Dave Frazier
State-Owned Private Business Venture Draws Split Decision From GUARDIAN Readers
Businesses–especially the lucrative self storage sector–can expect to see more State-owned competitors in the future. Land Dept. Deputy Director Cathy Opp talked with the GUARDIAN Wednesday following our post about the Department purchasing and operating a retail self storage facility at 450 S. Maple Grove in Boise. She said the goal of the endowment fund […]
State Owns Tax-Exempt Commercial Storage, Competes With Private Business
Politicos are fond of attempting to “run government like a business” in these hard economic times, but how about government flat out running a business? The State of Idaho recently created a front company which discreetly operates a tax-exempt commercial public self-storage facility hiding behind the assumed name of “Affordable Storage” at 450 South Maple […]
Airport Seeks Public Financing Of Private Business Facilities
In a page one Saturday story by reporter Cynthia Sewell, the IDAHO STATESMAN ran a statement by Richard McConnell, Boise Airport’s director, which illustrates the need to oppose HJR5. “If a company says it wants to lease a cargo facility within the next 12 months for a 20-year period, the city would first have to […]
F&G Director Cited in Trespass Case
In a case of “do as I say,” Idaho Fish and Game Director Cal Groen notified Fish and Game commishes Friday, October 15, that he was served with a citation in connection with a trespass incident in the Elk City area. Earlier this week, Groen and hunting companions were questioned regarding the incident that occurred […]
What Others Say About Amendments
As election day draws near, interest in the three constitutional amendments is drawing media attention throughout the state. All three aim to abolish the constitutional rights we currently hold to vote on debt by airports, public hospitals, and city electric utilities. We will add links to this page as we learn of coverage and invite […]
Election Update From Ada Clerk’s Office
Requests for mail out ballots are brisk. As of today (10/15/10) Ada County Elections has mailed out 15,664 ballots. Voters wishing to vote by mail (via an absentee ballot) need to submit an absentee ballot request by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, October 27. Absentee ballot requests may be obtained from http://idahovotes.gov/. Early voting began Tuesday. As […]
F&G Director Subject of Sheriff’s Investigation
The following press release from Idaho Fish and Game probably qualifies as “damage control.” “Idaho Fish and Game Director Cal Groen has notified the Fish and Game Department that he and hunting companions have been questioned regarding a reported trespass incident in the Elk City area. The incident involves Groen in his personal, and not […]
A Personal GUARDIAN Note
We have to admit to a bit of preoccupation with the campaign to preserve the right of Idaho voters to vote on debt at airports, public hospitals and city owned electric utilities. The GUARDIAN has won several court decisions against Boise as they attempted to skirt the constitution which has brought us to the Nov. […]
State Rep Joins Amendment Opposition
Another legislator has taken a public stand opposing the proposed constitutional amendents aimed at abolishing the right of voters to approve public debt at airports, public hospitals, and public electric utilities. In an Op-Ed piece in the Twin Falls TIMES-NEWS, Rep. Stephen Hartgen pointed out the pit falls in the proposed amendments and vowed to […]
Mayor Hotline October 2 to 8
10/2/10 Scott Lowe Dewey St. Boise, ID 83702 ISSUE: His wife took the phone survey; they were told it would take 15-20 minutes but it took almost 30 minutes to complete. If you are going to send out a letter saying that it should take only 15-20 minutes, that’s what it should take. Mayor’s Office […]
Ada Voter Info and Directions
The Ada County election office has issued the following information for voters regarding the upcoming mid-term elections. EARLY VOTING Early voting will begin for Ada County voters Tuesday, October 12 through Friday, October 29, 2010 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Early voting is conducted at: Election Services 400 Benjamin, suite 100 […]
Washington State Voters Seek 2/3 Approval On Spending
A common cry among proponents of the three proposed constitutional amendments claims Idaho and California are alone in their requirements for voter approval for certain public funding. While not an argument over “fees,” to finance debt, Washington State voters seek to limit the taxing authority of government without 2/3 voter approval. Idaho already has that […]
McCall Newspaper Endorses GUARDIAN Amendment Stance
By Tom Grote, Editor and Publisher The Star-News “Amendments an assault on voter’s rights” Three proposed amendments to the Idaho Constitution to be placed before voters on Nov. 2 would deprive citizens of their basic right to tell government what it can do and cannot do. This is an attempt by bureaucrats to wrest away […]
2C Commishes Ignored GUARDIAN Warning
The DAILY PAPER ran a story today–fair and balanced–about the financial debacle in 2C land which left the county trying to squeeze $288,000 out of a turnip. The BOISE and CALDWELL GUARDIANS on June 17 warned everyone emphatically saying, “One glaring issue for us was the plan for the county to invoice Bujak’s private firm […]
Mayor Hotline September 25 to October 1, 2010
9/26/10 Jason Wallman ISSUE: He called into the 911 system to inform the police that they had a light signal that was not working as the power was out at Federal Way and the connector to and from Broadway but they never sent anyone to direct traffic. BPD 9/26/10 Diane Ayres 83705 ISSUE: She saw […]
Valley Mayors Seek To Spend $738,000,000 With No Public Vote
Treasure Valley Mayors from Boise To Wilder signed a letter published in the IDAHO BUSINESS REVIEW Monday supporting passage of HJR5–the constitutional amendment seeking to abolish the constitutional rights of citizens to vote on public debt at airports. In their letter, the seven mayors said, “Our airports need the tools to finance the estimated $738 […]
Paper: IHA “Not Straight With Voters”
EDITORIAL OPINION FROM TWIN FALLS TIMES-NEWS raps Idaho Hospital Association. To its credit, the paper takes a swipe at Idaho Hospital Association even though it supports amendment that will abolish right of citizens to vote on public hospital debt. JEERS: Hyperbole abounds in election years, but the Idaho Hospital Association has gone too far this […]
No Surprise, Canyon Prosecutor Resigns
The 2C prosecutor resigned Friday amidst a shroud of financial dealings that have become all too common in Canyon County. John Bujak called it quits, apparently over his convoluted agreement with the city of Nampa which saw funds going to his private law firm account, with promises to repay the county by the end of […]
Ada Assumes Courthouse Parking Authority
Just as our sources PREDICTED two weeks ago, the Ada Courthouse will be more user friendly beginning Friday when the “first hour free” parking policy is reinstated. Additional hours or portions will cost just a dollar. The Ada Commishes are now running the show and seem to want the parking facility to serve the visitors […]
Simplot JUMP Project Hits Design Review Snag
PHOTO: Susan Desko Architects The Simplot family’s proposed down JUMP development hit a snag with Boise officials last night when the Design Review Commission deadlocked in a 3-3 tie over approval of the proposed project to be located between 9th and11th Streets bordered by Front and Myrtle in downtown Boise. Simplot spokesman David Cuoio told […]
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