This week we learned that Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, which some affectionately refer to as The First Unregulated Bank of Idaho, will officially change its name from LCDC to “ignite cda”.
That same article from the local skews paper also reported that the LCDC/burnout board decided to spend just under $55,000 to tell the public about the change. That reminded us of the cartoon the legendary editorial cartoonist Jimmy Barona did in 2011. It first appeared in Mary Souza’s OpenCdA post entitled Stall Tactics in October 2011.
As far as we at OpenCdA are concerned, the LCDC can call itself ignite cda or whatever it chooses. The result is the same: Same pig, just a different shade of lipstick.
But, in the spirit of support your local bucket-o-cash, we think ignite cda needs a slogan. We’d humbly suggest that as we approach the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Watts Riots, “Burn, baby, burn!” would fit. Or maybe we should say “Berns, baby, Berns”.
ignite cda might decide to emulate Spokane’s Pig Out in the Park, only ignite cda would call it “Flame out in McEuen Park”.
Anyone else want to suggest ways the LCDC/ignite cda can transform the pig into a beauty queen?
BBQ – they ignited right? Now it’s just a matter of time, spices, rubs, and a finishing sauce. Pork at it’s finest.
Comment by Old Dog — June 19, 2015 @ 10:17 pm
A rose by any other name or something else.
I’m more concerned about the newest self appointed member.
Comment by Mike Teague — June 20, 2015 @ 8:24 am
Mike,
I presume you’re referring to Mayor Widmyer’s appointment.
My concern about his or any other elected city official serving on the LCDC/ignitecda board is that it appears to create a de facto incompatibility of office condition. It’s probably legal, because the Legislature provides for it in the legislation. However, I question whether it’s a good idea. The municipality’s urban renewal agency is a separate legal entity from the municipality that created it. Thus, it becomes possible that the municipality and the URA could become adversarial litigants. If that happens, which master will Widmyer serve?
Comment by Bill — June 20, 2015 @ 9:48 am
The LCDC has attempted to change its image so many times that I’m surprised Tony Berns doesn’t list the topic as one of their “focii.”
It seems like they spend more time working on their image than they do on the more vital topic of attracting jobs to the area.
Again, the problem with LCDC, which they created, is that their plan is a pile of mush. If they had a strong plan, then they could justify their actions. I believe that was the intent of the legislature in requiring a plan in the first place. Because their plan is useless, they consume millions in public funds and have no clue what to do with it. That’s the image problem they carry. Changing the name does not address that fundamental issue.
Comment by Dan Gookin — June 21, 2015 @ 7:58 am
Dan,
Agreed.
But specific project plans, or project-specific plans, would also require explicit measurement tools so the public could determine if a project met its stated objectives or not. In the absence of verifiable performance metrics, the public is flooded with hyperbolic Bernsisms about how great and wonderful things would not have happened without the LCDC.
Contrary to the intent of both the Idaho Urban Renewal Law and the Idaho Local Economic Development Act and contrary to the decisions of the Idaho Supreme Court, Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency does appear to have established itself as the alter-ego of the City government. With the blessing of the City government, the LCDC/ignite cda is independent and spends public money in ways that would require a public vote if done by the City. It is understandable why some people refer to the LCDC/ignite cda as the First Unregulated Bank of Idaho. The LCDC/ignite cda shows up with a mouthful of “howdy” and a handful of “gimme.”
Comment by Bill — June 21, 2015 @ 8:27 am
It amuses me when you write, LCDC/ignite cda. Why bother? The name “ignite cda” will never stick.
Here is the ignite cda logo, the one they got as part of the $54K marketing thingie:
Here is a logo I found on GIS from a church:
Comment by Dan Gookin — June 21, 2015 @ 9:17 am
I wonder if the ignite cda name and logo are copyrighted?
If you Google ignite cda, it comes up to College Democrats of America Facebook page.
Comment by Bill — June 21, 2015 @ 9:24 am
Again, it’s not going to stick.
On this topic, I’m pleased that commissioners Jordan and Goodlander voted no. I agree with their assessment.
Comment by Dan Gookin — June 21, 2015 @ 9:31 am
A few years ago I also looked at some of the UR laws then I looked at the LCDC formal plans or lack thereof. The LCDC does not come close to meshing with the laws that allow its creation but that didn’t stop it. Absent such plans set in stone the money grab happens and plans are made later from project to project that now includes spending money on marketing and name changes. Something obviously needs to be ignited and burned to the ground so to speak!
Comment by Appalled — June 21, 2015 @ 10:20 am
Appalled,
The misuse or outright abuse of otherwise well-intended laws often results in those laws being amended or repealed when the public awakens to the abuse.
Comment by Bill — June 21, 2015 @ 11:42 am
Well, I guess I missed the boat, I did not realize that this is already set in stone, not that it makes any difference, I would not be able to stop this horrific graffiti. I just do not have enough time and energy to fight the abuses of city hall et.al. It is way too easy for our elected leaders and their shadow government cronies to spend our money like there is no tomorrow. So Jordan and Goodlander, finally vote against something that might change the image of the LCDC? Now, I find that amusing.
It’s pork alright, and I hear if you put coca cola on it, worms will surface.
Comment by Stebbijo — June 21, 2015 @ 4:48 pm
I’m not even certain whether a URA can undertake this type of project, unless the LCDC believes its image to be “blighted.”
Comment by Dan Gookin — June 21, 2015 @ 5:51 pm
Dan,
LCDC/ignite cda comes closer to meeting the definition of “blighted” than the waterfront property it has sought to reserve for its cronies.
Comment by Bill — June 21, 2015 @ 7:27 pm
I hope some ISIS outreach branch doesn’t view this name change as a call to action.
Comment by Gary Ingram — June 22, 2015 @ 10:36 am
Bill,
You noted your concerns with the potential for conflict with Widmeyer on the Board of the LCDC. Agree, but think you stopped-short. This same potential for conflict has existed for many, many years with B. Jordan as the Chair of the City’s Planning Commission and concurrently a Board member of the LCDC—combined with being a real-estate broker, developer, and “consultant”. Same ole pork.
Comment by Old Dog — June 22, 2015 @ 6:04 pm
Old Dog,
Good point, and right on the mark, too.
Across the state, one of the real dangers of abuse by an Urban Renewal Agency occurs when a URA commissioner is in a position to “steer” projects to people and locations that will benefit his or her other personal financial interests. Back in the Dark Ages when the Idaho Legislature adopted the Urban Renewal Law and the Local Economic Development Act, they naively assumed that the only way a URA commissioner could benefit from the siting and selection and funding of projects was if the commissioner’s interest was inside the urban renewal area. That’s, of course, absurdly wrong but typical of legislators who adamantly refuse to acknowledge that some of their friends and associates, people they maybe went to high school with or belong to the same church could be crooks. Then, too, back in the aforementioned Dark Ages of Idaho, the state was mostly rural and small towns(forget the “urban” in urban renewal), and often rural towns had difficulty getting people to volunteer to serve on city councils, school boards, and other community organizations. The Legislature recognized that, and in writing the eventual Ethics in Government laws, allowed uncompensated volunteers to have an interest in contracts made with the municipality to whom the member owed a duty of loyalty. Once again, the Legislature failed to recognize that some Idaho citizens are crooks. To this day, that blissful ignorance of deception and dishonesty exists.
Comment by Bill — June 22, 2015 @ 7:28 pm
I guess I have to disagree with your comment that “the Legislature failed to recognize that some Idaho citizens are crooks.” I suggest that is a ‘given’ and depending upon who a person is and the political party that person belongs to, the issue is ignored.
Comment by Tributary — June 23, 2015 @ 12:32 pm
I simply do not understand the need to spend taxes on publicity and public relations for an urban renewal agency.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — June 23, 2015 @ 6:01 pm
Susie,
It’s very simple: Organizations that can produce demonstrable, verifiable, positive results, do produce them as evidence of the value of the organization’s efforts. Organizations that can’t, spend the public’s money to hire mediocre shills to spew their hyperbole in hopes the public won’t recognize the difference between substance and waste. Urban renewal in Coeur d’Alene isn’t about improving the community — it’s about churning money which enriches banks and others who profit from the money borrowed, not the long-term results achieved.
Comment by Bill — June 23, 2015 @ 7:20 pm
Agreed. I would also add an ego or two or… Also, I am waiting for an explanation of the similarity of the adopted logo with those on the internet.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — June 23, 2015 @ 7:50 pm
I absolutely agree with Susie. It has to stop, but probably not soon enough before this bunch decides to blow as much taxpayer money as they can possibly can spend to brainwash, I mean educate people about their fizzlecda campaign because their Robinson 600 person survey results reported the ugly truth.
They claim a name change and and a propaganda education campaign with our money will make the difference? NOT.
I hope this stunt is the example/final straw our Legislature needs for reform, so our Legislature can end this abuse of power. Might be worth the money just to throw some major buckets of water on them to make sure the embers are good and dead, when our Legislature goes to the table in August to make the difference.
Looks like fizzlecda needs our money to fight the inevitable.
Comment by Stebbijo — June 23, 2015 @ 7:53 pm
Stebbijo,
I don’t see that the majority of our legislators have any desire to change the existing urban renewal scam.
My opinion is that the Urban Renewal Interim Committee which will begin meeting in August may recommend some superficial cosmetic changes (see cartoon in original post), but in the end, the pig will simply be wearing a different shade of lipstick.
George Bernard Shaw could have been referring to Idaho state government officials when he said, “A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.”
Comment by Bill — June 24, 2015 @ 6:05 am
It seems that Eden Irgens of Range has cashed the $29,000 check from lcdc, presumably for her creating the logo, etc.. Of course, the question remains as to the originality of the design (noting others of a similar style.) Did lcdc require an original logo, or was simply adopting the logo and font of another appropriate – especially for thousands of tax funds?
Comment by Susie Snedaker — June 24, 2015 @ 11:38 am
Susie,
I’m shocked! that you would suggest that our “visionary” visionaries at LCDC/ignite cda should even require an original idea.
Comment by Bill — June 28, 2015 @ 6:27 am
The city Arts Commission did commission a sculpture, the allium, despite other installations of similar work. Perhaps original art work is not mandatory. In my opinion, lcdc and the Arts Commission should require original art.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — June 28, 2015 @ 9:30 am
Susie,
If the City and LCDC would just alter mind-set, even a little, I think you’re on to something.
Require “original” art–but when it comes to how to manage a City or defend itself from those pesky lawsuits – look to other cities, or “free think-tanks”, emulate and improve/modify for the local situation.
It seems the City always wants (and pays dearly) to reinvent the proverbial wheel to implement the most inane and ineffective rules, regulations, and processes, but has no problem spending full retail for a knock-off plastic beaver that shoots water out his mouth.
Comment by Old Dog — June 28, 2015 @ 12:05 pm
Well, I wonder if ignitecda can smell that smoke coming in from out of Bayview? Nothing on the CDAPress about this story … nada, I guess the only burning story is ignite cda. They are evacuating some of the campers at Farragut State Park, now … we are listening to the police scanner.
Wait, this just in … the CDApress has a story, not a very good one, but they have something – six hrs late, and they have breaking news, finally. Hagadone’s guests must have been complaining or wondering about the smoke.
Comment by Stebbijo — July 5, 2015 @ 6:36 pm
Stebbijo,
Expect a press release from the LCDC/ignite cda’s tony berns and dennis “denny” davis in the next day or two claiming that it was LCDC/ignite cda’s funding and planning which began in the last century which prepared the Timberlake Fire Protection District’s first responders to the Cape Horn fire. Why, if it hadn’t been for the LCDC/ignite cda, the entire northern hemisphere would have been consumed in this fire, the polar ice cap would have melted, and countless polar bears would have died.
Incidentally, the do-wacka-do’s at LCDC/ignite cda are also trying to figure out how to claim credit for the USA women’s soccer team winning the 2015 Women’s World Cup in a match that was no less inspiring than the 1986 miracle on ice.
Comment by Bill — July 5, 2015 @ 7:41 pm
The Cda Press story on the street being vacated stated: “Evans was the only member of the council, including Mayor Steve Widmyer, that did not disclose a past or present, personal or familial, business relationship with the Hagadone Corporation.”
Does anyone know what the past/present (particularly present) personal/familial/business relationships of Adams, Gookin, Edinger, and McEvers are with Hagadone?
Comment by Tributary — July 9, 2015 @ 2:28 pm
I read that too, Tributary. Good question. I would like to know, too. I guess we could email them all or even call and ask them – obviously the reporters in this area do not like to elaborate.
Council Members
Comment by Stebbijo — July 9, 2015 @ 8:09 pm
My son Simon works at Tito’s Italian Grill. My son Jeremiah worked on the boat cruises last year and during Christmas. This is considered a 1 degree relationship per Idaho Code.
Comment by Dan Gookin — July 10, 2015 @ 7:42 am
I think Kiki said she had a distant business relationship with Hagadone. Mayor Widmyer stated that he and his wife rented space in the hotel.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — July 10, 2015 @ 7:52 am
In the same story the Press quoted Addis: “I’ll guarantee you there are crumbs for everybody in this community from what the Hagadone Resort has done,”
Now I have a pretty good idea where the “crumbs” go.
Coeur d Aduane politics as usual.
Comment by Tributary — July 10, 2015 @ 8:01 am
“Crumbs” An interesting word choice from the used car salesman.
Comment by Bill — July 10, 2015 @ 8:14 am
Tributary:
Kiki Miller worked for the Cda. Press, worked on the North Idaho Guide that is distributed by the Cda. Press, and has been involved with the Hagadone Black Book phone directory.
Widmyer was employed by the Resort as Controller.
And I seem to recall that Edinger drove for the Resort years ago.
Comment by LTR — July 11, 2015 @ 8:36 am
I can appreciate that Dan Gookin came on to this site and answered the inquiry and the additional info from LTR was nice.
However, I am still waiting for my crumbs.:-)
Comment by Stebbijo — July 11, 2015 @ 8:46 am