If Walmart really wants to open a grocery in Raytown, I suggest a prime location:
The vacant building at 63rd and 350HWY abandonded bu Sav-A-Lot along with a vacant pod next to it. Not as large as they want but the area had good traffic flow and parking! It is already under a TIF so a TIF is not needed. If Walmart wants to open, let them use their own money, not ours. I say "ours" because I paid my property taxes even though I no longer live in Raytown.
Andy Whiteman
I have always felt that a mayor or for that matter any elected offical should want to know what the people they represent feel about what is going on even if they don't like it. Mayor Bower doesn't want to know because it doesn't fit into his plan whatever that is. However, I also know that even when they say they don't read it there are several people in city who do read it and even make comments. I know the city adminstrator at least in the past has read it because he was reading it when I went into his office one day but of course, that was before his latest raise maybe he doesn't now.
I wish to god I had not vote for him he is a pour accuse for a mayor.
I am totally in agreement with you but the fact is you will need to get rid of this mayor to get what you want done. He want to make us the people do their jobs especially in regards to CODES. He thinks the citizens should tell the neighbors to clean up their yards not the city. Why then are we paying those people to in the codes dept?????
I vote in Ward 1 at the Episcopal Church.
When I pulled up to park one of the most obnoxious, ill mannered louts I have ever encountered approached.
At first I thought he was handing out ballots. No way. This guy was on some sort of rampage, bad mouthing former councilmen, mayors, anyone who ever held elected office.
As a result of his crude behavior I voted for the guy he was NOT passing stuff out for.
Someone told me this guy goes to every political meeting and always has an axe to grind, but never anything positive.
To: Anonymous said...
Do you want to invest your money in 'a small movie theatre', or do you know someone who does? You must think the city is a developer (NOT). I don't see any people lined up wanting to develope anything there, do you?
April 4, 2013 at 9:05 PM
Oh, and for those who are not aware, developing parks is something that cities do.
Buy some land in Raytown. Clear it, build a big box store on it. Build a parking log and entrances to the local road system.
And never collect a penny of sales tax for the city.
Why, that's exactly what they did on 350 Highway with Raytown's mega Walmart.
And it cost the city 22 years of debt. Not a mere $650,000.
At least we would end up with a park for our trouble.
All we got with the Walmart on 350 highway was more crime.
I really like the idea of using some of the green space for a farmers market. The city could charge a nominal fee for booth space and use the money to offset some of the maintenance costs for the green space. This would draw people into downtown on the weekends and also encourage more people to start their own gardens. Overland Park has a farmers market downtown and it is well attended. Im ok with using some of the green space for some small shops, mabey plant some trees, and put out some benches. There are lots of things we could do with the space. I just think we could do a lot better than a grocery store.
Unfortunately, I think the city council is set on making the Walmart store happen. I spent all day at a polling place for Jason Greene. I had conversations with several aldermen throughout the day. They were all giddy about the petition that is out against the Walmart grocery store and happy that some of the new aldermen had signed the petition. They think that if you signed the petition that you have to recuse yourself and will not be able to vote on it and they will be able to push it thru, even though we voted new people in to try and stop it. They mentioned getting lawyers involved. Im just wondering why they are plotting and trying so hard to make this happen, but in a public forum, they say nothing is set in stone?
It takes six of ten Aldermen to approve zoning for Walmart.
If three of those votes are invalidated it still take six aldermen to approve the zoning.
In fact, the three votes invalidated (which I seriously doubt is a real issue) are technically "no" votes because they cannot be counted in the affirmative.
It amazes me that any one of the current Board would spout such nonsense. All of them have served at least one term (four years) and, if you statements are true, they still have not figured out the rules that govern how they make laws in a fourth class city.
Let's hope the BOA can do the same. Walmart in Downtown Raytown will be a blight on our town.
It seems at a BOA meeting he did a 180 and told the baker he was going to take the roll of the butcher and move is name from the petition of fame.
So rub-a-dub-dub we have one who is already pulling the wool over our eyes
Rub-a dub-dub, 10 aldermen in a tub. With Mayor Bower they thought they could tower over the citizens of this town.
I’m tired of rhymes…..
Even if the newly elected aldermen signed a petition, so what? Do these incumbents think they can silence a vote? Do they really think they are going to lawyer up and stop them? News flash, THEY WEREN’T EVEN ALDERMEN AT THE TIME IF THEY EVEN SIGNED! Ever heard of the 1st Amendment?
I hope the BOA tries to stop these new guys, if they do they don’t have any legal ground to stand on and will bring even more embarrassment to themselves, but sadly to this town.
I will be paying close attention to what happens with how the current BOA treats these new members. It sounds like to me that we need to have a completely new board with this childish remarks and ignorance of state law.
This false issue that newly elected Aldermen cannot vote yes or no on the controversial Walmart issue because these new Aldermen may have signed a protest petition may result in a Federal criminal investigation. If current members of the Raytown Board of Alderman intimidated voters at the April 2 election through false representation of this situation this will be referred to the U.S. Justice Department.
Raytown voters and candidates have a right to exercise their rights expressed in the United States Constitution. Local tin-horn politicians should beware.
Blame it a who ever but you have to show up and vote to change it and the one fact that never changes is that the people in Raytown don't Vote
Shame on you for celebrating his ill treatment by the Mayor.
The donut lady is nuts! I wouldn't go back in there and take the abuse she's putting out for anything. She ought to read the reviews on line on Yelp and Urbanspoon she's getting ripped.
The brown space (its ridiculous to call it green space) was bought (during Sue Frank's time) to be sold for a lot of money from the taxpayers. Which Frank could not make happen during her tenure but she beats on it now. And she was in office during good economic times. Her letter was full of misinformation.
I don't know how Greg Walters who is just a person who couldn't win his election so he decided to hate on everyone in office, says the city could have saved the Y is crazy. They only knew for a few days, to save the Y it would need to go to a vote of the people for a tax increase. You can't make that happen even in a few weeks. You should be mad at the Y not the city. Markley knew ahead of time too but also kept confidential but he isn't ever mentioned and the school was not willing to put up any money and they use it the most! He said so in the meeting he held.
And why should the city come on this site? You are just angry ignorant people who think the city can just make money but don't want to pay any more in taxes.
I'm sure you'll find some more hate in your heart to beat on this post, its what you do....have you signed up to volunteer for a board or commission at the city? I doubt it.
Mabey if city hall were more open and less deceptive, the citizens would not be so up in arms.
The BOA votes to let Sharma continue to live outside the city limits and then gives him a $30,000raise. That is unacceptable in my opinion, or does my opinion not count, since apparently I am one of those angry ignorant people that just dont want to pay taxes.
I dont mind paying my fair share of taxes, I just want to make sure the big busineses in this city are also paying their fair share. The residents and small busineses of this town shouldnt have to take on more than they should because of a huge TIF given to a big business. Yes, I know this happened under Frank, so you dont need to remind me.
Some citizens hear rumors that a new store is going in downtown and they go to city hall to find out. Instead of being open about it, we find out later that lies were told, and that has been proven.
Why would anyone want to volunteer for a board when they see how business is done?. Volunteer for years and when you express an opinion that differs from the Mayor's he gives you the boot. The Mayor is running this town like a dictatorship. He allows you to come to meetings and speak, but you cant ask questions. If you question the city you are branded crazy and God forbid you own a business here in Raytown and speak out. His lackeys will post all kinds of junk about you to try to run you off too. It is just sickening.
Mabey the new guys we voted in can make some kind of change, but I have a feeling we will have to wait another 2 years for that to happen.
David Bower was a BIG supporter of the Main Street Coalition until all the businessmen in that group decided not to do his bidding. His response. Kick the president of their group off the BZA.
The bad behavior here is someone trying to force a bad development on Raytown taxpayers.
I am proud of the Main Street Group for having the nerve to stand up for what is right.
You should be too.
I am not sure if any of the BOA new of these negotiations. My gut feeling is that most of them found out much, much later.
Plain and simple. The Mayor was caught doing end runs around the public and probably some of his own alderman.
A sad state of affairs.
Please go to Thursday night's meeting and let your voice be heard.