Comments on: G-BAD Boy Gets 25% Bonus Despite Downturn

By: Mike Murphy

Mike Murphy — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:36:37 +0000

And yet, when I went down to the Grove the other day to check out the Special Olympics events with my son I noticed that despite the presence of hundreds – if not thousands – of guests and visitors, they couldn’t have been bothered to open up the “Visitor’s Information Center” (other times staffing it with septuagenarian volunteers and dated tourist information).

And the BCVB is in about a user un-friendly place as possible, nearly hidden under the West Staircase at the City Center / Aspen Lofts Parking Garage (whose Front St Exit is a horrific accident waiting to happen).

Forest for the trees.

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:43:06 +0000

GBAD Board Member Mike Wilson weighs in above…….

Unfair? UNFAIR? The incredible arrogance of your board to thumb your nose at the public and continue your dreamy ideas is UNFAIR. The plain facts in this article are unfair. Quit crying foul at the information shared and answer for the action!

By: gman12

gman12 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:19:41 +0000

I don’t think self sufficiency is the issue. The issue is that this is a minor government agency whose sole purpose is to manage the Boise Centre on the Grove, Convention, and Visitors Bureau. The wages paid, and bonuses granted are obscene. And like most government agencies they want to get bigger so they can have more layers of power and become more indispensable. $90,000 of our money spent to influence our opinion, unbelievable.

EDITOR NOTE–gman12 you give them too much credit. Not only do they NOT manage the Visitors and Convention Bureau–they claim no knowledge of their expenses or salaries. G-BAD does indeed give tax revenues to the Visitors and Convention Bureau.

By: Mike Wilson

Mike Wilson — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:29:29 +0000

The Boise Centre on the Grove is completely self sufficient. All money to pay the staff(including bonuses) come directly from sales.
It is considered one of the most efficient convention centers in the country. Their staff from top to bottom are simply the best. Disagree with the board and their decisions, but I believe its unfair and unnecessary to throw stones at the staff. They deserve your thanks!

By: Mike Murphy

Mike Murphy — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:26:05 +0000

“Honey! Did you forget to pay the improbable mechanism bill again?”

Essentially on topic…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsrqBHEOT0k&eurl=http://murphyformayor.blogspot.com/&feature=player_embedded

A pleasant watch and food for thought.

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:54:11 +0000

Sara,

You are correct, GBAD is at odds from time to time with CCDC. And you are also correct that there is a mechanism to dissolve the district, although highly difficult and improbable. I’d be interested in what your opinion is of the disappointing information in the ARTICLE instead of another readers comments!

By: Mike Murphy

Mike Murphy — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:23:52 +0000

Sara-

I respect your learned opinion; but I’ve personally borne witness to their intermingling of assets and manpower. And while I’m willing to cede they’ve been at loggerheads before, that always appears to be more about posturing and empire building than actual disagreements. I stand by my assessment of the status quo in the collection of political fiefdoms that is Downtown Boise.

I have no axe to grind with any individual(s) at Gbad, CCDC or DBA. My problem is with governmental agencies (quasi or otherwise) that require me to suspend all disbelief on an almost daily basis.

And since drunk, stoned and TRYING to I don’t think I could screw things up nearly as bad, I AM seriously considering another run at Mayor (dropping out the first time only because of an unexpected death).

By: Sara

Sara — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:27:13 +0000

Mike Murphy, you’re wrong about GBAD being a de facto subsidiary of the CCDC. They’re not and never have been.

In fact, they have been at odds many times through the years.

If you don’t like GBAD, they need to be dissolved and I’m sure there’s a mechanism in state law for that. All it would take is someone who wants to lead the charge.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:43:51 +0000

These folks have been making a mockery of this “expansion” idea for almost 10 years. Does anyone remember when they were going to build over Front St. Their “blue sky” plans never stop. Wasn’t Mr. Rice the “project manager” of these “expansion plans” before he took his current position? If I remember correctly, Mr Rice used to be on the GBAD Board. Talk about taking care of your friends!!!

This type of behaviour in a government agency is unbelievable. How does Mr. Rice answer to other managers at the Centre as they have had their bonuses sliced by over 60%?

By: Mike Murphy

Mike Murphy — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:36:43 +0000

While the Gbad Board may be elected, it is not just like the City Council. As a matter of fact, Gbad has resorted to some very sneaky voting tactics.

Most notably was setting up Absentee / Early Balloting during a Contractor’s Convention a few years back when the vote was on a new Convention Center (in opposition to their earlier stated plan of expanding the existing one).

Hmm.. Contractors. Big, expensive construction project.

Gee… I wonder which way THEY voted!

Gbad – like the DBA – is a de facto subsidiary of the CCDC.