Politics
Airport Noise Issue Causes Citizen Turbulence
Neighbors from the Hillcrest Place Homeowners Association, Vista Neighborhood Association sounded off over a noise survey conducted by the Boise Airport, but with very little notification of homeowners. It looks like the 75 property owners who attended the meeting at Whitney Community Center Thursday night were roused to action by social media posts on the […]
Two Candidates Leave Boise City Race
Word from Boise City Hall: Former Fire Captain Paul Fortin and former Ada Sheriff Myron Gilbert have dropped out of the race. Gilbert filed before Judy Peavey-Derr announced her mayor candidacy at the last minute. She is a current member of the Greater Boise Auditorium District board and formerly served on the Ada Highway District […]
All Bets Off For Idaho Horseless Racing
The Idaho Supreme Court Thursday issued an order compelling Secretary of State Lawrence Denny to certify the Idaho Legislature’s repeal of the so-called “instant racing” law which permitted the use of what most people recognize as slot machines. What this means is Gov. Butch Otter’s veto of the repeal was invalid due to late filing […]
Idaho Politicos Paid $21 Million By Supporters
The Daily Paper’s Bill Dentzer offered up a very detailed story Sunday about how much in payoffs are “donated” to Idaho politicians. While the story is well researched and has lots of fair and accurate quotes from businesses and lobbyists, the takeaway has to be most of these elected officials are for sale. Sure, they […]
Doldrums, Apathy, Smoke, Limit Guardian News
We probably owe loyal GUARDIAN readers an apology and explanation for the dearth of posts during the past month or so (for non-library types, DEARTH: a scarcity or lack of something). To be frank, we haven’t had much to say. The fires are burning, the smoke comes and goes, and it takes the TV “chief […]
Ed Super Wants Rules For Candidates Stricter Than President or Governor
Sherri Ybarra, Idaho’s Superintendent of Education, has announced plans to make it more difficult to run for her elected office than it is to run for Governor, President, Congress, or be appointed to the Supreme Court of the U.S. She is offering up legislation that would change the rules of candidacy. The qualifications bill would […]
Ada Treas Files Criminal Complaint Against Commishes Over Reorganization Of Trash Authority
The criminal division of the Idaho Attorney General’s office has declined to prosecute Ada County’s three Commissioners following a criminal complaint filed by Ada County Treasurer Vicky McIntyre claiming a conflict of interest over trash billing and other issues with Republic Services, the county contracted trash collector. During one interview with AG investigators over an […]
Where Are Boise Council, Mayor Candidates
Unlike the Republican presidential race which is 15 months away, no one seems interested in running for office in the city of trees. Dave Bieter is already calling around begging for campaign donations, grabbing air time during the recent soccer match promotion and not a single person has even offered so much as a hint […]
Circus vs Zoo Debate Sparks Passion
When we posted the previous story (scroll down) we were intrigued that Boise City Councilor TJ Thomson opposed the exhibition of animals in the circus, so we asked about his position on the captive critters at Zoo Boise. Thomson offered an explanation of his feelings about the circus vs the zoo. A careful read shows […]
GBAD, Gardner “Got Some ‘splainin To Do”
In the old time “I love Lucy” TV comedy Ricky would say, “Lucy, you got some ‘splainin to do.” Today in Boise the Gardner Company and the Greater Boise Auditorium District have some explaining to do. Gardner doesn’t own the so-called Parcel B where they plan to build a hotel, condos, and a parking garage. […]
Land Board To Get Out Of Business
Five years after the GUARDIAN first broke the story of the Idaho Land Board going into the business of running businesses, the Board has voted to divest itself of more than 20 commercial real estate parcels, most of them in downtown Boise. The big story back then was a STORAGE business. The poster child property […]
“Energize Vista” Project Well Intended, But Not Well Thought Out
By DAVID R. FRAZIER, editor Boise GUARDIAN I have been a resident and home owner of the Vista Neighborhood for nearly 50 years. Over that half century I have watched as Boise’s city fathers and mothers–past and present–have dumped house trailers, low cost housing, sex offenders, skinny houses, refugees, and assorted “assistance programs” in our […]
Boise Top Cop Moves To City
Just a short note to give a shout out to Boise Police Chief Bill Bones for showing respect to the citizens with a sensitive personal gesture. Once Bones was selected by the mayor and confirmed by the council to replace the retired Mike Masterson, Bones moved from his suburban home into new digs within the […]
City-Wide Conservation Areas Worth The Price
It is gratifying to see Mayor Dave Bieter and his “Team Dave” field a proposal based on a GUARDIAN suggestion. We join other conservation groups with our tentative support of his new plan for a two year “conservation” serial levy. Protecting open spaces throughout the city for wildlife and recreation is a worthy cause. We […]
Ada Property Values Up About 6%
Ada County tax assessment notices have hit mailboxes of property owners and there shouldn’t be too much sticker shock. The median increase was just under 6%–this means that half the values increased more than 6% and half less than 6% (or decreased). It also means there could be some really big increases or decreases. We […]
Three Votes For Two Sheriff Candidates
When Ada Sheriff Gary Raney announced his resignation last month, the heir apparent seemed to be Steve Bartlett, a current captain and former “Chief” of the Eagle department run under contract by the Ada sheriff. While they only have “nominating power,” the Republican Central Committee offered up the name of former Captain Randy Folwell, who […]
CWI Project Could Be “Under Water”
In our never ending quest to provide factual information on public issues, the GUARDIAN has posted the following flood plain map from the Corps. of Engineers as it relates to the Bob Rice purchase at White Water and Main in Boise. Since the College of Western Idaho has agreed to an appraisal of the 10 […]
Ada Commish Asks CWI To Void Land Deal
Ada County Commissioner Dave Case has sent a letter to Mary Niland, president of the College of Western Idaho Board of Trustees, asking the board to reconsider its land purchase. Like other GUARDIAN readers, the Commish asks the board to use its “escape clause” and cancel the sale.
Rep. Moyle Wants Appraisals On Land Purchases
Rep. Mike Moyle of Star told the GUARDIAN Monday he has asked the office of Attorney General to write a “repair” of the Idaho Code to prevent future land purchases without an independent appraisal. He noted that nothing could be done about the current College of Western Idaho scandal over paying more than twice the […]
CWI Claims Exemption From Property Appraisal
When the College of Western Idaho announced plans to acquire land on West Main in Boise along the river owned by the family of former car dealer Bob Rice, we were a little concerned about the $8.8 million price tag. The Ada County Assessor is required to value land at “market value.” County records show […]
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