The city council in Victorville, California recently voted to loan $200,000 from their Reveleopment Agency (like LCDC) to a local auto dealer.   As justification, one councilman said the auto dealer couldn’t qualify for a regular loan from any bank, so the city stepped in.  Public tax dollars put into a risky loan for a private business—-where will this craziness end?  Line up, who’s next?

Yet again we see our tax dollars at work.  NIC has now hired it’s own Boise lobbyist–not surprisingly the same lobbyist who’s been working for LCDC.  John Martin, new spokesperson for NIC said, “We just felt that we needed to do a better job of making sure all the legislators, and not just our 15 from North Idaho, know our story.”   The cost of $12,000 for 6 months may not seem like much, but it would pay a kid’s college tuition.

You can read more about it on Betsy Russell’s blog, Eye on Boise, here:  http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise

Energetic giver and helper, Mary Lou Piazza, was called to heaven last night.  She was a wonderful part of our community and will be missed deeply.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Rich, Nicci and Sal.

Last night at the CdA school board’s special meeting, the place was full of people supporting  sports & activities programs at both high schools.  They were there to specifically ask/demand that the district retain an Athletic Director in each high school building, even if they must be reduced to part-time positions.

People lined up  to speak to the board about the ADs, but also about the role of sports and other extra curricular activities in education.  Do you think activities are important in the educational experience?  If so, how much?  Would you cut them all before cutting any academic program?  What should the district do?

Jay Baldwin is the Director of Joint Communication at NIC, but he starts his “communication” in today’s Press column by insulting those questioning  education plans for our area.  Jay’s opening statement is this:  “Above the din of inane accusations, personal attacks and misinformation…”   (more…)

Urban Renewal raises property taxes. It’s a fact. The LCDC doesn’t want to tell you that, but it’s true. The question is whether that increase in property taxes is worth the benefit of the Urban Renewal. Some folks in Caldwell don’t think so.