Here’s the link to a You Tube Video that’s well worth 4 minutes.  It’s testimony from US Representative Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) speaking on the floor of the House.  She is outraged by the mafia-style deals being made by the Federal government and its 20 “Czars” that are akin to gangster deals pedaling influence for a select few.  She tells of actual car dealerships that are her constituents and shows how they have been treated.

Please watch this video and pass the info on to others.  This craziness must be stopped!     Here’s the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thR-lVuztIY

Parkside Tower, 3rd floor public patio

As we head into the weekend run-up nearing the 4th of July, I thought it might be fun to try to name the “public” places we all have a right to go.  I’m talking about places that LCDC gave money to fund “public” amenities.  I’ll start with a few and you can chime in with any you might remember:  (more…)

An interesting article in today’s Press about Mt. West Bank requiring collateral for a LCDC loan to work on Midtown.  What many folks may not realize is that LCDC regularly buys up property to hold, off the tax roles, until they want to use it for some project.  Many/most Urban Renewal Agencies around here don’t:  Post Falls does not buy and hold property, and Hayden also avoids it.  LDCD now owns almost two dozen properties.

The loans between Mt. West Bank and LCDC for six of the properties are where Charlie Nipp got himself into legal trouble with the Idaho Attorney General.  Charlie, as then Chairman of the LCDC, did not disclose his business relationship and position on Mt. West’s Board (he is also an owner in the bank’s parent company. along with his business partner Steve Meyer), as Charlie signed all six loans as Chairman of the LCDC.  Oops.  He never apologized or admitted to any error.  LCDC announced no plans to change their protocols or disclosures.   (They just threw a big party for Charlie!)   (more…)

Is the public overlooking the behavior of these, and other, elected officials  just because they’re “nice”?  Or maybe their irresponsible behavior is accepted because of their longtime CdA family names, or the fact they’ve been around for many decades.  What do you think?   Here are Gary’s words:

“I’m tired of reading on this blog that Woody is a nice person. Every buffoon I’ve ever encountered is a nice person. His reasoning is non existent, his use of the English language would embarrass his elementary school teachers. His presence on the city council is more importantly, dangerous.” Comment by Gary Ingram— June 21, 2009 @ 9:46 pm

Ironman is done and the barricades should be down now, another successful competition complete.   The weather seemed the worst in years.  Did you go?    Any other comments, ideas, suggestions for the week ahead?