Saturday, February 23, 2019

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Raytown Shorts
BY GREG WALTERS

Political Meeting Interrupted
The Raytown Democratic Association meets monthly on the third Thursday of each month at Las Chillis Restaurant located at 6210 Raytown Trafficway. A good sized crowd is usually on hand, particularly during the lead up to City Elections.

There was some sort of ruckus in the dining area of the restaurant. Then the manager of the restaurant appeared at the doorway to the meeting room. About five men went to see what was going on.
An ex-boyfriend of one the employees had shown up and refused to leave the premises.

The Raytown Police were contacted and it was found the young man had a warrant out for his arrest. For reasons that have not explained, the dispatcher said the Raytown Police would not serve the warrant.

A number of politicians and candidates were at the meeting. Both Mayoral candidates, Tony Jacob and Michael McDonough, School Board candidate Lashonda Orykes, and Ward 1 candidate Greg Walters were in attendance. Ward 3 Alderman Ryan Myers and Jackson County Sheriff Darrel Forte were also on hand.

Upon learning that the Raytown Police Department would not be responding to the call or to serve the warrant, Jackson Couny Sheriff Darrel Forte stepped up and hand one of his County Deputies come out and make the arrest.

Thank you for your service, Sheriff Forte.

An Interesting Question . . .
Raytown Online is a web based community news source serving the Raytown area. Like the rest of us, the publisher of Raytown Online, Michael Downing, ran a story on the recent $42,550 Sunshine Law judgment handed down against the City of Raytown.

Mr. Downing’s editorial is short and to the point. He asks a very pertinent question after the text of his story. It appears at the end of his story (in red type).

Well written, Michael. I was wondering the same thing.

REPRINTED FROM RAYTOWN ONLINE
By Michael Downing, on February 19th, 2019

A recent article in Missouri Lawyers Weekly reports that the City of Raytown has been ordered to pay $42,550 for a violation on Missouri’s Sunshine Law. The suit was brought by the daughter of a woman who died in a car crash at 67th Street and Ralston Avenue.

The City Clerk refused to release documents and cited a city policy closing records in cases involving potential legal action. The denial was issued 5 days after the request.

On an editorial note, it would be interesting to know who was responsible for the creation of that policy.


God Will Provide COMPLIMENTS OF ALDERMAN BILL VanBUSKIRK
The following was sent to us by Ward 4 Alderman Bill VanBuskirk . . . Enjoy!

A young woman brought her fiancé home to meet her parents. After dinner, her mother told the girl's father to find out about the young man.
 
The father invited the fiancé to his study for a talk.  

"So, what are your plans?" the father asked the young man. 

"I am a biblical scholar," he replied. 

"A biblical scholar, hmmm?" the father said. "Admirable, but what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter?"  

"I will study," the young man replied, "and God will provide for us."  

"And how will you buy her a beautiful engagement ring, such as she deserves?" asked the father. "I will concentrate on my studies," the young man replied, "God will provide for us."  

"And children?" asked the father. "How will you support children?"  "Don't worry, sir, God will provide," replied the fiancé.   

The conversation proceeded like this...and each time the father questioned, the young idealist insisted that God would provide.  

Later, the mother asked, "How did your talk go, honey?" 

The father answered, "It did not go well.  He's a Liberal.  He has no job, he has no plans, and he thinks I'm God."


BY PAUL LIVIUS
A Word About the
Blog Section of the 
Raytown Report 
We recently received a post from a reader who was unhappy because a post they submitted was not allowed on our blog. We have been down this road before, but perhaps it is best to travel in one more time for sake of transparency and more importantly, for a clear understanding of how we manage the blog section of the Raytown Report.

Here is a list of activities that will guarantee your post will not be published.

PROFANITY: If you cannot say it church, do not expect it to be written here. This includes profane acronyms.

LIES: If we receive a post that we know is untrue, our tolerance level is zero. Be honest about what you have to say. Try not to exaggerate to the point of making stuff up.

NAME CALLING/CHARACTER ASSASSINATION: Mayor Michael McDonough, is not “simple”. His opponent in this election, Tony Jacob is not “crazy”. Cut them some slack. Both men are offering to serve the public. They deserve our respect for stepping up.

BELOW THE BELT: There is no shortage of those who will go to extremes to vilify their opponent. Keep it civil. Attacks on individual’s personal life is off limits. There is not one person reading this page that is without sin.  

Some have pointed out there have been a lot of comments deleted or not allowed on the Raytown Report. They are correct. And nearly all of those comments deleted fall into the four categories listed above.

That does not mean that we (Greg and I) do make mistakes from time to time.

One such error was made last week. One blogger has asked for additional information on our lead story about the Rock Island Trail planned for opening later this year. Another blogger responded with a link to the Trail website.

The post was deleted. In hindsight it should not have been. We are only human. We make mistakes too. But we can also make amends.

For Mr. Eric Mitchell, (who asked for more information), here are a couple of links that should answer many of your questions.
  
For the person whose post was deleted (his comment was unsigned), our sincere apology. We will be more careful in the future.

BY GREG WALTERS
Raytown Park
Tax WHY THE HURRY?
In what has become known as “the tie vote that was not a tie vote” the Board of Aldermen turned down a request from the Park Board to place a sales tax increase on the August ballot. The vote was 5 (no) to 4 (yes). The Mayor has mis-counted his tally of the vote and thought he had a tie vote to break. Since nine is not an even number . . . okay, enough of the math lesson.

That was two meetings ago. Last Tuesday the Mayor called a convened a special meeting of the Board to re-visit the issue. Once again, there were nine members present, no official count was taken, but the votes had not changed.

So the question, now twice resolved, is still out there.

WHY THE RUSH?
The August election is a long way off. The Jackson County Election Board cutoff for placing items on the August election is May 28th. It is not even clear if the Election Board will reserve a spot on a ballot that far in the future.

Remember, we have an election on April 2nd.

THE BOA WILL CHANGE BEFORE AUGUST
Three of the Mayor’s votes in support of the Park Tax will not be on the Board of Aldermen after the April Election. In political jargon they are lame ducks. They have chosen not to run for re-election.
So why is all of this effort being made to tie the hands of a future Board of Aldermen?

A better question to ask is it really effective. The new Board can come in and remove a ballot item just as easily as the current Board can put one on the ballot.

The attempt to force another tax increase onto a future ballot is a waste of time. The Board has voted. The Mayor should back off and accept the results.

Sunshine Law Ignored. Why?
The following link is to a story written by Glenn Rice of the Kansas City Star. The story eloquently and concisely tells how a Raytown family was kept from receiving information about a deadly crash that killed a 69 year old woman in 2016.

From my point of view, the real question is WHY?

Why did the city stonewall the deceased’s family’s request for information related to her death in a car accident on New Year’s Eve in 2016?

There should be outrage against what the plaintiff’s family attorney labeled as “the systematic policy to refuse the production of requested information” under the Sunshine Law.

Some city officials are quick to explain they were following the advice of their legal counsel. That is not an answer, nor is it a valid excuse. This happened on their watch, they should make certain it never happens again.

The city's insurance company is appealing the Court's ruling.
To view the Court’s Judgment/Order use this link . . . SUNSHINE


REPRINTED FROM THE KANSAS CITY STAR / FEBRUARY 20, 2019
Raytown Broke Mo. Sunshine
Law, refused to provide
records after fatal crash BY GLENN E. RICE
The city of Raytown has been ordered to pay $42,000 in legal fees after a judge ruled the city violated the Missouri Sunshine Law when it denied a public records request about a fatal traffic wreck.

The 2016 crash had killed a 69-year-old woman, and the records sought by her family concerned the safety of the intersection where she died.

Jackson County Circuit Court Judge S. Margene Burnett said Raytown officials refused to provide the records as they sought to protect the city against a wrongful death lawsuit.

The city clerk had adopted a policy of refusing any documents to anyone who filed a claim against the city, the judge wrote, calling it a “knowing and purposeful violation of Missouri Sunshine Law.” 
READ MORE . . . SUNSHINE LAW

BY PAUL LIVIUS
The Paul Livius Report
Raytown Board of Aldermen Meeting
February 19, 2019
The Board passed a resolution approving the appointment of William McClendon to the Human Relations Commission.

The Board heard the first and secondreading, then passed an ordinance approving a contract for transit service with KansasCity Area Transportation Authority not to exceed $60,814.  This is a demand-response public transportation service (Metro Service) that the City has provided under contract with the KCATA since April 2001. KCATA has Route #399-Raytown Flex and Ride KC Freedom servicing the citizens of Raytown. In Fiscal Year 2018 approximately 7,063 trips were taken. Route #399 Full Fare is $1.50 one-way fare/$50 monthly pass or Reduced Fare (youth, Seniors 65 yr. old, and persons with disabilities) is $0.75. The hours of operation for the Route #399 are from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The proposed agreement would maintain that level of service at a cost of $60,814.00.

The Board passed a resolution approving participation by the city in the Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety crash reduction/hazardous moving enforcement project and an application for grant funding in connection with the highway safety crash reduction/hazardous moving enforcement grant for such purposes. The Hazardous Moving Grant application from the Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety Division for the 2020 Fiscal Year, if awarded, the billed hours worked by officers of the Raytown, Missouri Police Department will be reimbursed at the rate of 100%. The Raytown Police Department intends to utilize these funds to decrease hazardous driving related offenses and crashes within the Raytown city limits. The grant, if awarded, allows for $4,063.00 dollars to be used for overtime assignments, and the purchase of an additional Stalker brand, handheld radar instrument and will be reimbursed at 100% to the city. In addition, the grant will reimburse the cost of sending one officer to the annual LETSAC conference for additional training. There is no match required by the City for this grant.

The Board passed a resolution supporting the mayor’s ad hoc event committee in their efforts to organize a summer concert series on the city’s greenspace in the central business district. The City of Raytown planning committee for the Raytown Live Music Series would like to request approval from the Board of Alderman to continue the Raytown Live Music Series for the 2019 summer season. The committee is planning on hosting 5 nights of music on the second Saturday of every month May through September in 2019. The Committee is requesting to use the Raytown City Green Space for the events, and host music from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on the second Saturdays. Events will be funded through sponsorships and donations. The Planning Committee will also plan for food trucks and possibly vendors to sell their wares for the spectators and participants of the events.

The Board passeda resolution accepting the proposal of Radmacher Brothers Excavating Company to provide overlay services at 5912 Lane in the amount of $20,613.65. The City of Raytown Public Works Department issued an invitation to bid for the 59th Street Repair Project and the City found that Radmacher Brothers Excavating Company, Inc. met all of the qualifications and entered into an agreement for the 59th Street Repair Project pursuant to Resolution R-3132-18, approved on October 2, 2018 During repair of 59th Street, it was considered that the Raytown Parks and Recreation Department parking lot was in need of overlay and we were able to take advantage of the economies of scale to get a lower price for the service. The parking lot overlay was included in the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget.

The Board passed a resolution approving a marketing agreement with Utility Service Partners Private Label Inc. d/b/a Service Line Warranties of America.  Sewer and water line laterals between the mainlines and the connection on residential private property are owned by individual residential property owners residing in the City.  This will offer residential property owners the opportunity, but not the obligation, to purchase a service line warranty and other similar products.

The Board passed a resolution approving an amendment to increase funds available for the purchase of salt for treating roads and bridges in inclement weather and authorizing the additional purchase of salt from Central Salt LLC in the amount of $60,000.  The City of Raytown has received 7 winter weather events from November to February. This has had PW crews working 19 days, and counting, of winter weather operations. These storms have exhausted the supply account for salt.

Starting Balance                             1,400 Tons
Received at This Point                    795 Tons

Available for Usage to Date            2,195 Tons
Consumed at This Point                 1,545 Tons

Remaining for Future Needs 650 Tons (as of Feb 13, 2019)

Some additional salt quantities have been ordered and final salt order quantities will be determined in March 2019. The additional funding will be used to finish this winter weather season and hopefully fill the salt barn in preparation for next season. With not knowing what the weather will produce, staff requests an additional $60,000.00 for the purchase of deicing materials to continue our winter weather operations. Nearly every snow event this year has been accompanied with a freezing rain and ice component which have exhausted the supply account for salt. This request is only an estimate and could change based off weather conditions.
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51 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's really great! Now we will have additional junk mail showing up for water and sewer line insurance. Don't need this, just put extra money in a savings account so if it happens then you will have the extra if needed.

Anonymous said...

I think we would all be better off if the city just followed the law and responded to sunshine requests in a timely manner. The Star article said it ended up costing us $42,000, and that's just fine from the court. Does anyone know how much it cost in attorney fees. All of this could be avoided if they would just follow the law up at city hall.

Anonymous said...

It said the fine $4,000 and the lawyer fees were $38,000.

Anonymous said...

It was $4,000 in fine to the family and $38,000 to the family's attorney for the legal fees.

We don't know the cost to the city for their own city fees.

The city just will not ever admit to wrong doing and take ownership with this, the TIF deal or the police department.

It keeps getting better as even though the city clerk admitted she would have complied with this same request from anyone else, which was part of the reason the judge found against the city.

Our great folks at city hall are going to appeal the judge's decision but no one has said how much more this is going to cost the city.

Just something to remember on Election Day and when the names before you are the incumbents make sure those are not the saying individuals who you vote for

Anonymous said...

You both donr understand. That doesn't include the City lawyers from the insurance company, and the appeal filing court fees ect.

Anonymous said...

Well said.

Anonymous said...

The incumbents aren’t running again..they’ve done their damage. Even they know it’s time to move on.

Anonymous said...

60,000 from the transportation fund? Last I checked there wasn't much left in there. Make that 7 out of ten funds in deficit. The general fund budget was set to be almost 500,000 in the whole. This isn't sustainable.

Anonymous said...

Just curious. If the City's insurance company is paying out 42K for a clear, willful violation of the Sunshine Law and and with another settlement that we're heard is potentially in process, at what point do these insurance companies step back and evaluate what is going on in this City and raise coverages...or bail altogether?

What unforseen, surprise premium increases might we all eventually need to pay for due to intentional behavior from City Hall? Is this a possibility? How is municipal liability insurance underwritten ?

Did this "mayor" go along with this violation of the Sunshine Law? He was involved in this, correct?

Is Ms. Henry still employed by the City of Raytown?

Anonymous said...



I think we need to know the Police dept's side of the story about why they didn't respond. As we all know, rushing to judgement is not always the smart thing to do. I, too, am curious about why no response.

Regarding warrants: I wish I knew more about the type of warrant that the guy had.

When someone is stopped and they have certain types of warrants, police depts contact each other and ask if they want them arrested. If they say no, end of story. If we arrest him, then an officer from that other department would have to come pick him up. They figure it is not worth their time in many cases for a shoplifting or other small crime. Murder or assault--yes of course they will be arrested.

Cops read this blog. If I am incorrect, please correct me.
(And thank you for your service!)

Anonymous said...

Won't stop them from signing bad contracts and putting double or triple taxes on the ballot as they leave. They'll leave a huge mess for the next group. The incumbents want to burn it to the ground and blame everyone else, "see it isn't easy".

Anonymous said...

The mayor no doubt provided the direction. As he fought to keep citizens blocked on social media.
His opponet has done the exact opposite. Fought for open government, publically released his personal records, been cross examined about his love life and a host of other things no other candidate or incumbent has ever been put through. They are scared because they can't get to him, not even when they send police to harass him while he's door knocking. They admitted they lost the records for the times the police stopped him after they were publically requested.

T J said...

As a person who was there I can tell you a little more.

Sherrif Forte took charge and talked to the guy. They went outside at his direction. The Sherrif searched the suspect for weapons. The Mayor called RPD who sent 2 officers and they ran him for warrants. They discovered he had completed his sentence for murder and had FTA (Failure to Appear) on traffic and such. RPD REFUSED to hold him for KC. They and the Mayor left.
The sherrif had deputies respond as the guy was now compliant and just wanted to turn himself in.
The sherrif remained present. The sherrif remained.
The deputy showed up and transported him. While waiting there was some confusion on why the lead the person, according to state statute, for law enforcement couldn't get officers to transport a compliant subject. There was questions on staffing and procedures.
These same questions should be addressed, but the only answers are "no money". RPD was not "blacked out" and there was no legitimate reason for them to refuse to do their job. This word no doubt got around the jail when he arrived. "Open season in Raytown".
We deserve better. We deserve to be protected. The Chief should pitch in if they are so understaffed as to not enforce the laws. Or maybe this is all part of the retaliation to the City for not tripling taxes.
This will not happen if I am elected.
I will add funding to the budget for 5 more officers (board approval needed).
I will be responsible for maintaining law and order.
I will sit and wait for KCPD to arrive if no officer is available.
And I will not play the blame game, it is my responsibility as a leader. The buck stops with me, for better or worse.

Anonymous said...

Wait, so Missouri Highway Patrol or Kansas City Police Department has to investigate and solve our crimes.
Apparently the sheriffs deputies have to police the City too.
What does our Police do?

Anonymous said...

"Did this "mayor" go along with this violation of the Sunshine Law? "

Small city. We'd be surprised if he didn't know.

Does everyone else realize how serious this is? Where there's smoke, there's fire.

These recurring, costly embarrassments are precisely why many of these people, ESPECIALLY this mayor, need to be replaced.

Anonymous said...

I thought this was the Raytown Report, not the National Political Joke blog. In the future, please keep your articles and jokes about Raytown. There are plenty of other places we can go to get jokes.

Anonymous said...

When the department isn’t given the appropriate number of officer because of stupid decisions plus it’s hard for any department to hire officers nowadays because people don’t want the hassle of the doing the job what do you expect. And yes every department across the country is hurting for officers. It just affects Raytown worse, because it’s a small department. And when you don’t have a traffic unit and a very small detective unit, it’s kind of hard to investigate fatal crashes and homicides.

Anonymous said...

People just don’t get it. There are not enough police officers and jailers to handle business. Period. Nobody believes that until they personally see its affect. Instead of blaming the police for a problem they didn’t make, help them and get them more staffing.

Anonymous said...

Wait, let me get this straight, the mayor leaves and let's the sherrif and his opponet handle the situation?
What does he think being mayor is? He always says it's city staffs job to do things and his is to shake hands and be a publicist. What a disgrace, if it's true.
Did he leave after this, or did he return to the meeting? Did he go to the meeting just to speak, and look for a quick exit, or did he want to be a part of the group?

Anonymous said...

Hes in charge. No doubt hell shirk responsibility like with everything else. He steals credit fpr board decisions that go well, and side steps and blames them when it doesn't go as planned. Just like the TIF he has years to deal with. Now he's blaming everyone but him. Take some personal responsibility.

Anonymous said...

There's enough division and hate in the national politics. And this mayor, Susan, and his other supporters (from blue springs, independence, and Lee's summit) heave torn apart our fair city enough. Now a sitting board member wants to chime in?
Liberals are stupid, ha ha ha.
How about some respect for those that disagree? This is why we need to kick out every incumbent this election.

Anonymous said...

How do we get them more staffing when the mayor and chief tell them to leave?
How do we as a public hire more officers?
We need a better leader. We deserve a better leader.
There's money and people have been showing it, this mayor just wants more money. Every area is "raise taxes".

Anonymous said...

"In the future, please keep your articles and jokes about Raytown. There are plenty of other places we can go to get jokes."

I for one enjoy the humor. As well as the writing on RR. Their municipal experience, tenure in the Raytown community, analytical ability and writing skills are plainly evident and second to none.

Anonymous said...

What else do you expect? Of course he didn't do anything. Hes a do nothing type of guy.
He claims he did all these projects, but they were done under bower. The only thing he's done is depleted the reserves and increased the amount the city pays into his pension. Disgraceful.

Anonymous said...



"RPD REFUSED to hold him for KC"

Thanks for your input Tony but here is the question---did KCPD request that we hold the dude or not?

Like I previously mentioned, it is up to the OTHER CITY to tell us if they want us to hold him.

We still don't know the whole story. I'll wait on passing judgement until all the facts are known.

Anonymous said...

More bad press for Raytown. Everything the mayor touches is foul.
Sunshine issues.
Budget issues.
Tax issues.
The division in the campaign.
Now this, policing issues.

Just stop, please. Go retire to a log cabin somewhere.

Anonymous said...

People just don’t get it. There are not enough police officers and jailers to handle business. Period. Nobody believes that until they personally see its affect. Instead of blaming the police for a problem they didn’t make, help them and get them more staffing.

The above sounds ok but if you do not have the money then what do you do???

Anonymous said...

After reading the mess about who can put up a sign at a business and the nasty attacks tells me that these people know nothing about politics. Boy I can't wait for the attacks to resume in 2021.

Stupidity!!!

Anonymous said...

I would like to know the rest of the story as in what is the city getting out of this.

Shouldn't we under the law have an opt out option before they sale our information.

Sounds like another violation of the law

Anonymous said...

When someone writes an post he/she maintains the plan of a user in his/her mind that how a user can understand it.
So that's why this post is perfect. Thanks!

T J said...

Yes.
The sheriff transported to the jail (they share). Kansas city actually takes their warrants seriously.

Anonymous said...

Did you ever notice all these people made about elisa putting signs up as a busines werent mad at pollards or ecilspe for doing the aame thing? They put up the mayors pro tax signs, where the anger? Wheres the outrage?
Double standard?

Anonymous said...

We really do think that this needs to be addressed.

When an elected city official posts a meme on a Facebook page.

This evening, 9:30 PM:

"No matter how good a person you are, you are evil in someone's story."

We expect this behavior from a male or female adolescent, NOT from a grown man in a decision-making capacity.

It's unfortunate that this entity represents this City, IOHO.

Anonymous said...

One mayoral candidate has divided this city like Trump and Obama.
The other wants to clear the air, hold himself and everyone else accountable, and has said his opposition would always have a seat at the table.
The current mayor only appoints people that work on his campaigns or donate money. Maybe that's why we have so many vacancies.

Anonymous said...

Tony is having meet and greets with snacks this wenseday at Rice Tremonti 6-8pm and this Saturday at Grad Prix 12-3pm. He has invited everyone to come meet him, hear his plans, and have their questions answered all while enjoying light snacks.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget increased insurance cost starting next year

Anonymous said...

Check again....
Ward 2 has Aziere and Ward 5 had Ward running again.

Who can forget our Mayor.

I feel for those in Ward 5 that only option is to write in a name.

Anonymous said...

What have things come to? It is not just here locally, it happens to be going on across the country. Common sense has gone out the window, decorum has just about disappeared. There are just so many things wrong with what is going on here locally. It is not just one side, or one political party, there are plenty that are at fault from both sides, and all parties involved. I would have to say, are these choices in candidates really the best that we have to offer for representation and overall governing of our society, both here and on the state and federal level? It is really sad to think that there are so many experts at politics that can't even tie their own shoes that think that they know what is best for the people. We have witnessed what has happened with putting a so called business man into power, which obviously looks like it was a mistake. Now you have people with personal vendettas running for office locally without a clue as to how government should operate. People throwing blame every which direction except where it should really be directed. Truth is, the majority of these problems did not happen overnight, or even with the current administrations. A lot of the problems are the sum of years, if not decades of neglect and procrastination. With that, now we have an oligarchy at the federal level, same will happen soon at the state level, and what perhaps will happen on the county and city levels? I think people need to clean their own houses and make sure all their stuff is in order before making things worse on the local level. There are reasons that there are certain laws that are in place, that were put in place long ago, yet people ignore that. This whole thing is a sad state of affairs. Are you any better off today?

Anonymous said...

I think Mr. VanBuskirk's joke was funny. It is not a scathing attack against liberals. But it is something everyone can relate to and understand. From some of the comments I have seen about it there is definitely a need for some of you guys to let your hair down and relax a little.

Anonymous said...

Raytown police can't handle one guy who has warrants and wants to turn himself in. Why do we even have a police department? Waste of taxpayers money in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

The city gets 50 cents for every policy sold. They think they can get a couple hundred grand. I personally think they should just give a lower rate. I don't think we should be advertising private companies using tax money.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget the judge said it was willful and intentional. She said it was policy.
Policy doesn't sound like a single case.
The city attorneys agreed it was intentional but said if they gave out that information they (insurance company) would lose money in the lawsuit.
We need leaders that will take responsibility instead of always trying to get out of trouble. It's costing us more than it would've. And the family is put through so much more pain. Everyone agrees the City was in the wrong it is just a measure of how wrong.

Anonymous said...

Wouldn't it be the insurance company on the hook for the $42,500 + attorney's fees and not the city?
-Chris Inlow

Andy Whiteman said...

12:57 PM, maybe. Does the insurance policy exclude willful or illegal actions? Even if insurance pays the money the premium will go up or the policy may be canceled or non-renewed. The city will have difficulty obtaining insurance in the future.

Andy Whiteman

Jon Lee said...

I'm very disappointed in the board members on Facebook. They've been blaming everyone but themselves for this budget nightmare. They've falsly blamed their colleagues for filling reports against beloved parks and community groups. When it was revelaed that they were not the culprit there were no apologies given, no retraction.
Karen and Steve should be ashamed of themselves! It's too bad both are giving up their post and not seeking reelection, they don't have to answer any questions. I've tried to call Karen numerous times and her voicemail says it is full. Frank hunt the other alderman always answers and will even talk to me if we see each other in the neighborhood.
I'm tired of the bullies. I'm tired of the mayor and his supporters always falsely blaming the people that disagree with them. The poison and vitriol needs to stop. I've been in Raytown nearly 15 years and never seen it this bad.

Anonymous said...

So the mayor and his supporters say a business shouldn't be involved on politics and they tried to issue a boycott of those that supporter the opposition. But the hypocrisy is insightful. They are publically proving they believe the rules do not apply to them.
They tried to boycott stores woth the no tax signs for having an opinion, but had no problem with the pro tax signs.
They complained about Tonys sign being up but are fine with the mayor having one at a business.
I just can't wait until April. I hope this dies down after the election.

Anonymous said...

I'm tired of the mayor not taking any action against the city employees that keep costing us thousands of dollars for their lazy and unprofessional ways.

April 2nd we all need to take action and elect a new mayor.

Anonymous said...

I’m sure the judgement will be appealed, as is their right to do so. This is one judges feelings. It could be reversed.

Anonymous said...

Or, more likely, sustained. Which would mean the mounting legal fees only get larger. Do you think theyll take it to the supreme court? Yeah right. Just admit there was a mistake, deal with it, and move on.

Anonymous said...

I guess I don’t read or receive the same FB posts as Jon Lee. I see where Councilman Steve Meyers was commenting on the complaint filed with Jackson County regarding the possible conflict of interest with Cave Spring Park and the candidate questionarre. I just reread the thread and he did not specifically call out any colleague or anyone by name for that matter? Just his displeasure with an anonymous and petty person playing political nonsense games in his opinion. Did I miss something or do you know something Jon Lee and wish to share it with this group?

Jon Lee said...

Yes, it appears he has a problem with a certain person. He is constantly trying to bully this candidate and bringing his lackies with him in a "non-aggressive" way.
Steve threatened to beat him up at a poll when he was collect audit signatures.