CdA Winter of '08-'09
It’s beginning to feel a lot like…oops, wrong holiday! We’re starting deep winter early this year, but we still have a LOT to be thankful for. Can you name some? I’m thinking it’s great that we have a new State Representative in Kathy Sims. I’m glad she will be going to Boise to help sort out some of this craziness. Did you know that there’s a suggested urban renewal bill which openly allows board members to buy, own and profit from the development in their districts? Kathy and others will be standing up against this arrogant misuse of public authority.
Burr, Where’s AGore when you need him? Where is the global warming?
Oh by the way he, has decided that ethanol should go the way of carbon credits. They should both disappear.
Comment by Ancientemplar — November 23, 2010 @ 11:25 am
Do you think the carbon credits are really gone? They invested so much money into developing a system of commerce for those credits, I can’t imagine them letting it go…
Comment by mary — November 23, 2010 @ 12:47 pm
And the new legislation on URDs would change what?
Comment by Happy Trails — November 23, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
Happy Trails,
It seems to be the Idaho way — do something illegal and get caught, then ask a city council or legislature to ratify the illegal action or change the law to cover the illegal action.
Only in Idaho can an act which is unconstitutional or illegal be made constitutional or legal by the successful completion of that act which was unconstitutional or illegal.
And lawmakers wonder why the public doesn’t trust them?
Comment by Bill — November 23, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
The problem: There is no enforcement and therefore no consequences. When you have a “community leader” commit a DUI, felony hit-and-run, urinating in public, and avoid mandatory jail time because of injury to a minor child, then the laws don’t mean squat here in Idaho. It is a state of men, not of laws.
Comment by Dan — November 23, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
On another note, I watch a program, The Amazing Race. One sees other than tourist sites and often it is an eye opener. Sunday evening the contestants were in Bangledesh. If ever I was reminded how great it is to be an American, it was watching this. The filth, garbage strewn in the streets and the obvious grinding poverty of the (over) population was simply tragic. The problems we face simply disappear in the reality of how so many of the world population must live.
Comment by rochereau — November 23, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
Happy Trails, I’m hoping any new legislation on urban renewal would instill serious restraints, not give them more leeway. The wording on last year’s bill, that did not pass, was scary. It was written by the urban renewal people so was a basic wish list of “give us your money but leave us alone to do whatever we want with it”! (My interpretation, of course)
Of particular issue is their right to use the power of Eminent Domain. These are unelected people! There’s NO formal oversight of urban renewal boards, according to the State Supreme Court ruling last year that declared them an independent body–not governed by the state or by the city. And yet they get MILLIONS in tax revenue. And they have the power of Eminent Domain to take any private property they “deem necessary for or in connection with an urban renewal project and related activities…” (Idaho Code 50-2010)
Comment by mary — November 23, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
Rochereau, I have often thought along the lines you’re describing, but have also concluded that Mexico and other highly corrupt countries, have an almost impossible situation; that their corruption is insurmountable and leaves those in poverty stuck with lives of hopelessness. Ours will become a nation like that if we let it. We have to fight for every one of our rights that is being slyly slipped from beneath our grasp. Today I’m reminded of our constitutional right against unreasonable search and seizures.
And inappropriate use of the power of Eminent Domain!
Comment by mary — November 23, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
The snowman delivered my property tax bill and assessment notice today. I hope everybody who’s reading this blog are smiling. Just to recap……. the assessed value went down 9% (along with the market) but…..
Kootenai Co line tax up 10%
SD271 tax went up 499%
NIC tax went up 13%
I wonder how much of this is attributable to the LCDC of which I have no voice?
Comment by Ancientemplar — November 23, 2010 @ 5:07 pm
Dan they did close the carbon credit exchange, maybe it will come back in a different disguise.
Comment by Ancientemplar — November 23, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
Last year it was the Urban Renewal “Industry”, as I like to call it, that fashioned the so called “reform” legislation. They took the initiative in order to head off changes that would reign them in. So as I predicted, it became the focal point of all the activity in the subcommittee that was assigned to sort it out. Well, as it turned out, the committee didn’t report out anything that could be voted on so it died a well deserved death.
In the meantime, URA issues have increased across the state and reform cries out even more.
So this year it is The Association of Idaho Cities that is carrying the ball. You can expect the usual alliance with the “Industry” along the Chambers of Commerce in the state with their nod of approval.
Comment by Gary Ingram — November 23, 2010 @ 5:44 pm
My favorite part of the property tax bill was the “Merry Christmas” greeting.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Comment by rochereau — November 24, 2010 @ 9:08 am
rochereau,
We are slowly becoming like those third world countries with each passing day. You can see these conditions all over the USA. When you drive over the Grapevine Hwy in SOCAL you will see a cardboard and plywood city. it is not just one, three or a dozen. It is HUNDREDS if not a thousand. I do not know the population but it is definitely third world conditions. There is no water unless it is hauled in. There is NO sewer, leach field nor porta potties. You can actually see it from the freeway. You can see them in Detroit, St Louis, Nashville, New Orleans, etc., just to name a FEW.
With the likes of the LCDC, CDA city council and mayor not being concerned with the welfare of ALL citizens, we are surely doomed. Personal gain seems to have become the bottom line for any and all of government. It is sad that goverment cannot see that IT is the very problem of America.
While mr berns, the board of the LCDC, the members of the city council, mayor and ALL members of goverment eat their 28 pound stuffed turkey with all of the fixings, champagne, wine and a warm place, I wish for a Happy Thanksgiving to those that will do without this season. Those that have served, provided and even died for the freedoms that so many have become accustom to take advantage of a system at the expense of their fellow Americans.
God bless and Happy Thanksgiving
Comment by concerned citizen — November 25, 2010 @ 7:25 am
Amen to that cc.
I have not driven the Grapevine in many years. Who lives in these shacks? I used to be empty space. The divide between the haves and have nots is growing by leaps and bounds. I have lived many places and here in northern Idaho the division is the largest I have ever experienced. Heartbreaking.
I would be eternally thankful if this snow would go away!!
Comment by rochereau — November 25, 2010 @ 8:45 am
“it” used to be empty space.
Comment by rochereau — November 25, 2010 @ 8:46 am
rochereau,
There WAS actually LESS of a division here before the boom. The cost of living WAS 1/3 of that in CA and that is what drew many people here. Cost of living in 2000 here was about $10 per hour and wages were about the same which meant a second income was completely disposable. The cost of living in CA in 2000 was about $33 per hour and wages were about $14. So you see that even two incomes did not make ends meet. That is why I still get a kick out of the “you RICH people from CA —–” statements. They have no idea what they are talking about. Every penny in CA went into a mortgage. We didnt HAVE snowmobiles, dirt bikes, Harleys, Boats, second and third homes on every lake, etc. So yes, when we DID cash in, we made money. But let me tell you, we worked MANY MANY long hours. Both husband and wife and/or families living together. You didnt HEAR of a stay at home mom. I recently went to CA and gas was actually cheaper there than it was here. It used to be 1/2 – 2/3 less here. The reason is because of greed. They know that people from CA are USE to paying more. That is the ONLY reason housing prices went through the roof as well.
Locals and local government have created the problem with this same greedy mentality that happened in CA, TX, CO, etc. “Build it and they shall come.” Why? Because development is cheap, quick and easy employment with BIG returns for the “SELECT FEW”. Everyone is happy for the moment but, construction is NOT sustainable. The few that make the money are happy and move on to rape yet another area where local officials only have dollar signs in their eyes leaving behind a mess for the taxpayers to clean up.
Comment by concerned citizen — November 25, 2010 @ 11:05 am
c c..you nailed it! That is why I was so annoyed at ancientempler. Just a moronic attitude. It is as if I said to the builder of my house, hey fella, you aren’t charging enough. You should add another 200K to the price. I looked at a house in my neighborhood that was priced at least 400K more than it was worth. Not knowing me, the RE agent said (when I commented on the ridiculous price) I know, but we are looking for a buyer from CA or TX. I replied, “really, I’m from CA”. He was too arrogant to even be embarrassed or apologize. 4 years later the house finally sold for…400K less than the original asking price…..to a Californian. Love it!!!
Comment by rochereau — November 25, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
One way to save money, can the expensive and meaningless recycle programs!
Here is the Penn and Teller version of why – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lPS3QXBqHc
(Language warning, NSFW or small children.)
Comment by Pariah — November 25, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
What is NSFW?
Comment by rochereau — November 25, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
Today’s CDA Press has an ad in the Outdoors Section that features glasses that actually have video and audio capability. Ideal for viewing and recording outdoorsy stuff…and maybe certain kinds of meetings where they don’t want you to remember what happened?
Comment by Gary Ingram — November 25, 2010 @ 9:39 pm
NSFW = Not Suitable For Work.
Comment by Pariah — November 26, 2010 @ 6:47 am
Kathy Sims has an informative My Turn essay regarding the NIC purchase of the Mill Site in today’s Press. Be sure to read it.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — November 26, 2010 @ 8:03 am
Oh! TY pariah…
Comment by rochereau — November 26, 2010 @ 9:17 am
Spam Alert –
I was just informed that a nasty spammer is using my email address to send out links to viagra -there is nothing in the subject line. Yes, it’s true. Hackers love me and God knows who else. Some of you have received them – even Betsy Russel with the SR. They are not from me. I have changed my password and I am reporting it to yahoo.com. It’s all I can do. If it continues – please let me know. I may have to dump that address. Jerks.
Comment by Stebbijo — November 26, 2010 @ 1:33 pm