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Do public officials owe “… a duty of honest services…” to their constituents? Most of us think they do. So if they do, what does that duty entail? Are there penalties for public officials who ignore such a duty? |
December 11, 2008
“…a duty of honest services…”
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December 10, 2008
Placing “Risk” in Local Government
Coeur d’Alene mayor Sandi Bloem made her annual State of the City presentation to the Coeur d’Alene Chamber’s Upbeat Breakfast this past Tuesday. Her key word was “risk.” So where is the risk in spending other people’s money?
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December 9, 2008
Illinois Governor Arrested Today – Corruption
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According to a 12-page press release from Patrick Fitzgerald, US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, were arrested today by the FBI on federal corruption charges. Here is a link to the 76-page FBI complaint and affidavit.The Associated Press story is reported by the Seattle Times under the headline Ill. Gov. arrested in Obama successor probe. |
December 8, 2008
Powerful Stuff for SD271
I was at the special School District Trustee meeting tonight. Wow. An excellent, top-flight presentation from some respectable, well-spoken gentlemen regarding how the school district can save money. Serious, sober points made and heard.
Idaho Ethics Update
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On November 15, 2008, I posted We’re 44th! (That’s Not Good). Yesterday’s Idaho Statesman contained an editorial from State Senator Kate Kelly (D-Boise) titled Sen. Kate Kelly: Idaho needs to upgrade ethics standards for public officials.
What are your thoughts? |
December 6, 2008
Open Session, Weekend
December already! School district meetings, County Comp Plan issues, property taxes, Post Falls’ impact fees…can growth ever pay for itself, really? Is it fair to ask?
Any other comments, questions, ideas?
December 4, 2008
SD 271 Board of Trustees Meeting
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On Monday, December 8, 2008, at 6 p.m. the trustees of Coeur d’Alene School District 271 will hold an important meeting at the Midtown Meeting Center, 5th and Linden in Coeur d’Alene. The first business item on the agenda is the Finance Panel recommendations. Unfortunately, the agenda includes no opportunity for public questions and comments after the Panel’s report. |
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December 3, 2008
Contract Fraud
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Public officials are entrusted with the public’s money. They are expected to spend the money wisely and prudently in the public’s interest and for the public’s benefit. Usually they do, but sometimes they don’t. When they don’t, it often escalates to become contract fraud. What happened at the Port of Seattle is a useful primer explaining the kinds of actions that may be contract fraud. |
How Does Idaho Measure Up?
The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education has released its Measuring Up 2008 national report card for higher education. According to NCPRHE, the report card’s purpose is “…to provide the public and policymakers with information to assess and improve postsecondary education in each state.” Here is Idaho’s Measuring Up 2008 Report Card.
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Explain Something, Chistie
In today’s Press, NIC Trustee Chair Christie Wood said that the Education Corridor purchase was going forward despite state-wide mandated budget cuts. She wrapped up her points about the Education Corridor by saying that it would:
… provide economic development through educational opportunities.
I don’t have a degree from NIC, but what the heck does that statement mean?
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