Politics
Former BPD Chief’s Ideas Could Include Police Commission
Former Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson holds the record for serving as chief longer than any other copper and has established a national reputation among local government leaders. In an article he co-authored for the August 2020 journal of the International City/County Management Association, Masterson advocated “regular conversations between police chiefs and city leaders. He […]
Points To Ponder
Apologies to all for not posting any topics of late. Frankly, there isn’t much outside of shootings and COVID that are already covered by the legacy media or the prolific blogs. Here are some items to comment upon: –Gov Little failed the citizens by not using his veto stamp on SB1110 which makes it nearly […]
Jones Offers “Power To The People”
Major kudos to former Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones for his efforts to fight the legislature’s attempt to deny Idaho citizens a voice. KIVI, Channel 6 has a good story on Jone’s efforts to collect 16,000 signatures from folks opposed too SB1110 which has passed both Idaho houses and awaits action by […]
Ada Commish Tries To Influence Judge
The IDAHO PRESS has revealed a blockbuster story detailing an attempt by Ada Commish Ryan Davidson to influence Judge David Manweiler to “accommodate” political activist Ammond Bundy’s refusal to wear a COVID mask inside the courthouse. Davidson denied any attempt to influence the judge, but said the mask issue was his own personal belief. While […]
Ada Commishes Nix Jail Plan
The GUARDIAN offers kudos to Ada Commishes Ryan Davidson and Rod Beck for not endorsing a plan by previous commissioners to subvert the Idaho Constitutional mandate to seek voter approval for debt to build a jail expansion. Margaret Carmel at BOISEDEV has a detailed account. Under former Commish Dianna Lachiondo, a plan was hatched to […]
Tourists Come See The Rusty Iron Trees
A pair of Idaho legislators have spawned a letter campaign by Boise City’s arts department to seek support for a move to kill House Bill 311. Introduced by Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger and Sen. Regina Bayer, HB 311 would require public art costing $25,000 or less be approved by a simple two-thirds majority vote from […]
Reader’s Open Letter To Legislators
The following is a self-proclaimed rant by Dave Kangas about the state of the Idaho legislature and legislators. GUEST OPINION By Dave Kangas There have been few times in my life, when I have been as outraged by actions or proposals of or by government officials as I am now. The current bills limiting local […]
Thoughts On The “Homeless Problem”
The GUARDIAN has thought long and hard on the “homeless problem” and we have concluded its a conundrum with no solution. We figure answers would be forthcoming if the folks living behind Albertson’s at Vista and Overland and along or near Shoreline were to relocate to Warm Springs or Harrison Blvd. or even Harris Ranch. […]
Idaho AG Opposes Retail Gas Gouging
In an unusual move, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has offered a public (political) opinion regarding proposed legislation before the legislature. GUEST OPINION By Lawrence Wasden I’m writing to make you aware of a piece of legislation currently working its way through the state Legislature. The bill is being pushed by Idaho’s gas retailers and, […]
Canyon Atty Clears Ada Commishes
Ada County Republican commishes Rod Beck and Ryan Davidson were cleared of open meeting violations by Canyon County Prosecutor Bryan F. Taylor in a February 2 letter. Fellow commissioner, Democrat Kendra Kenyon, had expressed concerns of an open meeting violation over the appointment of former Congressman Raul Labrador to the Central District Health Commission. The […]
Do Politicos Get Kickback From Lawyers?
Rod Beck and Ryan Davidson hadn’t been in office for even a week when their actions drummed up business for the lawyers. Seems like the Ada Commishes are off to a fine start, feuding among themselves over the appointment of former congressman Raul Labrador to the Central District Health Department board. Commish Kendra Kenyon, a […]
Hopes And Fears Met By Ada Commishes
With one single act, the newly elected Ada Commishes met the hopes of Republicans and the fears of the Democrats. Raul Labrador, the former congressman and Republican activist, was appointed to the Central District Health board, replacing ousted Democratic Commish Diana Lachiondo. The commission’s two new members, Republicans Ryan Davidson and Rod Beck, voted in […]
Multiple Factors In Boise’s Unrest
Tension fueled by the Trump presidential election defeat, COVID-19 actions by local health departments, and neo Nazi activity have combined to thrust Boise into the national spotlight. The noisy protest Tuesday at Central District Health was widely reported by the national media. However, GUARDIAN sources don’t see any immediate link between the hell raisers intimidating […]
North Enders Split On Election
The following is a guest opinion. The GUARDIAN will offer equal space to opposing views. By KATIE FITE North End Resident An angry North End faction, bent on seizing control of the Neighborhood Association, has resorted to hiring a PR firm with a record of high fees and involvement in failed projects like the $100 million […]
Is No News Good News?
Dear GUARDIAN readers, I want to personally apologize for not posting anything lately, but we are aware of only the Orange Man’s cries of “foul” on the election counts, and daily updates on mask vs no mask debates at all levels of government. We will offer some additional topics, but remember, it is only for […]
Boise’s Subtle Marketing Logo Change
With rules for anti COVID-19 masks, new police and fire chiefs, and budgeting taking center stage, it takes the scrutiny of a GUARDIAN reader to notice Mayor Lauren McLean has placed her own stamp on the “Boise Brand.” We are no longer seeking to be the “Most Livable City In The Country.” Today Boise’s vision […]
Fire Chief Choice Ignites Councilors
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean made a point of using buzzwords like “transparency, listening, community outreach,” and similar terms when she took office in January. Now, 11 months later, when it came to naming a new fire chief to head a department with a $57,000,000 budget, she not only failed to allow citizens to be involved […]
Jail Scheme Needs To Be Unlocked
Tuesday’s election saw a political flip in the composition of the Ada County Commissioners. Incumbent Dem Diana Lachiondo garnered 121,963 votes, well short of challenger Repub Ryan Davidson who received 128,121. The GUARDIAN wouldn’t be surprised if Lachiondo pops up back at Boise City Hall with Mayor Lauren McLean. She previously worked for former Mayor […]
Developer Exceeds Campaign Limits
Two Ada County Highway District Candidates and a State legislator are refunding political payments to a local developer after a GUARDIAN reader found the payments exceeded the legal limit. Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane and the Secretary of State’s office have notified ACHD candidates Rebecca Arnold and Kara Veit and Cecil Grow that campaign contributions […]
Former Commish Raps Jail Finance Plan
GUEST OPINION By former Ada County Commissioner Rick Visser The end run by Commissioners Lachiondo and Kenyon to fund the construction of a new jail pod is a blatant affront to Ada County property tax payers. In the interest of transparency and accountability of a commissioner to her constituents, I ask Commissioner Lachiondo to tell […]
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