About Blue Springs

May 27. 2008 14:48

The way I understand it the funding source for the expansion and maintenance of our parks and recreation facilities that Ross rejected was approved unanimously by the city council and would only cost the tax payers 1/2 cent sales tax increase.  What most people do not realize is that part of this was the plans build a new outdoor water park facility for Blue Spring residence to use.

Our new mayors stance was there were going to be no tax increases on his watch.  That is a man that does not care about the growth and well being of Blue Springs and instead someone who is only interested in his future political career. If this is what we can expect over the next 4 years from our new mayor, then I hope everyone is will be happy to see the growth we have experienced the past 4 years under Mayor Steiner come to a screeching halt, and the only project completed are ones that are already underway and approved.

Blue Springs really needs the things proposed by the "Renew The Blue" (Upkeep of our parts, the new waterpark, etc) and new businesses to keep coming to Blue Springs to keep out city growing and be competive with surrounding cities.  From the looks of this, these things will not happen under Ross, and we will have to sit and watch as Lees Summit and Independence continue to improve there cities and attract new business, while we have a mayor who will make poor decisions based on his personal interested over the interest of Blue Springs.

As residence of Blue Springs we need to force this issue and over-turn our Mayors decision and get this on the ballot for the tax payers to decide.  This is to important of issue to be decided by a man that apparently has other motives for being mayor of Blue  Springs and has not interest in keeping Blue Springs a growing / properous community.

Shawn Mehaffie

May 28. 2008 01:14

I agree with Shawn.  I have talked with city council members, past mayors, city engineers, and dozens of Blue Springs residents.  We are tired of seeing rejections!!  I also have written letters, sent emails and helped arrange meetings with residents and the city council.  Did the mayor not hear the voices of these residents??  People are getting really sick of seeing Independence and Lee's Summit build a bright future for their residents, while Blue Springs is only deteriorating.  Blue Springs USED to be the now new Lee's Summit!  Everyone wanted to live in Blue Springs.  I have seen a LARGE increase in crime all over Blue Springs (including numerous robberies at the QT at Woods Chapel and Valley View, which used to NEVER occur - all of these robberies have taken place within weeks or months of each other just this year!).  The city council and mayors have bragged that Blue Springs has the lowest tax rate.  Well, I think most would agree that a new vote needs to be in order, and the word needs to get out about things such as the water park, road improvements, etc.  The only way I hear about them is through this newsletter that I happened to subscribe to.  Many residents do NOT get the newspaper or this newsletter, and I think door-to-door flyers need to be given out!  And FYI, I've been spending most of my money on Little Blue Parkway, which is in Independence, because the city refuses to let any improvements happen with Woods Chapel.  My money is being spent outside of Blue Springs, only because I don't want to drive clear across to the southeast side of Blue Springs to eat!!  There are so many projects that are overdue, and all I keep hearing is that the city doesn't have the money.  "RENEW THE BLUE" is not a proper theme for the city when so many residents are suffering.  The rejections need to stop!!!

Jennifer Zeller

June 7. 2008 12:09

I sure do agree with Shawn and Jennifer and I have again written to each of our council members and the mayor about putting the park issue on the ballot. It is such a shame that ONE person can keep a wonderful attraction added to Blue Springs. The entire council and the outstanding committee recommeded that the voters get the opportunity to vote on this issue and Ross is keeping us from it. I just wish that the council would go on and put it on  the ballot and if it fails, it fails, but at least the public has had the chance to have their say. Of course by now he has gotten Fowler, Solon and Shaver on his side, I would imagine! He is more interested in his watch I'm sure. He is so political. Send comments to the council and let them know your feelings, I just have.

Jonna Merritt

June 7. 2008 22:13

I agree that we have a mayor that is entrenched in political self interest.  Fowler,Solon and Shaver have been big supporters of this man and will continue --- I believe that we will see them voting and following his lead in all aspects. Blue Springs residents deserve better.  Let the people speak.  

Ina Lewis

June 9. 2008 23:07

A "NO Tax" ballot. Hmmmm, when are our property taxes going up in BSMO as they did in KC when the Power and Light district's Sprint Arena passed?  I feel a shaft coming.

It is my opinion that sewer and water are the responsibility of the city.  I already paid taxes for improvements so now I expect them to be made.  

I really wish there could be honesty in politics.

Bob Fasl