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Proposed USE Tax = Mail order and Internet Sales TAX

The proposed “Use Tax” is a tax on items you order shipped to you. I found it hard to find any information about the specifics, so I did a little research and found a copy in the Board of Aldermen packet for Aug. 17th and will include it in this post. 

The city does need more income. This may help. I would suggest that more effort also be placed in getting real valuations for many business properties, especially on the 350 highway. 

I assume that this will mirror Missouri in not taxing prescription medicine, but will tax food. Missouri being one of the few states that does not exclude food from sales tax, but does exempt drugs if they are prescription. 


CITY OF RAYTOWN Request for Board Action​​ 

Date: August 12, 2021 Bill No.: 6579-21 To: Mayor and Board of Aldermen Section No.: III-A-9 From: Damon Hodges, City Administrator​​ 

Department Head Approval:​​ 

Finance Director Approval: ​​​​ ________________________​​ (only id funding is requested)

City Administrator Approval:​​ 

Action Requested:​​ Request approval of ordinance to authorize a question regarding a use tax to be placed on the November 2, 2021 ballot.

Recommendation:​​ Approve the Ordinance.

Analysis:​​ Pursuant to the authority granted by the provision of Sections 144.060 through

144.761 RSMo., the City of Raytown is authorized to ask voters to approve a use tax.

A use tax applies to purchases from out-of-state retailers. Currently, someone making local purchases pays the City’s sales tax rate of 2.50% on every purchase (1% General Fund, .50% Transportation Fund, .375% Capital Fund, .50% Public Safety Fund .125% Park Fund). ​​​​ The City currently does not have a voter approved use tax; therefore, any items purchased from a business located outside of Missouri does not require the business to collect and remit the local sales tax.

Adoption of a use tax would require that the same tax rate is charged on items purchased locally or online.

The City of Raytown took similar steps in August 2016, when voters were asked to consider an initiative dealing with out-of-state motor vehicle sales, trailers, boats, outboard motors and RV’s. Voters approved the continuation of the tax by 72%.

The Missouri Municipal League in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Revenue, has completed an extensive analysis regarding the potential revenue being lost across the State in those cities that do not have a use tax. A use tax would generate an estimated $400,000.00 annually, dependent on the City’s gross receipts.

Alternatives:​​ Failure to adopt this ordinance would leave the City without the funds.

Budgetary Impact:​​ 

Not Applicable

\\EDGE\administration\Board​​ of Aldermen Meetings\AGENDAS-BOARD OF ALDERMEN\Agendas 2021\08-17-2021\Ord Use Tax 2021 RBA.doc

BILL NO. 6579-21 ORDINANCE NO.​​ _______ SECTION NO. III-A-9​​ 

AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A USE TAX AT THE RATE OF TWO AND ONE-HALF PERCENT (2.5%) FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF STORING, USING, OR CONSUMING WITHIN THE CITY ANY ARTICLE OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY AND SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF SECTIONS 144.600 THROUGH​​ 

144.761 RSMO; PROVIDING FOR THE USE TAX TO BE REPEALED, REDUCED OR RAISED IN THE SAME AMOUNT AS ANY CITY SALES TAX IS REPEALED, REDUCED, OR RAISED; AND PROVIDING FOR SUBMISSION OF THE PROPOSAL TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY FOR THEIR APPROVAL AT THE GENERAL ELECTION CALLED AND TO BE HELD IN THE CITY ON NOVEMBER 2, 2021, AND PROPOSING THE FORM OF THE BALLOTS TO BE EMPLOYED AT SAID ELECTION AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO DO ALL THINGS CALLED FOR BY LAW IN CONNECTION WITH THE HOLDING OF SAID ELECTION​​ 

WHEREAS, the City has imposed local sales taxes, as defined in Section 32.085 RSMo., at the rate of 2.50%; and,

WHEREAS, the City is authorized, under Section 144.757 RSMo., to impose a local use tax at a rate equal to the rate of the local sales taxes in effect in the City; and,

WHEREAS, the proposed City use tax cannot become effective until approved by the voters at a municipal, county or state general, primary, or special election; and,

WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen of the City of Raytown, Missouri, has determined it would be in the best interests of the City of Raytown, Missouri to impose a use tax;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:​​ 

SECTION 1 – SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS. Pursuant to the authority granted by, and subject to, the provisions of Sections 144.600 through 144.761 RSMo., a use tax is imposed for the privilege of storing, using or consuming within the City any article of tangible personal property. This tax does not apply with respect to the storage, use or consumption of any article of tangible personal property purchased, produced or manufactured outside this State until the transportation of the article has finally come to rest within this City or until the article has become commingled with the general mass of property of this City.

SECTION 2 – RATE IMPOSED.​​ The rate of the tax shall be two and one-half percent (2.50%). If any City sale tax is repealed or the rate thereof is reduced or raised by voter approval, the City use tax rate also shall be deemed to be repealed, reduced or raised by the same action repealing, reducing, or raising the city sales tax.

SECTION 3 – BALLOT FORM.​​ This tax shall be submitted to the qualified voters of Raytown, Missouri, for their approval, as required by the provisions of Section 144.757 RSMo., at the General Election hereby called and to be held on the 2nd​​ of November, 2021. The ballot of submission shall contain substantially the following language:

BILL NO. 6579-21 ORDINANCE NO.​​ _______ SECTION NO. III-A-9​​ 

FOR GENERAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021

“Shall the City of Raytown impose a local use tax at the same rate as the total

local sales tax rate, provided that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by

voter approval, the local use tax rate shall also be reduced or raised by the same

action?”

¨​​ YES​​ ¨​​ NO

INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS

If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “Yes”. If you are

opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “No”.

SECTION 4 – ADMINISTRATION. That any sales tax imposed pursuant to this ordinance shall be computed, imposed, reported, administered, collected, enforced and shall operate in all respects in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri and upon such forms and under such administrative rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Director of Revenue, any provision of this ordinance notwithstanding.

SECTION 5 – NOTIFICATION OF DIRECTOR OF REVENUE. Within ten (10) days after the approval of this ordinance by the qualified voters of Raytown, Missouri, the City Clerk shall forward to the Director of Revenue of the State of Missouri by United States Registered Mail or Certified Mail, a certified copy of this ordinance together with certifications of the election returns and accompanied by a map of the City clearly showing the boundaries thereof.

SECTION 6 – EFFECTIVE DATE OF TAX. That any sales tax imposed pursuant to this ordinance shall be effective on the first day of the applicable calendar quarter after the director of revenue receives notice of the adoption of the sales tax.

SECTION 7 – REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT. All ordinances or part of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.

SECTION 8 – SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any provision hereof is declared invalid, unconstitutional or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance.

SECTION 9 – EFFECTIVE DATE.​​ This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.

BILL NO. 6579-21 ORDINANCE NO.​​ _______ SECTION NO. III-A-9​​ 

BE IT REMEMBERED​​ that the above was read two times by heading only,​​ PASSED AND ADOPTED​​ by a majority of the Board of Aldermen and​​ APPROVED​​ by the Mayor of the City of Raytown, Jackson County, Missouri, 17th​​ day of August, 2021.

________________________________

Michael McDonough, Mayor

ATTEST:

____________________________

Teresa M. Henry, City Clerk

Approved as to Form:

________________________________

Jennifer M. Baird, City Attorney

Video of Rock Island Trail as it was 4 years ago.

Rock Island Trail nearing completion

Check out KCTV5’s article on the Rock Island Trail through Raytown by clicking HERE.

 

Raytown April 6th Election Endorsements

City and school district elections often times has more real effects on our lives than any other political elections. 

There are two contested races for a seat on the Raytown Board of Aldermen and two of the candidates stand out as being thoughtful and stable in nature. 

For Ward I: Ian Scott

For Ward II: Loretha  Hayden

The contrast between Mr. Scott’s performance and that of his opponents in the League of Women Votes forum was sharp and revealing. 

Ms. Hayden’s work in the community and business experience reflect the experience that would be a valuable addition to the Board of Aldermen. Her opponent’s most recent mailing of “Veterans in support of” with purposely blurred faces is in short just bizzarre. 

For Raytown School Board: Alonzo Burton’s record of professionalism and energy has been a welcome addition and he has earned another term. 

Michael N. Downing
Editor of Raytown Online

Important COVID NEWS from MARC

Help slow the spread of COVID-19 and preserve hospital capacity

Public health departments have been working with our metro’s hospital systems in strong collaboration since COVID-19 entered our region. We have appreciated this partnership which is imperative for a safe and health community.

Today we heard several concerns voiced from our region’s hospital Chief Medical Officers. Due to COVID-19, our hospitals are at a critical juncture between concern and crisis.

“Bed capacity is a significant concern. Hospitals reported becoming aware recently that the hospital data available regarding bed capacity and utilization is not aligning with what hospital staff see in their wards and units every day. We were pleased to hear they will be working hard to remedy that and provide more usable, real world data about the availability of staffed beds that can be used for COVID-19 patients to help health departments and elected officials make recommendations and decisions to protect our community” states Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

Hospital infection control is at an all-time high and hospitals are protecting staff and patients from COVID-19 spread in their facilities. However, the growing level of community spread is also impacting bed capacity by reducing staff availability due to staff being exposed to COVID-19 out in the community.

Hospitals are growing increasingly concerned about having to delay procedures, treatments and surgeries for patients who truly need them. Delayed or deferred care can create bad outcomes for patients, their families and the community.

The public plays an important role in slowing down our region’s current widespread transmission of COVID-19. It is more imperative than ever to:

  • Wear masks.
  • Physically distance (6 feet or more) from others you don’t live with.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Avoid crowded indoor gatherings at homes, restaurants, bars and other event venues where transmission is more likely to occur.
  • Practice good hand hygiene.

Taking this information seriously is something each member of our community can do to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and ease the pressure on our region’s hospitals.

###

For the complete article, click below

http://www.marc2.org/htmlemail/PublicHealth/COVID-19_hospital-capacity.htm

Polling locations for Nov. 2020 election in Raytown

Prec. 

1,2,3,4 Raytown Central Middle School 10601 E 59th St

5,7       Our Lady of Lourdes Church 7045 Blue Ridge Blvd

6,10      Raytown City Hall 10000 E 59th St

8          Connection Point at First Baptist Church 10500 E State Route 350

9 **      Laurel Hills Elementary 5401 Lane Ave

11,15    Raytown South Middle School 8401 E 83rd St

12,13,14 *** Raytown South High School 8211 Sterling Ave

16         Southwood Church of the Nazarene 8201 Raytown Rd

17 ***    Raytown South High School 8211 Sterling Ave

18         Southwood United Church of Christ 7904 Raytown Rd

19 ***   Raytown South High School 8211 Sterling Ave

20 **     Laurel Hills Elementary 5401 Lane Ave

 

Below is a precinct map of Raytown for those who do not know which precinct they live in. It also should be on the card you got from the election board. 

Music Night Patriotic Sing-along Tonight 6:30 pm Church Parking lot

MCPL Summer Library Program Kicks Off May 26

MCPL Summer Library Program Kicks Off May 26 

“Imagine Your Story” During 2020 Summer Library Program for Kids, Teens, & Adults 

Greater Kansas City, MO – Mid-Continent Public Library is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its annual Summer Library Program, which encourages children to remain intellectually engaged while they are out of the classroom. From May 26 through July 31, participating kids and teens can earn free books and win great prizes by reading, attending virtual Library programs, and taking part in educational activities at home. Adults can also get in on the fun by modeling good reading behaviors.

This year’s theme, “Imagine Your Story,” invites participants to use their imaginations to explore new places and stories, allowing them to discover new worlds and perhaps gain inspiration for the future!

“Everyone knows that reading is important for growth and development, but stories can also serve in an aspirational capacity, showing kids different kinds of people and places that perhaps they could one day be a part of,” said Haley Lefholz, Youth Services Librarian at MCPL. “Whether their dream is to become a superhero or a super doctor, reading allows children to utilize their imaginations and explore new ideas.”

As in previous years, Summer Library Program participants can also win special prizes from the Library’s community partners, including the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Symphony, and Science City. Participants who earn 1,000 points will also have the choice of another free book or a free t-shirt from Big Frog Custom T-Shirts. Kids and teens can earn points by:

  1. READING! (Reading is required to complete the program.)
  2. Completing fun, age-appropriate, educational activities at home (A complete list of learning activities is available online.)
  3. Attending virtual programs on the Library’s MCPL360 Facebook page 

While the Library’s branches remain closed to the public, participants are encouraged to use MCPL’s new curbside service to obtain physical reading materials, or to access digital materials through the Library’s website.

To find out more about Mid-Continent Public Library’s 2020 Summer Library Program, including instructions on how to enroll and participate, visit mymcpl.org/Dream.

Fresh Fruit (and Nuts) Friday at Sutherlands

Election Nov. 5th 2019

SAMPLE BALLOT
CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI
SPECIAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019
QUESTION 1
Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri continue to impose an existing sales tax at a rate of one-eighth (1/8) of one percent for the purpose of funding Local Parks/Storm Water Control within the City for a term of five (5) years? The monies received from the Local Parks/Storm Water Control sales tax shall be distributed with Local Parks receiving seventy-five percent (75%) and Storm Water Control receiving twenty-five percent (25%) for their respective functions.
YES
NO

Kansas City woman caught on video slashing on police cars in police parking lot after she was arrested the day before.

Eunice Fisher slashed the  tires on eight police vehicles in the  Raytown Police Department parking lot the day after her arrest on another matter.

Video tape of her in the act led to a quick arrest. 

For more on this click HERE for KCTV5 coverage of this story.

Man Barricades Himself After Shooting

On Sunday afternoon, 10-13-19, at about 1:13pm, Raytown Police responded to a residence in the 8800 block of East 85th Street, after receiving a call of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found one gunshot victim deceased at the residence. The victim had been shot outside the residence by a known suspect, who ran to the area of 8500 block of Kentucky and barricaded himself inside his residence. Police are currently on the scene at that residences attempting to make contact with the suspect.

UPDATE

The suspect is in custody but has not been charged at this time. Detectives are continuing to investigate.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

 

State Rep. Jerome Barnes Town Hall Meeting part 2 Medical Marijuana

This meeting took place months ago, and I am sorry it took me so long to recover it. The information is still valid and hopefully of interest to the readers.

Car Show in July

RAYTOWN C-2 SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY

The Raytown C-2 School District announces a Board of Education vacancy. Residents who wish to be appointed to the vacancy shall apply at the superintendent’s office located at 6608 Raytown Rd., Raytown, MO. Applications will be accepted until June 24, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. The appointee will serve until the next school board election, when a director shall be elected for the unexpired term. For more information, contact Rachel Johnston, Board Secretary, at 816-268-7008.

Click HERE for District policy PDF on vacancies.

Click HERE for a PDF of the application form to fill vacancy.

Raytown Garden Club Annual PLANT & BAKE SALE Saturday, April 27, 2019

Raytown Garden Club Annual PLANT & BAKE SALE Saturday, April 27, 2019

Cave Springs Interpretative Center, 8701 East Gregory Boulevard, Raytown, MO 64133

Our sale features a wide variety of locally grown annuals, perennials, and vegetables, as well as yummy home-baked goodies! Our plants are known for being healthy and hardy!  We will have bulbs, bare-root plants, 4- and 6-paks, and potted 3″ to 8″ plants, as well as trees and shrubs.  All plants will be clearly marked with plant name, annual or perennial, shade or sun growing conditions, and price.  Our knowledgeable members will be on hand to answer any questions and offer advice, and since these plants are grown here, you know they will thrive in our local growing conditions!  Come early for best selection!  We will be under the Pavilion at Cave Springs Park Interpretive Center; Rain or shine!

CONTACT: Raytown Garden Club, Mary Monnin, President, phone: 816-356-9453; email ourzoo52@keri-brewstergmail-com




RGC donated to Shepherds Center

Election results for April 2019

CITY OF RAYTOWN MAYOR
Candidate Name Total Votes Percentage
MICHAEL MCDONOUGH 2,316 59.63%
TONY JACOB 1,550 39.91%
WRITE-IN 18 0.46%

RAYTOWN ALDERMAN WARD 1
JOE CREAMER 250 35.06%
JOSH BENNETT 118 16.55%
GREG WALTERS 297 41.65%
QUENTIN J. BROWN 45 6.31%
WRITE-IN 3 0.42%

RAYTOWN ALDERMAN WARD 2
JIM AZIERE 434 50.00%
LORETHA HAYDEN 431 49.65%
WRITE-IN 3 0.35%

RAYTOWN ALDERMAN WARD 3
JANET EMERSON 436 65.07%
JEREMY UTTERBACK 114 17.01%
OTIS TAYLOR III 116 17.31%
WRITE-IN 4 0.60%

RAYTOWN ALDERMAN WARD 4
BOB COCHRAN 400 45.51%
MARY JANE VAN BUSKIRK 475 54.04%
WRITE-IN 4 0.46%

RAYTOWN ALDERMAN WARD 5
DEREK A. WARD 582 98.98%
WRITE-IN 6 1.02%

RAYTOWN CITY COLLECTOR
KATHIE SCHUTTE 3,173 98.63%
WRITE-IN 44 1.37%

CITY OF RAYTOWN QUESTION Appointed Police Chief
\YES 2,724 71.87%
NO 1,066 28.13%

State Rep. Jerome Barnes Town Hall Meeting part 1

Real ID, Car Tags, and Taxes

Part 2 topic : Medical Marijuana

Bobbie Saulsberry for Raytown School Board

Missing Adult Kenneth Cornwell

Who: Kenneth Cornwell Jr, white male, blue eyes, 6’, 240 lbs
Last contact with family: on 1/15/19

Mr. Cornwell was last seen by family on Tuesday, January 15th in the 8900 block of E 67th St, Raytown. They have been unable to make contact with him since.

He was last seen driving a green 2000 Kia Spectre, MO/SR0G3L. The vehicle has a dog paw sticker on the back window and a blue ribbon on the antenna.

We have no reason to believe that Mr. Cornwell is in immediate danger or that foul play is involved. Police only need to speak with Mr. Cornwell to verify his safety

If you have any information about Kenneth’s whereabouts, please call 816-737-6020.

Raytown Police Chief Jim Lynch Announces Retirement

After 43 years of service with the Raytown Police Department, Raytown Chief of Police James B. Lynch announced that he will retire on February 14, 2019. Chief Lynch is grateful for the unwavering support of the residents and businesses of Raytown. “I would like to thank the Raytown community for their continued support through the years, of not just me, but the men and women of the Raytown Police Department,” Chief Lynch said. “I have lived in Raytown for decades and have raised my children here. I am grateful to be part of the Raytown community and to the people of Raytown, I say thank you for allowing me to serve you.”

Though leaving a law enforcement career can be difficult, especially after so many years, Chief Lynch is grateful. “Law enforcement is one of the most rewarding careers,” Chief Lynch said, “and I am glad to have been able to be a part of it. I am thankful for the personal and professional relationships that were made along the way. I am honored to have served with the finest men and women in law enforcement and wish them well in upholding that professional service.”

Chief Lynch started his career with the Raytown, Missouri Police Department in 1975 as a Patrol Officer. Chief Lynch was selected for the Traffic Unit in 1978. In 1983 he was promoted to the rank of Detective, where he was assigned a variety of cases and served as a member of the Metro Squad, investigating major cases in the Kansas City Metro area. During that time period, Chief Lynch completed his Bachelors’ Degree at Avila University, earning a degree in Criminal Justice. Chief Lynch, in 1988, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and 1991, he was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant. While in that assignment, he was the Lead Officer in several Metro Squad homicide investigations, supervising Detectives from several agencies.

In August 1996, he left full-time employment with the Police Department, going to work for General Accident Insurance Company as a Special Investigator. During his employment with General Accident Insurance, from August 1996 until April 2001, Chief Lynch maintained his relationship with the Raytown Police Department, as a Reserve Sergeant. Chief Jim Lynch was elected to his current position in April 2001. He has served as Chief of Police since then.

By April of 2002, Chief Lynch accomplished one of his goals, by having the members of the Police Department trained through the Community Oriented Policing Institute, in community policing practices. He also collaborated with the Department of Justice, the Kansas City Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P., members of the Raytown Human Relations Committee, and Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, to build a lasting relationship between Raytown’s diverse community and the Police Department.

Chief Lynch has been involved in many community groups in the Metro Kansas City Area, including Raytown Emergency Assistance Program, (R.E.A.P.), Hope House, Shepherd’s Center and the Kansas City Crime Commission.

Chief Lynch has been honored with receiving many awards throughout his career. Among these, are the Raytown Police Department’s, Award for Officer of the Year, the 2009 Diversity Advocate in Law Enforcement from the Olathe Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P., and the 2011 Clarence Kelley Award for Excellence in Criminal Justice Administration.

April Election Candidates

On April 2nd of 2019 there will be an election for Raytown, Raytown School District, Raytown Fire District and Jackson County water District #2. Filing for these elected positions closed on Jan. 15th.

City of Raytown
10000 E 59th St, Raytown

Alderman Ward I – 4 year term expiring April 2023
Joe Creamer
Josh Bennett
Greg Walters
Quentin J. Brown

Alderman Ward II – 4 year term expiring April 2023
Jim Aziere
Loretha Hayden

Alderman Ward III – 4 year term expiring April 2023
Janet Emerson
Jeremy Utterback
Otis Taylor III

Alderman Ward IV – 4 year term expiring April 2023
Bob Cochran
Mary Jane Van Buskirk

Alderman Ward V – 4 year term expiring April 2023
Derek Ward

City Collector – 2 year term expiring April 2021
Kathie Schutte

Mayor – 4 year term expiring April 2023
Michael McDonough
Tony Jacob

Raytown C2 School District
 6608 Raytown Rd., Raytown

Two positions are open

Bobbie Saulsberry (incubant)
LaShonda Orkes
Rick Thode

Raytown Fire District
6020 Raytown Trafficway, Raytown

Barb Schlapia

Jackson County Water District #2
6945 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown

Sub district 3 Fred Hartwell
Sub district 5 Jimmie McClanahan

November 2018 Sample Ballot and editorial

CLick Here for PDF version of ballot

This ballot is huge and I will attempt to shed light on what the elements are.

Constitutional Amendments 2, 3 and Proposition C all legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. What is not obvious is that amendment 3 sets up a monopoly for those that got it on the ballot. If you are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana, I strongly suggest a YES on 2 and a no on 3.  There is nothing wrong with Proposition C, but I feel that Amendment 2 is better.

Constitutional Amendment 4,  is simple and self explanatory.

Proposition B raises the minimum wage a small amount each year until it eventually gets to $12 an hour. Nothing tricky and I personally support it.

Proposition D would raise the motor fuel tax to pay for roads and bridges. It would also help fund the Highway Patrol.  I strongly support this proposition. Missouri has had the same fixed amount of fuel tax since 1992. Gasoline may have tripled, paving cost may have tripled, but funding has stayed constant for over 25 years. We need to fix our roads and bridges.

The last 7 items on the ballot are all about changing the Jackson County Charter.  They all are extensive and the ballot fails to reflect all the changes they entail. I will try to post the complete text of the 7 changes in my next post.  These changes have united an unusual mixture of partisan, not partisan, business, and community groups in OPPOSITION to the changes. It is very seldom that I have seen the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Democratic Committee unite on political questions. These 7 items will decrease the power of the County Executive and increase the power of the County Legislators. It will give the Legislators about a 100% pay and pensions increase. The increase is hidden by basing it on a judges salary instead of a named amount. Question 7 bars any federal. state. or municipal elected official from running for county office. So the legislature wants to ensure that any State Legislator that is term limited out of office cannot run for the county legislature.

This is an attempt to increase power and pay by hiding it in with elements on the front of each proposal that may be more popular. A more honest approach would be to not group elements together, let each stand on its own merit and state openly how much of a pay and pension increase the legislators want.

Please vote NO on Jackson County Questions 1 through  7.

 

Shooting Leaves One Wounded, Three Arrested

At about 8:25 PM Wednesday (January 17, 2018) Raytown Officers were called to the Valero Corner Store, 6509 Raytown Road, regarding a shooting in progress. Moments after the call was received, a vehicle arrived at police headquarters, 10000 E. 59 Street, which was occupied by an adult female passenger that had been shot at least twice. EMS was summoned while other officers, on patrol and those working an off-duty job, responded to the store. Officers there subsequently arrested two adult males, relating to the shooting. The woman was transported to an area hospital where she was listed in critical condition. The adult male that drove the female to police headquarters was also taken into custody relating to the incident at the store.

There were no other injuries reported and the investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information on this or any other crimes please contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).