Dave Frazier
Be Careful With Growth Process
Guest Opinion by Timothy Kempf, PhD Growth and economic development are inextricably linked to a variety of environmental and public health problems. Here in the Treasure Valley we have experienced significant growth in the past decade as evidenced by population, new businesses, jobs, incomes and housing. We have also experienced an increase in the number […]
Competing With L.A. For Smog
Boise is quickly qualifying for another of those “Top Ten” lists, but this time it will be for “worst air quality of business friendly cities in America.” GUARDIAN reader Eagle Eye sent us this photo made last Saturday.
Ag Exemption Right or Wrong?
By: Taxpayer Murphy For all the taxpayers who are unhappy with their recent assessment increase, there should be an even greater cause of concern. Any property which is under assessed or is receiving some form of an exemption not entitled by law is being subsidized by all other taxpayers, by reduced taxes. Properties which are […]
Boise Promotes Urban Sprawl Movement
We have been out of town and busy at the day job, so please accept apologies for lack of new posts. The GUARDIAN has suffered a severe bout of “growthophobia” as the Boise Fire Department has made public its plans for 7 new stations–all aimed at accommodating GROWTH. They include Gowen Road near the Outlet […]
Mayor Hotline May 24 to June 1
NO TO SEX OFFENDERS AND ACHD, YES TO CHOPPER COPPERS 5/24/07 Agnes Miller 309 Howe St. Boise, ID 83706 ACHD: The comment I wanted to make is I thoroughly agree with Mayor Bieter’s letter that was in the Statesman this morning regarding ACHD. I see no reason why Boise city should subsidize county roads and […]
Tax Assessment Notice Explained
Ada County property tax assessments got delayed due to a mechanical glitch, but when they come to your mailbox, get ready for some sticker shock. Keep in mind the notice is nothing more than an appraised value of your home or business at the first of the year. Local governments such as city, county, highway […]
Two Wheelers Get 15 Free Parking Sites
Chalk up a big win for GUARDIAN reader Hillary Haymond. Team Dave’s parking czar John Eichmann today announced a massive downtown parking plan for two wheelers–in response to CITIZEN REQUESTS spearheaded by Ms. Haymond and GUARDIAN readers. PHOTO–HILLARY AND MAYOR DAVE BIETER In a press release Eichmann said, “ As a result of last year’s […]
Depot Doors Opened A Tiny Bit
The door to the Boise Depot is at least ajar for the public to visit. Team Dave announced today they will staff the historic Spanish Mission-style building on Sundays throughout the summer through September 30 from 10 A.m. to 6 p.m. and admission will be free. A press release from City Hall made no mention […]
Why Super Majority Vote Is Fair
A recent batch of bond elections for schools, library, and a community college have caused the old “super majority” issue to once again raise its ugly head. MOST of the recent bonds in the state have passed the 2/3 super majority. Those in FAVOR of the bonds–not unfairly labeled as “liberals”–see the 67% majority as […]
Supremes Issue Win, Loss, Draw Decision
The Supremes came out with their opinion on the Ada Commishes open meeting case today and it appears to the GUARDIAN the Commishes got off the hook for the $150 fine, but were found in technical violation of the open meeting law which has since been amended by the legislature. It would be fair to […]
Ada Voters Raise Canyon Tax
We noticed the community college election measure failed in Canyon County, but passed with enough margin in Ada County to create a passing grade in the two counties. A Canyon County reader came up with this observation: Can you please tell us how it is legal for Ada County and Canyon County voters to be […]
Voters Should Select Judges
With two upcoming vacancies on the Idaho Supreme Court it is time once again to debate the merits of appointing vs electing justices to the highest court in Idaho. Whenever there is an unscheduled vacancy, the seven member judicial council sends a list of names to the guv who appoints a replacement. The council is […]
Mayor Hotline May 12 to 18
OPEN THE DEPOT REPEATEDLY, SEX OFFENDERS UNWELCOME REPEATEDLY, IDLE COP Good calls with good opinions. Councilors please take notice–these people are voters. 5/15/07 Marge Wary 1105 Houston Rd. Boise, ID Depot: I’m calling to encourage opening the Depot more for public use. My friends and I love to water color paint in the Platt Gardens […]
De’Ja Vu’ University Land Deal
This is a story of how a $2 million land sale will obtain the $8 million East Jr. High from the Boise School District and finance part of a BSU athletic track complex for almost 45 years. As it sits now, we don’t like the look or the smell of the deal involving Boise Schools, […]
De’Ja Vu’ University Land Deal
This is a story of how a $2 million land sale will obtain the $8 million East Jr. High from the Boise School District and finance part of a BSU athletic track complex for almost 45 years. As it sits now, we don’t like the look or the smell of the deal involving Boise Schools, […]
Juice Demand High, Water Low
What’s up with Idaho Power wanting to raise rates to pay for growth? They claim to be spending $800 million to meet increased demand. They were trying to “soften up” customers to the impending price hike back in March with bill inserts. Not to short circuit their profitable power plans, but if more people get […]
Publisher Could Take $700,000 From Valley
We can’t tell if the Daily Paper got enticed by the Chamber of Commerce or if they are consenting adults, but a recent business page story was a bit off the mark in our opinion. United Airlines in-flight magazine publisher, Pace Communications, stands to take about $700,000 from Treasure Valley businesses if they sell 36 […]
Bridge Opens Gate To Development
The East Park Center bridge across the Boise River is about the only thing that stands between wildlife habitat on private ranch land and a mega subdivision with houses, shops, hotels and meeting facilities. BRIDGE WILL FACILITATE MORE HOUSES LIKE THOSE ABOVE IN HARRIS RANCH. The bridge has been a condition for the Harris Ranch […]
Irish Tenor Sings Swan Song
We don’t know if he is a tenor or if he can even sing, but we won’t have Mike Murphy to kick around any more. He has returned all his campaign contributions and offers this “swan song:” “For personal reasons (all very good ones fortunately), I have made the decision to drop-out of the Boise […]
Housing Inventory at 8,000
Recent reports from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) show about 8,000 unsold homes on the market in the Valley and many in the real estate industry say the backlog will translate into lower sales prices. That inventory increased from about 1,700 in January. Houses simply are not selling. The Daily Paper did a business piece […]
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