Jail bond missed by only a few votes. We advise sheriff and county officials to renew efforts to force the state of Idaho to take the daily 100 inmates that belong in the prison, but the state refuses to pick them up. The issue is NOT the super majority, it is the people of Ada County subsidizing the state.

KTVB-7 had the best coverage by far. Their crawler at the bottom of the TV screen kept folks informed of election results and reporters at key venues contributed to the evening’s information. They also did a nice job tracking results throughout their coverage area all the way to SE Idaho.

BOISEDEV had big boy coverage with a television-style anchor desk commenting and covering the races.

Secretary of State Phil McGrane made guest appearances with the media folks, including KTVB and BOISEDEV. Keep your eye on this guy he is looking like a valuable public asset for all Idaho.

Several Boise Councilors have had informal meets with Ada Commishes and County Park board members regarding the plug being pulled on free compressors three years ago at Barber Park.

Boise contends tubers and rafters unwilling to use “arm strong” hand pumps to inflate their water craft are trespassing in nearby Harris Ranch subdivision and poaching power from unsuspecting resident’s electrical outlets.

Ada justified cutting the air flow as a COVID-19 precaution, citing crowding at the “pressure point.”

HISTORY
Back when there were gas stations selling tires, folks would pay $1 or two and get an old inner tube to float the river. At least one tube was often reserved for beer and sodas. Parking was free in the grass and brush under the cottonwood trees and folks helped each other navigate the float to Ann Morrison Park. There was no Barber Park in those days.

Then along came well-intended Ada Commishes. They developed the park and not missing the chance to expand THEIR reach, Boise Councilors annexed all around the County Park, encouraging development and increased population.

Boise coppers lobbied the legislature to obtain jurisdiction over the beer and river. Prior to the adoption of city jurisdiction, waterways–even within a city–were governed by the local county sheriff and the state.

The county has joined the cash flow created by the river current, licensing vendors for rafts, tubes, buses, and snacks, BUT no air.

TODAY

Boise coppers are faced with citizen complaints of power poachers, illegal parking, and other annoyances. The Boise Fire Department saves lives almost daily using expensive jet boats and water skis.

The GUARDIAN has talked with officials of both the city and the county. The county says they have no plans to pressurize the air compressors. They say the park use is enhanced without the pressure of air. The city says free air would eliminate the parking and residential trespassing, even encourage safer water craft instead of flimsy plastic inflatables. Plenty of hot air!

Common sense prompted the GUARDIAN to question the wisdom of floating the river if it results in such a demand on Boise Fire rescue services. The Ada County commishes had already asked the question of Koberg, prompting the memo he sent them. Koberg noted the Monday opener of the float season was the busiest ever. He also said the opening was conducted after the Boise FD had cleared obstructions and the flow of 1,300 – 1,500 cfs is within the historically appropriate range for floater recreation.

The news from BFD along with Koberg’s comments beg a few questions:
–Should Boise and Ada Parks provide lifeguards like they do at pools?
–Is the BFD claim of 4 life saving events in 5 hours accurate?
–Will the BFD have a crew on the river every day? Is it necessary?
–How much are specialty skill firefighters paid hourly?
–With so many rescues in such a short period should the float be banned?

RESPONSE FROM BOISE FIRE OFFERS MORE DETAILS.
Here is the Boise Fire Department’s statement to your questions:

The beautiful Boise River bifurcating our city is the jurisdiction of the Idaho Department of Water Resources and therefore the City of Boise does not have any legal authority to regulate float traffic on the river. The Boise Fire Department (BFD) and Boise Parks and Recreation assist with mitigating hazards created by the ever-changing landscape along the river. While the river looks calm and serene, one of the things that makes the river so dangerous is the vegetation density that can entangle rafts and floaters. The Boise Fire Department makes every effort to mitigate these evolving hazards to make it as safe as possible for people to recreate. However, it should be noted that it is never completely safe when floating a wild river. This is why we try to encourage floaters to all wear well-fitting and United States Coast Guard approved life jackets for all floaters, regardless of age.

There can be any number or reasons leading to someone needing rescue. Historically, we have seen a lack of skill, equipment, weather and intoxication all leading to river rescues. During high usage times, like opening day, the Boise Fire Dive Team attempts to have crews on the river. However, this is not something we have the resources to provide daily. The Boise Fire Department Dive Rescue team was organized in 1974 due to the prevalence of water rescues in area canals, ponds, and the Boise River.

Details surrounding the four recent life-threatening/life-saving rescues:

-A raft that had flipped upside down with two kids in it. The young girl was not wearing a life jacket and the young boy was wearing a life jacket that was too big. The dive team pulled the two kids from the water before they went under.
Reminder: kids under 14 are required to wear a life jacket and it’s important they fit properly

-A female floated into low-hanging trees, got trapped, and was clinging to a tree. Bystanders were trying to help but couldn’t get to her. Boise Fire was able to access and rescue her. Reminder: Floaters should pay attention where the current is taking them and paddle to avoid low-hanging tree branches and vegetation.

-Female who was trapped and panicking. She was not able to get to shore. A friend flagged down members from the Boise Fire Dive Team and they were able to rescue her.
Reminder: Boise Fire recommends floaters a life jacket and well-fitting water shoes due to the rocky bottom.

At last check the GUARDIAN found the Ada County election office could not find any “qualified electors” living within the “community infrastructure district” (CID) which was established years ago to finance the proposed project through sale of municipal-style bonds. Under the scheme lobbied into law by the developers of Avimor rather than using their own money, developers are able to sell the bonds and then place the repayment financial liability on each parcel as it is sold. The election would consider taking out up to $600 million in debt, with an additional $311.5 million in interest — for a total of $911,560,484, to be paid back over 30 years.

The Idaho constitution states in ARTICLE VI, SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTORS. Every male or female citizen of the United States, eighteen years old, who has resided in this state, and in the county were [where] he or she offers to vote for the period of time provided by law, if registered as provided by law, is a qualified elector.

So what happens when they hold an election and there are no voters? Ada County’s legal staff and the election office are studying the issue. So far, we hear the developer is struggling to come up with a couple of voters.

It appears there will be challenges if the developer is unable to come up with legal Idaho residents of the CID who own property and have lived there for at least 30 days. In reality it would seem nearly impossible to find financial backers who would rely on the vote of a handful of property owners to finance nearly $1 billion.

Here is the Idaho law on voting:
IDAHO CODE 50-3102
(13) “Qualified elector” means a person who possesses all of the qualifications required of electors under the general laws of the state of Idaho and:
(a) Resides within the boundaries of a district or a proposed district and who is a qualified elector. For purposes of this chapter, such elector shall also be known as a “resident qualified elector”; or
(b) Is an owner of real property that is located within the district or a proposed district, who is not a resident qualified elector as set forth above. For purposes of this chapter, such elector shall also be known as an “owner qualified elector.”

Legal scholars we contacted agreed that provision 13(b) could face constitutional challenges in that it allows non-residents to vote if they own property.

The GUARDIAN visited this issue back in 2011.

The funding scheme subverts the Idaho Constitutional requirement to seek voter approval for debt in excess of one year. The original bond deal was for $46 million, but we are told the costs have increased since initial approval.

Unbeknownst to most folks, Ada County handles autopsies for about 34 of Idaho’s counties, claiming the pathologist fees help pay for the operation of the coroner’s office.

The GUARDIAN is of the strong opinion that Idaho needs a statewide medical examiner or office of forensic pathology. It simply is not appropriate for “The State of Ada” to provide staff and facilities for the rest of the state when it comes to forensic autopsies.

Apparently the folks in Bannock County can see there is money in the deadly business of pathology. The Bannock commishes and some Idaho State University staffers will be pitching the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee at the legislature Wednesday for cash to have their own 13 county regional office–with state of Idaho funding.

To our knowledge, Ada County does not receive any money from the state and if they lose their Eastern Idaho deadly customers it could be taps for the new finance scheme.

Here is the press release from Pocatello:

Along with the Commissioners, Chief of Staff Braeden Clayson and I will also be in attendance. I will get images and video with my phone that I can share with whoever is interested. These meetings are also streamed and recorded. Watch here: https://www.idahoptv.org/shows/idahoinsession/jfac/ [idahoptv.org]

More about East Idaho Forensics Pathology Center

Emma Iannacone
Public Information Officer
c. (208) 589-9503
emmai@bannockcounty.us

The recent announcement of a Meta data center moving to Kuna would be great if the predicted 100 workers were from the ranks of Idaho unemployed. Whenever state or county governments offer any “incentives,” the beneficiary should post a bond to insure they pay for all the promised items like sewer, water, schools, roads, etc.

If not, we can expect a desert “State Government Campus-South” just like we have at the former H-P site on Chinden.

GROWTOHOBES stand by the policy of welcoming anyone who wants to locate a business here as long as they pay a fair wage and the same taxes the rest of us pay. Growth for the sake of growth is like cancer and it is expensive.

To further add salt to the wound, Kuna politicos are planning to create an urban renewal district in the desert. That means the city of Kuna, the schools, ACHD, and Ada County will receive NO TAX revenue on the $800 million building. It will be diverted to the urban renewal district.

With new legislative changes and district boundaries, voters may not see what they expect on their ballot.

New this year, Boise City Council Elections are split by district, and voters must live within a district to vote. City Council seats 1, 3 & 5 will be up for election.

The Boise Sewer bond question will be on most, but not all Boise City ballots. A small section of Boise City is within the West Boise Sewer District and those voters will not see the Boise Sewer bond question on the ballot.

As with Boise City Council races, West Ada School District Trustees are elected by zone. Only those voters who live in Zones 1 and 3 will see a trustee race on the ballot.

In addition to West Ada Trustees and Boise Sewer bond, there are city council races in all cities, a Garden City mayoral race, Eagle Fire District Commissioners, Kuna School District Trustees, and a West Ada School District Supplemental Levy.

“It’s important to be prepared before heading to the polls on Election Day to avoid surprises and make informed decisions. We have a limited number of polling places changes each election, and though we notify affected voters, it is always a good idea to confirm where you vote before you head out,” said Trent Tripple, Chief Deputy Clerk. “Also, due to the nature of local elections’ districts and boundaries, you may not see what you expect on the ballot based on where you reside. We encourage you to check the polling place locator on our website where you can input your address and see both your polling location and your ballot in advance of the election.”

This press release is what police NEWS used to be about! It appears that kidnapping lizards is a felony rather than simple shoplifting when the lizards are of high value. WHO carries a lizard in their pocket?

The official police account:
This afternoon the Boise Police Department’s Organized Retail Crime Unit worked with the Caldwell Police Department to arrest Christopher Garcia,49, in Caldwell on two counts of felony Grand Theft.

Boise Police had been investigating the theft of multiple lizards from local retailers since July. Evidence indicates Garcia entered multiple retail locations in Boise and in each case waited until employees were not around, removed a lizard from their cage, and walked out with the lizard in his pocket.

Local retailers were an integral part of this investigation and helped BPD’s ORC unit identify Garcia. Garcia has been booked into the Canyon County Jail on the listed charges. Additional charges are expected.

The GUARDIAN has mentioned the weed problem repeatedly to clerks, but to no avail. Insiders tell us the guys with neckties claim there is no money to care for the exterior of the citizen-owned facility.

We spent more than an hour on the internet and telephone attempting to locate a postal manager in Boise. There was no published way to speak to the local postmaster or anyone else in the U.S. P. S. After a lengthy menu on an automated local number we were instructed to “hang up and dial an 800 number.”

The 800 automated voice had a similar menu, but no option to speak to a human being–with a necktie or not.

Not one to just complain with no solution, the GUARDIAN is seeking a one shot clean up by the Ada County Sheriff’s Inmate Labor Detail. These low risk criminals do similar landscape cleaning for Boise Parks and on FEDERAL Interstate highways. It would seem logical to have them do some weed whacking at the post office. The only problem is finding someone at the Post Office who will coordinate with the Ada Sheriff. If anyone wishes to offer up a phone number of a local necktie at the Post Office we will gladly share it with the sheriff.

Meanwhile local politico mothers and fathers work overtime to attract more population, cars, trains, planes, and buses through “incentives.” They want those of us who live here to finance their addictive habit.

As budget approval times approach for local governments, tax increases are coming and expansion of everything from schools to roads, coppers, city workers and traffic are imminent.

Those of us who have lived here and revere the lifestyle, weather, and culture of SW Idaho are an endangered species. In a nutshell we are being exploited by outside forces and have to pay the bill so developers and other “birds of prey” can flourish.

We often hear the cry, “We have been discovered and we can’t keep people from moving here!” True, but we shouldn’t have to PAY them to come here. Paylocity posted a testimonial on a chamber of commerce site which is worth noting:

“In Boise’s favor were state incentives like a Workforce Development Training Fund, a reimbursement program to help cover the costs of training and onboarding initiatives, and a Tax Reimbursement Incentive (TRI) of 28 percent for 15 years. TRI is an incentive available to new or existing Idaho companies that create 50 or more high-wage jobs in Idaho. Companies have the ability to receive a reimbursement on their payroll, sales and corporate income taxes up to 30 percent for a maximum of 15 years. TRI is awarded to companies that prove their stability and significant economic impact to the industry, community and state.”

Wouldn’t we ALL like to have a 28 percent tax kickback for 15 years?

To top it off, the land was formerly agricultural cropland. Meridian made it an urban renewal agency and none of the taxes on the multimillion dollar buildings go to schools, ACHD, the city or the county. Sadly, the scenario is repeated over and over.

In the annual budget competition between local governments to see who can offer the most “savings,” Ada County is this year’s winner. The commishes budget includes a $12M cut in property taxes. Don’t hold your breath because future budgets can “clawback” the foregone taxing authority. Just ask the Ada County Highway District.

ACHD is faced with dozens of needed road projects and they are exploring to use that clawback feature to add $7.5 million cash to their bank account. See this BoiseDev piece.

Boise City has approved a $276.2 million budget to include 44 new hires in various departments–because of growth. Officials predict a 29% tax hike.

All these new people and companies need a bigger airport with more flights. Alaska Airlines has a deal with the University of idaho to pay the carrier if their new route to Moscow-Pullman is not profitable. Also, we wonder about the “incentives” offered to airlines for new flight routes. Do they pay landing and gate fees like everyone else?

In summary, when local government works against the will of the citizens thinking they are “creating jobs” and “competing with other cities,” they are destroying our culture and a way of life that has been eroded almost to the point of destruction.

When growth is the number one concern of society it is counter- productive to encourage growth. The politicos have caused the price of housing to climb out of sight and then they strive to build some cheap housing to take care of the problem they themselves created.
They create that which they seek to escape.