City officials were rude to citizens

Anyone watching the most recent Blue Springs City Council meeting might be wondering – Why such hostility?

I am referring to the way members of the council and the mayor treated John Welchert and Todd Farley. Mr. Welchert is a Blue Springs resident and member of the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District board of directors, and Mr. Farley is also a Blue Springs resident and an Assistant Chief with CJCFPD. These men were grilled with disrespect and questions that the council knew were outside the expertise of their field.

Councilman Fowler, in my opinion, purposefully attempted to misinform the audience and viewers with his question, to paraphrase, “...this would be a one time roll back on property taxes, right?” Councilman Fowler, I’m sure, has done his homework on the two questions the Fire District has on the Aug. 5 ballot, and surely is familiar with the issues. The fact of the matter is, were the 1/2 cent sales tax to pass, every dollar the district takes in sales tax wise has to be “rolled back” by 50 percent by way of property taxes.  Not once, but every year.

Councilman Solon expressed a need for “more cops on the streets.” They are constantly running calls, she says. Well, this did not happen overnight. Furthermore, if this were the case, why did the city forego a 1/2 cent sales tax for parks and recreation? Why not a police or public safety tax?

Mayor Ross posed a question to Chief Farley and framed it like some kind of ruling lord with, “I want a yes or no answer.” The problem is the mayor’s question, answered thoroughly and honestly, does not have a yes or no answer.

Councilmen Edmondson and Lauer were curiously instructed to “make it quick” when they chimed in, yet Fowler, Solon and Shaver did not receive the same words from the mayor when they spoke.

I was very disappointed in my city elected officials’ unprofessional tactics and disrespectful treatment of their own citizens. Finally, when another citizen approached the pulpit she was told as long as she had something different to say than what Welchert and Farley said she would be heard. The woman went on to express her absolute support of CJCFPD and commented that the organization was the best service she had ever witnessed.

I have not heard that of Blue Springs government. All of this is available for viewing on the city’s website via council meeting webcasting. See for yourself.

I urge everyone to support CJCFPD’s efforts to grow with the communities it serves.