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Paul’s Rant! BY PAUL LIVIUS
Since Greg is a candidate for Alderman in this
election we have decided that he will take a short break between now and April
2nd.
This means you will be reading a lot of what I
have to say. What can I say?
Lucky you!
Lucky you!
With that in mind, I thought it would be
interesting to see what other news outlets have to say about this year’s city
elections.
Most of the noise is coming from a group
collectively known as Raytown Unleashed. I do not spend much time on Facebook. But
occasionally I do check in to read what folks have to say.
After years of doing so I have come to the
conclusion that most of what is being written on that venue (when it comes to
politics) is a very small slice of most users who visit Unleashed.
I am surprised how much effort Mike McDonough and his opponent, Tony Jacob, invest on social media. Not only on Raytown Unleashed, but also on Raytown
Uncensored. The whole thing comes across as one massive cat fight.
The new website in town, Raytown Digest, has a very active front page – and the publisher, Michael Anderson, is certainly not shy about sharing his opinion with his readers.
He has endorsed in nearly every issue the voters will decide on April 2nd.
The one exception is the Ward 1 race.
In Ward1 Anderson did what I call a “non endorsement”. He did not choose a favorite from the candidates listed – there are four of them in Ward 1. But he did have some choice words for one candidate. That candidate being Joe Creamer.
“Joe
voted for the disastrous Wal-Mart TIF which has caused all sorts of financial
distress on the City. Sorry, stunningly bad decisions, however well intentioned,
should never be rewarded. Vote No for Joe.”
Gotta’
tell you something folks. This is going to be one interesting election.
Campaign
Notes . . . BY PAUL LIVIUS
Greg may not be writing under his byline
until after the election, but he did share some interesting stories with me
from his campaign. Since he left me in charge during his absence, I can do
pretty much want I want.
MICRO
WAVE BREAD BOX: Greg’s roots go very
deep in Raytown. He is often invited into homes when campaigning. On one occasion,
while sitting in the kitchen of a supporter, he noticed the micro wave oven had
a loaf of bread in it. He asked why the bread was in the microwave. The lady of
the house told him, “Oh, it keeps the bread fresh. Just like a bread box back in
the old days”. She went on to explain that she removes the bread when using the
micro wave oven. Greg told me he went home and tried it out. He told me it
works.
TURN
THE PAGE: One of the sad parts of
campaigning is learning about the loss of those once with us who are now gone. It
is a big world and often times hard to keep up with what is going on with all
of our acquaintances. Learning of the passing of old friends from their
neighbors is a sad business. On the other hand, Greg shared with me the following
that just happened yesterday. He knocked on the door of a supporter, surprised
to see a brand new baby girl in the mother’s arms. Turn the page.
SPEAKING OF AGING: And he probably will not thank me for this . . . today is Greg’s birthday. Only 65 years old! Imagine that, born on St. Patricks Day without a drop of Irish blood in him. So if you see him roaming around the neighborhood, be kind, wish him a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
SPEAKING OF AGING: And he probably will not thank me for this . . . today is Greg’s birthday. Only 65 years old! Imagine that, born on St. Patricks Day without a drop of Irish blood in him. So if you see him roaming around the neighborhood, be kind, wish him a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
MEETINGS OF GENERAL
INTEREST IN RAYTOWN THIS WEEK
REPRESENTATIVE JEROME
BARNES
Town Hall Meeting
Tuesday, March 19,
2019 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Raytown Wellness
Center
10301 E State Route
350 Raytown, MO 64133
RAYTOWN DEMOCRATIC
ASSOCIATION
Thursday, March 21st,
2019 at 7:00 PM
Las Chili’s, 6210
Raytown Trafficway, Raytown
Come early at 6:00 PM
to dine and make new friends!
Our speakers will be
- Tony Jacob, Candidate for Mayor of Raytown
- Greg Walters, Candidate for Raytown Alderman Ward 1
- Janet Emerson, Candidate for Alderman Ward 3
- Mary Jane VanBuskirk, Candidate for Alderman Ward 4
- Information on Raytown ballot question regarding appointed vs. elective Chief of Police
- Information on Raytown Fire Protection District ballot questions
- Information on Raytown School District ballot questions
OR CONTACT THE RAYTOWN REPORT DIRECTLY AT
admin@raytownreport.org
To my Readers,
 |
| BY GREG WALTERS |
A couple of weeks ago I received and email from Susan Vorbeck Brown. Mrs. Brown manages a local Facebook page named Raytown Unleashed.
Mrs. Brown wrote:
“I have attached a candidate questionnaire created by members of the community. The community was asked what questions they'd like their candidates to answer and this is the result. This questionnaire is completely voluntary and is not sponsored by any group, business or organization. It's simply a way for the voters to get to know their candidates.”
At the end of questionnaire Mrs. Brown asks for any additional comments. So I thought, why not? There are two subjects of importance not covered by the Mrs. Brown's questionnaire.
I was surprised the questionnaire did not address residency rules for the Chief of Police. Nor did it address taxation.
My response will lead with those two topics and then go into Mrs. Brown’s questionnaire.
Two topics not covered by the questionnaire.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS / CHIEF OF POLICE:
One of the ballot questions we will vote on April 2nd asks if the position of Chief of Police should be appointive or elective.
I hold firm in my belief that the head of our Police Department must live within the city limits. Police are unique in public service. They are our first responders in an emergency. The leader of Police Department must be hands on when emergencies arise. Not 40 to 60 minutes away in another town.
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen did not address this question when they placed the elective vs. appointive issue on the ballot.
If elected, I pledge to work to make certain our Chief of Police lives in Raytown.
While on the topic of residency I wish to discuss what I believe is an opportunity for Raytown.
Many Raytowners are concerned with crime and police protection. As our police department is rebuilt, it may pay dividends if newly hired police officers were offered incentives to make Raytown their home. This would increase the police presence in Raytown where people want it the most, in our neighborhoods.
Many Raytowners are concerned with crime and police protection. As our police department is rebuilt, it may pay dividends if newly hired police officers were offered incentives to make Raytown their home. This would increase the police presence in Raytown where people want it the most, in our neighborhoods.
At this point it is just a thought. But it is a possibility I believe deserves discussion.
TAXATION
- Last August there were three tax increases on the August ballot.
- This April, there are four more tax questions that affect property tax rates.
- The Mayor and three lame duck Aldermen have repeatedly tried to place an additional Park Tax on August ballot* prior to the April 2nd election.
This constant barrage of tax increase proposals is a mistake. I have been walking the neighborhoods in Ward 1. There is a strong anti-tax vibe coming from voters. The voters are not to blame. Their antipathy towards repeated (high) tax increase questions is understandable
Taxes are needed to sustain a community. This shotgun approach to raising taxes is poor politics and doomed to failure.
Raytown is one of the highest taxed communities in Jackson County. The following comparison chart shows where Raytown ranks in property and sales tax rates.
SALES TAX COMPARISON OF AREA JACKSON COUNTY CITIES*
4.250% . . . . . . KANSAS CITY, MO
4.125% . . . . . . RAYTOWN
3.875% . . . . . . GRANDVIEW
3.625% . . . . . . LEE’S SUMMIT
3.625% . . . . . . INDEPENDENCE
3.375% . . . . . . BLUE SPRINGS
*SALES TAX RATES SHOWN DO NOT INCLUDE MISSOURI SALES TAX RATES OR SPECIAL TAX DISTRICTS LIKE WALMART, HYVEE AND SUTHERLAND LUMBER (which all have higher tax rates).
PROPERTY TAX COMPARISON OF AREA JACKSON COUNTY CITIES*
9.4335 per $100 valuation . . . . . . KANSAS CITY, MO
9.0668 per $100 valuation . . . . . . LEE’S SUMMIT
9.0558 per $100 valuation . . . . . . RAYTOWN
9.0558 per $100 valuation . . . . . . RAYTOWN
8.4043 per $100 valuation . . . . . . INDEPENDENCE
8.3990 per $100 valuation . . . . . . BLUE SPRINGS8.3949 per $100 valuation . . . . . . GRANDVIEW
*SOURCE: JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Susan Vorbeck-Brown's
Candidate Questionnaire
NAME: Greg Walters
ADDRESS: Raytown: Life Time Resident
Ward 1: Ward 1 resident 42 years
EMPLOYER: Service Printing and Graphics, Inc.
CAMPAIGN TREASURER: Greg Walters 816-517-6852
OFFICE SOUGHT:
Alderman, Ward 1
INCUMBENT?
No
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO PUBLIC OFFICE BEFORE?
Yes
IF YES, LIST TITLE AND YEARS OF SERVICE:
Raytown Charter Commission (twice)
Jackson County Democratic Committee (one term)
Raytown Board of Aldermen 1980 – 1996 / 1998 – 2009
What qualifications do you believe make you a good fit for this position?
I bring nearly 34 years of public service experience to the table. Those years of public service taught me the value of teamwork, the importance of listening and working toward common goals. I was twice elected as Mayor Protem by my fellow aldermen. More importantly, the voters in Ward 1 elected me in 12 elections to represent them. I am active in the community and am willing to serve again.
What is your vision for Raytown’s future?
I recognize an opportunity for Raytown with the completion of the Rock Island Trail. The Rock Island Trail is linked to the Katy Trail. Brett Hugh, Executive Director of the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation recently told me shared with me the following information:
· The Rock Island Trail connects to the Katy Trail. The Katy Trail follows the Missouri River across the state to St. Louis.
· Over 500,000 bicyclists, runners and hikers make use of the Katy Trail each year. The Katy Trail does not come to Raytown, but through its connection to the Rock Island Trail, it will be connected. Raytown needs to be prepared for this influx of people crossing Missouri.
· Raytown has been designated the western terminus of the Katy Trail. The influx of people on recreational holiday can be a boon to Raytown’s economy. It is an opportunity we must be ready to take advantage. It will definitely funnel many people to our Downtown area. The economic possibilities are many.
· An influx of bicyclists into the Raytown area will result in the need for restaurants, entertainment and places for people to kick back and relax.
For the past ten years I have participated in a bike ride across the State of Iowa (RAGBRAI*). I have witnessed the economic engine and its impact as over 25,000 bicyclists come to a community. It is something to behold. This success story can be part of Raytown’s legacy.
*(Des Moines) Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa
Are you currently involved in community activities in Raytown.
Yes. Former Raytown Alderman Garth Bare and I created a website back in 2007 named the Raytown Reporter. It has since grown into the Raytown Report. Ours was the first web-based news service in Raytown. We have since expanded the Raytown Report with a Blog that has a steady flow of commentary from Raytown citizens. Many have told me they appreciate our weekly publication and rely upon it for accurate news of the goings on at Raytown City Hall.
The Raytown Report can be accessed at: www.raytownreport.org
What made you decide to run for office in Raytown?
I received numerous requests from the Raytown community asking me to run for office.
How long have you been a Raytown resident?
64 years.
Do you feel you can make unbiased and sometimes difficult decisions that affect the community and its finances?
Yes.
Do you have the ability and will work with all members of the Board and Mayor without prejudice.
Yes. My record on the Board of Aldermen is a good one. Many of the laws we live under were conceived by me and approved by the Board. The value of teamwork, patience and understanding cannot be over-emphasized in the goal to create successful legislation.
How do you plan to communicate with your constituents, and will you provide multiple avenues for communication to suit the needs of those constituents?
I will continue to publish the Raytown Report. I have it to be a very effective way to
keep the lines of communication open and flowing. I can be reached by email at admin@raytownreport.org and by telephone or text at 816-517-6852.
keep the lines of communication open and flowing. I can be reached by email at admin@raytownreport.org and by telephone or text at 816-517-6852.
How will you encourage economic development and growth in Raytown?
We should recognize the mistakes of the past that have placed Raytown in its position of economic peril. We must recognize two truths. One, that you cannot tax yourself into prosperity. Two, we must stop the failed policy of tax abatements and other forms of corporate welfare to attract corporate America to Raytown.
Raytown’s economic problems can be traced back to the formation of the 350 Live TIF District on 350 Highway. In order to gain a lower interest rate on development bonds the City agreed to guarantee payment of the debt to bond holders*.
*I was the only Board member to vote against the Walmart TIF.
We must re-structure the debt payment to terms that allow Raytown to start re-building itself. By doing so, we can show the business world that Raytown is a place where business start-ups are welcome. They, in turn, will recognize an opportunity for their business and Raytown’s future.
Entrepreneurs have been the catalysts to growth and development in Kansas City. How would you make Raytown attractive to those investors?
I believe I have answered that question in number 9. However, I would add that Raytown has a unique advantage in the metropolitan area. Major freeways surround our city to the north, south, east and west. We are 20 to 30 minutes to everywhere in the metropolitan area.
What do you do for a living?
Printing/Publishing/Direct Mail
Educational background?
Graduate of Archbishop O’Hara High School. Class of 1972.
What are your long term plans in politics?
Currently to be elected to the Raytown Board of Aldermen. I do not have any political aspirations beyond the Board of Aldermen.
Are you willing to vote in a way that reflects the wishes of your ward; not your personal preference?
Yes.
How will you supervise those who enforce the various ordinances and laws in Raytown?
Board members do not supervise employees. That is the responsibility of Department Heads. At the same time it is important for Board members to be aware of what is happening at City Hall. It is the Board’s proper function to raise the alarm and work with Department heads if there are problems that need addressing. This “team” approach is true in any well run organization. It can work in Raytown as well.
Have there been orders or judgments against you of a criminal nature?
No.
Within the last three years, have you paid your taxes in a timely manner.
Yes.
What are your plans to make Raytown more bicycle friendly?
I was on the Board of Aldermen when Raytown first recognized the need for bicycle lanes on major streets. When the old wooden bridge in Downtown Raytown was renovated I took a leading role in making certain bicycle lanes were incorporated into it. When 87th Street was widened and re-built, bicycle lanes were included. Blue Ridge Cutoff was striped with wider lanes on the outside lanes to accommodate bicycle traffic. Raytown must continue to take a progressive route in making room for bicycle travel on public streets.
During Board meetings it has been noted that members of the Board are not paying attention to speakers and are sometimes looking at their cell phone. How would you battle this issue?
I have visited with members of the Board of Aldermen about this topic. From those conversations, I believe the accusation to be false. Ward 5 Alderman Derek Ward has publicly stated he uses his phone as a laptop for information during discussion at Board meetings. His seatmate, Bonnaye Mims, has a son, who is blind. He contacted her during one meeting via cell phone (using an audio ap) in an emergency.
However, I have viewed instances of unprofessional behavior, loud obnoxious language, and personal attacks on private citizens that happen all too often at meetings of the Board of Aldermen.
The Mayor, as Chairman of the meeting, has the authority to call down and stop such instances. To not do so would be to condone such behavior.
I pledge that I will conduct myself in a civil manner at public meetings. Meetings of the Board of Aldermen are Public Business Meetings. Board meetings should be conducted in a professional manner without rancor or anger.
Who inspires you?
My mother and father. My wife, our children, my grandchild and my twin grandchildren to be (due in August).
How would your motivate citizens to be more active in the community and promote positive change?
I would lead by example. It may sound like a cliché, but there is much we can do if we all pull together.
Can you speak of a time when you had a goal and did not achieve it? What did you learn from the experience?
We all have goals that are not met. We all stumble and fall. The best lesson learned is to get back up and try again. The greatest lesson we can learn from our failures is to understand why they were not successes. Just as important, learn to not make the same mistakes again.
Can you speak to the top three issues you believe concern Raytown citizens the most?
Proper maintenance of neighborhood streets. People are very disappointed it with the use of Light Aggregate Seal (LAS) to repair our streets. LAS is meant to lengthen the life road tops in good condition. In Raytown the city has used LAS as an attempt to repair streets that should be milled and properly repaired with new asphalt.
The public has lost faith in and trust in City Hall. The last tax election in August of 2018, in which two tax proposals were defeated by an 80% to 20% margin, show the depth of this disconnect between elected officials and the public. We must work to re-build that trust.
Some members of the current administration seem to have a problem accepting “no” for an answer. The new Board of Aldermen should make earning the faith of the people of Raytown their number one priority.
Transparency in government is a very is a real problem at City Hall. The recent debacle in which the city was fined $42,000 by the Courts by failing to comply with a Sunshine Law request is not new in Raytown. I personally have made Sunshine Requests that were stonewalled and held up by city staff for two weeks for very flimsy reasons. It took the intervention of the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Missouri to get the requests fulfilled.
Laws like the Sunshine Law in Missouri and the Freedom of Information Act on the federal level are in place for a reason. Such laws fight corruption in our government by allowing the public access to how our government works. Raytown is not above those rules and laws.
Is your candidacy being sponsored by any business?
No.
Discuss a time when you were a leader of change. How did you get the buy-in from those around you?
In 2001 we experienced a winter somewhat similar to the one we are going through now. There were two major differences. It was much colder and, natural gas prices, which most people use to heat their homes, more than tripled due to a shortage of product and a lack of pipeline(s) to carry the demand.
At the time I was Chairman of the Finance Committee. I had a meeting scheduled for early January on a number of topics. A week before the scheduled meeting, I went to the two local papers (the Raytown Post and the Raytown Tribune)* and gave them a press release announcing the Finance Committee meeting would also include an open forum. The purpose was discuss what to do with a $250,000 windfall the city had gained due to natural gas price increases.
*In those days, the internet was not what is today. Raytown was blessed with two weekly papers that collectively did a very good job of keeping the public informed.
*In those days, the internet was not what is today. Raytown was blessed with two weekly papers that collectively did a very good job of keeping the public informed.
I had previously proposed the city cut the tax on Natural Gas until the weather warmed. I had some support on the Board for this change – but not enough to acquire the six votes to make it happen.
The night of the meeting arrived. The committee was made up of one-half of the Board of Aldermen. Most who were opposed to the rollback of the 8% Natural Gas Franchise Tax.
Eight people showed up to testify. As did Al Brown, the founder or REAP (Raytown Energy
Assistance Program). They told of having to keep their home thermostats set as low as they could so they could afford to heat their homes. Some told how no matter how many clothes or blankets they layered on, the cold still penetrated. Some told how their health had deteriorated due to the constant cold.
Assistance Program). They told of having to keep their home thermostats set as low as they could so they could afford to heat their homes. Some told how no matter how many clothes or blankets they layered on, the cold still penetrated. Some told how their health had deteriorated due to the constant cold.
A local television station had seen the press releases and has sent a camera crew to film the meeting.
At the end of one and one-half hours of testimony I asked for a motion to provide REAP (Raytown Energy Assistance Program) with $30,000 to help those in need of assistance to pay their heating bills. The motion passed unanimously. (About three weeks later, the Board of Aldermen added another $20,000 to the fund)
After the meeting I was approached by our City Finance Director. He told me he knew I was disappointed in not getting the tax roll back for all of Raytown. But, he continued, “You need to know they (the members of the Finance Committee) came to the meeting with the intention of giving nothing”.
I went home that evening feeling pretty good about what the Finance Committee had recommended.
I watched the news and saw something I rarely see on a local news broadcast. The reporter on the scene told what had happened at the meeting. The two anchor persons then took time to comment to each other how it was such a good and nice gesture for the City of Raytown to do what it did for its people.
What are the top strengths Raytown has and how can those be pursued or maximized?
Every viable community is made strong by the people that live in it. Raytown is no exception. People in Raytown want to be proud of their city. This is their home. They raise their children here. They grow old here. I really believe this. The last four years in Raytown have been rough. There has been animosity and anger. In many ways we are a community divided.
Raytown needs new leadership to change its course to a more productive path.
To do so we need to dial back the noise in our lives and start living again as good neighbors.
What are the top challenges that Raytown has and how may we overcome those?
1. Refinance the TIF Debt of the 350 Highway TIF.
2. Abandon the failed Light Aggregate Seal program on neighborhood streets.
Replace it with the use of asphalt and concrete for repairs.
3. Make transparency in Raytown city government a reality.
31 comments:
I noticed with the fire department tax increase on the ballot that we have not heard from the fire department cheerleader?
Doc why are you so quiet about this? Makes me wonder
The new website in town....has a very active front page – and the publisher, Michael Anderson, is certainly not shy about sharing his opinion with his readers. "
"Active"? The website, for the most part, is simply a mishmash of links to items about Raytown. Using the work product of others, with three "..."s added at the end. And with the opinion of ONE PERSON who appears to share the views of that Facebook page. It's like they opened a branch office.
Anyone can cross post links and they're entitled to their opinions, however. All the best to him, but there are already an overwhelming number of Raytown pages and groups.
Just an observation. Either the current mayor is sure he is going to win or he has no place to put signs. Three or four signs to yard tells me he has no place to put his signs.
I am going to try something new this week . . . if you have sent in a post and wonder why it was not published, I will personally give the reason why it is not on this screen. For instance, we received a post this morning from someone named anonymous. It was not posted. Here is the reason why.
IF YOU CALL SOMEONE A TROLL ON THIS PAGE YOUR POST WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
I thought the same thing when I only saw his signs in dilapidated buildings closed businesses. Not a place I would advertise support for.
I was glad to see the challenger appears to have signs all over town now that appeared overnight.
Great idea, perhaps there can be a daily update with how many haven't been posted due to name calling. I know it takes time to screen all the post, we thank you for keeping this a site clean and free of the name calling on other sites.
I check ethics commission filings, it doesn't look like he has any support from Raytowners. I also noticed something else weird, he has some checks from people the city is negotiating business with. Shouldn't that be illegal?
I went to mikes page and his opponents, I saw Mike was on a charter commission, fought to triple our taxes, and tried to get a audit done 4 years ago. None of which succeeded. Made me think of the 6 recent meetings the parks sales tax was on the agenda and the multiple ad hoc committees that went nowhere, and can't refi the TIF. Has he had any success?
His opponent however succeeded in fending off the overburdening tax, put together a group to get the audit signatures, got the Chief to resign under investigation, fought for a better charter at the county, foresaw and warned about the TIF refi failure. Is there anything he has failed at?
"His opponent however succeeded in fending off the overburdening tax, put together a group to get the audit signatures, got the Chief to resign under investigation, fought for a better charter at the county, foresaw and warned about the TIF refi failure."
Sounds like a private citizen has accomplished far more in a few short months than a 4-year incumbent?
It's just common sense. Tony has our vote.
"I went to ------ page and his opponents, I saw ---- was on a charter commission, fought to triple our taxes, and tried to get a audit done 4 years ago. None of which succeeded. Made me think of the 6 recent meetings the parks sales tax was on the agenda and the multiple ad hoc committees that went nowhere, and can't refi the TIF. Has he had any success?
His opponent however succeeded in fending off the overburdening tax, put together a group to get the audit signatures, got the Chief to resign under investigation, fought for a better charter at the county, foresaw and warned about the TIF refi failure. Is there anything he has failed at?"
Both candidates have significant issues, IOHO. We strongly feel that one is in it because he sadly, desperately craves attention as well as the minute amount of "power" that comes with the position. The second, although obviously far more capable and qualified, may have his reasons as well.
The citizens are in a tough spot, indeed.
Interesting FACTS
When you look at any other city and the number of officers to the number command staff Raytown is still at the top.
My fellow Raytown citizens we have the funds but the board of alderman are not spending them correctly
Read 70.050 of the state statue and it is the board the sets the number of officers
I am against the school issue, it just feels like they are being greedy at this point. They are the only ones who made out from the TIF deal, they collect 78% of all the taxes collected and they keep buying up prime highway property and removing it from the tax rolls. I will be voting for the appointmented Chief and I will definitely be voting tor the Fire District. I have talked to my neighbors and we all seem to be in the same place on these.
The fire district made out like bandits on the TIF too. The mayor wrote over 200,000 dollars in checks to them and the lawyers. Then look at this budget there's another 200,000 going from the general fund to pay the TIF.
I'm voting yes for the appointed chief to stop the corruption.
No to all the taxes. If they all pass we will have the highest in the state. If neither passes we will still be high but closer to the middle and I'll save almost 500 dollars a year.
The school will fire teachers and assistants but hire extra administrators, they should be the next ones audited.
Well, I guess the election is getting to the mayor. The wheels really fell off the bus at last night's Board meeting.
The mayor tried to silence an alderman and a private citizen about codes being out of control and the city refusing permits to start new businesses.
Then when the parks director tried to talk quietly in the back to help with community programs the mayor started yelling and threatening the guy, so much for Mr nice guy image.
Shortly after it was brought to the public's attention of the park boards attempted coup and plans to revolt. Apparently they also called the whole board "a bunch of idiots" for wanting them to repair anything in the parks and spend down the over million dollar surplus before asking for taxes to triple.
It was pretty wild.
Everyone should go to the city website and watch the first 10 minutes.
I agree school district got way to much from the TIF deal to a point of illegal.
Until they pay the city back 20 mil we all need to vote NO on anything they want.
We also need to ask why the money on fields that were not needed and not on the classroom size
Here's why a yes vote on the schools is needed:
So just maybe people will learn there is no such word as appointmented!!
The mayor sued the Fire District not the other way around, oh yeah and the fact they lost is also expensive. Neither of these items are the fault of Fire. You will not save $500 of neither passes and you know it. Neither will lower your taxes and I challenge you to prove me wrong. All that will happen is we will have terrible schools and AMR running our ambulance.
One of the posts this evening had some falsehoods listed in it. I thought of not posting it, but decided it would make more sense so expose the author, who was named, strangely enough, "anonymous". Mr. or Ms. Anonymous did not sign there blog. The courageous anonymous complained that the Raytown Report did not publicize the Town Hall meeting held by Mrs. Mims this evening. Not true. The Raytown Report posted the notice a week earlier. This week, we posted two meetings, the Raytown Democrat Association meeting and a meeting being held by State Representative Barnes.
So why is Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous trying to spread lies about us? Good question. Maybe they will answer. But we doubt it.
Mike McDonough was a member of the last Charter Commission. When the section about making the Chief of Police appointive, they were both adimentally against it. Now that the mayor's buddy is no longer Chief of Police. Guess who did a major flip flop on the topic? Mayor Michael McDonough is now all in favor of appointing the Chief of Police. Maybe Alderman Mims had it right when she told the Mayor it was time for him to take the police badge off and start acting like a Mayor.
Thank you to Alderwoman Mimms, wonderful event tonight, way to serve the community. I wasn’t sure about either the an appointed Chief or the Fire Departments questions and now both my wife and I are a big YES. We learned a lot and feel better about the direction of Raytown. Had to laugh when Alderman Vanbuskirk tried to trip up the Fire Chief with a question about residency requirements for firemen and he was handed his lunch and then some. Go home Bill you are in the deep end here and out of your depth
What do you mean " we will have terrible schools", they are already here. The kids run the schools, not the teachers. The teachers have no control or the administrators. I have worked for the school district and have seen it first hand. I don't car how much money you give the school district, they just waste it. It starts with the parents RAISING their kids to have respect for others. I will be voting NO on the school re-newal of the bond and the parks tax!
I paid attention to the FD saying if you don’t notice a transition in service that’s a success. Moving to the PD, in just 1 month I’ve noticed a large change in PD operations.
Since the chief left, the board and the appointed interim chief work together, detectives are investigating our crimes, a new blog for the dept has started, turnover has slowed dramatically , and a lot of other good things. If it can happen when Lynch resigns, imagine the positive change of his drinking buddy mike losses in April. That’s why I support Tony, I see such a change as the good old boys are removed.
We work with city employees several times per day. It's a topic that they bring up - we never do. Like us, they grew up in Raytown. They're disillusioned and saddened by the continuing decline of Raytown. Suprisingly, instead of supporting a person that they've worked for for decades, they're voting for the "new guy". My opinion, but I don't think this incumbent has even remotely the support from rank and file as he thinks he may have. They have to stay silent, "make nice" and go with the flow to survive, however. If he's granted another four years, the environment will have changed, and he's going to be held accountable this time around. The position isn't all one continuous party and selfie opp.
8:24 warned about private ambulance service, citing WCA service as an example. I had Flynn's for 25 years. I kept WCA after they retired. I have noticed NO change in service. They come every week. They never miss me if I put my trash out by 7:00 that morning. There were a couple of weeks my service was delayed because of the weather. I see no reason to risk employee injury because of ice on the streets or extreme snow fall. They came the next day anyway. If WCA is the example of private business, then I'm all for a private ambulance service.
New paint and ball fields won't do that, but maybe not laying off a dozen teachers would have.
#Priority
I can only speak for myself, but I was really nervous the challenger was going to fire everyone and clean house. I sent him a message and he responded. He actually explained his position and acknoldged we were overworked and need more staff.
He won my vote but as you said the downstairs clearly is in favor of the current cop mayor.
If the posters on this blog can serve as a bellwether, the school bond renewal is doomed. I can not recall any posters who are in support. Seems like everyone would rather see the money in their own pocket and not the schools.
I hear the campaign sign patrol is out. I will be watching if the good mayor is made to move his illegal ones that are in the right of way. Lets play fair, what's good for the goose is good for gander.
#April 2nd can't come soon enough.
Via fair use from that Facebook group:
"Is it wrong to blast people with the truth?"
Under the following circumstances, YES, it's "wrong":
1. When your "truth" is merely reflects your opinion only and you can't resist the compulsion to continually RAM home your truth.
2. When your "truth" either unnecessarily or purposefully hurts someone else.
3. When your "truth" serves no useful purpose and is best left unspoken.
4. When your "truth" is utilized to pile onto an innocent person merely to support the agenda(s) of your online compadres.
5. When your "truth" is applied to ideas or projects that you either are incapable of comprehending, or you refuse to become properly informed about.
6. When your "truth" compels you to viciously, obsessively attempt to compel others to avoid patronizing (damage) a Raytown business because their truth doesn't match YOUR "truth".
Amateurish manipulation tactics are never "truths".
But you keep right on keepin' on, dude! "Blast" away!
"...he school bond renewal is doomed. I can not recall any posters who are in support. Seems like everyone would rather see the money in their own pocket and not the schools."
The SD needs to make due with what is has. For once, they need to realize that the citizens have been plenty generous over the years and that they've been taxed enough both by the city and the SD. It's time to be creative, intelligent and to adapt.
The city is in enormous decline. It's in a freefall at this point. The citizens completely distrust the "mayor", many aldermen and the longtime clique that has dominated from the police department for literally decades. The SD will do just fine "in stasis", so to speak, until the city's mess is on the way to being straightened out.
This. --> Anonymous said...
"His opponent however succeeded in fending off the overburdening tax, put together a group to get the audit signatures, got the Chief to resign under investigation, fought for a better charter at the county, foresaw and warned about the TIF refi failure."
Sounds like a private citizen has accomplished far more in a few short months than a 4-year incumbent?
It's just common sense. Tony has our vote."
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