We consider Raytown a dog friendly city and would recommend it for pet owners.

There are two city alderman positions in each Ward. An Astrisk by a name means that alderman is not up for re-election in Spring 2011. Lines have been drawn to differentiate those who are running in the election from those who are not up for election this year.

Mayor

David Bower -- Opposes BSL.  Has the support of Barb Schlapia and several other high-profile groups, including 5 other former mayors, the firefighters and even one of his competitors in the 2007 elections.  

Anwar Khan -- No information at this time.

Ward I 

*Shane Par-Due - Is an owner of a Cocker Spaniel.  In conversations with Shane, he has consistently said that he is against any type of breed-specific legislation. He supports the current breed neutral ordinance that seems to be working well for the citizens of Raytown.  Supports the idea of creating a no-kill Kansas City, and for looking for ways of promoting adoptions and avoiding policies that restrict adoptions in the future. Also would be supporting of some restrictions on tethering.

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Joe Creamer -- Joe is a current owner of three rescue dogs and a former owner of a 'pit bull' type dog. Joe likes the current Raytown ordinance and "can't say strongly enough" that he opposes any type of breed specific legislation. He knows and has good relationships with many great rescue people in the community. He would love to see more city support for adoptions and other no-kill initiatives. 

Greg Walters -- Walters was the ring leader of the attempt to pass BSL in Raytown. Started the ordinance with about 10 breeds of dog (then denied it later) and then stated he just wanted to ban pit bulls to "solve a promblem before it becomes one". We have been told that he is denying ever supporting any form of BSL- which is simply not true.

Ward II

*Jim Hamilton -- Attended our BSL informational meeting and voted against BSL.  Had a clear understanding of the real issues at hand.

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Jim Aziere  --Incumbant. Voted against breed specific legislation and has actually started some action against BSL at the state level. His methods are a little quirky at times, but is supportive of responsible legislation. 

Robbie Tubbs -- We have heard that he was allegedly convinced to run by Greg Walters.  No other information at this time.

John Jacob  - Mr. Jacob sent us a nice email detailing his stances against breed specific legislation and the need to focus on owners ("Keepers" in his terms).  As a former Rottweiler owner, he understands that regardles of reputation, the realizes that dogs are what their owners make of them and that things like breed bans only deny animals and keepers from positive relationships.

Ward III

*Christine White -- Stance unknown. 

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Charlotte Melson -- Incumbant. Voted against BSL in November 2006. 

Duane Basham -- No information at this time

Ward IV - 
*Bill Van Buskirk - Has been vocally in favor of a ban on pit bulls.

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*Pat Ertz -- Has the endorsement of Barb Schlapia and she says "he would never have been a part of the BSL debate and believes in adequte restraint of all dogs".  Her word is good enough for us! 

Michelle Williams -- no information available

Ward V - no current info on this ward at this time

Steve Mock - Stance Unknown

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Michael Lightfoot - Stance Unknown

Patrick J. Riehle  -- Called pit bulls the "dog du jour" for irresponsible owners, voted against BSL in November 2006.  Riehle wins in 2007! 

Sue Frank -- Mayor Frank "gets it" and is truly the type of public servant we need more of.  We love her.  Asks great questions of people with opposing viewpoints and is respectful for all.  Seeks fairness in all laws.Â

 

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Jodi Smith  -- Voted against BSL in November 2006.

 

Barb Schlapia -- Ms. Schlapia was the lone descenting voice against BSL in the committee that brought forth their dangerous dog ordinance.  She went toe-to-toe with Walters on every front and was vocal and knowledgeable about the facts when it came to BSL and other animal welfare issues.  She was good at keeping us up to date with what was going on in the committee and wrote one of the best letters ever to the Raytown Tribune

 Marilyn Fleming -- Voted against BSL in November 2006.

Sandy Hartwell  - We're not sure if Hartwell has had an original thought yet.  Throughout committee meetings and council discussion of the dangerous dog ordinance, Ms. Hartwell pretty much just echoed Walter's thoughts throughout.  Voted in favor of BSL on several occassions throughout the committee process and at full council.  We're very concerned she will bring more bad legislation to the table.