Comments on: Guv Says “Possible Deal Only” On Hammer Flat

By: JamesBond

JamesBond — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:35:58 +0000

These creative high financing schemes are way too common with local governmental entities. I have long decided that it comes from having small-time policos succumbing so easily to the lobbyists and chamber busy bees, falling under their money and flattery spells and desperately trying to prove that they also wear suits and can engage in complex financing deals. It really is tedious, but more than that, it is wrong and should be punished. Local government is the most corrupt and unaccountable form of government we have.

By: Team Bikeboy

Team Bikeboy — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:42:17 +0000

Various observations:

– SORRY I missed the hootenanny! I attended a previous anniversary party, and it was enjoyable to put faces with names. Congrats, Dave! (I hope you weren’t left holding a huge property-damage bill, on account of your rowdy readers.)

– Does the Guardian merit criticism for being generally critical of local-gummint practices? I’d say not… after all, it’s the Guardian! Very clearly-defined mission. If it’s puff pieces you want, there are plenty of news outlets with pretty talking media heads, talking to gummint PR flaks who were formerly pretty talking media heads.

– No matter who ends up holding the deed for “Hammer Flats,” I wish we could all agree here and now to cease with that name, and start calling it the “Ernie Elk Memorial Wildlife Refuge” (or alternately the “Ernie Elk Memorial Huntin’ Ridge”).

Cheers, everybody! Here’s to another five years!

By: Dr Spiegelvogel

Dr Spiegelvogel — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:32:54 +0000

Two points: Regarding transparency: Otter didn’t mention the closed Republican caucuses which set the agenda for the State Legislature.

And hunting on Hammer Flat is a non-issue. The deer and sometimes elk are not there until hunting season is over, after being driven down by snow cover.

Most hunters know that using Hammer Flat to help preserve the Boise River herd (25,000 mule deer) will increase the deer population, especially after hard winters. This herd spreads out all the way out to Grandjean before coming down for the winter.

What is the real reason for the hunting issue. I don’t know but there is a whiff of politics is in the air.

EDITOR NOTE–Perhaps that “whiff” is like the smell of napalm.

By: Muck Raker

Muck Raker — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:55:48 +0000

Dave:

Heard Governor Otter’s comment live last night. It was welcome news.

I also thought it was pretty gracious of Virgil Moore to appear on behalf of IDFG.

Keep doing what you’re doing. Someone needs to hold these rascals responsible for their execrable behavior.

EDITOR NOTE–since Muck has been the 2nd reader to slip in a new word we have to explain to non library types (EXECRABLE: “extremely bad or unpleasant”).

By: David Zarkin

David Zarkin — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:34:21 +0000

I am so pleased that you are out front on supporting the environment over suburban development that only adds to the urban sprawl problem that was evident over 40 years ago when I was a reporter at the Statesman. On an unrelated topic, my high school buddy Harold Vossen in Sandpoint says Canadians are illegal immigrants in the Panhandle. This is quite amusing. Maybe they are escaping from free health care in Canada. Vossen claims they are dealing drugs. Northern Idaho was always interesting.

By: erico49

erico49 — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:57:03 +0000

I don’t agree with the secrecy (and that’s Dave’s main grip here). However, IDFG is supposed to be independent from politics (as Gov. Batt conceded) and statute allows for preserves. Not sure what Butch thinks he is doing. See Idaho code 36-103.Wildlife property of state — Preservation.

By: IdahoN8V

IdahoN8V — Fri, 28 May 2010 06:20:55 +0000

You’re kidding me. Fraud on the internet? No way!

Seriously, I applaud the effors of the Guardian to shed some light on this deal. Speaking from experience, I know this isn’t the only example of city officials acting in a shady manner.

So as a conservative gun owner and hunter I’m allowed my own conspiracy theories too right? Somehow I think this land deal is going to impact hunters’ use of the area in a negative way.

By: dave

dave — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:38:55 +0000

EDITOR NOTE–
While it may happen more than we were aware, it appears the negative comments from Casual Observer, Blazing Saddle, Former County Staffer, and Where’s the Beef have originated from the same disgruntled person attempting to manipulate reader perceptions.

While we won’t delete them at this time, future comments from this person will not be knowingly allowed as it creates an inaccurate appearance of opposition to the GUARDIAN.

By: Casual Observer

Casual Observer — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:58:51 +0000

You were endorsed by Butch! Who’s next, Palin, Rand Paul, and Vaugn Ward?

By: cyclops

cyclops — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:49:32 +0000

Blazing Saddle, you are kidding, Right? Do you really believe that the deal between Boise and IFG came about in the last two weeks? You really don’t see where this has been a “deal” since Boise bought Hammer Flats? You actually don’t have a problem with Boise operating as a “bank” and, in effect, giving IFG a loan until they can find the money to pay for it? Do you have the remotest idea what the interest is on $4,000,000.00? That money is gone from the citizens. And you think Bieter is “clean” on this whole charade? Please tell me you didn’t vote last Tuesday!!