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EDITOR'S NOTE: We received the following article from Morris Melloy. Mr. Melloy publishes a Facebook page named Raytown Community Awareness. Mr. Melloy has also filed for an open seat on the Raytown Board of Aldermen. His opponent is Ryan Myers.

In the past few years I’ve been involved with Raytown.  I’ve learned a few things.  What follows is what I remember.

BY MORRIS MELLOY

Only one alderman has introduced his/her own ordinance or proposal regarding Raytown. The Board under the Mayor's leadership seems more interested in a game of who gets to make a motion or a second on legislation created for them by City Staff. I am not stating what staff proposes is wrong, rather that most Aldermen seem to be complacent to the point that very few offer any legislation of their own on behalf of their constituents.   

That game needs to end and Aldermen need to think for the future of Raytown, beyond what  the city staff's goal of maintaining our community. Staff goals are important, but so is our city's future.  

So the filing for candidacy has started. I filed for Alderman in Ward 3, hope that there is enough interest in other Raytown residents who want to change the status quo at City Hall.  And, make Raytown the place we love and call home. Finally, provide a reason to appreciate our community.. 

I would encourage everyone reading this page to seriously consider filing for an open seat on the Raytown Board of Aldermen. We need action and representation of the citizens, persons with views of their own. Visions and ideas to address the issues of our community.

If you have ever considered running for Public Office. Now is the time to step forward and speak up for your neighbors and fellow Raytown residents. Our city needs new guidance that will put Raytown residents first. 

Morris Melloy

Candidate for Alderman, Ward 3

BY GREG WALTERS

Seven Candidates File for Alderman on the Opening Day of Filing

Seven candidates took the first step to being elected as Alderman to represent Raytowners on the City Council by filing for office on Tuesday, December 10th.

The candidates listed at the end of this narrative shows three of the incumbents have already drawn opposition to their seat on the Board of Aldermen. Two of the races listed have only one candidate filed.

"It's not unusual for potential candidates to sit back and observe what is happening in their particular ward before filing," said Richard Tush, President of the Raytown Democrat Club.

"Filing does not close until December 31st, so potential candidates have time to determine if they wish to jump into the race in their particular ward, continued Tush.

It is important to remember that Raytown City Races are a "winner take all election". The candidate with the most votes will win, even if their vote total reaches a plurality of votes cast.

Filing for office in Raytown closes on December 31, 2024. Interested candidates can find out the filing procedure by calling City Clerk Teresa Henry at 816 737 6000 (extension nine).

FILING FOR OFFICE

April 8, 2025 General Municipal Election

Municipal Judge - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Traci Fann

Alderman Ward I - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Theresa Tush

Demonte Rochester

Alderman Ward II - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Loretha Hayden

Alderman Ward III - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Morris Melloy

Ryan Myers

Alderman Ward IV - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Josh Morales

William E. (Bill) Van Buskirk

Alderman Ward V - 4 year term expiring April 2029

Bonnaye Mims

The Hat in the Ring Club

Merriam-Webster defines "Toss one's hat into the ring" as
An announcement that one is going to enter a contest, such as an election to public office.
FOR EXAMPLE: "A candidate has thrown his hat into the ring".

On November 19th we published a tutorial for anyone considering to run for election to the Raytown Board of Aldermen. It was our attempt to clear up any questions a novice candidate may have regarding how much the job pays, when the filing opens and closes, plus a Ward Map of the City showing the boundary lines of each Ward in Raytown. The story also gives a brief explanation of the protocol used by City Hall in conducting Raytown City Elections. 

Those who have not seen the story can scroll down to the November 19th edition of the Raytown Report immediately following this week's edition.

If we ruffled some feathers . . . I am so very sorry. We had hoped that the information would help clear the fog of confusion that can sometimes befuddle first time candidates for public office. After all, the incumbents are already know all the rules. 

This could be important news for those who hope to see their name as the first choice at the top of the ballot when voters come to cast their votes on April 8th.

Up to this point we have not discussed which five incumbent Aldermen are eligible to run for re-election on April 8, 2025.

No time better than the present! So here we go . . . 

One half of he Board of Aldermen (five seats) are up for election next April. Those candidates are listed below.

LIST OF INCUMBENT CANDIDATES UP FOR RE-ELECTION.

WARD 1        Ian Scott
WARD 2        Loretha Hayden
WARD 3        Ryan Myers
WARD 4        Bill VanBuskirk
WARD 5        Bonnaye Mims

Filing for Alderman opens December 10th and closes on December 31, 2025.

Next week we will take a look back of a number of the votes and issues those incumbents addressed in the past.

For any questions regarding the filing for a election to the Raytown City Board of Aldermen contact Richard Tush, President of the Raytown Democrat Association at 816-914-9423.