The GUARDIAN barely cleared the .500 mark on the pre-election predictions. In our defense we have to admit we were probably influenced by the national mood which saw the Dems take over the Congress. Also within Ada County there were notable wins by the D candidates. However, the Republican stranglehold on Idaho politics is still strong.

One kind reader sent an early message declaring 5 out of 9 to be a failing grade.

–IDAHO GUV, Even though he lost Ada County, Butch Otter beat Brady. GUARDIAN Wrong.

–LT. GUV, Risch won handily as predicted. GUARDIAN Right.

–IST DIST CONGRESS, Sali beat Grant and the media got rich off ad revenues. GUARDIAN wrong.

–2nd DIST CONGRESS, Simpson won as predicted. GUARDIAN right.

–ADA COMMISH, Tilman over Ames as predicted, but Ames did much better than we expected probably due to anti-Tilman vote. GUARDIAN right.

–ADA COMMISH, Kimball, Ullman, and Woods. Ullman’s distant third was surprise after Daily Paper endorsement and active campaign. Woods won it with lots of cash and help from Greenie “Conservation Voters” who did a mass mailing. Kimball did better than expected, probably because of the ”R” connection. GUARDIAN wrong.

–PROP 1, School sales tax issue failed as predicted. Sales tax increase and lack of good language made it hard to pass. GUARDIAN right.

–PROP 2, Eminent domain failed as it should have. Not needed. GUARDIAN right.

–MARRIAGE DEFINITION, we missed this one big time. There will probably be some court challenges as the gays become stronger politically in other states. GUARDIAN wrong.

In summary, we blew it with Ullman and the marriage definition the worst. One thing about the GUARDIAN, you get what you pay for.

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.

The vacant lot near Vista and Targee is a breeding ground for those ubiquitous signs. (for you non-library types that is “ever present, appearing or found everywhere”)

We like the Hawaiian style of political signs. You can’t plant ’em, but you can wave ’em. Some candidates get volunteers to stand on busy corners waving at cars and the guys after the male vote hire bikini-clad girls. WHO waves your sign is more important to some voters than what the sign says.

Back in Boise. How many of us base our decisions on the radio, television, or newspaper ads with smiling mugs promising “integrity, service, and honesty” for YOU? Did you ever find a red white and blue brochure hanging on your door knob and exclaim, “Wow! What a pretty brochure. I am gonna vote for her.”

How many times have you decided to vote for someone because they were thoughtful enough to make a pre-recorded call to your home just as you were sitting down to a romantic candlelight dinner with that perfect someone just before a moonlight walk on the beach?

On the flip side, the IDAHO STATESMAN (usually called The Daily Paper) gets kudos for a comprehensive Sunday presentation with the candidates profiles–in their own words–along with discussions of the initiatives. Worth the read if you vote. Dig out your Sunday edition or use the link at the right.

It isn’t all without motive of course. Much of the political payoffs the developers and big business make ultimately goes to the media folks in the form of paid political advertising. Then, in the course of the next four years we get to pay it back in the form of tax breaks, zoning changes, and more growth–all to boost the local economy. What a country!

The GUARDIAN talked to KTVB Channel 7 general manager Doug Armstrong who said they will leave the anti-Prop 2 ads on the air because “it is unclear to us which side is right.”
Armstrong said he acted under advise of his own legal counsel.

At KBCI Channel 2, general manager Bob Thomas also said he will keep the anti-prop 2 ads on the air–despite the claim by opponents that information in the anti ad is false and misleading. He said his advise came from legal counsel at the Idaho State Broadcasters Association and he assumed most stations would leave the ads in place.

Thomas went on to say the station had done their due diligence and did not find the anti prop 2 ads to be blatantly false or misleading.

Everyone agrees “It is politics and everyone has an opinion.”

Specifically the group This House Is My Home objects to a scripted line:

“It could turn any Idaho property including farm land into junk yards, power plants or high rises.”

The group’s spokesperson, Becky McKnight said, “Demonstrably false advertising regarding an issue cannot be legally aired and the government bureaucrats and special interests who oppose Prop 2 cannot possibly prove what they claim, because it’s false.”

Ironically the Centennial Church in Caldwell is unhappy with the My House is My Home group for radio ads which claim the church is trying to keep from being bulldozed…turns out the Centennial Baptist Church that is supposed to be fighting eminent domain is in OKLAHOMA.

There were only about 6 non-candidate related people in the entire room. Clerk-Auditor Dave Navarro’s opponent didn’t even show up.

Written questions from the “audience” were presented by BSU political science prof Jim Weatherby in his usual dignified manner.

Answers from the first question surprised few. “Do you accept campaign contributions from developers, realtors or builders?” All admitted they take money from the development crowd.

Incumbent Repub Fred Tilman, was not ashamed to take money from developers. Al Ames, his Demo opponent, admitted to a $50 donation, but said he will finance much of the campaign out of pocket.

In the District 3 race, Steve Kimball–a roofer by trade–wasn’t bashful about admitting payments from developers, builders and realtors. Nearly 10% of his campaign is financed by “Cliffs” Developer Tucker Johnson.

Former commish Sharon Ullman said she got $50 from a personal friend who sells real estate, but does not seek funds or endorsements from the development community.

The biggest surprise was Paul Woods’ answer. Not only does he proudly accept cash from developers, he plans to spend a whopping $45,000 for the county race. Tilman’s campaign budget of $25,000 was the only one that even came close. All the others were in the $6-12,000 range

“Our community has been built by developers, realtors, and builders. They have a tremendous roles to play,” said Woods.

Ames and Tilman traded barbs about inconsistent past positions and Kimball got a long answer out of Ullman on why she voted FOR him in the primary. GUARDIAN says she voted for the Republican Kimball in the primary so she wouldn’t have to go up against incumbent Judy Peavey-Derr.

Saddest comment of the night was Kimball’s answer to the question, “Identify county departments under the commissioners and what you would do to change them.”

Kimball stammered and declared, “I don’t have a basic comprehension of county government…” He then went on to say that “Fred and Judy” said they would help him out to learn the ropes.

Not a pretty event if you are looking for changes in Ada government.

Otter already had former Associated Press reporter Mark Warbis on the payroll. If he gets Dan Popkey he will be untouchable.

Instead of being an award winning journalist jerking the chains on the politicians, Hanian is now one of them. He will be the one trying to peddle pitiful stories about awards, appointments, greenie committees, and proclamations.

Hanian’s old boss told the GUARDIAN the move came about very quickly–within the past week.

“Jon struggled with the decision, but he wants to start a new career path,” said Mark Browning, the news director at KBCI-TV 2. Browning called Hanian, “The best journalist I have known in the past 22 years. We will miss him in the newsroom.”

5/16/06
Perry Oldenburg re:
Political Material in City Mail: I work for the Boise Fire Department. I’m calling in regards to the pamphlets and flyers that we received in the cities’ mail. I work at a fire station and we got a flyer for a candidate for the Ada County commissioner’s position. On the front of it says Boise City Employees and has a date and a time we can come see the individual. I was wondering if it’s appropriate that we dispense these political letters and pamphlets in our city mail. I was under the impression that is for city business and we cannot solicit other things whether it’s a service someone does or anything else. I don’t think this is appropriate to distribute out to city-wide employees. Maybe you could give me a call and talk about the appropriateness of this. Thank you.
M/CC
Action Taken: Contacted Mr. Oldenburg and informed him that the Mayor’s office had already had spoken to person(s) involved and informed them that it was improper to utilize the city mail system for such purposes.

Turns out the material was in support of Paul Woods, the foothills land acquisition director who is the Demo candidate for County commish.

Woods denied any involvement in the mailing and said, “A supporter got overzealous and placed some posters and flyers in the city mail which was inappropriate.” The employee worked in another city department and the subject of a reprimand is before the Human Resources department.

A GUARDIAN reader who doubles as a conspiracy theorist speculated that Woods’ candidacy was somehow connected to Team Dave trying to assert influence at the county level.

“The race and everything connected with it is my own doing and not connected in any way with the city or city administration,” said Woods.

THURSDAY P.M. 25 MAY UPDATE–Team Dave Chief of Staff Jade Riley explained to at least one city councilor there was a communications breakdown. Once the complaint was filed by fireman Oldenburg it was checked out, confirmed and the offender was admonished. Riley reportedly said a secretary-receptionist transcribing the hotline assumed that Riley had notified Oldenburg of the action taken” and he had not. Riley has taken full responsibility for the mix up.

The GUARDIAN has long referred to the recorded message line as the “placebo line.” There is no medicine dispensed, but people feel better after taking the treatment–venting to a silent message machine.

Mayor’s Hotlines and Ethics Hotlines are not the way for honest people to access their government.

Thanh Tan at KBCI-TV 2 did a nice job on the story of Pamela Leverett’s effort to circulate a recall petition on behalf of a group calling itself “Star Citizens for Smart Growth.” The citizens are suffering all of the symptoms of the dreaded growthophobia disease and are working for the cure–a new mayor and council.

The folks have the usual concerns–growth is outstripping the ability of the schools, roads, and sewers to cope with insurgents.

The best quote is from Mayor Nathan Mitchell, who stands to lose his job if the recall succeeds: “I don’t see anything positive coming out of this recall for the community.”

From what we saw in the KBCI report, Team Nathan may have to do some fancy talking to escape the might of the citizens at the ballot box. They only need 250 signatures to force an election and they claim to represent 400 households already.

He issued the following statement regarding a clash he had with the Idaho Statesman:
“It is with great pleasure that we announce the cessation of all boycott activities against the Idaho Statesman.  

“As of this week they have started listing all the candidates for the congressional race within the coverage of the primary elections. This change in attitude and policy should be acknowledged as a first step to fairness for readers and voters.”

He had asked for coverage of his United Party candidacy and the Statesman refused because he was running unopposed–which means an AUTOMATIC VICTORY in the primary election.

Hedden-Nicely supporters put stickers on Statesman news vending boxes prompting publisher Mike Petrak to send a threatening letter to the congressional candidate.

The GUARDIAN can only presume that Hedden-Nicely would like people to read the Statesman now–especially if they say something nicely about him!

The new local news coverage policy at the Statesman did not include coverage of the flap.

Last week Hedden-Nicely and Statesman publisher Mike Petrak exchanged e-mails in which Petrak threatened Nicely with legal action, commenting that Heddon-Nicely’s resources could be drained if stickers were not removed from Statesman newspaper boxes.

Here is the text of Heddon-Nicely’s letter to his supporters:

JOIN THE BOYCOTT, BUT DO IT IN A LEGAL WAY – PLEASE!

Thank you.

Heddon-Nicely, not the GUARDIAN, offers the misspelling of “PETRAK” as “PETROCK.”