Candidates express their views prior to Tuesday's election

By Trey Swaggert

North Cass Herald

With just a day left until this year’s city election, candidates in Belton, Raymore and Peculiar are gearing up for the stretch run. Polls will be open April 8 across the area. Following are capsules from candidates that responded.

Belton Mayor

Norman K. Larkey, Sr.

For the last four years, Norman Larkey Sr. has presided over Belton as its mayor. After spending several decades with the Kansas City Fire Department, Larkey returned home to help lead the city that he has always called home. Ready to continue serving the people, Larkey stands for re-election as mayor.

When Larkey reflected on his first term, Larkey said in combination with himself, city council, and residents, that they “got the city moving in the right direction”, going further saying “one of the reasons I ran is because I felt the previous administration was taking the city in the wrong direction.” Other accomplishments Larkey included were the inclusion of recycling to the trash service, the slow but helpful reduction in water bills as well as new businesses and local infrastructure like sidewalks and streets.

When the topic of city infrastructure came up, Larkey emphasized that sidewalk and street repairs are proceeding, but cautioned that the cost is the biggest barrier to complete repairs. On the widening of I-49 and 58 Hwy to alleviate traffic from Raymore, Larkey said in consultation with MoDOT, Governor Mike Kehoe and other leaders, I-49 would widen from 150 Hwy all the way to North Cass Pkwy, and a new bridge on M-58 Highway is also in development, likely to begin around 2027. Larkey also expressed his awareness on the issue of the unsheltered population, and pledged to continue working with leaders to address the situation.

Looking forward, Larkey wants to continue annexing more unincorporated portions of Cass County into Belton, as well as the focus and need on public safety. Larkey expressed support for Question 1, which is the continuation or elimination of the one-fourth of one percent sales tax that provides funding to city emergency and fire department services as well.

Belton Ward 1

Incumbent Alex McCallum

“I was born in a small town, and I live in a small town” were the famous opening lyrics from John Mellencamp’s 1985 hit single, “Small Town.” The song portrays Mellencamp’s enjoyment of small-town America, as opposed to the big city. Some four decades after the song was released, those same lyrics could apply to current city councilman Alex McCallum. McCallum, a Michigan native has been on the council since October 2023. While during the week he deals with investigations into violations of General Motors policy, McCallum is looking to return to city hall representation Ward 1, but he will have to get through challenger Carl Shutt.

As McCallum began to discuss the sixteen months as a councilmember, he expressed

how proud he was in ensuring police and fire departments had the equipment necessary to save lives in Belton. He also mentioned that he was proud to have played a role in keeping water bills from going up. McCallum also complemented city staff for transparency, which he says, “shows that we’re trying to the right thing even if that means making difficult decisions.”

When the topic of priorities and complaints came up, McCallum acknowledge the process to repair streets and sidewalks throughout Ward 1 was moving slowly, but did mention that residents can apply for funds through the Powell project, a fund that was created to help repair sidewalks. On the topic of water bills, McCallum continued to voice support for keeping water bills as low as possible.

Looking to the future, McCallum has big ideas for Belton. He made clear that Main Street in downtown Belton should be a place to gather and meet. Festivals, more small businesses, and continued emphasis on parks that for McCallum will make Belton stand out in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Challenger C.J. Shutt

For Carl “CJ” Shutt, Belton is and will forever always be home. Shutt, who lived and went to school in the Belton School district spent the first three decades of his life walking these same streets. Shutt then moved north, and then returned to Belton in 2022. His mother, Carol, served on the school board and his father, Richard served the parks and recreation department. While Shutt is currently employed as an insurance agent he wants the votes of his biggest clients, the residents of Ward 1 for a seat on Belton’s city council.

When I talked to Shutt about why he wants to run, he said the time he spent away from Belton helped him develop a passion for “digging in the roots” and trying to see how he could help Belton, a way he says begins at the local level. Shutt went on to express optimism that even in the current political environment, he wants to come together with all residents and work together to solve the pressing issues that affect the 26,000+ people who call Belton home.

If Shutt is elected, he would come to city hall with a list of goals and priorities. Shutt expressed that he was aware of the water bill issue and wants to continue trying to lower them. He also says he is aware of the congestion of issues on M-58 Highway heading west and will look into what plans can be implemented to decrease delays and congestion issues. Shutt also wants to build an event center and put on concerts and even graduations. Shutt also wants to continue street and sidewalk repairs in Ward 1. He also supports the passage of Question 1, the continuation of the quarter of one percent sales tax to fund the city’s emergency services.

As we concluded our discussion, Shutt says he wants to see Belton be the best place it can be and hopes that the residents of Ward 1 know that he will do everything in his power to make Belton the best place to live, learn, and feel at home.

Belton Ward 3

Incumbent Chris Richardson

Serving his community and country is a way of life for current Belton city councilman Chris Richardson. The former Lee Summit native served his county in the United States Air Force spending time in Arizona before being deployed to Saudi Arabia. Upon returning to the area in 1996, Richardson and his wife bought a home in Belton, where they have raised their six children. Richardson, who has held a seat on city council since 2022, wants to continue a long life of service as he seeks re-election to Ward 3, but political newcomer Jamie Ruggles stands in his way.

The last three years on council have had good times and bad times for Richardson. The price of water in Belton is a big issue, and Richardson said he was proud to have kept water bills from rising. He also mentioned that the Chapter 353 program, which grants a tax abatement to residents of Old Town Belton who invest a minimum of $15,000 dollars to the exterior of their house is still available. Richardson also expressed alarm at the impact that fentanyl is having on communities and pledged to continue to help educate youth on the dangers of drugs and other opioids.

As our interview came to a close, Richardson made clear he still had big plans for Ward 3. The intersection of Mill Street and Cleveland over by Grace, Mill Creek and Belton High School is a tricky intersection that Richardson said he wants to come with stop signs or other safety features. Richardson also wants to see more housing in Belton to reflect a growing and diverse population, and to ensure that those who called Belton home will continue to call Belton home.

Challenger Jamie Ruggles

Jamie Ruggles is no stranger to public service. A Iowan by birth, Ruggles graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in criminal justice before taking various jobs in the Kansas City area, among which were as a corrections officer, a deputy with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and a probation officer. Now splitting her time between helping a family friend’s pool business and being employed at Broken Hatchet Brewing on Main St., Ruggles is ready to take the next step in public service by squaring off against current Ward 3 councilman Chris Richardson.

When I asked Ruggles about her short time in Belton so far and what made her get into politics, she admitted when she first moved here, she wasn’t sure about Belton, but any apprehension quickly turned into love. “When I moved to Belton, I wasn’t sure about it, but as I started working at the brewery and start getting to know people, I fell in love.”

When the question of priorities came up, Ruggles expressed optimism about where the city is at, but concluded there was still work to be done. From revamping Main St. and bringing in a more diverse set of businesses, to redoing streets and sidewalks. She also discussed that water bills are still high, a sentiment echoed across the city. As the conversation began to think forward, Ruggles complimented the current mayor and city council for their work and their openness and committed to working together to find solutions to the town’s challenges.

As the conversation came to a close, Ruggles continually emphasized her commitment to her fellow residents and to the city, as well as looking to the future. “I just want to represent what Belton is going to be, not what it has been.”

Belton Ward 4

Incumbent Bret White

If someone were to have asked a young Bret White what he would be doing in forty years, he’d probably say he isn’t sure, but he knew government greatly interested him. But soon thereafter, White gained his master’s in social work and a Ph.D. in clinical social work and began serving in various medical and health roles. White would eventually move to Belton in the 1990s. After coming up short in 2021, White returned the next year and won. With a list of goals still to accomplish, White is running for re-election in Ward 4, but must defeat Random’s Coffee owner Gregory Schrodt first.

When I gave Dr. White the opportunity to review his first term on city council, he discussed his success in getting speed bumps in the Bradford Place neighborhood behind Price Chopper. White also called attention to the rise of the unsheltered in Belton, which resulted in the creation of the Belton Homelessness Committee. While progress has been made on the issue, White remains unsatisfied and plans to continue working for solutions.

The economic boom of Belton has been one the best stories in the last decade. When asked what he wants to see Belton do moving forward, Dr. White specifically focused on smart development. While downtown Belton must be the location that brings the city together and relevant infrastructure and businesses should reflect that, Belton must also accommodate a growing population with more diverse housing options as well as creating a better overall environment to attract outside investment dollars, which he thinks could allow the city more financial flexibility.

White is proud of the progress and opportunities that Belton has provided both since he arrived in Belton and since he joined city council, and thinks its best days are still ahead.

Challenger Gregory Schrodt

What is the American Dream? For Random’s Coffee owner and city council candidate Gregory Schrodt, his version of the American Dream is helping out his community and trying to give back. For Schrodt, that begins and ends on Main Street.

When I sat down with Schrodt, 38, at his coffee shop Random’s in March, he admitted that while working for QuikTrip in its distribution warehouse, his goal was to “revamp their coffee distribution,” an effort which was unsuccessful. Like a lot of Americans, Schrodt was knocked down, but he got back up. He started his own business, Random’s Coffee, which is located on Main St. in Belton, and is now ready to earn a seat on Belton city council, representing Ward 4 but must first defeat current Ward 4 councilman Dr. Bret White.

When I asked Schrodt why he run for office, he lamented how most of the root problems in society begin at the state and local level, saying “the national is pretty to look at, but right here in your backyard is where you can make the most impact.” Schrodt also expressed frustrations that some local politicians represent a bygone generation. When asked about his policies and ideas for Ward 4, which combines portions of Belton by county line road south along I-49 south on the west side, Schrodt says lowering water bills and continuing street and sidewalk repairs. Schrodt also wants to see more small businesses make downtown Belton a destination. Schrodt acknowledged many plans to these community needs are already being developed, but added that he would be the principle driving force for making livelihoods better in Ward 4 as well as the city overall. Though our time at Random’s flew by, it’s safe to say that for Gregory Schrodt, no matter the outcome, Main St. will always be where it all began.

Raymore Ward 1

Incumbent Donald Baker

Councilman Donald Baker is a busy man. The former Raytown turned Raymore resident and city councilman is always on the move looking to solve big complex problems. First elected in 2023, Baker came to city hall with a bevy of private sector experience mainly with FedEx Freight. Baker has been proud to represent his fellow citizens on city council and is running for re-election against former councilman Reginald Townsend.

Baker conceded he still doesn’t possess the long-term residency of other candidates having only lived in the area for five years but downplayed it comparing his short-term residency to a board of directors, saying “some of those people haven’t been with their companies for very long, but they are with those companies because they are the right people for the right spot to make big decisions.”

Challenger Reginald Townsend

Reginald Townsend is a familiar face in local Raymore politics. The former city councilman and mayor pro-tempore has led a lengthy life of civil and military service with one goal in mind: serving the community. The retired Marine spent 2017-2024 in various positions on city council, before being defeated last year by current city councilman Brian Mills. Despite the loss, Townsend has enjoyed the break but feels it’s time to return to city hall to take another seat representing Ward 1.

When I chatted with Townsend, I asked him why he wanted to get back into politics. He said that while he has enjoyed his time away from city hall, his career of service in both civilian and military clothing didn’t allow him to stay away for long. “I enjoyed the break and the breather, but there is still work to be done.” He even admitted that he still watches city council meetings. He also espoused praise on the transparency and openness of city officials and policy, something he says is paramount for the trust of citizens.

On the issues, Townsend says he wants a more diverse sets of housing, including single family housing. The creation of various types of housing for different kinds of budgets will increase the attractiveness of Raymore to new residents, as well as for businesses who rely on high and diverse populations for revenue. Townsend also critiqued his opponent, Donald Baker, disagreeing with Baker’s alleged remarks about how homeowners are the stakeholders of our community. Townsend says those remarks seem regressive and belittling to those who live in multi-family housing.

On Question 1, Townsend says he supports the proposal. While he is proud of the professionalism and effectiveness of Raymore Police, Townsend also admitted that the city needs more police officers to meet current city needs and that as the city grows the demand for more officers grows.

Peculiar Ward 1

Michelle Beard

Michelle Beard doesn’t like to wait around, she likes to get her hands dirty solving problems and making things better. A career forged in the private sector around dealing with difficult situations and turning them around, Beard wants to bring her decades of experience in management, problem solving, and effiency to local government and claim a seat on Peculiar city council, representing Ward 1.

Of the many benefits that Beard’s corporate career gave her one of the biggest was the ability to interact with all sorts of people dealing with all manner of situations. The construction of the data center in Peculiar was the biggest challenge for Beard, who at the time had been voted onto the city planning commission. While she ultimately voted against the project, Beard said it wasn’t because she was opposed to it but expressed concerns around transparency of the project. She also went on to say while she understood citizen anger the town missed out on revenue and tax dollars of which she says the city desperately needs.

When Beard walks around and canvasses the ward, she says the top three concerns are water bills which she says it’s a tough issue. She also said that the only real way to lessen the burden on families is to drive commercial development to change the composition of funds away from taxpayers towards business. Beard also says residents are worried about losing the small-town charm. As the city gets bigger and commercializes, she says residents are worried that the small-town charm that has kept Peculiar a diamond in the rough might disappear.

On the issue of Proposition P, Beard says she supports the proposition and says that the goal of hiring two additional police officers will help the city continue to manage the city’s population growth and keep residents safe.

Peculiar Ward 2

Incumbent Danny Smith

Current Peculiar city councilman Danny Smith likes to put his head down and solve issues. The Cleveland native came to Peculiar in 2003 and is currently the alderman for Ward 2, a position he’s held in both an interim and full capacity since 2021. When Danny isn’t serving his fellow ward residents, he works as a building engineer at Russell Stover Chocolates headquarters in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The last four years have flown by with good times and bad times, but Smith isn’t ready to walk away yet and is seeking re-election to city council in Ward 2.

When Smith reflected back in his time so far in city government, he admitted that it wasn’t always easy. The controversial Harper Road Technology Park drew widespread anger from residents who were upset about various issues related to zoning, something Smith was highly aware of. Smith, who ultimately voted against allowing the data center a special place in city zoning laws says he thought it came to the city “way too fast.”

But there were bright spots. Smith was supportive of the partnership between the city and MoDOT to make intersection improvements at Route C and Peculiar Drive. He also supported the repaving of city streets, improving water infrastructure for fire protection, and also voted to bring in commercial businesses like Dollar General Grocery and Price Chopper.

Councilman Smith looks back on his time so far with good feelings and frustration. Smith says he wants to keep the city moving forward, by lowering sewer and water rates as well as fostering smart business development. Smith also expressed support for Question 1, something he said is needed to support the current force as well as the abilities to hire more officers to keep the city safe.

Challenger Michael Bayers

Michael Bayers of knows a few things about logistics and moving things to create maximum effiency and results. Bayers, who has lived in the county for 25 years, has called Peculiar home for five years. For nearly three decades, Bayers served in various logistical, engineering, and management positions with the United Postal Service, giving what he describes as an advantage on issues like zoning and development. While Bayers says he is enjoying the homesteading life, he wants to break out into the community more with a seat on city council representing Ward 2.

When asked why he leave his dream life for city government, Bayers said the lack of communication from his elected officials prompted him to believe he and his fellow residents deserved better. While Bayers didn’t allude explicitly to current Ward 2 alderman Danny Smith, Bayers did say he felt that the residents deserved better, something he was confident he could provide. He also said that current zoning laws deprive the city of much needed business revenue that could be used to help run and manage the city.

Despite frustration about the city’s regulatory environment, Bayers hopes to create conditions for new businesses to move to Peculiar staffed by locals who could help create more tax revenue that could help the city deal with infrastructure and other city needs.

As the interview wrapped, Bayers expressed his belief that local government is the greatest asset to improving peoples lives. Bayers says that he really wants to promote a sense of community, akin to helping out a neighbor change a tire or helping plow someone’s driveway. On Proposition P, Bayers expressed his support and said that while he doesn’t like new taxes, he understands the importance and wants to continue to help Peculiar PD keep his family safe and the others who call Peculiar home.

Challenger Stefanie Grunwald

While her outfits might be unconventional, city council candidate Stefanie Grunwald won’t stop being herself and surely won’t stop fighting on behalf of the city she now calls home.

Grunwald came to Peculiar after living in Belton for nine years. The Chicagoan born and raised Grunwald made her way to Peculiar in 2021, after family members began a day care right around Grunwald became a mom. During the day, she works in the healthcare industry working on behalf of patients who need their bills paid, but now wants to represent residents in Ward 2.

When I spoke to Grunwald about why she is running, she acknowledged that the city isn’t much of a destination, and lamented how many opportunities have been lost to Harrisonville or Belton/Raymore. Grunwald would like more small businesses that fit Peculiar’s small-town profile that also raises the floor of the community. Grunwald repeatedly vowed to do whatever was necessary to fund and provide for the city’s law enforcement and departments. Lowering the cost of water as well as major upgrades to city streets and sidewalks also lies as a key component of Grunwald’s candidacy, especially after her own scary experience left her car with damage.

This April, Peculiar will also vote on whether to implement Proposition P, a half of one percent sales tax for a twelve-year period. Grunwald enthusiastically supports the measure and would like to see the revenues generated from the passage be devoted to the police department and animal welfare services, areas Grunwald is passionate about.

While you won’t see campaign advertisements around, Grunwald says that her work fighting on behalf of residents won’t stop whether she’s elected or not. Peculiar is her home, and she will work as hard as she has to in order to make it the best place to live.

Peculiar Proposition P

This April, residents of Peculiar will have the opportunity to vote on a one-half of one percent sales tax that would remain in effect for a period of at least twelve years.

This sales tax is different than the public safety sales tax that citizens passed back in 2017, because the state of Missouri only allows one specific public safety sales tax per jurisdiction. Interim city administrator and police chief Don Shephard said that while this is a general sales tax that would go to the general fund, the board of alderman ideally want to use these funds to help assist the police department in its efforts to hire more officers.

Shephard says Peculiar boasts just eight patrol officers, three school resource officers, and two administrative heads, for a grand total of 13. In addition, the city pays its officers the lowest in salary in the area, something greatly impacting morale and retention. Officers will leave to go to Belton or Raymore or even Kansas City due to better pay, and with more officers, it lessens the burden on everyone, something Shephard can attest to personally.

From a financial standpoint, the department is currently operating on a total of $1.58 million dollars, 70% of which comes from the city’s general fund, while the remaining 30% comes from the public safety sales tax and stipends from the Raymore-Peculiar School District. Were the new sales tax to pass, the city looks to generate nearly $3.6 million dollars over the length of the sales tax which Shephard continually expressed could help move Peculiar in the right direction.

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Belton asks residents to eliminate sunset on sales tax

In April, Belton residents will have the opportunity to eliminate or continue the imposition of its one quarter of one percent sales tax that the city uses to fund the city’s emergency service and fire department. Since this was first passed back in 2006, the capabilities of the department have grown, but as Belton’s population has also grown, so too has the stresses on emergency services.

When I sat down with Mayor Larkey and Fire Chief John Sapp, I asked where the current fire service capabilities stand. According to Chief Sapp says the city has 48 full time firefighters, with 16 assigned per shift, and a required daily minimum of 13. Sapp also mentioned that because residents also passed a half cent public safety sales tax in 2018 that was shared with police, one of the benefits is the city no longer requires outside ambulance help, a move that Sapp and Larkey both said saved taxpayer money.

According to the mayor, current revenue generation from this sales tax adds up to $1.7-1.8 million dollars. For comparison, Larkey said when this was first passed revenue generation projections stood at roughly $600,000. When I asked Chief Sapp what his short to long term goals are, he said he wants to maintain the current existing force as well as begin the planning for a potential third fire station as Belton continues to spread out. Sapp expressed concern that due to traffic congestion and other factors, firefighters weren’t always able to reach an incident or house in their four-minute requirement. Adding a third station would greatly reduce response delays, something Sapp said would save lives.

The bottom-line messaging from both Mayor Larkey and Chief Sapp is this is NOT a new tax, it’s an existing once that residents consented too back in 2006 and that there is simply no viable alternative to this sales tax revenue. The consequences across the board financially for residents, the city, as well as the safety risks are just some of the losses that residents would suffer.

Raymore asks for help to keep ahead of crime in growing city

This April, citizens of Raymore will have the opportunity to vote on the creation and implementation of a one-quarter of one percent public safety sales tax that is solely designed to pay for the training, hiring, paying, and equipping of additional Raymore police officers, something that city of Raymore Communications Director Melissa Harmer said is paramount.

In 2021, the city conducted an independent staffing study to learn more about the capabilities of several departments, including police. According to Harmer, the study recommended the city hire as many as 20 new officers over the span of five years, a goal the city has fallen well short of. Since that study, the city has only hired two new officers bringing the total number up to 32, 20 of which are patrol officers. Harmer said that at any given moment, the city may have roughly 4-5 officers patrolling the entire city, something that Harmer said was simply not enough.

In terms of what this sales tax could provide in revenue, Harmer said that using previous years data and evaluating trends, the city estimates that annual revenue amounts to $1,051,268. For the city to train, equip, pay, and provide benefits, Harmer said the cost per officer is roughly $114,700. Harmer said if the city wanted to hire at least eight new officers, the per year total would be $917,600. In terms of police cars, Harmer says that currently two officers ride per car. Were the city to hire the eight officers, the city would need an additional four cars, with the price tag amounting to $74,000.

Despite the hefty tag, Harmer says the goals of city remain providing a safe place for families and people who want to take part in the growing story of Raymore, a story that can’t be realized without capable and effective public safety.

In last week’s article on Question 1 in Raymore pertaining to the sales tax. I mistakenly wrote that the city wanted to hire eight officers per year. After clarification with Raymore clerk Melissa Harmer, the city simply wants to hire 8 total officers with more in the future provided revenue is available.

Trey Swaggart