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
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| BY GREG WALTERS |
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 OFFICEApril 8, 2025 General Municipal Election
Municipal Judge - 4 year term expiring April 2029Traci Fann
Alderman Ward I - 4 year term expiring April 2029Theresa TushDemonte Rochester
Alderman Ward II - 4 year term expiring April 2029Loretha Hayden
Alderman Ward III - 4 year term expiring April 2029Morris MelloyRyan Myers
Alderman Ward IV - 4 year term expiring April 2029Josh MoralesWilliam E. (Bill) Van Buskirk
Alderman Ward V - 4 year term expiring April 2029Bonnaye Mims
The Hat in the Ring ClubMerriam-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.
10 comments:
Thank you for your story about the upcoming election. No doubt you probably ruffled some feathers at city hall. Nothing wrong with that. This is OUR city. City Hall has been run like a private club for way too long. It is time we brought some new representatives to the table.
It is that time of the year that we need to celebrate kindness and love towards others.
I know I am thankful for all the keyboard warriors who in their own way do their part to keep us all informed.
Hey December 5th. Do you plan on running?
Many events were recognized over this past year, but once again the city our city official who loves to celebrate events from veterans to first responders. However, the city has not taken the time to celebrate Pride Month. Maybe our keyboard warrior doesn't understand the slap in the face to those that are tied to city hall let alone citizens who are part of this subset of individuals within our city. Maybe the powers that be at city hall don't understand love is love. The worse part is this is a sure sign of decriminalization, yet out outstanding city council has failed to point this out. Does she not understand that makes her part of the problem and could be named as an individual participating in the disgraceful discrimination. I just hope before we are getting less city services as a result of higher insurance costs related to the fallout failure of unacceptable behavior by the leadership in Raytown that someone pulls their heads out of the sand and realizes we are living in 2024. However, I will not hold my breath as in Raytown you just can't fix stupid.
The only unskilled workers are politicians.
Ever since I received the tax bill for my home I have been asking alot of questions as to why it is so high. Most people laugh at me and say where have you been have all over the news is who Jackson County appraisal process. Who doesn't know about this I promptly respond. This has been the trend of conversations. I got a call tonight, and was told to look at the amount from the school district for the last two years. They were correct major increase. What really shocked me is learning the school district spent 1 million dollars for a wall that drops out of the ceiling to hide the bleachers in the gym. I cannot speak for others in Raytown, but there is no justification to waste taxpayers money on something like this. I would like have the supperaintend explain how that increases teacher retention and classroom scores.
We need a whole new school board.
If you look at the lawsuits against the district tied to the safety of students and staff you would be shocked.
We have given and given every time they have asked for money for the board to manage the city like a third world country.
No surprise the reports of fights and guns we have seen in the last year.
We don't even want to talk about state scores.
A new board would be better than state control.
I am glad to see Morris has filed for Alderman. I remember last year when the Mayor and most of his Board of Aldermen changed the zoning in our neighborhood at 53rd and Blue Ridge Boulevard. They did this after the Planning and Zoning Commission voted down the proposal!
Here we are, more than a year later, and the property has not been touched. I wonder if City Hall has figured it out. Raytown does not need any more retail liquor store outlets. Every time the Mayor and Board approve one of these licenses it hurts our neighborhoods and quality of life in Raytown.
We definitely need a change at City Hall. Find out how your Alderman voted on rezoning our residential neighborhood to commercial. If they vote "yes" they do not have your best interest in mind.
Morris, I live in Ward 3. You definitely have my vote!
Against the wishes of us, his constituents, the boy wonder voted for another Raytown liquor store. For that and other reasons, Mr. Melloy has my full support.
Raytown Newbie
Ryan Myers could not have passed the zoning change allowing a gas station and liquor store at 53rd and Blue Ridge Boulevard by himself.
Remember those City Council members who voted with him! IAN SCOTT, LORETHA HAYDEN, JANET EMERSON, BILL Van BUSKIRK, BONNAYE MIMS, DIANE KRIZEK.
The following City Council members voted no. GREG WALTERS, JIM AZIERE, THERESA GARZA.
All five of the candidates up for election next April chose to side with Ryan Myers and voted for the zoning change at 53rd and Blue Ridge.
Paybacks can be hell.
We need a clean sweep at city hall. Help retire every one of those members who turned their back Raytown by voting every one of them out office.
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