Former US Senate candidate Richard Phenneger filed to run for NIC Trustee against Judy Meyer. In the CDA Press today, he cited massive conflicts of interest and hinted at ethics violations as the reason motivating him. Here is his press release (PDF file), which I believe you’ll find interesting.
As expected, Meyer and myopic NIC Trustee Chair Rolly Williams denied anything funny was going on. I’d write more about their silliness, arrogance, and utter disrespect for the public, but I’d be writing this post forever. So I’ll let you start.
at the cdapress – ” I, Tyler Smith, have withdrawn my name for candidacy. I believe Richard Phenneger is a more qualified candidate and could better serve the community and the college. I feel at this time that the development of the educational corridor would not be in the best interest of the community. I ask the voters of Kootenai County to vote with me and place Mr. Phenneger on the board.
Sincerely,
Tyler A. Smith “
Comment by TheWiz — September 4, 2008 @ 3:47 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2008
PRESS ADVISORY – MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Senior prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the
Western District of Washington will meet with reporters tomorrow
regarding the year-long investigation into the River Park Square
development project. The matter was referred to the U.S. Attorney’s
Office for the Western District of Washington following the recusal of
the Eastern District Office.
Who: Robert Westinghouse, Criminal Chief, U.S. Attorney’s Office
Kurt Hermanns, Supervisor, Tacoma U.S. Attorney’s
Office
What: Investigation into River Park Square Development
When: 11:00 AM, Friday September 5, 2008
Where: Federal Courthouse, Room 116, 920 West Riverside Avenue,
Spokane, WA
Broadcast media please arrive no later than 10:45 to clear
security and set up.
Press contact: Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United
States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, cell #
206-276-5288
the wheels of the federal agencies spin slowly, but they grind ever so finely. tremble judy, tremble mic, tremble cupcake – they will get to you and to mayor longneck.
Comment by TheWiz — September 4, 2008 @ 6:27 pm
This should be very interesting. I wonder if any of the local television or radio stations will carry the meeting in its entirety.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — September 4, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
i wish i could attend. when the guys in suits show up, it is serious.
Comment by TheWiz — September 4, 2008 @ 6:46 pm
Mike Patrick would be wise to send someone. This just might be the prelude to CdA and NIC.
Comment by concerned citizen — September 5, 2008 @ 6:21 am
You can be right, CC. Do note that it’s taken 14 years for this project to come to the Feds.
Comment by Dan — September 5, 2008 @ 6:27 am
Susie,
Doubtful that any of the local radio and TV stations will air the press conference live. The only way that might happen is if Cowles had been told ahead of time that the AUSA for the Western District was going to completely exonerate the Cowles family and threaten to jail anyone who asked any more questions. Then you can bet KHQ would pre-empt network soaps and talks and cover it live.
Comment by Bill — September 5, 2008 @ 8:39 am
Bill, Cowles should have covered the conference as the Cowles were exonerated. Susie
Comment by Susie Snedaker — September 5, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
“The “Board” is having a “special” meeting next Tues at 4 PM at the SUB at NIC to discuss the Mill property. After their closed door session they have public time set for 6 pm. See you there!”
from the cdapress story
Comment by TheWiz — September 6, 2008 @ 7:45 am
“I did not know of any ownership of unrelated property involving Steve Meyer and Ed Morse, but that still doesn’t create a conflict of interest,” said NIC attorney, Marc Lyons, in a telephone interview Wednesday.
taken from:
NIC: Hired appraiser not chosen by trustees Posted: Saturday, Sep 06, 2008 – 07:49:05 pm PDT By MAUREEN DOLAN Staff writer CdA Press
They obviously really think we are that stupid.
Comment by concerned citizen — September 7, 2008 @ 7:13 am
In the most narrow possible reading of the Appraisers Code of Ethics Marc Lyons is correct. In the broader sense where true professionals avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest, he fails.
Comment by Pariah — September 7, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
The bottom line is when it even remotely looks like a conflict of interest, it is. I believe that’s what today’s CDA Press editorial was saying. The smart thing would have been for Ms. Meyer to recuse herself. The smartest thing would have been to hire an out-of-state qualified appraiser. That would have restored faith to the process, but I don’t believe anyone here thinks the process is important to the Education Corridor proponents at this point. I’d expect more shenanigans to come.
Comment by Dan — September 7, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
In truly small towns (think Bonners Ferry or Orofino) it can be really hard to find a professional tht doesn’t know or have any relationships with an elected board. In North Idaho that simply is no longer the case. Had the North Idaho College Board had any concern AT ALL for appearences they would have vetoed this choice. They could care less what we think.
Comment by Pariah — September 7, 2008 @ 1:42 pm