Jeff Quibell’s Blue Springs Newsletter, March 13, 2008 – A Trusted Leader Who Listens

I want to thank those of you who were able to attend the “Horton Hears You Home Town Challenge” on Saturday at Sport City. Mayor Steiner was unable to attend, so I stood in for him and represented our City. I am looking forward to serving in that role on a full time basis! Although Huntsville Alabama ultimately won the competition, I am certain that the entire KC Metro area now knows “We Are Here” in Blue Springs. To see more pictures of the event go to: http://www.jeffreyquibell.com/Photos.aspx?AlbumID=10.

I have listened as many of you have spoken to me of our city’s long neglect of the Woods Chapel Road corridor. I have heard your requests for less words and more action regarding road improvements on Woods Chapel Road. Last week I initiated a phone call with Congressman Sam Graves to discuss possible funding options for further improvements to this important road in our city. Sam told me he was committed to finding federal resources to help upgrade the roads in Blue Springs. A copy of my press release on this important topic is available on my website at:: http://www.jeffreyquibell.com/PressReleases/PressRelease20080312.aspx.

Monday March 17, 2008 Blue Springs will be the site of the 31st annual World’s Smallest and Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Official parade participants are Pat Meyer, Jim Wallace, and Bill Whitley. Bill Wrisinger, owner of several Sonic stores in the area, will serve as the Grand Marshall. The parade route is the same as previous years. It will begin promptly at 9:00am at 1112 W Main Street (Clay & Donna Swope’s Soda Fountain/Flower Shop) and end directly across the street at 1123 W. Main Street (The Gridiron Bar & Grill). The Gridiron is now under the new ownership of Tom & Teresa Poole. The parade is officially measured as 66 feet. Please join us for this Blue Springs tradition…Everybody’s Irish on St. Paddy’s Day…It will be another festive occasion!

The HERITAGE PHILHARMONIC will be performing Saturday, March 15, 7:30 pm, at the Blue Springs High School Performing Arts Center. You will not want to miss this concert! The concert will begin with Schubert's delightful Symphony No. 6. The second half of the concert will feature Verdi's dramatic Force of Destiny Overture and Britten's charming Soirees Musicales. They will send you home humming the unforgettable melodies of Bizet's Carmen. Ticket prices are among the lowest of a performing orchestra in greater Kansas City: $10 for individual adult tickets; $5 for high school and college students with a valid ID, and children ages 8 to 13 are free. For more information contact: tickets@heritagephilharmonic.org or call Theresa @ 816-224-2890 ext 10.

Recycling is an important issue for our city. At the most recent Planning commission meeting on March 10th, the commission recommended approval of a solid waste transfer and recycling center to be located north and east of the Highway 7 and Pink Hill road intersection. The city council will be considering this project during the April 7, 2008 council meeting, which will include a public hearing. An article on the topic can be found in The Examiner at: http://examiner.net/stories/031108/new_255856454.shtml.

Blue Springs Assembly church has recently started construction of their new church. The church will be located on Duncan Road, just east of the Summerfield East development. It will be a 40,000 sq. ft. worship facility that sits on approximately 23 acres. The sanctuary will have 749 seats and there will be spacious children’s areas. The facility will also include an onsite café and a gymnasium. Construction is underway with completion expected by the Fall of 2008.

If you will not be in Blue Springs on April 8, 2008 to vote, please remember to vote absentee for this election. Absentee voters can request absentee ballots from their local election authority in person or by fax by completing the ballot request form. The Election Board office is at 215 N. Liberty in Independence. Hours are M-F 8:30 - 5:00 and Saturday 8:30 - 12:30. Phone is 816-325-4600. Details concerning the requirements and procedures for absentee voting can be found at: http://jceb.co.jackson.mo.us/electioninformation/absenteevoting/absentee.aspx

Lawn signs for my Mayoral Campaign are now in. If you would like to have one of my signs in your yard just email your address to me and one of my volunteers will deliver it to you. They will have the sign back out of your yard within 48 hours of the polls closing.