• Home
• About
• Archives
• Subscribe
• Contact

City Government

Boise’s Spin Doctor

A tip of the GUARDIAN hat to Boise Mayor Dave Bieter’s spin doctor, Michael Zuzel, for his treatment of the Poop Farm case and former City farm manager Dave Skinner.

Skinner has been charged with felony misuse of public funds.

How Dr. Zuzel was able to get Dan Hawkins to take therapy in the form of a coaching job in Colorado on the day the Poop connected with the proverbial fan is amazing. Attention was diverted to the important things in Boise–winning coaches instead of city hall scandals. It was like everyone was on antidepressants.

The City obviously provided video to the TV stations and spoon fed a sugary placebo of “We jumped on it and the system works,” which was regurgitated by all the mainstreamers.

We have been assured by inside sources that only after the GUARDIAN began posting the facts did the city launch their audit and the diagnosis of irregulaties spread like bird flu as they went along.

The issue at the Poop Farm goes way beyond the obvious criminal activity. The real problem is the alleged offenses were allowed to happen without oversight or audit. A single arrest is like taking cold pills–you feel better, but the illness is still there. City officials would be better served to see this scandal as a warning sign that their fiscal hygiene has allowed financial irregularities to exist.

We have been told there are new diagnostic procedures being enacted in purchasing as a result of the investigation and audit–which the GUARDIAN applauds.

We have also heard stories of employees at the Poop Farm renting vehicles and equipment from themselves on behalf of the city. Sort of like doctors sending you for therapy at a facility they happen to own. Bad medicine any way you look at it.

The mayor told us he, “didn’t expect any more charges,” but the audit report is being withheld because others say more criminal charges may be forthcoming. Not good to mix prescriptions without talking to your spin doctor first!

We haven’t heard anything from city hall sources, but expect there will be some “spankings” administered in days and weeks to come to those who allowed these crimes and irregularities to happen.

Take a couple aspirin, get some sleep and call me in the morning.

© 2005 Boise Guardian.