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PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT MEETING BY GREG WALTERS
On March 22, 2023 Jackson County held a public meeting with Assessment Director Gail McCann Beatty and other experts in the property assessment field to explain the process of property valuation in Jackson County and to answer resident's questions on March 22, 2023 at Mid-Continent Public Library on Colbern Road in Lee's Summit.
USE THIS LINK . . . Property Tax Assessment
TO VIEW THE MEETING
Went to the first Jackson County assessment meeting in Lee's Summit last night, and let me tell you there were a lot of upset people, especially the seniors.
I was told by the county official that the meeting will be broadcasted on YouTube starting this Friday. Just go to Youtube, Jackson County MO Tax Assessment meeting in Lee's Summit Mo.
Just a few highlights: When you turn 65 years old, the misconception that your real estate taxes will freeze at the current rate, Nope. 100% disabled, you don't have to pay taxes, Nope! One lady is 73 and paid 4500.00 more in real estate taxes in 2019. Just wait till she gets her 2023 taxes.
It all comes down to the Mo Legislators in Jeff City that people need to reach out to who has the power over the levies. The School district is our biggest problem, they keep raising the levies.
That is why I am not voting for any more school taxes!
Watch or go to the meetings, you will get an "eye opener"!
AUTHOR'S NAME WITHHELD UPON REQUEST
To Our Readers: The following
BY GREG WALTERS
flyer was distributed by the Chairman of the Jackson County Legislator, Daron McGee, at last Thursday's meeting of the RDA. Mr. McGee told those gathered that the increased value on homes, businesses and cars in Jackson County will average between 30% to 40%.
The Raytown School District has two Property Tax Increases on the May 4th ballot. Those increases mean that your property tax will go up by 30% to 40% on Raytown homes, cars and businesses.
The only way to Stop this outrageous increase is to vote NO on both School Board Tax increases. Please share this information with your neighbors and remember to vote NO on both School Property Tax Increases.
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| PAUL LIVIUS Editor in Chief |
 |
| BY GREG WALTERS |
Why are you running for the Board of Aldermen, and what are your qualifications?
I have always had a strong desire to serve the public. My wife and I raised two children in Raytown. Through my church, I created sports programs in basketball, softball and soccer as my children grew up.
At the age of 25 I was asked to run for Alderman in Ward 1.
I have always believed that government is the servant of the people. There are times when my constituents need help in dealing with the intricate workings of City Hall. As an elected official I have brought legislation bringing improvement to the quality of life in Raytown.
In
2018 the Board of Aldermen voted to allow me to form a committee to solve
security problems at our City Parks. The Park Improvement Committee helped bring
changes to our Parks; improved lighting, private security patrols and the
fencing off of non-public areas have made a difference in the safety of our
parks.
In addition to my service in the community as
Alderman I was also . . .
- Elected twice to serve on two separate Charter Commissions.
- One term as a Jackson County Committeeman.
- Chosen by the Jackson County Legislature as one of three candidates to fulfill the expired term of Jackson County Legislator Robert Beaird when he was appointed County Prosecutor.
- Elected twice by the Raytown Board of Aldermen to the position of Mayor Pro-tem.
What are the top needs of the city?
By far, improved street repair and maintenance is the number one request I have received as I take my campaign door to door. I believe I may have the genesis of a solution. The Missouri Department of Revenue has reported that Raytown can expect 1.1 million dollars from the 2% Internet Use Tax. On April 4th voters will decide the fate of a 3% Recreational Marijuana sales tax. I propose that we combine those two sales tax resources to create a "Pay as You Go Plan" to fund the repair of city streets. These new tax dollars can be used to obtain grants from the State of Missouri earmarked for street repair, thereby increasing the amount of work done on Raytown Roads.
This is new tax revenue. It does not take away from other tax dollars the city
traditionally receives. These tax dollars can be used for what is definitely
Raytown’s greatest need. The greatest need is repairing and re-building our
streets in Raytown.
What budget experience do you have, and what
are your priorities on city's budget?
During my time as an elected official in Raytown I have chaired both the Finance Committee and the Public Works Committee. In this current term I chaired the Raytown Park Improvement Committee. I also served as acting Mayor during the last couple of months when then Mayor Jack Nesbitt was unable to attend his final meetings of the Board of Aldermen.
I also bring experience from the private sector in running a business. I recently retired from my position with the firm. The torch has now been passed to my daughter who is the third generation “Walters” to own the company.
These experiences have taught me the value of compromise and working with others toward a common goal.
My priorities for the upcoming City Budget is to increase funding for our infrastructure needs in Raytown with an emphasis on street repair.
We will see this taking place this summer in the re-construction of the 59th Street / Raytown Road intersection. The same can be said for the plans to repair sanitary sewer lines in Ward 1 and Ward 2.
I am pleased to see a shift to a more
proactive posture to address the infrastructure needs for the people of Raytown.
Where are your favorite places to spend time in our city and why?
Our neighborhood and Coleman Park are our favorite destinations to hang out at and to visit with our friends in Raytown. There is no place like home except we all would love a nice restaurant and I am sure that others would like a place to shop for clothing without having to go to Lee's Summit or Independence, This would keep our tax dollars in Raytown.
What would you do to include the citizens in the decision making process in our city?
Most public input at City Hall is
limited to five minute increments at public meetings. This very short time
limit has been imposed at meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission and at
meetings of the Raytown Board of Aldermen.
It is not an adequate amount of time, particularly in meetings of the Planning and Zoning and when zoning applications are brought before the Board of Aldermen.
This is especially evident in meetings regarding neighborhoods vs. commercial interests in Raytown.
I recently attended a meeting of the 53rd Street / Blue Ridge Boulevard neighborhood.
The developer told those present that he had been meeting with the City for four months on his plan to open a gas/liquor and discount cigarette convenience store in their residential neighborhood. Raytown is only five square miles wide and we have plenty of those in our town. Homeowners did not appreciate being kept in the dark for four months for what was clearly a private discussion between City Hall and the developer.
The process should be changed. Private citizens affected by zoning changes should have a seat at the table when negotiations are ongoing. They are the ones paying the taxes. More time equity should be allotted for input by citizens at public meetings. In particular, at the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings where the agendas are usually only one item long.
Do you believe city hall is transparent or not, and would you make any changes?
One change that would be helpful to taxpayers would be to release the agenda earlier than the Friday evening ahead of a Tuesday meeting. Weekends are really not the best time for anyone to dive deep into some of the complicated matters that come before the Board.
Some aldermen have suggested at least one day earlier would give them more time to prepare for meetings – more importantly, it allows more time for questions to be answered by City Staff before the meeting is called to order at 7:00 p.m. on the following Tuesday evening.
What are the duties of an Alderman, and what
is the hierarchy at city hall including elected and department heads?
Raytown is a Fourth
Class City. A Fourth Class City is a “Strong Board / Weak Mayor” form of
government. The Mayor does not have a vote except in the rare occasion to break
a tie vote. The Board of Aldermen collectively has the final say on whether
items on the agenda are approved or not approved. Department heads are hired
with approval of the Board of Aldermen and are there to assist the Aldermen with any questions they may have.
Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?
There is a thin line
between an ethical dilemma and the ugly side of politics. The “ugly” side of
politics is often referred to as the “tyranny of the majority”. We have all
seen this at play in our nation’s capitol. It also happens at the local level.
The best one can do when faced with intolerance by any group is to rise above
the situation and move on.
What are your views on staff's salaries and benefits?
Raytown’s city staff salaries and benefits are well within the range of the market place. In my opinion, most
of the residents of Raytown would be pleased to have the same salaries and
benefits as received by employees at Raytown City Hall.
Where does the city's funding come from, and is there an effort to change the funding (positive or negative)?
The city’s funding
comes from tax revenue in the following areas: Sales Taxes, Personal Property
Taxes, Real Estate Property Taxes, Franchise Taxes on utilities, Licenses and
Fees, State and Federal Grants, Court Fines. Tax Increment Financing has also been use to help spur development. These "Tifs" are financed by additional sales taxes services and products at the establishments receiving a TIF.
I am not aware of any
effort to make any dramatic changes to the taxation policies in Raytown at this
time.
Should elected officials keep their taxes current to remain in their elected position, and pay taxes to the jurisdiction in which they live? Please explain your reasons.
YES. Publicly elected and appointed officials are required to have all of their taxes paid in full to run for and hold public office.
As public officials, they should be held to the same standards they create for the people of Raytown. Current State Law requires an elected official to have all their tax obligations paid in full to be sworn into office. However, there is not a current statute on the books requiring them to remain current during their term of office. The City should lobby the State Legislature to change this law. If for no other reason than to show the public that those who make the law are not above the law.
Should the Board vote on their own raises without a vote of the people, and why?
Elected officials in
Raytown currently vote on their own salaries – but any increase does not become
effective until the next term of office for elected officials. So they are
voting on their salary – but to gain that salary they must be re-elected to
office first.
Once again, Raytown is a Fourth Class City. This means Raytown is a “statutory city”. The laws governing pay increases for statutory cities in Missouri are set by the Legislature and Senate in Jefferson City.
Any change in how a pay increase is established would have to come in the form of changing the laws through the Legislature/Senate.
The outcome is that setting salaries by a vote of the people is not really viable. City elections are expensive to hold – upwards to $30,000 per election – depending upon how many other jurisdictions are holding elections at the same time.
The last pay increase to the Board of Aldermen was approved on November 1, 2022. The Board suspended the rule requiring two public hearings on the bill before the final vote. I voted against suspending the rules. I voted NO on both votes because I believe the people should have been made aware of the pay increases before the vote was taken.
Here are the vote totals from the minutes of the meeting.
Alderman Myers, seconded by Alderman Mims, made a motion to suspend the rules and hold an immediate second reading. The motion was approved by a vote of 6-3-1.
Ayes: Aldermen Myers,
Mims, Emerson, Hayden, Aziere, Mary Jane Van Buskirk
Nays: Aldermen Ward,
Walters, Bill Van Buskirk
Absent: Alderman Scott
The item was read by
title only for a second time by Teresa Henry, City Clerk. Alderman Myers,
seconded by Alderman Emerson, made a motion to adopt. The motion was approved
by a vote of 7-0-1-2.
Ayes: Aldermen Myers,
Mims, Emerson, Hayden, Aziere, Mary Jane Van Buskirk, Ward
Nays: Aldermen Walters,
Bill Van Buskirk
Absent: Alderman Scott
When was the last time you attended a board meeting, and was it in person?
The last Board meeting I attended was on March 7, 2023. I attended the meeting in person.
Do you own or rent, and do you believe either makes a difference in how an elected official represent constitutes?
I own my property.
I do not believe there is a noticeable difference between renting or owning when it comes to serving as an elected official. Some would argue that property owners would be more aware of the high cost of property taxes in Raytown. This may be true to a certain extent. However, it should be remembered those who hold leases on their homes would see an increase in their rent as well as the Landlord is required to pay the property tax and will most likely pass this down to the tenant.
How would you spend a $1 million grant if you could speed it any way you wanted?
I would use it to provide repair and rebuilding of our streets, roads and infrastructure
.What is your position on the April ballot marijuana tax question?
I support the three
percent sales tax on the sale of marijuana. Only those who purchase
marijuana will pay this tax.
Please include a brief bio, and any additional information you would like to share.
GREG WALTERS: I am a lifetime resident of Raytown. I am married to Mecee Walters, we will soon be celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary. We raised two children (a boy and a girl). We have three beautiful granddaughters.
We have lived in our home for almost 39 years.
Personal:
- Attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church and graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Grade School. Attended Archbishop O'Hara High School and graduated in 1972.
- We now attend St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church.
- Former owner – Service Printing and Graphics of Kansas City, Missouri
- My daughter is now the third generation owner of the company.
- My son is an Architect/Partner at Hollis and Miller Architects.
- We have a very stubborn new puppy named Crickette. She is a Yorkie-Poo with razor sharp teeth but is very cute and smart.
My hobbies are gardening flowers and vegetables, writing and bicycling (love the new Rock Island Bicycle Trail). I am also an avid reader of good books and magazines.
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28 comments:
Interesting comments on all the questions. Whoever put the survey together did a very good job. I also appreciate that Greg answered the questions, clearly and it appears without hesitation. I especially agree with his thoughts on allowing the public to speak at public meetings. Those comments are spot on. The rules need to be changed. At least for the zoning questions. I live near the example you gave at 53rd and Blue Ridge. Let the people speak. They have a true stake in Raytown's future.
Good luck to Greg on April 4th.
This type of pole should be a requirement of all running for public office.
"I cannot believe that some of these Facebook pages allow a former Alderman to post things."
Relieved to see that the premier dumpster fire Raytown Facebook page took down or was told to take down the Raytown logo from a pinned post that appeared when the page was initially accessed. That "group" in no way represents the City of Raytown or the majority of its citizens. The use of that logo was misleading. Raytown officials either looked the other way, or simply never noticed. That page had no right to use a city logo without permission.
As the sponsoring ordinance Alderman who amended the speaking time allotment back in 2018, the only change was to someone representing a group. Previous time allotment was 10 minutes. This actually was an unlevel playing field to the citizens wishing to speak who had 5 minutes. In reviewing many other communities time allotment for public comments, many had a 2 minute max time limit. 5 minutes is an adequate time to establish ones top speaking points and many times people need less than that time to address their concerns.
Steve Meyers,
Raytown Citizen
Why doesn't Mr. Meyers apply the same rules to the Planning and Zoning Commission members as he wants to place on homeowners? Those homeowners have a lot invested in their property and neighborhoods.
I am certain not all the members on the Planning and Zoning Commission speak under five minutes. There are probably some who hardly speak at all. Personally I do not believe Mr. Meyers. His review of other communities does not have one bit of evidence to show it to be true.
His top speaking point is nothing more than an unsubstantiated comment. No doubt prepared before he spoke it. Kind of leaves someone challenging what he has said with little time to respond.
I would type more but it looks like my five minutes is up!
I will close with, "Nice try Steve", but your argument does not hold any water. Perhaps if you had more time than five minutes you could have made a better presentation.
Just received a 2023 No Tax Increase Bond advertisement to vote for the school's renewal of the tax. Absolutely not! If they are going to close 3-5 schools, the school district expenses will go down. Voting not to renew the tax will save on our Personal Property taxes and save ALOT on our Real Estate taxes! Then the district will sell the buildings and receive more revenue.
Just wait till you receive your 2023 Jackson County real estate assessments next month and see they have gone up over 30%. You will think twice about re newing this tax!
There are many reasons not to be happy with Raytown Schools. BUT, this is a time to show support for the kids by renewing the tax. YES, we will see a tax increase for a couple different reasons. Let's not penalize the kids by being stingy.
BTW, we are seniors living on a small retirement income. We own a home in Raytown and will be directly affected by the coming tax increase(s). In other words... we do have a dog in the fight.
Respectfully, Raytown Newbie.
Clarifying the schools bond issue vote, you will not be voting on a tax renewal. This is about approving the district to issue bonds for the projects at the two high schools. The tax rate will not increase if approved and will not decrease if not approved. They are putting this up because they have capacity to issue bonds and is not because a tax is expiring. They do have a second issue to vote on and that is that they want to shift a portion of the levy intended for debt repayment to instead be used for operating expenses. Again, it won't change the tax rate, just how the tax dollars are utilized.
I understand the last comment and it makes sense. We do want an education system works. We also want one that remains affordable. The 30% to 40% percentage increase on the value of our homes came straight from the Chairman of the Jackson County Legislature. He provided documentation.
There comes a point when people cannot afford the taxes. Those on limited incomes, the elderly who may have once had good pensions are finding out the money simply is not there anymore.
There are young families who are in the same boat. To pretend this situation is not real is clearly irresponsible.
The wording of the bond proposal is vague and appears to be all encompassing.
READ THE BALLOT LANGUAGE:
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING, RENOVATING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING SCHOOL FACILITIES, INCLUDNG CONSTRUCTING A PERFORMING ARTS ARTS FACILITY AT RAYTOWN SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL AND CONSTRUCTING GYMNASIUMS AT RAYTOWN HIGH SCHOOL AND RAYTOWN SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL.
Go check out the facilities. They are already in place. They are in very good condition and do not need replacing.
Voting NO on these proposals will not hinder the education of our children. But it may allow some to continue living in their homes.
Bring these proposals back AFTER the taxpayers learn how much their property value has gone up. That is the only fair way to handle this situation.
"FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING, RENOVATING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING SCHOOL FACILITIES, INCLUDNG CONSTRUCTING A PERFORMING ARTS ARTS FACILITY AT RAYTOWN SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL AND CONSTRUCTING GYMNASIUMS AT RAYTOWN HIGH SCHOOL AND RAYTOWN SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL....Go check out the facilities. They are already in place. They are in very good condition and do not need replacing."
Exactly. My husband and I are graduates of RSHS from way back in the heyday. A few days back as we passed the high school on 83rd, my husband remarked "We didn't have a ball field like that. And we did just fine."
Since this is a family based website with strict rules on pornography I will use the following language.
I call it “NONSENSE”.
If the rate will not increase and it will not reduce, then why are we voting on it in the first place? Because it does affect what you pay. If it fails, your property tax will go down because the school district will no longer be able to collect the tax.
Hope that is clear to the spin masters in the school district.
As for the tax levy. Make no mistake about it. The tax levy sets the amount of dollars you pay for the value of your home. The head of the Jackson County Legislature, Daron McGee, publicly told Raytown people in a meeting the County anticipates a 30% to 40% increase in the value of our homes and cars.
That increase affects what you pay on your property tax bills. Even if they both fail, your property tax is going up next fall. That is not a “maybe it will, maybe it won’t”. It is for certain.
Do the smart thing. Wait until you see how much these two school district bonds are really costing you BEFORE you cast your vote.
Referring to 10:15 pm, I agree with him. We didn't have the fancy buildings and athletic equipment that they have now and we did just fine.
I was a former Raytown School District Employee and I saw the waste first hand. Why do you need in middle school and high school a assst principal for 7,8,9 grades and the same in high school? I have seen their pay stubs and let me tell you that is where some of the money is going for sure. When I went to school in the Raytown school district, in middle school and high schools, we had 1 vice principal and a principal for each school, period. They are "top loading the brass" and the teachers get nothing. I am Not voting for any tax increase or renewal!
It is shameful that our School Board is acting like question 2 is NOT a tax increase.
If it is NOT an increase why does it need to be on the ballot.
If it is NOT an increase why does the ballot language say "increase".
I have heard both School Board members and school teachers say it is for accounting and to move the money.
Again NOT what the ballot language says. It also is not what 3 accountants (CPAs) say would need to be done to move around.
What could it be....
.... An attempt by the School Board to get around Hancock.
The Hancock Amendment was add by the voters in MO back in the 80's that forces taxing entities like school districts to reduce the levy if the appraisal value of one's property increases.
There is only one way not to be impacted and that is to ask voters for an approval of an increase.
As reported on this blog the county is looking at a minimum 30% increase, which means even with the deduction of Hancock the school district will still bring in more money.
Others has spoken on this blog about school closures as other districts have seen. Some will have to happen as data from the state shows over the past 5 years a loss of over 1,000 students.
How can we justify to keep these buildings open.
Beyond all of this test scores are down...
..... Does this mean we will loss our credidation.
Why is the School Board not have open conversations about these issues.
Is it they fear the public out cry and knowledge that the board members have NOT be using our tax dollars wisely.
Join me in saying "NO".
Join together in a required "State Audit"
Remember it wasn't that many years ago the board president resigned over personal use of taxpayers fund.
Don't forget the many members of the administration knew for some time before bringing to the board.
This is poor management by the board this is the year of "NO" to the board until they put focus in the classroom and not over staffing administration or fancy fields.
If this district does become uncredited 1,000 students will leave in a year not over 5 years.
I'm hoping that my remarks will be posted, and editor(s), please edit any of my comments that you find to be unacceptable.
Recently, a political candidate's Google business reviews were attacked, solely because they were running for office. Imagine being that person. It's heartbreaking that Google can be weaponized in such a manner. I thoroughly read the review and was just as outraged as anyone else. I understand that Google responded promptly and removed that repugnant review. The speed in which Google responded was fantastic.
If you pay attention to anything social media in Raytown, there’s this perennial, pernicious laser-focus on attacking a few of the same people. Always precipitated by the same three or four individuals and their tiresome group of pugilistic wannabes.
These keyboard warriors spend a significant portion of each day posting to these Raytown sites. They seem to base their entire existence on this revengeful, polar, overgeneralized, dichotomous "this person GOOD <-> this person BAD. If you like the "bad person", you are bad too." Each year, each issue, every election. Same cadre, same shtick.
It's like this continuous doom loop. It's exhausting. It's useless! Guys (grown men and women), your antics aren't going to make you less lonely, complete you, or make you whole. Offer solutions instead.
Those folks actually aren't the entire issue however, because I’m sure that most people routinely tune them out at this point.
There's yet another burgeoning practice however that is starting to make me and other citizens of this community - extremely uncomfortable -.
And it's an - extremely uncomfortable - subject to broach.
From the Cambridge Dictionary:
"RACE-BAITING: the act of intentionally encouraging racism or anger about issues relating to race, often to get a political advantage."
From the Britannica Dictionary:
"RACE-BAITING: the unfair use of statements about race to try to influence the actions or attitudes of a particular group of people."
Back to that deleted Google review. The business received a "1" rating, and there was mention of a campaign.
The candidate's RACE was not mentioned.
Yet, someone MADE it about race. "Racist attacks". "BLACK".
And this wasn't the first time that this person has thrown out unsubstantiated accusations of "racism".
It's an illegitimate, tacky, careless and ignorant way to conduct oneself. And it's destructive.
The entity that originally posted that Google review definitely isn't a good person.
There ARE plenty of good people in this community however that aren't appreciating the capricious way in which all these accusations are being flung out there, veiled or overtly, from all of these social media posts.
All of you -> rise above. DO BETTER.
Went to the first Jackson County assessment meeting in Lee's Summit last night, and let me tell you there were alot of upset people, especially the seniors.
I was told by the county official that the meeting will be broadcasted on YouTube starting this Friday. Just go to Youtube, Jackson County MO Tax Assessment meeting in Lee's Summit Mo.
Just a few highlights: When you turn 65 years old, the misconception that your real estate taxes will freeze at the current rate, Nope. 100% disabled, you don't have to pay taxes, Nope! One lady is 73 and paid 4500.00 more in real estate taxes in 2019. Just wait till she gets her 2023 taxes.
It all comes down to the Mo Legislators in Jeff City that people need to reach out to who has the power over the levies. The School district is our biggest problem, they keep raising the levies.
That is why I am not voting for any more school taxes!
Watch or go to the meetings, you will get an "eye opener"!
"There ARE plenty of good people in this community however that aren't appreciating the capricious way in which all these accusations are being flung out there, veiled or overtly, from all of these social media posts."
Yes. We're seeing this online as well. We've also recently witnessed this false claim eluding to "R" discrimination in an open Board of Aldermen meeting.
While, in our opinion, the BOA meetings are sometimes comically micro-managed, that false claim was met with radio silence. A basic policy against this behavior needs to be implemented. If a standard already exists, it needs to be enforced.
Casting a community in a negative light or making inappropriate allegations of that nature in order to achieve sympathy or to obtain a desired result is completely unacceptable.
It is very clear the ugly side of politics has come out in Raytown. Not really a surprise given the reputation of those who have weaponized Facebook, attack candidates publicly with false accusations, and glory in trying to take down neighborhoods with zoning changes that make absolutely no sense at all.
It has turned especially nasty in Raytown. There is not anything to be gained by "outing" the people who believe they are the kingmakers in Raytown. Do not let the let the hate speech they are spewing influence your vote.
If you look carefully you will see the Mayor and those under his control have targeted three candidates for office in Raytown.
Teresa Garza, Jim Aziere and Greg Walters are good people who have run clean campaigns. They have refused to jump into the swamp of dirty politics the Mayor and his cronies have put together in their attempt to gain complete control of the city council.
The Mayor and his cronies have also targeted Blue Ridge Boulevard and 53rd Street neighborhoods.
I would not want a convenience store that specializes in “discount smokes and alcohol” across the street my home.
Please, please, please, remember to vote for the good guys on the ballot on April 4th. Let’s keep Raytown safe. Vote for Teresa Garza, Jim Aziere and Greg Walters when you go to the polls.
To our readers . . . We have been experiencing some difficulty with the Raytown Report pages. It appears the Raytown Report may have been hacked!!! Imagine that.
We are working on the problem and hope to have it corrected soon.
Our apology for any inconvenience.
Greg Walters
We have some elected officials that need to grow up and that needs to start with our Mayor.
If we had a professional law firm representing our city they would be on like a fly is on droppings. The way the Mayor has allowed the majority of the board and his click from the audience to attack those on the board he doesn't like. Will cost us thousands should those Alderman do the right thing and sue for discrimination and creation of a hostel environment.
Not only could the city be found liable, but the individuals doing the attacking, and the individual attorney for not attempting to end the behavior.
Some might say so what as elected officials they signed up for this.
Who would sign up for anything where one's peers are allowed to attack them.
Think God nothing has became physically as it could result in additional law suits, criminal records, and maybe even police officers losses of their commissions. You know that little thing that allows them to work as police officers.
The bad thing is it is much worse. We have members of the board that have attended individuals that have come before the board and the mayor just seat with a gleam in his eye and the slightest forming grin.
It is not too late as physically violence as not yet occurred. I suggest we flood the news media, state and federal senators with concerns and the links to these dangers outburst in an effort to make Raytown safe for everyone.
The day the Mayor stopped by my house.
We have known each other for years and even had some classes together in the day.
He asked about placing a sign in my yard as I had let him in the past.
He was shocked when I said not this time and asked why.
Well first of all who is running against you?
I got was silence.
I said let's go out back and walk around.
I got a look of puzzled.
I told him the exercise would do him good.
We walked my entire back yard and once done I went and let my 4 Germany Shepherds out with us.
I smile and said you didn't step in any of their droppings did you. You didn't because I keep that stuff out of my yard, which is why you will not be putting a sign in my yard.
Now go in peace and please only stop by when you act like my classmate from back when people knew how to treat others with respect.
Sorry about the delay fixing the website -- we have it all straightened out now. Please feel free to comment on the news of the day.
I took a drive by the old Blue Ridge Nursery today. I can see why the people are upset. They have a nice, peaceful neighborhood. Why on earth is city hall pushing this? This does not make any sense! I would not wish a discount smoke and liquor store with a gas station on anyone's neighborhood. This type of project does not belong in a residential neighborhood. I also wondered why the city only has one official sign announcing a public hearing on a parcel of land close to 6 acres in size.
I hope the Planning and Zoning Commission can see what a mistake this would be for Raytown.
Thank you for the timely information on the upcoming election. It appears you are the only candidate who talks about things other than themself! My husband and I will be voting for you next Tuesday. Good Luck! We hope you win.
April 1, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact Information: Rtyncommaware@gmail.com
Raytown City Hall “Process” Revealed
Borderline Corrupt Politics as Usual
Just days before a General Municipal Election and a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, residents of Raytown, MO learned how Mayor Mike McDonough, City Administrator Damon Hodges and the rest of City hall have stacked the deck not only against the residents, but the Alderman elected to represent them.
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October 2022, an out of State Developer approaches city to rezone 5.29 residential property for a commercial development. For the ensuing months, the Mayor, Administrator and staff work together to develop a staff report regarding the proposal. The residents believe discussion between City Hall and the out of state developer started before October 2022. At no time were residents notified of discussions nor offered an opportunity to have their voice heard, yet the developer was.
January 24, 2023 the 20 neighbors living within 185 feet of said property are notified of a Developer Meeting at City Hall regarding the plans. The notice is required under Sec. 50-560.01 of the Raytown Municipal Code. The notice was dated January 17, 2023 only providing 7 days notice while this code requires two week notice.
A second meeting of the Developer was held by the developer. This time, March 21 after a notice dated March 10, but not mailed until March 15. Again, the developer failed to meet the requirements of the Raytown Municipal Code of a two week notification.
From January 24, 2023 through this day, the residents have contacted city hall asking for information and been stonewalled with every effort. The residents have called their elected Alderman only to be told the Alderman have no information and most have followed the City Hall directive to “Follow the Process”. The residents continue to meet and will have another meeting April 4, 2023 to continue plans to fight the Mayor, City Administrator, i.e. City Hall, demand better of the “Process”.
Fast forward – March 31, 2023, 5 months into the private process, perhaps longer, 139 pages of information on this proposed re-zoning is posted on the City of Raytown Website. This posting shows how extensive the staff of city hall has worked with the developer to ensure this development moves forward. Not one page of the information and staff recommendations contained was ever shared with nor allowed vetting of a single resident of Raytown, except the Mayor.
I am Voting NO on all school issues, they already get the bulk of my tax dollars but they always want more. Live within your means,,,,I have to.
I am glad to see the city is hiring additional police officers. We should have never let go of officers a few years ago. Many predicted that crime would rise dramatically, and did it ever! Like many of us here, I grew up in Raytown and have continued to live here for decades. I am GenX. I remember it being extremely rare to hear a gun shot. Now, it's literally DAILY and NIGHTLY. I am scared to go to QT on 350 after dark for fear of getting caught in crossfire or robbed. I'm afraid to go to HyVee as there's always someone scamming or panhandling, or getting robbed. The trash piling up in and around the CVS parking lot is largely from the homeless living behind there and behind Aldi and the auto parts place. How about Cave Springs? Nope. The last few times I was there, a car full of teens or young adults (all male) were just sitting in the car watching people and their vehicles while getting high. Another time a homeless man living in his car was just hanging out in car. I heard on the police scanner (KCPD which will also cover Cave Springs and assist in Raytown) a parks staff person found evidence of homeless living in there. Use the walking trails at Kenagy or Southwood Park? Insanity! All the guns shots going off in Raytown parks makes it impossible to enjoy what my tax dollars pay for. "See a suspicious person in your neighborhood? Call the non-emergency police number" only to NOT have them come out at all. We had some guy walking our street, no clipboard, no papers, no ID on a lanyard, coming up to houses that looked like someone wasn't home, looking into people's windows and garages and when confronted, he said he was selling magazines. Yet he had nothing to show what he was selling. When asked if he had a solicitor license, he said he didn't need one in KC. Dummy was in Raytown, not KC. We call the cops and they never came out and he took off towards KC.
Literally every time I go down 63rd street headed east, during school hours, there's someone speeding through the school zone. Raytown and the KC area has gone so far down hill. You can polish a turd but it's still a turd. Raytown school scores used to be excellent! Now they are awful. Go to TikTok and search for Raytown. Some of the things kids are doing today, while in school and getting away with is jaw dropping. Our plan is to move in no more than 7 years. I hope we can hang in there that long.
I think the article about how the zoning took place is interesting, but so what? Nobody bothered to run again McDonough. One race was tied - what's up with that- one incumbent lost and two incumbents won. McDonough will still have a majority on the Board. Nothing will change.
When one of my friends or relatives from other areas come to visit, they always say the same thing. "This looks like a nice enough town, if only you had a few more smoke shops, dollar stores, liquor stores." This is a sign of decay. Based on what I've been told by police, these types of businesses attract criminals. Everyone's rights must be respected, but that can't become a one way street. Good citizens have rights also. The person driving 80 mph on Raytown Road, is making a statement to the rest of us. They are making it clear- our rights and our safety are not worthy of their consideration. These outlaws are making a conscious effort to rip up the social fabric that allows for civilization. Good citizens begin to believe that their safety is in jeopardy. They move to places that they believe will be more safe. It really doesn't whether they're right about that or not, they're gone, and so is their spending money and their tax dollars. Maybe there's nothing that can be done. But if the effort isn't made, we'll not find out. If we want to make the effort to improve, a good place to start is to stop catering to businesses that attract criminals. Another convenience store will not create revenue, it will cost.
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