Idaho Freedom Foundation has published a strong article supporting our web site and our efforts to bring transparency to local government.  We are especially honored because this group, headquartered in southern Idaho, works statewide to achieve the same goals.  Here’s the entirety of their article, republished with their permission:

Residents Unite to take on Government in Coeur d’Alene

By Chuck Malloy

Conservative movements don’t start by accident, or survive on automatic pilot.

The tide starts with people who give a damn about how government money is spent and the future of this country. It starts with people who don’t think that government has all the answers to health care and the nation’s economic crisis. It survives by people who want to make a difference by attending local government meetings, searching through public records and asking tough questions.   (more…)

Ramirez Cartoon: "Let me start by saying I don't want to hear from the town"

Are you going to Rep. Minnick’s “Town Hall Meeting” tomorrow?  After they combine and condense (rewrite) the emailed questions, how many do you think he will be actually answer in the short one hour meeting:  Will it be one question, two questions or three?  Place your bets…

In an unusual turn of events, the City Council of Post Falls reversed their previous decision to increase property taxes by 2%.  At last night’s meeting, citizens testified against any tax increase during these difficult economic times, and the City Council took their advice.  The Council voted to cut the budget further so as not to need any tax increase this year.  Good for them!  Bravo to the citizens of Post Falls for speaking up and telling the city what they believe.

You can read the whole article from today’s Press here: http://www.cdapress.com/articles/2009/08/19/news/news001.txt

Do you think other cities will follow suit?

The city’s meeting with the elite concept designers for the DeArmond Mill  land, just purchased by the college through their Foundation, produced very artistic development ideas…for a Commercial Corridor.  I think that should be the new name for it, at least it’s honest.  They describe retail shops near the Resort and Indepencence Point and the special night lighting of the wastewater treatment plant.  Education did not seem to be the focus, and it never has been.

The original Resolution for this project from the NIC Board of Trustees, almost two years ago, emphasized beautification of Downtown and commercial development, not education.  Seems like they’re right on plan.  (more…)