Politics
Boise-Ada Election Takeaway Notes
Mclean-Masterson race probably had two winners. Mclean benefitted from incumbency and handily ensconced herself as a political power in Idaho. Masterson went through the motions, but his heart wasn’t really in the race. After a lifetime in public service, he had his eye on retirement and family time. Two winners. Jail bond missed by only […]
The Politics Of Power Is Electrifying
We saw the local legacy media publish (broadcast) a story from Team McLean claiming Boise’s airport and Lander Street sewer plant would be using solar energy provided by Idaho Power. That simply is not true. While Idaho Power has solar facilities on the grid, they also have other sources on the same system. The good […]
Progress To Some, Ruination To Others
Photo Essay by DAVID R. FRAZIER, editor We took a little tour of our downtown area recently and sadly realized it is nearly impossible to see the foothills or much of any horizon thanks to the big city apartments and other structures. The state capitol used to be the centerpiece of the Boise skyline, but […]
More Down Thoughts For Up Zone Plan
The Guardian has been a long time proponent of allowing citizens to vote on issues as profound as the proposed up zone. City officials seem to be taking a lesson from the Idaho Legislature when it comes allowing citizen votes. Guest Opinion by KATIE FITE Why I will urge the Planning and Zoning Commission to […]
School Board Forgot First Amendment Right
The following guest opinion is authored by a retired member of the Idaho Bar, who practiced law for several decades in Boise. Guest Opinion by RANDALL FRANCH, Esq. The Legislature passed into law one bill to criminalize gender-affirming medical care and another to criminalize any person involved in interstate travel of girls for abortion. Gov. […]
After $500K, No Results On Cop Racial Investigation
The Washington D.C. legal group hired by Boise City has not come up with any information for public consideration according to a current post on BOISE DEV. The BOISE DEV piece is worth a look as it goes into detail about the matter. The GUARDIAN confirmed the law firm burned through $500,000 in taxpayer funds […]
Density To Rival New York?
The following guest opinion was submitted to Boise officials as testimony regarding the proposed zoning ordinance change. Guess Opinion by KEN PIDJEON Boise currently allows between 15 to 45 dwelling units per acre, sometimes more, and under the proposed Zoning Code those numbers remain but, in some cases, unlimited density is allowed. Contrast Boise with […]
Stand Against The UpZone Plan
Guest Opinion by HENRI WIEBE As citizens, we must speak out against the proposed city lead zone code rewrite, which seems to be based on a premise as ridiculous as the plot of the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Just like the three convicts in the film, we have been duped into believing that […]
Former Top Copper Enters Mayor Race
Former Boise top copper Mike Masterson has filed the appropriate campaign notice with the Secretary of State to become a candidate for mayor. He will challenge Lauren McLean in the November election. Here is his statement: Statement from Mike Masterson March 20, 2023 “I recently took the first step to run to be the next […]
50 Candidates Vie For 2 Council Seats
The GUARDIAN finds it very interesting that 50 Boise residents are seeking to fill to vacancies on the City Council through appointments, rather than an election. Councilor Elaine Clegg is headed off to a high paying job as director of the Valley Transit bus system and Lisa Sanchez lost her seat when she moved out […]
Parks Restriction Garners Signature Quota
A petition drive aimed at restricting Boise politicos from selling park and open space real estate without citizen approval has obtained enough signatures to make the 2023 November ballot. A group calling itself the “Boise Parks Association” ran the effort. Here is what they say in-part in a press release: On December 30, 2022, the […]
Former BPD Chief Opines On Outside Investigation
Guest Opinion By MIKE MASTERSON I’m hearing many people express concern regarding the mayor’s ineptness in the handling of daily operations. From her confusing responses to the complaint nine police officers filed for workplace harassment to her differing statements on the Office of Police Accountability . The waters muddy even further with, a hastily created […]
Kiddie Drag Show Killed
Organizers of this weekend’s Gay Pride Festival have dropped the drag show for 11-18 year-olds from the schedule after seven sponsors, including the Idaho Health and Welfare, dropped their support. Controversy erupted after conservative groups, the Republican Party, and others complained about “the sexualization of children” in the planned kiddie drag show. “While the vast […]
Gay Pride Parade Bombshell
The talk radio right and conservative social media is sparking with news that Boise’s Pride Parade Sunday will feature a “Drag Queen” festival on stage…for 11-18 year-olds. The EVENT. The GUARDIAN has discussed the event with our trusted liberal and gay friends. We also talked to some middle of the roaders and conservatives. At first […]
Is Bedke Running For Boise Mayor?
If a recent campaign funds solicitation is any indication, it looks like Scott Bedke is running for Boise mayor against Lauren McLean. It isn’t clear just what he will do to stop McLean or what she will do to hurt the office of Lt. Gov. Here is a copy of what he sent to potential […]
Which Flag On Harrison For Flag Day?
The Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, or simply the American Flag will be flying proudly Tuesday, June 14 on Flag Day, throughout the USA. In Boise, chances are pretty good we will see rainbow striped Gay Pride flags fly from publicly owned lamp posts along Harrison Blvd., not the red, white, and blue. We find […]
Is City Council Seat A Conflict With Legislature?
Guest Opinion By DAVID KLINGER Unless you’re a first-time homebuyer in the “New Boise”, trying to scrape together a down payment for that $500,000 “starter home” in “America’s Most Livable City”, the notion of working two jobs to make ends meet probably doesn’t carry very much appeal. That is, however, unless you’re an elected City […]
Council Adopts Guardian District Idea
It looks like Boise City Councilors have come to their senses and adopted the GUARDIAN philosophy for the upcoming requirements for members of the commission that will set districts. The action took place at the Tuesday meeting. The GUARDIAN had suggested ( see previous post) the expertise of members was more important than their geographical […]
Council District Commission Important Move
Boise City Councilors will consider an ordinance Tuesday to create a commission to fashion the new districts mandated by the Idaho legislature. It will be a public hearing. While we recognize the need to have ONE MAN-ONE VOTE districts, this first step is only to establish the commission members. These planning units are indeed absurd […]
Council Studies Trailer Park Purchase
Citing a need to preserve low-cost affordable housing, Boise City Councilors discussed the purchase of a trailer park in the Vista neighborhood at Shoshone and Malad at a recent work session. Council President Elaine Clegg said, “This is a great opportunity to secure a revenue source for taxpayers and preserve shelter for our unhoused community […]
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