Diane Krizek-Raytown Ward 5 Alderman

05/02/2026

BOA VOTES FOR THOMAS IMPEACHMENT HEARING

On April 14, the BOA voted to conduct an impeachment hearing for Alderman Latrice Thomas despite Aldermen Walters and Morales voting against. Alderman Aziere blew us all away with his comments concurring that an impeachment hearing was the correct process. He had gone to Jeff City to personally meet with Attorney General Hanaway, members of the Missouri Senate, including Senator Cierpiot. He was advised that if the BOA doesn’t vote for a hearing, then it sets a precedent that we don’t uphold the law we swore to uphold.

During public comments, Thomas’ attorney Toney Willis threatened to sue us for wrongful removal and back pay for Thomas but later during the meeting Special Counsel Garrett reminded him this is a statutory not civil case and there lies the crux. Has Thomas been given correct legal advice?

The City is under the jurisdiction of the State that declared Thomas unqualified. Obviously, the City could not allow her to continue to vote without authority. Each article of her impeachment cites her every unauthorized vote and second motion. In fact, after receiving the DOR letter, City staff reviewed her every action to determine if the outcome changed by removing them, but all okay. Can you ever imagine the mess had she been allowed to sit until now given the BOA votes required for approval of contracts, payments, ordinances, and acceptance of grants, etc.?

One of Thomas’ supporters emailed a letter to the BOA on April 14 before the meeting attempting to make this a race issue given that a white man removed a black woman alderman. Thankfully, Aldermen Hayden and Mims made extremely supportive comments to quell that with the facts: No one is above the law. And Alderman Mims stated the mayor didn’t go looking for that DOR letter. It came to us. Mims also reported ex parte communications with Thomas advising her to resign, sit out two years then try again.

The impeachment hearing will allow Alderman Latrice Thomas to finally make her case for remaining in office and the BOA will finally be able to ask questions to get to the facts in order to make a decision for returning her to the dais or for her impeachment.

This appears to be the first time our City has ever had to deal with this issue. Special Counsel Nathan Garrett did his level best to explain the reasons for the process and answer our questions.

Stay tuned to the City website for when the hearing is scheduled to convene.

If you have the time, watch the April 14 BOA meeting’s 48-minute video to see and hear for yourself.
https://raytownmo.new.swagit.com/videos/381544

04/13/2026

MY OPINION: Latrice Thomas Case

On April 14, the Board of Alderman will vote on whether to hold a hearing where Thomas can finally prove she was wrongfully disqualified for the position she was elected to. To date, she has refused to provide evidence that her taxes were paid by the date required by the MO Dept. of Revenue.

BACKGROUND
Latrice Thomas was elected to represent Ward 3 in April 2025. On Dec. 20, 2024, she filed Missouri Dept of Revenue Form 5120 Candidate’s Affidavit of Tax Payments and Bonding Requirements.

After the April 8, 2025 election, the City received copy of a letter dated April 23, 2025 from the Missouri DOR addressed to the Jackson County Election board stating the DOR received a complaint that Thomas was not compliant with RSMO 115.306.2(3). The investigation proved requirements had not been met. She had 30 days from the date of that letter to pay her taxes or sanctions would disqualify her from the current and next election cycle. (see attached)

On Feb. 19, 2026, the City Clerk sent a memo to the BOA recording the entire sequence of events that transpired after receiving Thomas’s DOR disqualification letter that serves to answer many questions.

After that meeting with the mayor, Thomas chose to go to the news and social media and paint herself as a victim who was wrongfully removed. Two aldermen, one told to me firsthand, and the other, second hand, that they advised her to resign gracefully, join committees, and run again when she is eligible.

Instead, Thomas and her supporters continue to accuse the Mayor and City Clerk for making a “unilateral” and wrongful decision to remove her that has effectively turned the attention away from her being caught committing perjury, a felony, on Form 5120 that led to her to become disqualified in the first place.
https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=575.040

Multiple requests have been made by City attorneys for evidence her taxes were paid on the due date. Through her attorney she has promised to provide evidence then reneges and asks for another 30 days and reneges. This cat and mouse game has been going on for months until March 15, 2026 when her attorney sent a letter declaring in so many words the burden of proof is on the City, in addition to making bodacious demands.

WHY ARE CERTAIN ALDERMAN DECLARING THEY WILL ABSTAIN FROM VOTING FOR A DEMOCRATIC HEARING WHERE EVIDENCE IS PRESENTED SO TRUTH PREVAILS AND JUSTICE CAN BE SERVED?

In my opinion this has been charade from the start that has cost the city over $100K in legal fees for state attorneys because our city attorney is limited to municipal governance. For an entire year, Thomas has refused to come clean. Supporters don’t want a hearing so she can’t be formally impeached and return to the dias. But if the BOA votes for a hearing, our attorneys can subpoena her tax records and then game over, the truth is out. And in my opinion, any alderman who votes against a hearing or impeachment is playing RDA/ Jackson County Democrat party politics that breeds cronyism and implies they believe Thomas is above the law and transparency and statutory compliance is not paramount. At the last BOA meeting that had no quorum, an alderman was seen hugging Thomas when alderman should remain impartial.

RAYTOWN CITIZENS GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY. I URGE YOU TO EMAIL ALL THE ALDERMAN AND TELL THEM HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS SITUATION.
HERE IS THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION: https://www.raytown.mo.us/electedofficials

01/29/2026

CITY STAFF REPORTS BOWEN TOWER VIOLATIONS CORRECTED

City Staff reported Jan. 28:

"As of January 20, 2026, all of the violations that the city can address have been corrected. There were no outstanding issues. A few tenants were complaining about mold but attached is the “mold policy” for landlord/tenant complaints. We do not perform testing."

Mold Policy:
"Be advised, more complex environmental hazards, such as mold, radon or lead paint issues are handled by specialists certified in environmental issues. The City of Raytown does not provide these inspections. The complainant must retain a special inspector who is certified with specialized skills who can observe and obtain samples of which can be taken to an actual laboratory for finalized testing. The cost of such testing is at the expense of the tenant or landlord requesting the test."

In a previous post, I urged tenants to file building code violations with the City. However, they must first prove to have reported the alleged violations to the building's responsibility party. Most of those at Bowen Tower had done so.

However, one tenant told me they submitted several work orders for maintenance as required in their lease but later found the property manager had trashed them. Thankfully, the landlord who has been on site twice this past year has replaced the manager and maintenance personnel.

01/29/2026

This brought me to tears...

01/23/2026

The following was originally posted on Jan. 17, 2026 at 2:11pm. This week, the City received a request to remove the photos because the tenant's belongings were displayed which I did in haste. Why? Because the City Admin's emailed reports to the BOA with pictures are public records per Sunshine Law and consequently can be "sunshined" by anybody. The entire email thread with pictures must remain intact to comply with the law.

Facebook would not allow adding more than one picture to the original post so I am herein reposting with pictures.

CITY / BOA HAVE NOT "DISCOUNTED" BOWEN TOWER TENANTS

For the record, our City Admin has been keeping the BOA abreast of the City enforcing its building code ordinances requiring safe and healthy conditions as follows. KC Tenant began pressuring the City and BOA to side with them which we cannot do because we have no authority in landlord/tenant relations. However, the Missouri Attorney General does:
https://ago.mo.gov/wp.../uploads/Landlord-Tenant-Law-CH.pdf
NOVEMBER 18, 2025:
At the BOA meeting with KC Tenant activists present, City Admin Egger reported visiting the Bowen Towers apartments when news of the living conditions became public around May last year. She visited every floor and took 100 complaints that were resolved after reporting the issues to the landlord that were resolved. She stated that the City had not received any complaints since then.
NOVEMBER 20, 2025 City Admin report:
"As a follow up to Tuesday night’s meeting and the Bowen Tower remarks:
"Bowen Tower has a total of around 90 rental units, and the city has received complaints on 16 of those, since November 11, 2025. The last complaint previously received was on August 14, 2025, and was regarding a lease dispute, which the city has no jurisdiction over.
"The complaints turned in since last week total 47 complaints from 16 individuals/units, and are:
Code Red:
+ 8 for mold
+ 7 for rental payment disputes
+ 1 for rust on a plumbing pipe
+ 1 for water having “white stuff in it”
+ 1 for tile grout “creating debris in the tub”
Code Yellow:
+ 7 for bathtub/sink drainage issues
+ 6 for stove/oven related issues
+ 5 for pests
+ 3 for heating/cooling
+ 2 for broken kitchen cabinet
+ 1 for slow flushing toilet
+ 1 for unpainted patch of drywall
+ 1 for safety grab bars
Code Green:
+ 2 for elevators working off and on
+ 1 for front entrance lock
"According to the Rental Inspector, both elevators are working and have been working since May of 2025. Prior to May of 2025, only one of the elevators was working. The Rental Inspector has started cases for those who answered his phone call and the management company is working to correct any violations. Three complainants have not returned his call."
DECEMBER 3, 2025: City Admin report:
"We have had no new complaints turned into the city on Bowen Tower since my original email. I talked to the KC Tenant Union’s representative yesterday, Justin Stein. He said, “We appreciate everything the city has done and the work you’ve done to correct the complaints.” He then asked if I would be willing to call the owner and ask him to “come to the table” to discuss the remaining issues (eviction/rent/etc.). Though we have no jurisdiction over these matters, I said that I would try to reach out, which I did. I talked to the owner, Mr. Hill, who stated that he was in town last August and met with the union and the tenants and that he does not see a need for an additional meeting. However, I passed along that they would like to meet again.
"Below, please see an update on the list of complaints filed two weeks ago.
+ Highlighted in Red: we do not address or could not be substantiated.
+ Highlighted in Yellow: have been corrected or are being corrected
+ Highlighted in Green: was found not to be in violation (elevators are working, door locks)
"The alleged mold issue we do not address, because we have no way of knowing if there is actual mold. That said, we would address (and are addressing) anything that might create mold, such as a water leak."
DECEMBER 10, 2025 City Admin report:
"Good evening. The Rental Inspector and I met with the KC Tenants Union at Bowen Tower this morning to do an inspection of the units, whose tenants were claiming they had remaining violations. Out of the 90 units, 6 units claimed to have uncorrected issues. Alderman Walters was there, at the request of one of the tenants, and he accompanied.
"The 6 inspections went as follows:
+ Unit #1002, the tenant complained about the heating system not working. There is a temporary heater, that will be replaced by permanent heat once the mechanical part comes in (no photos).
+ Unit #1005, the tenant complained about the toilet and the sink being clogged. This was relayed to the management team. There was also peeling paint, which will be addressed (see attached photos).
+ Unit #1011, the tenant complained that the dishwasher is not working, that the smoke detector is not working, and about mold. The smoke detector will be fixed by the end of the day, and the dishwasher will be replaced. The mold, which the tenant stated came from the bathroom and seeped into the carpet, was not detected. There was some possible “red/orange mold” in the shower that needs to be cleaned. The tenant said that she would clean it to remove it (see photos).
+ Unit #602, the tenant complained about mold, the heat working “in reverse” and bed bugs. I looked for bed bugs around and on her mattress (with her permission), as I have years of experience performing these types of inspections, and did not find any. The tenant stated that the heating system area and behind the shower wall is where the mold is, and the Rental Inspector is making sure this is addressed (see photos).
+ Unit #410, the tenant complained of roaches and bed bugs. Dead roaches were observed in the kitchen. The tenant was told how to prepare the apartment for pest control (see photos).
+ Unit , the tenant complained that the plumbing is not working properly, and that they fixed the heat but did not fix the patch. The plumbing will be addressed and the ceiling patch will be repaired.

01/19/2026

Some Raytown residents are complaining because there's nowhere to eat in Raytown. If not franchises, they don't get corporate advertising. If they join the Raytown Chamber, they get a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony when they opened the doors. Most are relying on Google business listings.

You likely know the mainstays: Ginger's Restaurant, Mama China, Chinatown, El Maguey, Los Campos Mexican, Fiesta Azteca but here are more eateries to explore.

NOTE: Chick-Fil-A will be going into the former Appleby's on 350 hwy.

DINE IN
Peridot Entertainment https://peridotentertainmentplaza.com/
GoChew https://go-chew.com/
Flavor of Himalaya https://www.flavorhimalaya.com/
Dagwoods Cafe https://dagwoodscafe.com/kansas-city-dagwood-s-cafe-locations
Lala Gourmet https://lalagourmetkc.com/
Kitchen III CLOSED
Elevation Grill https://www.elevationgrille.com/
Land and Sea Kitchen CLOSED
Teeshia’s Sandwiches & Scoops https://sandwichesandscoops.net/
Charlie D's Catfish Cabin https://www.charliedscatfishcabin.com/
Las Chilis https://www.laschilisraytown.com/

PICKUP
SIS TACOS https://order.online/store/sis-tacos-mexican-food-raytown-rd-31237581?pickup=true&redirected=true

I cannot omit the former MIddle Eastern Olive Cafe in KC not far from Raytown now rebranded in a huge space at 8019 Bannister that includes grocery, kitchen and bakery (fresh pita daily) plus a lovely dine-in space.
Olive Zaytoona) https://www.zaytoonakc.com/

Happy Eats!

Online ordering menu for Zaytoona. Zaytoona, located on the corner of Bannister and James Reed Roads, is Kansas City’s go-to destination for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, freshly baked goods, and a handpicked grocery selection — all under one roof. Their menu features favorites, such as the ...

01/17/2026

CITY / BOA HAVE NOT "DISCOUNTED" BOWEN TOWER TENANTS

For the record, our City Admin has been keeping the BOA abreast of the City enforcing its building code ordinances requiring safe and healthy conditions as follows. KC Tenant began pressuring the City and BOA to side with them which we cannot do because we have no authority in landlord/tenant relations. However, the Missouri Attorney General does:
https://ago.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/Landlord-Tenant-Law-CH.pdf

NOVEMBER 18, 2025:
At the BOA meeting with KC Tenant activists present, City Admin Egger reported visiting the Bowen Towers apartments when news of the living conditions became public around May last year. She visited every floor and took 100 complaints that were resolved after reporting the issues to the landlord that were resolved. She stated that the City had not received any complaints since then.

NOVEMBER 20, 2025 City Admin report:
"As a follow up to Tuesday night’s meeting and the Bowen Tower remarks:
"Bowen Tower has a total of around 90 rental units, and the city has received complaints on 16 of those, since November 11, 2025. The last complaint previously received was on August 14, 2025, and was regarding a lease dispute, which the city has no jurisdiction over.
"The complaints turned in since last week total 47 complaints from 16 individuals/units, and are:
Code Red:
+ 8 for mold
+ 7 for rental payment disputes
+ 1 for rust on a plumbing pipe
+ 1 for water having “white stuff in it”
+ 1 for tile grout “creating debris in the tub”

Code Yellow:
+ 7 for bathtub/sink drainage issues
+ 6 for stove/oven related issues
+ 5 for pests
+ 3 for heating/cooling
+ 2 for broken kitchen cabinet
+ 1 for slow flushing toilet
+ 1 for unpainted patch of drywall
+ 1 for safety grab bars

Code Green:
+ 2 for elevators working off and on
+ 1 for front entrance lock

"According to the Rental Inspector, both elevators are working and have been working since May of 2025. Prior to May of 2025, only one of the elevators was working. The Rental Inspector has started cases for those who answered his phone call and the management company is working to correct any violations. Three complainants have not returned his call."

DECEMBER 3, 2025: City Admin report:
"We have had no new complaints turned into the city on Bowen Tower since my original email. I talked to the KC Tenant Union’s representative yesterday, Justin Stein. He said, “We appreciate everything the city has done and the work you’ve done to correct the complaints.” He then asked if I would be willing to call the owner and ask him to “come to the table” to discuss the remaining issues (eviction/rent/etc.). Though we have no jurisdiction over these matters, I said that I would try to reach out, which I did. I talked to the owner, Mr. Hill, who stated that he was in town last August and met with the union and the tenants and that he does not see a need for an additional meeting. However, I passed along that they would like to meet again.
"Below, please see an update on the list of complaints filed two weeks ago.
+ Highlighted in Red: we do not address or could not be substantiated.
+ Highlighted in Yellow: have been corrected or are being corrected
+ Highlighted in Green: was found not to be in violation (elevators are working, door locks)
"The alleged mold issue we do not address, because we have no way of knowing if there is actual mold. That said, we would address (and are addressing) anything that might create mold, such as a water leak."

DECEMBER 10, 2025 City Admin report:
"Good evening. The Rental Inspector and I met with the KC Tenants Union at Bowen Tower this morning to do an inspection of the units, whose tenants were claiming they had remaining violations. Out of the 90 units, 6 units claimed to have uncorrected issues. Alderman Walters was there, at the request of one of the tenants, and he accompanied.
"The 6 inspections went as follows:
+ Unit #1002, the tenant complained about the heating system not working. There is a temporary heater, that will be replaced by permanent heat once the mechanical part comes in (no photos).
+ Unit #1005, the tenant complained about the toilet and the sink being clogged. This was relayed to the management team. There was also peeling paint, which will be addressed (see attached photos).
+ Unit #1011, the tenant complained that the dishwasher is not working, that the smoke detector is not working, and about mold. The smoke detector will be fixed by the end of the day, and the dishwasher will be replaced. The mold, which the tenant stated came from the bathroom and seeped into the carpet, was not detected. There was some possible “red/orange mold” in the shower that needs to be cleaned. The tenant said that she would clean it to remove it (see photos).
+ Unit #602, the tenant complained about mold, the heat working “in reverse” and bed bugs. I looked for bed bugs around and on her mattress (with her permission), as I have years of experience performing these types of inspections, and did not find any. The tenant stated that the heating system area and behind the shower wall is where the mold is, and the Rental Inspector is making sure this is addressed (see photos).
+ Unit #410, the tenant complained of roaches and bed bugs. Dead roaches were observed in the kitchen. The tenant was told how to prepare the apartment for pest control (see photos).
+ Unit , the tenant complained that the plumbing is not working properly, and that they fixed the heat but did not fix the patch. The plumbing will be addressed and the ceiling patch will be repaired.

01/16/2026

In the future I plan to have a series of Town Hall meetings to educate and provide resources on a variety of subjects: City of Raytown governance, how to vet business services for hire, when you don't need an attorney to get justice, where to find performance reviews on judges up for re-election and more.

My list has been compiled from reading the heartbreaking stories of victims on Next Door, Facebook groups, personal testimonies and what I've learned from my own life experiences.

I hope to get other professionals on board to provide guidance and resources for avoiding pitfalls in their respective industries.

01/01/2026

https://cards.ag.com/MA3ne2

A special new year's message for you. Believe in yourself, in the power you have to control your own life, day by day. Believe in the strength that you have deep inside, and your faith will help show you the way. Believe in tomorrow and what it will bring-let a hopeful heart carry you through, for t...

12/17/2025

Ya think? Https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bduh8G5r9/https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bduh8G5r9/

In Albuquerque, a remarkable program has emerged where homeless individuals are being paid to clean the streets. The initiative not only helps beautify the city but also provides the homeless with a chance to rebuild their lives. It serves as an unconventional but effective solution to an ongoing issue. The success rate has been high, with 70% of those involved now housed.

This program challenges preconceived notions of homelessness. It goes beyond simply providing shelter or food, focusing on giving individuals a role in society that enhances their dignity. The city’s streets are cleaner, but the real impact is on the lives of those previously seen only as recipients of charity. The dignity of work, once lost, is now being restored.

It also highlights the importance of thinking outside the box. By looking beyond the surface of common solutions, real change is possible. As with any case, the solution may lie in a place we least expect, waiting to be uncovered.🧹🏙️

12/16/2025

DISQUALIFIED ALDERMAN CANDIDATES NEED NOT BE FORMALLY REMOVED FROM THEIR ELECTED SEAT

Because this issue keeps coming up during Public Comments at our BOA meetings, I offer this explanation so residents understand the legal logic of the course the City has taken.

The City received MO Dept of Revenue notice dated June 10, 2025 reporting the disqualification of former Alderman Latrice Thomas for tax debt and she was removed from her seat.

The DOR refers to Ms Thomas as a "candidate" although she was a sworn in alderman at the time of the notice. Disqualifying her as a "candidate" means she should never been on the ballot in the first place. Therefore, her election and swearing in to the seat is null and void. The DOR sent the same notice to the Jackson County Election Board.

Consequently, there is no need to go through the formal process of removing an elected official from office cited by ordinance and state statute.

Qualified candidates must be US citizens, Raytown residents and have their taxes paid to city, county and state within 30 days of their application for office.