Comments on: New Guy Shoo-In For Boise Council

By: Cyclops

Cyclops — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:02:23 +0000

Sisyphus, given what we have so far at the state and local level, how badly could they screw it up? I almost think we would do better if we voted based on the color of a candidate’s eyes!

By: Tom Anderson

Tom Anderson — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:26:47 +0000

Nick Adams: I speak from experience. I ran for Boise City council many years ago. The only way to get elected is with LOTS OF MONEY. The only way to get the money needed is from business or pony it up yourself. I raised maybe $1,500 from friends and relatives. My competitor raised 20 times that amount from the rich folk that run businesses around town. The only way to get the support of the business community is to be one of those who will ‘play the game’. ‘The Game’ is rigged to make the rich richer, and keep the status quo intact.

By: Sisyphus

Sisyphus — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:39:18 +0000

TJ seems almost congenitally nice. He is from my neck of the woods in SE Idaho but, like me, has called Boise home since. He was one of the state coordinators for the Obama campaign and seems hellbent on Idaho politics. He brings much to the Council table including his skills as an auditor which I would think would ingratiate him to the crowd here. But since he apparently has aspirations beyond city government, I wouldn’t think he’d merely be a rubber stamp on the Council. I’ll watch the campaign but, so far, I like what I see from him.

Cyclops leave the apathetic alone. Do you really want them voting? Its bad enough now. 😉

By: Chris Campbell

Chris Campbell — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:19:57 +0000

Lisa – you are somewhat correct about Dennis Doan, he was a Captain of a 3-person Engine Company for the BFD (which by the way, 3-person engine companies fall below national standards and requirements). That is all you got right.
He was not Beiters Campaign Manager (he was an advisor) and never the President of the Boise Firefighters Union (he has never held a management position in the Boise Firefighters Union – he was the president of the Idaho Professional Firefighters Asso, that represents firefighters state wide).
And yes he is the current Fire Chief of the Boise Fire Department and doing a great job. He has strong support from a majority (if not all) members of the department and proving to be a true leader and visionary that will lead the department in to the future. Something that it has needed for years.
Learn the facts before you take a shot at someone.

Just for the record, I am a Boise Firefighter and fully support him as my chief.

As far a TJ, haven’t met the guy or heard much about him. So as far as this firefighter, he hasn’t earned my vote yet.

By: Mike Murphy for Mayor

Mike Murphy for Mayor — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:21:57 +0000

30% Turnout? Of how many ELIGIBLE Voters?

Hizzoner was voted in by about 8.7% of those eligible to have voted in the last mayoral Race(Give or Take a Percentage Point).

67.9% (the percentage of those who cast a vote) sounds much more dramatic though.

—

Tango Juliet is a personable enough fellow (I had the opportunity to meet him briefly @ the Obama Rally), and more than likely has Boise’s best interests in mind; but is – it must not be forgotten – a political animal with national connections, formidable organizing and networking skills, who has carefully crafted a symbiosis with Hizzoner.

The good Mr. Thompson – in allying himself with Hizzoner’s aspirations – is offering the same-ol’-same-ol’ in a shiny new wrapper.

The tragedy is, is that the electorate is going probably going to fall for it again.

—

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results! ~ Albert Einstein

By: Bob Freeman

Bob Freeman — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:25:15 +0000

If Kevin Richert of the Idaho Statesman pointing out a typo isn’t rich I don’t know what is.

By: Nick Adams

Nick Adams — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:45:12 +0000

@Cyclops: What 16% are you talking about? City elections usually run around 30% turnout. Not great, but actually much higher than most cities in Idaho.

What’s your threshold? 40%, 50%, 70%, 100%? Idaho is a fairly good state in terms of turnout, particularly in presidential years–70%. Still, everyday you can read about those unhappy with the results.

I admire your passion about city politics, but your attempts to diminish results based on voter apathy are weak, at best.

EDITOR NOTE–In defense of Cyclops. Nick, he is agreeing with you right down to the EXACT %! With a 30% turnout, it takes just 16% to get elected. Tell him you are sorry.

By: Kassie L.

Kassie L. — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:54:59 +0000

I’m not sure where (or if) you’re getting or researching your information, but TJ Thomson is an Idaho native and has spent nearly a decade in the City of Boise. He is not a “new-comer” to the area!

He is the most down-to-earth person I’ve ever met and is in NO WAY a “member of the rich-boy-club”…that is SOOO not his nature. That incorrect statement is almost comical when referring to TJ! (He’s so genuinely humble he probably WINCED at the “pretty boy” comment!)

He’s an honest and caring citizen that is truly in this because he believes in public service…a rare breed in politics these days!

You clearly don’t know anything about TJ or know him personally, because NOTHING could be further from the truth.

Some people (although rare) still exhibit true character and integrity…he is one of those gentlemen.

He’s the real deal and will offer a fresh voice and new ideas to the City of Boise.

Please take the time to get to really listen to what he has to say and get a feel for him personally. You’ll be impressed.

By: Cyclops

Cyclops — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:03:02 +0000

I couldn’t pick Mr. Thomson out of a crowd of three. If he will represent, truly represent, the citizens of Boise, I couldn’t care less what “party” he belongs to. But if he actually thinks our current mayor is right in wanting a “choo-choo” then there is a major problem! I am afraid I see another case of 16% of the voters giving a candidate a “landslide victory”!

By: David A Honey

David A Honey — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:30:47 +0000

To set the record straight, and get the ball rolling, I will also be running for a position on the Boise City Council this year. I am opposed to annexation without a vote of those in the affected area and, although I consider Mayor Bieter a personal friend, Dave and I differ in opinion about the City’s need for a costly downtown trolley.

EDITOR NOTE–David, send us an announcement and appropriate links if you have them.