Economy
Growing To Death Like Cancer
Growing Like Cancer Idaho is experiencing a growth spurt unequaled since the days of homesteading, free mining claims, free cattle grazing, and water rights. Guess what? The modern version of those government give aways come in all sorts of “economic incentives” which has local citizens PAYING corporations to move businesses to the Treasure Valley and […]
Retired Educator Adresses Mayor, Councilors
Most of the following testimony was presented at last night’s Town Hall meeting, but with just a few seconds left to present, Mr. Neil Parker was cut off by Mayor Dave Bieter at the three minute time limit. The entire presentation is posted here as it seems to be an eloquent statement echoing the thoughts […]
Most Speakers Oppose Growth At Town Hall
In a respectful “town hall” meeting at Boise Fire Station #4 on Ustick Road Wednesday night, speaker after speaker told the Boise Mayor and Council they were tired of the growth or the rapid pace of growth. Describing idyllic scenes of the past being blotted out with high density apartments, about 90% of those speaking […]
Growthophobes Speaking Up To Politicos
Opponents of new subdivisions are organizing to make their voices heard. The following is an excerpt of a letter sent to the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) protesting a proposed subdivision along Victory Road West of Maple Grove. “Southwest Ada County Alliance (SWACA) and the residents that live within it’s boundaries are becoming increasingly concerned […]
“Vanishing Boise” Facebook Worth A Look
The folks who organized to stop the CVS drive thru on State have established a Facebook site called VANISHING BOISE. They appear sincere in their efforts to preserve what many think is still the “small town flavor” of Boise. VANISHING BOISE is worth a look as is Don Day’s BOISE DEV. Day tries to be […]
Will Idaho Utilities Share Fed Tax Break?
It will be interesting to see if the electric, water, telephone, and gas companies in Idaho plan to share the trump income tax break which has been reduced by 14% for corporations. (see COMMENT below for detailed explanation of math that is actually a 40% tax cut) The Idaho Public Utilities Commission which regulates those […]
Looking Ahead At 2018
We will start by grouping the standard resolutions: diet, exercise, lose weight, be tolerant of idiots, reduce road rage, work together for the greater good, etc. That said, here are some GUARDIAN resolutions. POWER TO THE PEOPLE–We would like to see more citizen activists working to preserve our city, county, and state. Victories over the […]
What Was Top GUARDIAN 2017 Story?
This is the traditional time to look back at the past year’s news and vote for the top stories. From this side of the computer, the F-35 story wins hands down. The effort and expense to expose the clandestine efforts of the local politicos to land the noisy fighter jet was massive. Other topics we […]
Citizens Prevail Again, No F-35 In Boise
The United States Air Force chose Madison, Wisconsin and Montgomery, Alabama Thursday as the new home bases for the noisy F-35 fighter jet. Dan Marler and his Citizens for a Livable Boise group can take some major credit for preserving the peace and tranquility of Boise skies. Heck, the GUARDIAN can probably also claim some […]
Talking Points, Take Your Pick
Once again, we have a paucity of topics on which to comment, so here are a few that need your intelligent views. –Despite the efforts of the GUARDIAN and fellow GROWTHOPHOBES, Idaho managed to rank 31 as the fastest growing state in the USA, according to the census bureau. Number one cause in our mind […]
Topic For Legislative Discussion
The issue of tax-exempt status for non-profit organizations has raised its head once again with the J.R. Simplot Foundation challenging a property tax bill on JUMP during the construction phase. The STATESMAN provided a detailed look at the property tax issue. Private hospitals like St. Als and St. Luke’s pay top staffers huge salaries and […]
Growthophobe Movement Gaining Ground
Under the heading of “You saw it first on the GUARDIAN,” we are taking heart at recent success of the North Enders who are fighting the proposed CVS pharmacy at 16th and State. The group of citizens who are looking to preserve the character of Boise were able to convince the Boise Planning and Zoning […]
Boise Has 50,000 Uncollected Parking Tickets
According to Craig Croner, administrative services manager and the man who oversees Boise’s parking systems, Boise currently is holding 50,000 delinquent parking tickets which in theory are worth a hefty $1,500,000 or $30 each ($15 fine and $15 late fee). Officials are talking about raising fees to encourage motorists to use parking garages and otherwise […]
Meridian Dream (nightmare) Comes True
Ten years ago the GUARDIAN reported on the potential accounting problems when a developer is allowed to divert Idaho sales tax to personal use. That’s what ITD did at the VILLAGE Mall in Meridian. The developer created his own urban renewal district with sales tax from retailers. The resulting traffic, growth, and ham-handed accounting are […]
Solution For Downtown Parking Rate Hike
The Capital City Development Corp. voted Monday to raise parking rates 20% to $3 per hour and the monthly rate from $135 to $170. The reason for the hikes is said to reduce demand–and of course make more money from downtown workers and shoppers. For an office worker making a take home pay of $40,000, […]
Corporate Welfare Costly To Idahoans
Corporate monsters gobbling up local businesses like the Pac Man monsters was easy to understand when the K-Mart, Wal Mart, and Home Depots ran the neighborhood hardware and local clothing stores out of business. When the cities and states created “economic development” departments and urban renewal agencies the equation became cloudier, but no less devastating. […]
GUEST OPINION: Oppose CVS At 16th And State
By Stephen C. Fischer It’s a longshot, but a grassroots effort of average citizens in Boise is taking on the big corporation of CVS Pharmacy and their plans to build a 15,000-foot store at State and 16th – with a petition that has garnered more than 300 signatures in its first week. This proposed CVS […]
GBAD To Hear First Comments On Stadium
While Boise Mayor Dave Bieter has been promoting his pet downtown stadium project to any group that will listen, he has factored in a $5 million payment from the Greater Boise Auditorium District, but the District has never discussed it or been presented a formal proposal. Concerned Boise Taxpayers, the group organized to oppose the […]
F-35 Decision Delayed Until December
Friends in the Detroit area report that Sec. of Air Force Heather Wilson has delayed the decision on basing F-35s at two undecided locations until December. The Michigan folks feel their Selfridge Air National Guard base is an ideal location. Of course, there are four other final venues who think THEIR location is best for […]
CANDIDATE FORUM–Paul Fortin Weighs in
THE FOLLOWING IS COUNCIL CANDIDATE FROM PAUL FORTIN: Good Day My Fellow Citizens Of Boise. Two of the main issues the people of Boise are asked for support are the down town sports arena and the F 35 versus the A 10. As I wrote before after a meeting at the Boise Public Library on […]
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