Chuck Henss – Candidate for Alderman Ward 4

The Raytown Times article listed Chuck as John Henss and gave him only 20% of the space that was given his opponent and no photo. To balance the scales, Raytown Online will provide featured coverage.

I was born and raised in a small town on a family farm, one of thirteen children, where I learned the value of hard work and family. I am a husband, a father, and a grandfather. My wife and I have been married for 35 years. We raised two lovely daughters and have 5 beautiful grandchildren. My younger daughter is a wife and mother of 5. My son-in-law is journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 124. My older daughter owns and operates a small business (Mobile Menagerie) in Athens TX. When we retired, and work no longer determined where we lived, we chose Raytown for our home.

I graduated in 1971 with a degree in Education. My first position was in a small elementary/junior high school where I taught science and coached both boys and girls sports teams. In 1979, I was offered an opportunity for a career in telecommunications which led to a position at Sprint. I worked for Sprint for 25 years. The majority of that time was in the International Network division of Sprint, where I led a team of highly skilled network planners, building voice and data networks with our foreign partners throughout the globe. I traveled extensively, working with many different cultures and have come to appreciate what can be accomplished when people from diverse backgrounds work together for a common goal. Also in this position with Sprint, I was responsible for budget management, efficient management of resources to meet business goals, and, most importantly, was an advocate for the ideas and needs of my team to Senior Management.

I chose to run for Alderman to support Raytown and be an active member in the community where I live. Raytown became our community when I retired and my job no longer dictated where we live. There are many in Raytown who were born here and chose to stay here, and that is a good thing. In my case, I chose to move here, to live out my retirement years here, to make this my home, my community. A place where my grand-kids play with our neighbor’s kids, enjoy the city parks, especially Kenagy Park, and enjoy the local restaurants, especially Breakfast and Lunch Lovers, and the soda fountain at Fox’s Drugstore. My wife is a gardener, and because of our many moves, has never been able to see her gardens grow to be fully matured. She now has a garden that she will nurture and watch as it develops to its fullest potential. Although we were not born and raised here, this community is every bit as important to us as a lifelong resident.

I believe I have the determination and skills to represent the people of Ward 4. I pledge to be a voice for my constituents, and will be open to all views and concerns. I will support city services, ensure efficient use of tax revenue, attract both commercial and residential growth, treat all neighborhoods equally and with respect, and help make Raytown a destination that is known for its schools, local shops and restaurants, and a great place to call home.

POSITIIONS I WILL PROMOTE AS ALDERMAN

With your help, I would like to bring my skills and experience to the position of Alderman to help our community with the following goals:

• Treat all neighborhoods equally; keep our streets safe and clean; maintain all infrastructure including city parks; provide storm cleanup, and quality public services
• Improve public areas, especially on the 350 corridor to attract both commercial and residential growth
• Provide support to residents to meet codes, especially for the elderly
• Support Raytown School District, the cornerstone of the community
• I am a strong supporter of unions and will ensure unions are part of the bidding process for all construction and economic development in Raytown

 VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

I have talked with many of my constituents in the last few weeks and have listened to their issues and concerns. What bothers my constituents most is that they are being ignored by city government. Here is a list of issues my constituents want to see addressed:

• Street repair: many streets are in need of repair with problems ranging from pot holes, cracked curbing, and crumbling driveway access. Often, the problems are given temporary patches rather than a fix.
• Street clean-up: debris in the streets and curbs is accumulating in many neighborhoods. There was a time when street sweepers made occasional passes on the streets but this service is no longer being provided.
• Code enforcement: Most code violations are dealt with by sending a letter followed by a ticket for non-compliance. Citizens would appreciate personal contact with city officials so there can be a better understanding of why the property is in violation and the options to resolve the situation.
• Code enforcement and senior citizens: Senior citizens may require special treatment and financial assistance to deal with code violations. As alderman, I would propose the city provide this assistance.
• Code enforcement for bank owned properties: Often times, bank owned properties are left vacant for years and left to deteriorate and yards are neglected. Banks must be held accountable to the same codes.
• Tree clean-up: Many trees in the city are on city easements and should be the responsibility of the city to maintain, especially pruning of the dead branches. Often this falls on the property owner.
• Storm clean-up: The city should provide a service to clean up branches and debris after a storm. Many cities provide this service.
• Sidewalks and streetlights: Some neighborhoods do not have sidewalks and others are in need of repair. The same is true of streetlights.

All neighborhoods need to be treated equally in resolving these issues.