Comments on: ACHD, Procecutor Disagree Over Website Use

By: western guy

western guy — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 23:21:13 +0000

Bruce Wong, Bruse Wong… I remember that name.

But I think he’s really a fictional character.

Now, ACHD is only one of a hundred public agencies in SW Idaho where only the designated Mouthpiece says anything to anybody.

Dave Bieter… Dave Bieter. Anyone actually seen him? No, only his Mouthpiece.

By: Clancy

Clancy — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:32:07 +0000

I would bet most of the commissioner were left out of the loop. And now I find out that there is another subject coming to light where the commissioners may have not been give all the facts. Instead of a $200 fine, this may of caused a few deaths. Stay tuned…..

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 17:39:27 +0000

Why is it that we never hear that the Director of ACHD – – – Mr. Bruce Wong – – – NEVER has his name on ANYTHING?

He must have a really good PR department or is not responsible for anything that goes on at ACHD. Would he not need to approve of the use of the website to promote how voters should vote?

By: Tougher fine

Tougher fine — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 01:58:08 +0000

Can we ask that it be referred to the US Attorney? What Williams said. . .

By: j. williams

j. williams — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 23:39:34 +0000

ACHD gets federal funds, therefore it is subject to the Federal Hatch Act.If an employee violates the act, the penalty provision in the Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C.S. § 1506(a), clearly gives the employer the choice of removing the employee in question “from his office or employment,” or forfeiting federal funds equal to two years’ pay at the rate or amount the employee was receiving at the time of the violation. Further, for 18 months after his removal from employment, federal funds also will be forfeited if the employee is appointed to an office or employment with a state or local agency within the same state. Why wasn’t this referred to the US Attorney’s Office? ACHD certainly would rather pay a $200 fine than remove the guilty party or forfeit two years of their wages. If it was the director, ACHD is looking at big money being withheld.

By: Tucker

Tucker — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:12:00 +0000

Tougher Fine – ACHD was the first to cross the line on the brand new law. It went into effect July 1st and on July 23rd-26th is when the first discussion started between the PAC publicity firm and ACHD. So the legislature probably put the law and penalties there to say they had it, but make it pretty easy to pay the fine and remedy the issue. This is also true of the Open Meeting law which also has a weak fine/remedy for the violation.

It makes you wonder how many violations are out there that will never get prosecuted. To spend lots in legal fees against some high power private attorney is not seen as fiscally responsible with taxpayers money. Basically this allows any politician or public official to flaunt the law without fear of major repercussions.

By: rabula

rabula — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 18:39:26 +0000

Editor:

I understand that Loebs was appointed by the Ada Co. prosecutor, whose exercise of prosecutorial discretion is a bit too discreet, especially when it comes to the behavior of other politicians.

Once the farmed-out investigation is complete, it’s the local prosecutor’s baby. GBAD, ACHD, ISP, Team Dave—there are likely others—can do no wrong.

By: Tougher fine

Tougher fine — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 17:00:49 +0000

I think when the law was written it may have been harder to fork over $200, and public officials would not want to be embarrassed by the charges or conviction. If prosecutors won’t prosecute because a fine is too low, a fine is too low. Sheesh.

Legislatively updating the fine is a good idea. $2000 per violation.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 14:17:24 +0000

They are guilty. If he found them guilty that is a start.

They will certainly deny it but they still did it and they know it.

Maybe the legislature should write some tougher laws. Maybe a $50,000 fine would get their attention. Likely they will do it again – sometime they seem to be like Boise City and just give the voters the finger.

By: rabula

rabula — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 05:14:05 +0000

When does the Ada County Prosecutor stand for election again?

EDITOR NOTE–Loebs is Twin Falls prosecutor. He was appointed “special prosecutor” by Ada to avoid conflict with Ada County vs ACHD.