Some of this strikes me as unfair.

“County pulled out, blaming city indecision.”

I remember that as a ‘he said/she said’ situation. From what I read, it wasn’t clear who dropped the ball, though the County was quick to point fingers.

“AVIMOR planned community has been in Bieter’s sights since day one. County commishes approved the planned community, Boise sued for “judicial review” of county procedures just to see if they did it right.”

Maybe I hold the county in lower esteem, but I think that’s a good thing. I don’t trust them, and the more oversight, the better.

“BSU would face competition for the junior college student dollar if Bieter’s statement about TVCC being “very interested” in purchasing city land were true. No word if Dr. Bob had any views on Boise attracting an out of state jr. college from Ontario. It couldn’t have improved Bieter’s relationship with Dr. Bob to court outsiders.”

I was the editor of the student paper during Kustra’s first year at BSU, and though I respect the man, it quickly became clear that he was more interested in building empire than churning out students capable of critical thought.

ED NOTE–Each item we mentioned was reported in the mainstream media. Fair or not, lack of communication is problem at Boise City Hall.

I have to lean to the “unfair” side of the boat. I think it behooves someone in Bieter’s position to question convention and be a bit of a nonconformist. Sharron Ullman did it and rankled the ire of a good many. However, the folks she most irritated were her fellow commishes. I don’t think Bisterfeldt ever did get over it. I expect some in the City Council circles, who may aim for the mayoral position at some time, are doing the loudest squawking about it. I think most of Boise probably disagrees with Avimor or Suncor or whatever monstrosity they are planning to plunk. Maybe people pulling out of “smart growth” is a good thing….whatever their rationale. Why should the City of Boise pay Ada County for a Detox Center when H&W is supposed to take care of the whole shebang. I am of the opinion that when you play with the big dogs it’s better to be pissed off than pissed on. I am not a huge tooter of the Bieter flute….but I would not fault him for rattling cages.

Mr. Guardian, your credibility suffers when you contradict yourself.

1. Detox: Today you try to pin it on the Mayor but your previous reporting conveys a different story. See https://boiseguardian.com/2006/02/25/detoxjust_do_it.html#comments

2. Avimore and other sprawl: Bieter voices concerns and actually follows through by going to court (reminds me of Andrus) and you find something wrong with that. Two weeks ago you were singing a different tune. See https://boiseguardian.com/2006/02/26/greedy_growth.html#comments

Also, you seem much more deferential to the county commissioners and their judgement about promoting sprawl. Including, apparently, secret meetings. Aren’t these the same folks who violated the open meeting law that you have covered so well, such as at https://boiseguardian.com/2005/12/26/the_price_of_justice.html#comments

3. Library: So Vern is irked that Bieter is thinking out loud about some options. Makes good fodder for your critique, yet two days ago you said you agree with the Mayor. Let me quote you, “Great idea! He should have done this BEFORE the election.” See https://boiseguardian.com/2006/03/09/boise_city_land_speculators.html#comments

OK, I’ll stop feeding your words back to you.

ED NOTE–
No problem at all from our standpoint. Posting lists those who are unhappy and the issues that rankle them. It is commishes, councilors, Star Mayor, and BSU whose oxen are gored–NOT the GUARDIAN. Most of the info was published in mainstream media, don’t kill the messenger on this one. We DO think there is a communication problem.

Insulated.

Protected from Realtiy.

Oblivious.

These are all true and fair descriptions of the current Mayor and City Council in Boise.

They are all so desperate to hold onto their respective positions, it has made them incapable of sound decision making.

Yes, I realize governing is a tough job and I for one would never want to be in their shoes. However, if they could stop congratulating themeselves for a few minutes and listen to opinions and positions of people outside of their little circle of (mostly inexperienced) hired hands, perhaps real sucess stories could prevail.

The state should be responsibile for dextox and needs to get with it. At least the way I read the code.