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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.
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Comments
- Greg Walters
This pretty much says it all, as far as we're concerned. We love this.
Despite the tax vote twice in the following 3 months the board raised taxes and fees. Twice! The rolled back a rescind, and then did a mill increase for market adjustment.
They then doubled or tripled all city fees.
We need better leadership. We need new ideas and new blood, not The same crony just repurposed.
This Mayor says Raytown doesn't have any problems, that includes high taxes. He would never lie. He is perfect, he is our saviour, we believe in him.
Not sure we can do anything about it though.
I think people's perspective has been clouded thanks to the years Jim Lynch was Chief and you never saw him at any major call however I can remember the days of Chris Turnbow and Chris would be at major calls as a chief should be.
One is call leadership and one is a poor excuss and lack of responsibility to the people they serve.
Today after the snow basically stopped I decided to go for a little drive around Raytown to put the mayor's comments to the test and as expected more lies, broken promises, and failure of our departments.
In fairness the main roads like 63rd and Raytown Road have been taken care of, but the secondary route which are flagged on city maps as such as well as oddly enough they are also snow routes have not been hit with the plows.
I think the Mayor's habit of asking women he knows for "a hug" is very inappropriate. He should spend less time on Facebook and more time taking care of the business a city hall.
NO sir.
Our opinion about you comes from 25 plus years of continuing, direct, personal experience.
No grudges here. Only wariness. And disappointment.
I hope all candidates will fill out that survey.
It's not a conspiracy against certain people!
Transparency, a made-up word, a politician's word, so a young fella like you can wear a suit and tie and have a job.
All this highly touted and costly professionals and they can't handle a simple sunshine request or lawsuit costing the city over $40,000. Typical bull poop out of city hall. And they want to raise taxes to pay for this waste of taxpayer dollars. Good grieve, I guess everybody loves a circus. Unless you're the one who has to come along and clean up the mess.
Oh wait, we are gonna get a new city tagline! Super Great. That will fix all the city problems.
I have had 2 friends that have recently had auto accidents in Raytown and the cars drivers (of different nationality) that ran into them had no insurance,no drivers license,the wrong license plates on the wrong cars. The police didn't issues tickets to them and my friends auto insurance had to take care of the damages. It seems like the cops don't want to handle any law breakers.
I hear at work and from others that people make fun of Raytown that it is the "butt" of their jokes and talk. They are so true. We are doomed!!
Murder behind the Downtown Raytown Pool Hall
Cops still haven't solved the one on Blue Ridge Blvd from last year where the young girl was murdered in her own home.
Be sure to vote NO on the school issue that's worth at least a half nail.
The district interfering with the First Amendment rights of free speech.
I hope our city officials take note and realize that by limiting what can be said in public comments is a violation of the First Amendment rights.
I wonder how long before someone gets tired of the games city hall is playing goes up and speaks about one of the department heads and their inability to do their job and or cost from lawsuits they are bringing towards the city I'm sure the mayor and several of the members of the board well want to shut them off but it's still covered under the First Amendment.
I'm sure someone else will win the lawsuit and a nice little sum of money from the city because of the inefficient management that we are all forced to deal with
When someone is completely unqualified and has proffered few to no discernable achievements after four years in office, sentiment is literally all he has to work with. And that's precisely what he's going to do - juice it until the bitter, infinitesimal end.
On what planet would anyone in their right minds extend another four years to these people?
Look where apathy has gotten us.
Vote them all out.
The photo he directed us to also showed the City promised 6 police officer and a dispatcher we never got, it promised a reserve fund that doesn't exist. And interestingly enough it also promises where the money would go, we heard from the mayor's triple tax group that they cpuldnt dedicate funds like that. Weird how many of their lies are starting to unravel. Let's just vote wise, the longer the mayor and cronies stay in the more they can cover up, we need new leadership and we need this town cleaned up.
You maybe upset by what I said but I'm just telling the truth.
In any case I asked about the insurance ratings for the area and was please to learn what the fire chief said is true.
Keep in mind every year insurance companies raise the rates as they are for profit
A good agent, which you seem not to have can explain all of this.
officials and staff to facilitate refinancing of the Tax Increment Or TIF for short. in the area around
Walmart and the other 5 stores. resulting in an expected savings of over 2 million by decreasing
the cost and term of the original TIIF.
Correct me if I am wrong but I thought that it did not happen.
Help.
The reason I did this was to show that the city for the size of it, is getting a very small portion of the pie. Second lowest in County. But also the second largest in population. Now the school district and the fire district are wanting more. The city is not even asking, even though they are struggling the most. A street survey saying the roads needing $36 million in work to get all to just average. Where is that money going to come from? the storm drains etc are probably failing as well due to age. That's more Money. Good luck rebuilding the police department. Pay hasn't been addressed in a long time, moral sucks because they are having to work so much to cover. I get it, paying taxes is not fun, but roads, sewers etc don't get fixed for free. Raytown is landlocked at about 10 sq miles. They wanted to stay a bedroom community 25-30 years ago. This is the price you pay when people in power can't/won't see the big picture for years down the road. Walmart was probably a bad idea, but where they are located would still be a vacant building if they hadn't moved there. Bordner did all that remodeling at 350 and Westridge and it is now a church. Parks wants too much money and has way too many parks for a city this size.
Unglued is all wadded out because her call for 100 percent participation in her hallowed poll was largely and blatantly disregarded. The usual five or six suspects immediately chimed in. Hilarity ensued.
TALK to these candidates before you make any decisions. HEAR their voices. Surprisingly, there are some very impressive options out there. Don't rely on a "dried-up" Facebook admin or her wonky entourage to tell you who or who not to vote for.
We would like to publicly commend all candidates who refused to acknowledge and/or participate.
Your disobedience and lack of compliance is heartwarming.
Wow. Don’t know what to say here. This is an extremely undemocratic statement. Whatever you think of the “dried up Facebook administrator” perhaps you did not stop to consider that the questions came from the community? Those who refused have committed a tactical mistake that comes across as arrogant hubris and will no doubt be noted by the voters. I will make a prediction, those who refused to answer won’t be sitting on the Dias. I see no hilarity, I see regret in the future.
I will be there.