FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rides to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments 

The state of Missouri recently initiated the program ‘Get A Ride’ to help coordinate transportation for individuals who do not have a ride to and from their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. If you need a ride to your appointment, visit the state’s ‘Get A Ride’ website to find no-cost transportation through area providers.

In-home Vaccination for Homebound Individuals

If you, or someone you know, are homebound and interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please call MARC’s vaccine registry helpline at 816-421-4980 or 1-800-593-7948. Phone lines operate Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Operators will take down your information and connect you with your local emergency medical services to schedule an in-home appointment.

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FOREWORD BY GREG WALTERS
Endorsements

This is without a doubt the most bizarre political campaign season I have ever seen in Raytown politics. I am not on the ballot. But I have seen a lot since I first voted in 1972.

We are all familiar with the impact of social media and how the use of cell phones has put news at everyone’s fingertips.

Many thought the internet would be a good source of information for the public’s enlightenment. In many ways it has been a very useful tool to inform people in helping them make their political decisions.

Unfortunately, this same tool can be used to spread misinformation to the public. We all saw this in last year’s Presidential race. Whichever side you were on, neither side was without blame. Unfortunately, we are witness to these same tactics being used in our local Raytown races.

We believe the candidate’s have an opportunity in their campaigns to reach out to the public. We carefully watch and listen. Like you, we then make our decisions as to who we support on what they say their plan is. Not something dreamed up by their opposition.

This year’s campaign is the first to be held during a Global Pandemic. In Raytown, it is also the first I have seen in which more races are already decided because of a lack of candidates running for office. There are seven races to be decided on the April 6th ballot. Only two of those races, the races in Ward 1 and Ward 2, are actually contested races.

One of our blog contributors sent the following post last week. We will close with the words they wrote . . . our endorsements follow.

AnonymousAnonymous said...

"Don't blame me..."

1:44 PM 03/24: Generally speaking, what we're witnessing is just the tip of the iceberg, with much more to come, I fear. I'm concerned about the unprecedented dearth of quality candidates for office in Raytown, or actually candidates, period. Especially in one ward in particular. I have a terrible feeling that one of the sideshows in particular is actually REPELLING quality candidates from the role. I fervently hope that their counterpart keeps the faith and runs for office again, versus bolting far,far away from their office out of sheer frustration and embarrassment. There has to be a way to politically excise the unproductive jibber jabberers and manipulators. It's time to pay attention to the actions of those that resolutely have their noses to the grindstone and stand firm in their commitment to this community.

POSTED: March 25, 2021 at 7:52 AM Delete


PRINT THIS BALLOT AND TAKE IT TO THE POLLS WITH YOU

Raytown Report

SAMPLE BALLOT

TUESDAY, APRIL 6TH IS ELECTION DAY


FOR MUNICIPAL JUDGE
Traci Fann


FOR ALDERMAN, WARD 1
Jayne Loulos
JAYNE LOULOS
Jayne Loulos is a unique individual. She holds a Master and a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and an Associate Degree in Biology. When Jayne was 19 years old she was in an automobile accident. Her legs have been paralyzed since the accident. Despite this tragedy, Jayne has thrived.

She has been an active volunteer at Midwest Animal ResQ. She has also volunteered at Woods Chapel Raytown Campus and Raytown Christian Church distributing meals to those in need.

Jayne has made crime prevention the central theme of her campaign. Two bullets passed through her home the night a young woman was murdered at Colman Park.

Jayne told us, "The increased crime and violence in Raytown can be traced back to when our Police Force lost over one dozen officers during city budgets cuts. I will work to reverse that situation."

 
FOR ALDERMAN, WARD 2
Tony Jacob
TONY JACOB
Tony Jacob is a proven leader who knows how to work with others for a common goal. This was apparent when he led a petition drive, signed by over 1,600 Raytowners, requesting a State Audit of Raytown's City finances.


The States Auditor recommended 14 changes in how the city records the use of taxpayer dollars. At the March 16 meeting the Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a recommendation from the State Auditor to change how the City records tax fund transfers in TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Districts.

Tony Jacob is a team player. He served in the United States Navy in the Middle East. He is the Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 1829. This past summer he took on the role of Public Relations Liaison for the VFW District. He helped coordinate Operation Gratitude, an event honoring veterans with a free breakfast at HyVee. Over 250 meals were distributed last Veterans Day to Veterans. This highly successful event brought praise and recognition to Raytown.

 
FOR ALDERMAN, WARD 3
(uncontested)
 
FOR ALDERMAN, WARD 4
(uncontested)
 
FOR ALDERMAN, WARD 5
(uncontested)
 
FOR CITY COLLECTOR
Lisa Emerson
 
RAYTOWN QUESTION
Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri appoint a City Collector who shall perform all the duties of the City Collector as authorized by Section 79.050 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri? If the voters approve the appointment of a City Collector, said appointment will not go into effect until April 4, 2023.
Vote Yes
 
RAYTOWN SCHOOL BOARD – for Director (vote for two)
Alonzo Burton
Donna Peyton

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Comments

Anonymous said…
"We believe the candidate’s have an opportunity in their campaigns to reach out to the public. We carefully watch and listen. Like you, we then make our decisions as to who we support on what they say their plan is. Not something dreamed up by their opposition."

Well said!

I live in Ward 2 and just saw a piece of literature from one of the candidates so full of venom and hate that i do not want them making any decisions in Raytown.

Tony Jacob. I do not always agree with your positions. But after I saw the garbage the other side is putting out, you have my vote.

March 29, 2021 at 5:24 PM
Anonymous said…
The use of social media to diminish the stature of your opponent... I didn't expect to find that in the politics of Raytown, but here we are. We should be thankful that there are people willing to participate in local politics, for the sake of trying to help others. I still believe that standing up, being honest, putting others ahead of yourself, are respectable qualities. Maybe I'm too idealistic. Just as the internet puts the world at your fingertips, it also makes it very easy to publish lies. Building a good reputation takes time and effort, while making someone else look bad is quick and easy. There is always someone willing to show you their version of truth. Who to believe? I don't know- but here's an opinion, all two cents worth of it. With or without social media, people are the same now as they ever have been. I don't claim any special insight, but when I hear a story I sometimes think about effort. "If you're not willing to pedal, your bicycle will always end up at the bottom of a hill." Maybe that's not as direct as it could be, so I keep this one handy too, "A hungry man will eat with the wolf." It's not my intent to preach, if anyone takes it as such, I apologize with all humility.
March 29, 2021 at 6:46 PM
Anonymous said…
There is a lot of information about all the candidates on the social media and in print. The residents had an opportunity to see and hear each candidate state his or her position on several topics. The voters should be able to make up their minds with that information. If they chose not to watch the debate, then they will have to rely on social media. Their choice.
March 29, 2021 at 7:08 PM
Anonymous said…
Why do we have a subset of citizens that find it acceptable to attack a veteran?

For me this is a flashback to returning from service in Vietnam. Back then you didn't have a choice Uncle Sam decided for you in what was called the draft. Upon returning home no parade and you were lucky to not get spit on and called a baby killer.

I know I cannot support anyone who finds these attacks acceptable or will not speak up against this abusive behavior.

I wonder with the VA hospital so close or the homeless houses for veterans how long these less than respectful citizens attack others who have given so much to our country.

I guess what I hear is correct, you cannot teach respect these days when there are parents who believe their kids need participation awards. While others continue to support their adult children as they never taught them responsibilities.

Maybe it is time the good USA requires everyone to serve a few years in the military like several other countries.
March 29, 2021 at 8:17 PM
Anonymous said…
I thought "Only In Raytown" had rules against political post.

I see it depends on who is posting.

This supports what I keep saying "politics are everywhere and those who say otherwise are just pushing their position when it fits their agenda"
March 29, 2021 at 9:49 PM
Anonymous said…
Does anyone know if the League of Women Voters re-broacast their debate. I would love to see it. I hear that Mr. Jacob did real good in the event. Also heard his opponent did do as well. I would like to view it to make up my own mind. I hope they re-broadcast the event. ZOOM allows for re-broadcast of meetings. But it has to be done by the host. In this case that would be the League of Women Voters.
March 30, 2021 at 7:45 AM
Anonymous said…
YES. YOU CAN VIEW THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DEBATE. USE TO THE FOLLOWING LINK:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnWb5EATmHU
March 30, 2021 at 8:04 AM
Anonymous said…
It is getting wicked nasty out there in Ward 2. Tony, I for one appreciate that you have taken the high road in your campaign. You got my vote!
April 5, 2021 at 9:49 AM
Andy Whiteman said…
10.5% voter turnout is pitiful! Considering the dissatisfaction with issues I don't understand why more people don't get off their duffs and get out to vote!!!

Andy Whiteman
April 7, 2021 at 10:42 AM
Anonymous said…
"10.5% voter turnout is pitiful! Considering the dissatisfaction..."

Exactly, Andy. The 10.5 percent have spoken and many offices were under-contested or not at all.

We can only continue to attempt to drive qualified candidates into office and get more people out to vote.
April 8, 2021 at 7:04 AM
Anonymous said…
Most residents' Alderman ran unopposed. Most who have no children and many who do, don't care about the school board election. That's why so few voted.
April 9, 2021 at 8:55 AM
Andy Whiteman said…
8:55 AM, I have no children, but as a taxpayer the school board election has always concerned me because the person who is elected may affect my taxes.

Andy Whiteman
April 10, 2021 at 11:17 AM
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