The real vote is the IRAQ WAR and control of the U.S. Congress and Senate. Like it or not, much of America will be voicing their opinions of the Bush administration as they go to the polls in local elections. Republicans are scrambling and the Demos smell blood.

Ironically, this great democracy brings out the worst in those who wish to rule us. Honest takes a backseat to expediency.

The following list is not an indicator of how we vote and is not an endorsement for any candidate or issue:

IDAHO GUV–Brady will squeak through and take the race. The shift in demographics is demanding more specifics and less hearty good fellow.

LT. GUV–Risch has it pretty well sewed up, especially outside Ada County. LaRocco was gone a long time and will be perceived as a “new guy” trying to get in line. Weird race with the Guv. running for Lt. Guv!

1ST DIST CONGRESS–Grant will slip through in a close race as thinking Republicans quietly admit they can’t go with dogma espoused by Sali.

2nd DIST CONGRESS–Simpson has it sewed up despite the Hansen pledge to stay away from big business and PACS. Simpson hasn’t screwed up enough to get ousted.

ADA COMMISH–Tilman over Ames. Ames offers a pompous demeanor and just doesn’t communicate well. In the three way with Kimball, Ullman, and Woods we pick Ullman in a close run with Woods. She has name, Woods has money, and Kimball was elected as protest against Peavey-Derr in primary.

PROP 1–School issue is a dead heat, but will probably go down because it lacks specific funding and Risch cut them off at the knees with the sales tax increase.

PROP 2–Eminent domain is a red herring. Most candidates and informed voters see it as a chance for developers to tie up the courts. There really is no issue and all stripes in the political spectrum see it.

MARRIAGE DEFINITION–The constitutional amendment will probably fail. Again, the shifting demographic is more diverse and tolerant. There is a sentiment to keep government out of the bedroom.

Take the time to learn where to vote and remind your friends and neighbors as well. Also, offer to take someone to the polls as you go to vote for the candidate of your choice.

Turns out she was absolutely right. Ada County Clerk and chief election officer Dave Navarro tells us the REQUESTS for absentee ballots are a public record and a bunch of candidates and political parties have filed requests to get a daily e-mail list of the names of anyone applying for an absentee ballot.

If you decide to vote by mail, brace yourself for a deluge of political junk mail. They pretty well know for certain you will vote if you have the ballot, so they don’t waste their mail money on “resident” mass mailings when they can join you in the voting booth so to speak.

Navarro said the voter registration cards themselves are a public record as well and serve as the basis for many of the political party mailings and target campaigns.

About 3,000 residents voted in Eagle in the primary, but the permanent Fire override tax levy had fewer than 300 ballots cast. Final tally was 210 in favor and 85 against.

There are 7 polling places in Eagle where people voted in the primary election on candidates for congress, legislature and county offices. Fire commissioners offered only a single location–Fire Station #1– to cast a ballot on the tax override which increased property taxes for everyone.

Eagle Fire Chief Dan Friend defended the single polling place saying, legal notices were posted in the local newspaper and he had spoken to various groups about the measure. He also cited costs of election workers at about $700 per precinct as being a factor in the decision to limit voting to just one location.

The GUARDIAN feels there was unnecessary confusion Tuesday. People simply should not have to drive all over town to vote on each issue. If 7 precincts is appropriate for a primary election, those same 7 precincts are appropriate for an important permanent tax increase.

In their defense, firefighters passed out printed information prior to the election informing people of the single polling place. We think it was inadequate and inappropriate to expect people to make a second trip to vote after voting for primary candidates.

Ada County Clerk and chief county election officer David Navarro agreed with the GUARDIAN saying, “It only makes sense to vote in the same place on the same day. We would have been happy to partner with them so people could vote with just one trip to the polls.”

“There was definite confusion for voters, but Fire Districts conduct their own elections and I absolutely respect that law,” concluded Navarro.

Bottom line: fewer than 10% of the people who ACTUALLY VOTED were able to raise the taxes for 100% of the property owners. The Fire District woul have made a good investment if the voters had the convenience of voting at each of the 7 precincts. Voters got burned.

About 3,000 residents voted in Eagle in the primary, but the permanent Fire override tax levy had fewer than 300 ballots cast. Final tally was 210 in favor and 85 against.

There are 7 polling places in Eagle where people voted in the primary election on candidates for congress, legislature and county offices. Fire commissioners offered only a single location–Fire Station #1– to cast a ballot on the tax override which increased property taxes for everyone.

Eagle Fire Chief Dan Friend defended the single polling place saying, legal notices were posted in the local newspaper and he had spoken to various groups about the measure. He also cited costs of election workers at about $700 per precinct as being a factor in the decision to limit voting to just one location.

The GUARDIAN feels there was unnecessary confusion Tuesday. People simply should not have to drive all over town to vote on each issue. If 7 precincts is appropriate for a primary election, those same 7 precincts are appropriate for an important permanent tax increase.

In their defense, firefighters passed out printed information prior to the election informing people of the single polling place. We think it was inadequate and inappropriate to expect people to make a second trip to vote after voting for primary candidates.

Ada County Clerk and chief county election officer David Navarro agreed with the GUARDIAN saying, “It only makes sense to vote in the same place on the same day. We would have been happy to partner with them so people could vote with just one trip to the polls.”

“There was definite confusion for voters, but Fire Districts conduct their own elections and I absolutely respect that law,” concluded Navarro.

Bottom line: fewer than 10% of the people who ACTUALLY VOTED were able to raise the taxes for 100% of the property owners. The Fire District woul have made a good investment if the voters had the convenience of voting at each of the 7 precincts. Voters got burned.

About 3,000 residents voted in Eagle in the primary, but the permanent Fire override tax levy had fewer than 300 ballots cast. Final tally was 210 in favor and 85 against.

There are 7 polling places in Eagle where people voted in the primary election on candidates for congress, legislature and county offices. Fire commissioners offered only a single location–Fire Station #1– to cast a ballot on the tax override which increased property taxes for everyone.

Eagle Fire Chief Dan Friend defended the single polling place saying, legal notices were posted in the local newspaper and he had spoken to various groups about the measure. He also cited costs of election workers at about $700 per precinct as being a factor in the decision to limit voting to just one location.

The GUARDIAN feels there was unnecessary confusion Tuesday. People simply should not have to drive all over town to vote on each issue. If 7 precincts is appropriate for a primary election, those same 7 precincts are appropriate for an important permanent tax increase.

In their defense, firefighters passed out printed information prior to the election informing people of the single polling place. We think it was inadequate and inappropriate to expect people to make a second trip to vote after voting for primary candidates.

Ada County Clerk and chief county election officer David Navarro agreed with the GUARDIAN saying, “It only makes sense to vote in the same place on the same day. We would have been happy to partner with them so people could vote with just one trip to the polls.”

“There was definite confusion for voters, but Fire Districts conduct their own elections and I absolutely respect that law,” concluded Navarro.

Bottom line: fewer than 10% of the people who ACTUALLY VOTED were able to raise the taxes for 100% of the property owners. The Fire District woul have made a good investment if the voters had the convenience of voting at each of the 7 precincts. Voters got burned.

About 3,000 residents voted in Eagle in the primary, but the permanent Fire override tax levy had fewer than 300 ballots cast. Final tally was 210 in favor and 85 against.

There are 7 polling places in Eagle where people voted in the primary election on candidates for congress, legislature and county offices. Fire commissioners offered only a single location–Fire Station #1– to cast a ballot on the tax override which increased property taxes for everyone.

Eagle Fire Chief Dan Friend defended the single polling place saying, legal notices were posted in the local newspaper and he had spoken to various groups about the measure. He also cited costs of election workers at about $700 per precinct as being a factor in the decision to limit voting to just one location.

The GUARDIAN feels there was unnecessary confusion Tuesday. People simply should not have to drive all over town to vote on each issue. If 7 precincts is appropriate for a primary election, those same 7 precincts are appropriate for an important permanent tax increase.

In their defense, firefighters passed out printed information prior to the election informing people of the single polling place. We think it was inadequate and inappropriate to expect people to make a second trip to vote after voting for primary candidates.

Ada County Clerk and chief county election officer David Navarro agreed with the GUARDIAN saying, “It only makes sense to vote in the same place on the same day. We would have been happy to partner with them so people could vote with just one trip to the polls.”

“There was definite confusion for voters, but Fire Districts conduct their own elections and I absolutely respect that law,” concluded Navarro.

Bottom line: fewer than 10% of the people who ACTUALLY VOTED were able to raise the taxes for 100% of the property owners. The Fire District woul have made a good investment if the voters had the convenience of voting at each of the 7 precincts. Voters got burned.

The Tuesday Boise school bond election passed with 70% of the voters saying “yes” to 30 years of taxes for $94 million worth of new buildings and improvements. The campaign provided some interesting insights into political strategy.

Former legislators Jim Auld and Rod Beck made the media talk show circuit calling for fiscal restraint and giving their assessment of school needs after making “fact finding” visits at some of the schools. The pair represented their “Ada County Property Owners Association.”

School District officials refused to appear with the Property Owners at any venues. The school bond supporters then enlisted about 20 former legislators of their own to appear for a photo op at the aged Franklin School.

When Auld and Beck presented “facts” gleaned from newspaper interviews with the school superintendent, the school spokesman called the information “lies and misrepresentations.”
The District never did offer any corrections or clarifications.

In a move the GUARDIAN has not previously seen, the bond supporters sold their cause as “Neighborhood Reinvestment,” that would make the older areas of Boise more appealing to rich young parents. Who could vote against a neighborhood clean up?

The schools offered the bond at “no increase in the tax rate.” Who could vote against $94 million that wouldn’t raise taxes?

They offered recreation centers–facilities Boise residents cited in a Park Department survey as a top priority. Voters turned down a library bond six weeks ago that included rec centers.

The school plan calls for combining some schools and developing the vacant sites into high density residential areas with an appeal to young married couples of child bearing age. They picked up support of the city council, religious groups, and housing contractors with that one.

When the Property Owners ran radio ads against the bond, the supporters countered with “fact sheets” distributed in a mass mailing. Some school “friends”–parent groups–sent material home with the kids. Complaints of dragging kids into a political race came across as “mean spirited”.

In a move borrowed from Meridian Schools, Boise District leaders mandated that every school sponsor some type of event on election day–and evening for most– to attract voters (read that GRATEFUL PARENTS) to the schools which were all designated polling places.

To their credit, Auld and Beck conducted themselves in a civil manner at all times, but with a coalition as broad as the one they faced, the money they spent would have been better spent on hearing aid stock. Their anti-tax message fell on DEAF EARS.

Today, after reading that businesses paid 95% of the funds raised to support the library bond, the GUARDIAN warns of the “Boise City-Developer Complex.” These are all folks who benefit from more city employees and growth through approval of annexations, subdivisions, and big building projects. City officials are obviously partners with business over being partners with citizens.

Mayor Bieter told the Statesman, “you go where the money is and that is where it is.” Can’t argue with the good mayor on that. So far, less than $4,000 of the $73,000 raised has come from the “grassroots” individual donors.

The list of big donors includes banks, building contractors, utilities and city councilor campaign funds.

Regence Blue Shield–who would love to have the City’s insurance contract–ponied up nearly three times as much as all of the private donors combined with $10,000.

Chamber of Commerce president Nancy Vannorsdel authored a gushy pro library bond opinion story in the Statesman.

Meanwhile Jim Auld’s “Friends of Ada County Property Owners” have raised $5,676 for mailers and radio ads against the bond.

Based on what we have seen so far it appears there is no broad hue and cry for branch libraries. There seems to be a move on the part of Boise City to pass a bond and they are getting their friends in business to fund the effort.

Next Tuesday’s election will provide the answer. From our perspective we see the political effort on the part of the City as inappropriate. We favor libraries, we favor bond elections, but we oppose attempts on the part of elected officials to influence the election results. Improved library service is a good cause, but this isn’t the way to do it.

Schedule an election and stay out of it! No staffers on leave to push it, no campgain fund donations from mayor and council, no arm twisting of businesses with city ties. The mayor and council’s ovezlealous desire to push an admirable cause has tainted the dignity of their offices.

The gravel voiced incumbent appears to be wearing square framed designer glasses, flashy ties, and loose fitting light colored jackets which hang nice. The loafers are cool as well.

On the other hand challenger Jim Tibbs looks like a senior cop at a crime scene during interviews– serious with a full head of modish gray hair looking authoritative as he speaks.

After the Dan Popkey rant in Sunday’s Statesman, Swindell’s people came back with a demand for an apology about his “sexist remarks.” It could just be our imagination, but Council President Maryanne Jordan–Swindell’s opponent–seems to be getting a little lipstick going and blush on the cheeks that we haven’t noticed before.

All this has prompted some to speculate that traditional candidate forums will give way to SWIMSUIT COMPETITION only. We suspect there are many who just want to see Vern Bisterfeldt in a Speedo.

Alas, it isn’t so. The Women’s League will still have its time honored candidate forum Wednesday at the Boise Public Library 7-9 p.m. No swimsuits, but hopefully some good questions from the audience.

The only non-incumbent to register as a candidate is former acting police chief Jim Tibbs. He has been attending city council and neighborhood association meetings, the Chamber of Commerce benefit concert starring his old boss, Mayor Dave Bieter, and some festivals. He is a serious contender opposing senior councilor Jerome Mapp and so far we have not seen nor heard any swords crossed in this low interest duel.

With less than two weeks to the filing deadline, councilors Vern Bisterfeldt and Maryanne Jordan are unopposed.

Here are some issues the GUARDIAN offers for anyone wishing to run:

–Ten commandments. Council moved a rock from the park without a public hearing. Some folks say sneaky, others say justified.

–City has not performed audits or oversight on Public Works Dept., resulting in personnel and criminal questions at the Twenty Mile South Farm. Council has been reluctant and slow to act.

–Council continues to endorse annexation against the will of the people–except Bisterfeldt and Shealy who voted against forced annexation in October 2004.

–Council endorsed new parking garage at Airport without vote of the citizens. Supreme court decision pending. Could show they wasted lots of money on lawyers in effort to avoid an election.

–CCDC continues to operate unhindered, forcing taxpayers outside the downtown area to subsidize development that yields no property tax and costs more to protect and service.

–Fire Department continues to respond outside the city on routine basis protecting homes in the desert that pay no taxes.

–Neighborhoods have not gotten much of what they asked for during the past two years.

–City continues to be in the land speculation business with the “railroad to nowhere” east of town in the desert. They also have land at 25th and Fairview for a police station and another parcel at 2900 Fairview for the same police station. We hear there is more land destined for “future parks” than actually being used as parks–prove us wrong please!

–Council approved a 50 year lease to a Rock Climbing gym in the 25th Street area and promptly declared the surrounding land as “excess land not in the public interest.” Voted to sell it a year ago and still haven’t gotten it done.

–Council has created a slush fund “intended” to go toward a badly needed police station, but future councils may spend it in any manner they wish. The idea is to get around a vote of the citizens and MAYBE begin building at a location and size not considered by a public vote in 2007.