Whew!
You do sound discouraged, possibly even depressed — especially in that last paragraph!
Re those who don’t use their real names: I’ve wondered sometimes which ones do it for necessity (perhaps they work for one of the public entities we love to dis, or know their bosses are vindictive jerks, etc.) and which ones do it just for fun, or cuz it’s what folks do on the net.

I use my real name — although, on this blog I use only one name, but I’ll bet those who know me recognize my writing style) — and I always have. Let the bastards retaliate, if they wish.

OK, I’m retired, so I don’t have to worry about an employer, although that never stopped me when I was employed; loved ones already know that I’m very outspoken about my beliefs, and they love me either because of that or despite that, I dunno which; and as for the government goons — hell, they’re so inept they probably couldn’t accomplish much anyway.

Of course, if I piss the cops off, they’ll probably shoot me a dozen times or so … and use 30 or 40 or 50 shots to do it.

Hmmm … I wonder how much of our tax money goes to buy bullets for them to blast into houses, cars, bystanders, trees, whatever? Sure would be cheaper if they’d learn to shoot straight.

But I digress. Hang in there, Guardian. We need you. You may feel like you’re not accomplishing much, but if you drop out, you ain’t gonna accomplish nothin’. And, while we may continue electing jerks and then putting up with them, we need you to keep us informed about which jerks are doing what to us. If nothing else, you get a bunch of folks to thinking, and that’s worth a lot!!!

EDITOR NOTE–Gordon, thanks for your comments. Not depressed, but honestly taking stock of the situation. Perhaps we can keep it going with just a few brief “starter comments” in lieu of factual “reporting.”

I’ve said it before, and I will likely say it again, “Dave, you are my hero!”

Yes, I know it’s tough to keep going when it seems that few things ever change. But that’s what “THEY” want! They want those of us who pay attention, ask for public records, demand open meetings, accountability and explanations, and who speak up so that more people are aware, to get discouraged and leave them alone. But what would that accomplish?!

Rather than just looking at the negatives, how about taking stock of all the positive things the GUARDIAN has accomplished. First there were the lawsuits that have put a virtual end to local governments incurring unconstitutional long-term indebtedness. It didn’t take a website to do it, but look how many more people around the state are now aware, and are now watching their elected officials.

Then there was the “poop farm” issue. That one made a difference in public policy, and it got people talking, too.

I would guess that the GUARDIAN’s influence factored in to the demise of Judy Peavey-Derr’s political career, as well. We know the rest of the media reads the site, and they are influenced to keep stories going like the Open Meeting Law violation and accompanying outrageous legal fees.

I don’t live in Boise City (yet) so I am more interested in the County stories, like the EMS ordinance, the “at will” ordinance, and Justice Center financing. But the Boise City stories about police and parking and parades and planning (or lack thereof) are all interesting too.

Best of all, it should also give you great pleasure knowing that our local elected officials, before taking any questionable action, have to ask themselves what the repercussions on the GUARDIAN website will be!

EDITOR NOTE–Again, thanks. While we have stopped the “judicial confirmation” scam they have found other ways to get around it.

Guardian,
Please continue to shine your bright light. You are more valued (and read!) than you know, and this county needs you. Rest assured, you’ve done your part. And now its up to us…

For a New Year’s resolution, I propose we readers put citizen involvement at the top of our list. This is the only way we can change the course for our community. If there’s an issue you care about, make it your goal this month to get involved, not just wring your hands. It’s not too late. Not by a long shot.

Thanks, Guardian; continue to ask the hard questions and require truthful answers.

Thanks for being here, and happy new year back at ya

It can be frustrating when you look at it all, but you have made (and i am confident will continue to) make a difference, make sure you KNOW that!

t

Gordon’s right in that you can’t expect the politicos to “get it.” Certainly not very quickly.

However, all things considered, it wasn’t a bad year. On the growth front, the Guardian spotlight on traffic issues associated with The Cliffs in the east and Avimor et al to the northwest helped shove a vestige of a backbone up ITD’s kazoo and as a result may have helped save Idaho tax payers as much as $200 million.

The guardian spotlight also exposed Ada County subsidizing The Cliff’s developer via a misapplied / fraudulent agricultural tax exemption. That will save Ada County taxpayers about $100,000 per year.

Judy Peavey-Derr got a well-deserved, long overdue, pink slip, at least in part because of Guardian efforts. And, as more and more of Tilman and Yzaquirre’s decisions move from their desk into the courts (open meeting law violation, Avimor, probably EMS, probably The Cliffs, etc.) their political lives will become more and more tainted.

Not a bad year at all.

Good job Guardian.

EDITOR NOTE–Not sure if some of these are BLAME or CREDIT. You Mr. Jones have really been out front and dedicated. Good job to you, sir.

Say it ain’t so!!!! I love the guardian. I read it and pass it on everyday……what can we do to help?

EDITOR NOTE–Help would come in the form of some good investigative researchers to handle the time consuming factual research. Thanks.

Guardian, I would be hard pressed to offer any additional meaningfully different comments to the wonderful ones that have already been expressed. A Superman comparison might be appropriate, but phone booths are in short supply these days.

I like Gordon’s soldier analogy. You’re like a point man on a infantry patrol though a jungle. In this case the jungle is Treasure Valley. As you make your way through the mire, constantly alert, you keep an eye out for things that seem out of place, listening for things that just don’t sound right, and passing the word along to your readers thereby raising their awareness of what’s going on.

To say the least, being a point man can be exhausting. But we’re all grateful you are there for us.

You’ve been willing to take on a fight with seemingly unbeatable foes, winning some battles along the way. You fight for all that is right and are willing to march into a preverbal hell for the cause. And you continue to persevere even when weary. The Valley is a better place for your efforts.

Thank you Guardian.

JQP

So, I guess by now you know how many friends and admirers you have. You are a driving force in keeping local government honest. All communities should be so lucky. Buck up and push on!!!