Economy
Dynamis Deal Declared DOA in Wyoming
Once on the list of “projects underway, in the works, awaiting completion, etc.” a garbage to energy plant in Riverton, Wyoming has joined the list of failed projects for Dynamis–the outfit with a 30 year contract and $2 million in Ada tax money. Seems like any news about Dynamis and its principals is bad these […]
Claim On A Rotten Deal Filed Against Ada
A tort claim of $30 million–legal action required prior to filing a suit against local government–has been filed against Ada County by the energy firm currently generating electricity at the landfill by capturing methane gas created from rotting garbage. Through a couple of subsidiaries, Fortistar Methane Group has a contract to operate the gas-to-energy facility […]
Boise Budget Woes Worsen, Mayor Seeks Extra $$ For Unions
If we understand what the BOISE WEEKLY’S George Prentice has written, it looks like there is a shortfall of several million dollars in the proposed City budget, but Team Dave is seeking some extra bucks for the coppers and firefighters. The GUARDIAN has expressed concerns about inequities of our civil servants. The union members are […]
Hoku On Trickle, Zonda Misses The Bus
The Pocatello Hoku plant that was set to make photovoltaic cells is in its death throes as the NASDAQ stock exchange has forced the firm to delist its stock which most recently has been listed for less than a dime. While it is sad to see any company go under, the GUARDIAN feels we don’t […]
Boise’s Bungled Property Deals Focus of CCDC Project
With most of the planning completed and the deals done, Boise’s urban renewal folks are about to extend their long arms to include another 200 acres or so that will not generate revenue for the city. The Daily Paper has a lengthy file on the latest urban renewal plot. Its about the 30th Street-Fairview area […]
Boise Brass Benefit While Workers Are Shined
The retirement of Boise Parks Director Jim Hall has prompted a “nationwide search” for a replacement with a promised salary of at least $100,000. But wait there’s more! It looks like Boise has taken a page from WallStreet when it comes to executive compensation. A city worker sent the following info regarding the job to […]
Supremes Say Cottage Lease Law Unconstitutional
In a ruling released Friday the Idaho Supreme Court eliminated the “home field advantage” for cottage leaseholders on state land at Payette and Priest Lakes. We have to hand it to Attorney General Lawrence Wasden for suing his fellow land board members over the issue–a 1990 law giving current lessees priority for lease renewals. He […]
Should State Be In Business of Business?
Here is another opinion piece being presented at the Repub Convention at Twin Falls this week. Disclaimer: The GUARDIAN will gladly post rebuttals, comments, or other topical items from any other party or individual. By Bob Forrey The Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, Sec. Of State Ben Ysursa, Supt. of […]
Repubs Consider Urban Renewal Repeal
This post is a copy of a document to be presented at the Republican State Convention in Twin Falls. The GUARDIAN will gladly post similar items from the Dems. By Rachel S. Gilbert Do you wonder why your property taxes are so high and continue to rise year after year? Do you wonder why cities […]
Personal Property Tax May End
Idaho’s personal property tax–an annual levy on equipment used in businesses–may end soon if industry lobbyists and Gov. Butch Otter get their way, according to a recent REPORT in the Daily Paper. At a weekend meeting of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI) the Guv said his position is evolving on that issue. […]
Canyon Mayors Quietly Seek Tax Hike
FROM THE CALDWELL GUARDIAN The mayors of Canyon County’s largest cities have been quietly pushing behind the scenes to raise the taxes of their constituents in the wake of declining property values, according to confidential GUARDIAN sources. Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas and Tom Dale of Nampa have talked with the Canyon County Assessor about raising […]
Booze Chief Sensitive To LDS Polygamy
The Washington Post features a local AP story in Today’s edition that’s sure to make the Leno and Letterman monologues. Seems there is a new Vodka product on the market called FIVE WIVES. Idaho State Liquor Division administrator Jeff Anderson said the brand is offensive to Mormons who make up over a quarter of Idaho’s […]
Zonda Bus Not Stopping In Boise Anytime Soon
Amid great fanfare last May, Chinese bus manufacturer Zonda announced it had selected Boise as its USA headquarters to make electric buses. The politicos, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development people all gushed at attracting a major manufacturer of electric buses and up to 1,000 jobs. A year later the bus still hasn’t made its stop, […]
County Amps Up The Voltage On Dynamis Deal
When Ada Commishes Sharon Ullman and Rick Yzaguirre approved a last minute extension to the Dynamis “franchise agreement” at the landfill, they added “significant value” to the deal according to a GUARDIAN financial consultant. It appears the lease has jumped from 5 years to 30 years. Additionally, the contract now allows Dynamis to bring in […]
Some Educated Thoughts To Consider
Its an annual event this time of year: students graduate either high school or college, there are inspiring stories of old immigrants getting degrees, students overcoming emotional and financial hurdles, and of course politicos making commencement addresses to show they are “pro education.” Just today we encountered a couple of youngsters (nearly everyone is a […]
Ada County Buys Foreclosed Subdivision
First it was the Idaho Land Board purchasing a private storage business, now Ada County Commishes bought a foreclosed subdivision on 250 acres north of Hidden Springs and east of Highway 55 for $240,000. Known as Red Hawk Estates, the development fell on hard times and was foreclosed by Bank of The Cascades from Dry […]
Boise To “Upgrade” Council Chambers For Only $1,300,000
UPDATE Tuesdy 5/8/12–Councilors passed the expenditure on a 4-2 vote. Councilors TJ Thomson and Ben Quintana stood up against staff and four of their colleagues to cast the no votes. Thomson noted it was hard to justify the expense in the face of the current budget crunch. The GUARDIAN was asked by one wag if […]
Assets vs Liabilities In Banking, A lesson
Boise’s SYRINGA BANK is in trouble and faces a merger or takeover from state and federal regulators because it’s capital level is less than 10% of its assets. Terms used to describe banks are somewhat reverse of what we normally think. When we DEPOSIT funds in a bank–savings, checking, or CDs–the institution shows that as […]
Thoughts From The Road
The day job has the GUARDIAN on the road making photographs and observing the “American Condition.” We share some random observations. –The new bridge across the Coloorado River below Hoover Dam is a great time saver if you are headed south of Las Vegas, but you can’t see it (or the dam) as you drive […]
Idaho Power Tells Commission Its “Over Powered”
Idaho Power is seeking a suspension of the law which requires the utility to purchase power from small “renewable energy” producers. A hearing is set for Wednesday at the Idaho Public Utilities Commission headquarters 9:30 a.m. at 472 W. Washington St. in Boise. Oversupply of wind power has been a major bone of contention recently […]
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