Caldwell Guardian

Density and Costs of Alternative Electricity - Time to Think Nuclear

2012-01-28T15:31:00.002-07:00

We are bombarded with all the information about alternative power from solar, wind and anything you can imagine. I ran into a very interesting piece on the subject of "density" required per KWH of alternative electricity last week in the Wall Street Journal. Going "green" has an offset cost in density not many of the experts are talking about. Here are some density factors for your consideration:

Bio fuels 0.05 watts of energy per square meter
Small Natural gas well 28 watts per square meter
Wind turbines 1.0 watts per square meter

If we wanted to replace 10% of our fuel requirements with bio fuel made from switch grass it would take 37 million acres or a land area roughly the size of the State of Illinois just to grow the stuff. We all know what happened when corn was diverted to ethanol production. Food costs shot up in proportion to the amount of corn diverted to ethanol production.

Solution for this would be to get serious about Nuclear Power. In all the history of Nuclear Power the amount of high level waste comes to 62,000 tons of high level waste products. Stacked to a depth of 20 feet it would cover an area the size on one football field. France produces about 80% of their electricity from Nuclear Power.

The picture in this post is a photo of the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station in San Diego County. It has been there since the late 1960's with the original reactor, SONGS #1, shut down in the early 1990's but reactors two an three are still on line and not scheduled for decommissioning until 2022. It was built to withstand a 7.0 magnitude seismic event directly under the plant and still survive. The people in the photo look pretty relaxed about the proximity of the Nuke Plant next to their beach.

Note: The WSJ article was titled Small Is Beautiful - So Go Nuclear by Robert Bryce a senior fellow at Manhattan Institute and was adapted from the Winter 2012 edition of City Journal. The photo is San Onofre State Beach Park located just south of San Clemete, Ca. and right next to SONGS run by So. Cal. Edison.

Montana Constitutional Amendment Re: Initiatives

2012-01-24T09:50:00.003-07:00

We all know how initiatives are treated by the Idaho Legislature. The last time around was TERM LIMITS passed by the people and promptly disposed of in the first ten minutes of session. The good people of Montana are fed up with such antics by their legislature and are going for a Montana Constitutional amendment. Here it is and it would be a good one for Idahoans to put forward:

THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 109 (CI-109)

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Article III, section 4, of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended to read:

“Section 4. Initiative. (1) The people may enact laws by initiative on all matters except appropriations of money and local or special laws.

(2) Initiative petitions must contain the full text of the proposed measure, shall be signed by at least five percent of the qualified electors in each of at least one-half of the counties and the total number of signers must be at least five percent of the total qualified electors of the state. Petitions shall be filed with the secretary of state at least three months prior to the election at which the measure will be voted upon.

(3) The sufficiency of the initiative petition shall not be questioned after the election is held.

(4) The people reserve to themselves the powers to repeal or amend all laws passed by initiative.

(5) The legislature may not amend or repeal an initiative statute except by another statute that becomes effective only when approved by the electors unless the initiative statute permits amendment or repeal without the approval of the electorate.”

A like effort in Idaho would put a stop to what happened to our last effort to implement term limits.

The photo in this post was taken in the Montana House chamber. The painting is a C. M. Russel and all the furnishings are original dating back to the days of statehood formation. The wolf-dog was put their by Mr. Russel as he did not like the Speaker of the House. The Speaker was left-handed and every time he looked over his shoulder he saw that snarling dog

42 Months Magic PERSI Number For Idaho Legislators

2012-01-21T13:19:00.001-07:00

I pulled the following out of the Idaho Freedom Foundation Pork Report for 2012. Legislators can reap dramatic returns if they can get appointed to a full time job and here are some examples:

December, former Sen. Joe Stegner, R-Lewiston, took a post as head lobbyist of the University of Idaho, a post paying $124,000 annually.

If Stegner stays on the job at least 42 months, he can jump his public

pension at least tenfold. If Stegner had simply retired at the end of next

year – his 14th year in the Legislature – he would receive a pension

payout of about $373 per month, or a $4,480 annually. If Stegner stays

with the school 42 months at his starting wage, his pension payout will

increase to approximately $3,410 a month, or $40,920 annually.

In June, former Rep. Debbie Field showed the other end of the problem

as she exited her post as the head of the Office of Drug Policy. Field,

who served 10 years in the Legislature, was paid $74,000 as head of the

office. She retired after 43 months in the position, barely clearing the 42-month

threshold. Had she retired when she lost her re-election race in 2006, her legislative

pension would have amounted to about $443 per month, or

approximately $5,316 a year. With her legislative and drug policy

months combined in the retirement system, her pension will be more

than four times higher at $1,921 a month, or $23,052 annually

Former Sen. Pro Tem Bob Geddes will also get a spiked pension if he

stays on as chairman of the oversight board at the Idaho State Tax

Commission for more than 42 months. Gov. Butch Otter tapped Geddes

for the post, which pays $85,000 annually, in January. Geddes can

spike his pension by more than $2,500 a month – or more than $30,000

annually – if he meets the 42 month time threshold.

Rep. Dennis Lake, R-Blackfoot, in the past has introduced legislation to

end the practice and separate legislative service from timed worked in other areas under PERSI.

This could all be fixed but there is no support for Rep. Lake. It seems pretty simple to THE GUARDIAN to computer a month of service as a month of service rather than the current practice of granting a full year of service for each session of the Idaho Legislature.

Mental and Medical Health Legislative Issues In Idaho

2012-01-21T10:59:00.003-07:00

The following is a guest opinion by Guardian Reader Elaine Hirsch ( Eline currently writes for a medical transcription resource) January 21, 2012:

Medical and Health Benefits In Idaho and Canyon County

Thanks to a petition from disabled residents, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is postponing cuts to government-funded living expenses. However, many legislators worry about the long-term health of Medicare in Idaho as the rolls of patients with mental health disabilities steadily increase.

Between 2008 and 2011, the number of mental health holds, in which police took an emergency call and then referred a subject for a mental health evaluation, increased by 19 percent. Department of Health and Welfare spokesmen attribute the increase to Idaho veterans returning from war, high unemployment and economic stresses.

For some, giving disabled people access to health care for little or no cost constitutes the deliverance of a basic human right. The Markula Center for Ethics at Santa Clara University in California argues that offering public health care constitutes providing for "the common good" and states public access to affordable health care as a right alongside other rights, such as, a just legal and political system. The British Medical Journal, on the other hand, argues an intolerable burden on medical professionals, governments and taxpayers. that basic health care is difficult to define, and calling health care a "human right" places

Doctors, caregivers and medical experts argue that cutting payments for mental health patients will make keeping them in private homes impossible. Cuts will force many patients into public institutions.

Statistics from the National Alliance of Mental Illness Idaho suggest that approximately 54,000 adults and 18,000 children in Idaho have some degree of mental illness. NAMI Idaho states that cuts to mental health care budgets will drive up costs, such as, hospitalization, homelessness, incarceration, emergency services and suicides.

Idaho, like many states, is experiencing budget shortfall. The Department of Health and Welfare lost $45 million when the state legislature cut its budget last year in order to balance the budget. Benefits had to be reduced to 2,000 patients served by the Aged, Blind and Disabled.

A tough economy with limited funding options makes it difficult to do more with less funding for these programs.

What Mayor Nancolas Failed To Mention In State Of City Address

2012-01-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

WHAT MAYOR NANCOLAS NEGLECTED TO MENTION IN HIS STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS.

By D. L. Maitland, Caldwell January 16, 2012

While the YMCA is a worthwhile project it is a private entity that is being paid for at the rate of one million dollars a year with public money from taxes collected that go into the coffers of Caldwell Urban Renewal.

Mayor Nancols also forgot to mention the TVCC building. This building cost easily over six million dollars taking into consideration the cost of property and other improvements. TVCC has a lease on the building for this year for $218,000.00 for twenty thousand square feet. There is approximately thirty nine thousand square feet in the building and TVCC is using all of it. They are using these facilities at the cost of less than five dollars a square foot. Quite a bargain when you consider that normal commercial prices on a lease are ten to twelve dollars a foot.

Caldwell Urban Renewal also spent $151.000.00 in putting a coffee shop in the TVCC building that competes directly with private enterprise.

An urban renewal district is supposed to remove urban blight. Any project created by the urban renewal board until recently did not require the vote of the citizens but could be undertaken with the approval by the members of the board who are appointed by the mayor. To get an understanding of urban renewal please google the Canyon County of Idaho web site which has a very good explanation of the intended functions of urban renewal. In the case of Caldwell these funds have been spent on a lot of window dressing which is fine to some extent but did it really help the main downtown area? Cross over the bridge into main downtown area and it is almost liking walking into a ghost town on main street. As this area further deteriorates the tax revenue will go down due to the lowering of the assessed value of the properties.

I was delighted to see that MYAC (Mayors Youth Advisory Committee) is raising funds to pay for their excursions. This has not always been the case in the past. On previous occasions according to Eljay Waite, our city finance manager, funds were used from non tax property revenues of the city. These expenditures were approved by the mayor and city council. This was not the proper use of public revenue.

The city of Caldwell has a high or higher mill levy rate of any city in the Treasure Valley.There are a good deal of other items that I could mention such as that people living in Pioneer Irrigation District are paying for litigation between the city and the irrigation district in taxes and additional fees charged by the irrigation district. The attorneys are having a heyday on this one. (Editor note: Last year Caldwell spent well over $500 thousand dollars on this litigation.)

D.L. Maitland
Caldwell, Idaho

Boise Atty: Dynamis Bad Deal For Id. Power Customers

2012-01-15T10:26:00.002-07:00

Boise Attorney Opposed To Dynamis Deal January 13, 2012

Boise attorney Jon Steele has released comments critical of the proposed Ada County “waste to energy” currently before the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

Steele, in a press release was critical of the proposed rate schedule between Idaho Power and Dynamis Energy, the outfit that already has $2 million from Ada taxpayers for the project.

PRESS RELEASE
Backdoor Politics: The Ada County Commissioners and Dynamis Energy, LLC

Why would Idaho Power agree to pay Dynamis Energy far more than any other alternative energy provider?

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has been asked to approve a “deal” between Dynamis Energy, LLC and Idaho Power Company that will require Idaho Power to pay Dynamis more than twice the going rate for electricity. The Dynamis electricity is planned to be generated at a proposed trash-to-energy Project located at the Ada County landfill.

While the public spotlight is now focused upon Idaho Power and the Idaho Public Utilities Commissioners, this boondoggle originated with the Ada County Commissioners.

Although Idaho Power has made the application to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for approval of the Dynamis “deal,” a close reading of the Idaho Power papers discloses a less than enthusiastic endorsement. The garbage to energy concept sounds green and clean and may even be technically feasible, but it will be expensive for Idahoans, who have enjoyed the cheapest electric rates in the United States.

In June of 2010 the Ada County Commissioners agreed to pay Dynamis almost 2 million dollars for the design of a trash-to-energy Project to be built at the Ada County landfill. The primary benefit to Ada County is the possibility of extending the useful life of the landfill because the Project will incinerate garbage rather than bury it.

However, unlike many communities, Ada County has a landfill that will provide solid waste disposal for roughly 70 to 100 years – the Hidden Hollow Landfill off of Hill Road. In 2007 Ada County opened a new landfill section, the North Ravine Cell, located on 2700 acres of County-owned property. The North Ravine Cell is the replacement landfill for the nearly full Hidden Hollow Landfill.

In 2005, Ada County contracted with Fortistar Energy to burn the natural byproduct at the Hidden Hollow Landfill – gas – which is used as fuel to generate electricity. Fortistar can generate roughly 3.2 mega-watts of electricity – enough to power about 2,400 homes. In 2010 Fortistar paid Ada County $260,786 for gas produced by rotting garbage which was converted to electricity and sold to Idaho Power. Yet, the rate paid to Fortistar by Idaho Power is substantially lower than the rate to be paid Dynamis.

Dynamis, according to its website, is composed of “…a group of highly committed professionals that are dedicated to clean renewable energy through waste recovery systems.” If their website is to be believed, Dynamis is “…your best source for value-driven, environmentally sound, global turnkey waste to energy services.” Dynamis owns “…state-of-the-art proprietary waste-to-energy technology.” Their “…patented process reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreases harmful emissions and provides numerous immeasurable long-term benefits, clearing a new path toward a sustainable and cleaner world.” Who can argue with that?

In June of 2010 Ada County Commissioners Fred Tillman, Sharon M. Ullman, and Rick Yzaguirre took it upon themselves to sign a contract with Dynamis which says that Dynamis will design “… a 250 ton per day waste to energy facility…” referred to as the Project. The Dynamis website states that … “[o]ne of our 250 ton per day plants produces on average 15 megawatts, which means in theory we can provide power for 14,000 homes.”

Between July 15 and December 17, 2011, Ada County paid Dynamis almost 2 million dollars. These payments were for the design of the Project. None of these payments purchased any material or labor or permits that will be required to build the Project.

The Dynamis contract does not guarantee that the waste to energy Project will work or even that the waste to energy Project will probably work. Rather, the contract states that the almost 2 million dollar Project design is based upon “experimental technologies” and that after review of the Project design Ada County “…may not want to proceed.”

On November 1, 2011 the Ada County Commissioners entered into a second agreement with Dynamis. This time, however, Commissioner Vern Bisterfeldt refused to go along, but majority ruled. This agreement allows Dynamis to finance the Project, build it, own it, and operate a 54,400 square foot plant costing $60,000,000 on County land for $1 a year. The County will deliver 408 tons of waste daily to Dynamis at no charge. Dynamis will convert the trash to electricity which it plans to sell to Idaho Power, which brings us back to the Idaho Power application before the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

Energy law requires Idaho Power to contract with Dynamis, but not at an inflated price which will ultimately be paid by Idaho Power customers. This “deal” favors Dynamis over Idaho Power customers. While science and technology make the Dynamis project possible, science and technology have not made the Dynamis project economically feasible.

The Ada County Commissioners’ rush to contract with Dynamis left little time for any analysis. The driving forces behind the rush to contract were government payments, tax incentives about to expire, and cash.

Approval of this “deal” will open the flood gates. The Dynamis “deal” is based upon a franchise business model designed to be repeated over and over again with local governments who are lured into approval by the “clean and green” mantra and the possibility of economic growth.

Any opposition to the Idaho Power application before the Idaho Public Utilities Commission runs the risk of being labeled as anti-clean, anti-green, and anti-environment. But these are not the issues to be decided. The real issue is whether we saddle the next generation of Idahoans with obligations that are not economically feasible. The simple question is: Why would Idaho Power agree to pay Dynamis far more than any other alternative energy provider?

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is taking comment on the Dynamis “deal” through February 2, 2012. Comments are accepted via e-mail by accessing the Commission’s homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on “Comments & Questions About a Case.” Fill in the case number (IPC-E-11-25) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762. Be sure to join the list of “Interested Parties.”

The public’s only opportunity to express views on the Dynamis “deal” is to submit comments before February 2. As of today, there will be no public hearing for you to attend. Our Public Utility Commissioners will read and respect your comments, but only if you beat the February 2 deadline.

The full text of the Commission’s order in this application, along with other documents related to this case, are available on the Commission’s Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on “File Room” and then on “Electric Cases” and scroll down to the above case number.

The Ada County Commissioners can be reached at (208) 287-7000.

Jon M. Steele, Runft & Steele Law Offices

1020 W. Main ST. Ste. 400, Boise, Idaho 83702

Phone 208 333 9495

Local Option Tax Will Be Considered By Legislature

2012-01-10T10:09:00.003-07:00

By David R. Frazier

A bill to bump up the sales tax by 1%–with voter approval–will probably surface in the coming legislative session.

Ironic that local politicos and Chambers of Commerce favor allowing voters to approve a sales tax hike when last year they almost uniformly opposed allowing citizens to vote on long term public debt at airports and public hospitals.

The so-called “local option sales tax” is already allowed in resort towns under 10,000 population–such as McCall, Donnelly and Ketchum. The latest move is to allow the tax hike in cities of ANY size. Previously, the big issue has been the percentage of votes needed to hike the sales tax. Cities were after a simple majority to institute the tax and the legislative leaders wanted a 2/3 majority.

Here’s a thought:
Since the Idaho recall law requires 20% of REGISTERED VOTERS to sign a petition just to get a politico whom they want out of office on the ballot, why not use the same threshold for a vote on local option taxes–approval of 20% of registered voters? Good for the goose is good for the gander.

Congress currently has an approval rating of a mere 11-15% of citizens and with campaign donation laws so loose that businesses can donate massive amounts to candidates, incumbents are nearly “bulletproof.”

Local politicos run mostly unopposed, or with only token opposition–they claim it is due to voter satisfaction. The GUARDIAN suspects people are simply beaten down and apathetic. The rise of the Tea Party on the right and the Occupiers on the left attest to dissatisfaction at all levels of government.

Years ago when the legislature changed the recall petition law from “20% of those voting in the last election” to “20% of registered voters,” they made it nearly impossible to remove the bad guys. Perhaps tax hikes should be just as difficult. The recent Boise City election had a turnout well under 20% of registered voters.

Is it really wise to allow people with such a low voter approval the authority to tax and spend on the entire populace unless we can remove them from office easier than gathering signatures from 20% of registered voters?

Urban Renewal, Gateway Drug To Corruption

2012-01-08T12:10:00.002-07:00

Urban Renewal is very similar to "EARMARKS" in the way it is administered. The IPT had a question to all county legislators in the Sunday paper about any possible plans to fix urban renewal laws in Idaho. It is clear most legislators do not get the inherent problems with urban renewal. Yes, there were some changes to the laws this past session in 2011 but it remains a government entity without accountability or oversight of taxpayers who get stuck paying the bills for these "earmarks".

Nearly $55 million gets spent by these agencies for all manner of things that would not pass muster with voters if put to a bond election each year in Idaho. Additionally, commissioners of urban renewal boards are appointed and answer to nobody for their actions with our tax dollars. Newly appointed Rep. Gayle Batt appears to have a very good handle on fixes needed. Commissioners for these agencies should stand for election just like trustees for College of Western Idaho, local school boards, highway districts, etc.

Urban renewal taxes impact every county and city taxpayer even when they aren't in the UR district. Property taxes siphoned off by UR have to be made up to pay for all the things property taxes support like schools, city and county taxes, police, fire and other essential public services. This gets done via higher and higher levy rates for all county property owners. Property taxes are so high now that most taxing districts are into a "cap" on taxes along with levy rates perceived to be outrageous to most taxpayers.

Urban Renewal tax dollars are thrown around at all manner of pop-up-targets over the lives of the agencies. Money thrown around by these agencies become nothing more than a gateway drug to corruption by the givers and takers of this money.

Urban renewal has created a culture of developers, businesses and other entities knocking at the doors of these agencies with their hands out for money to sweeten their projects. All this has led to growth not paying for itself and downloading growth costs onto all county taxpayers. Caldwell and Nampa have such high property taxes it has reached the point investors are reluctant to invest in our communities due to these onerous and ongoing tax burdens. They can go one foot inside Ada County and the tax structure is 30-40% less.

In Caldwell we have over $10 million going to the YMCA, at least $7 million or more to TVCC, a college that is redundant to CWI. CEURA meeting minutes show a number of developers collecting millions to hundreds of thousands for their projects. In Nampa we have a $14.5 million police station built with no voter approval and a $30+million library going in next without voter approval. In Boise a million dollar gift to the developer who has taken over the "Big Hole" project, the Ada County Courthouse for nearly $100 million, in Rexburg a $7million swiming pool project are some examples.

The challenge to Legislators is to scrap this ill conceived set of laws and get back to voter approved bond elections for all these projects. Concentrated power of UR agencies in the hands of a few people has given us all manner of goofy things. The best local example is the Idaho Center. It remains a project that can't pay its way and is a millstone around the necks of Nampa taxpayers.

Urban Renewal laws in Idaho stand in complete juxtaposition to the Idaho Constitution Artilcle VIII sec. 3 requiring 2/3rds majority of voter approval for nearly all things going beyond one budget cycle. Cities are using UR as way around voters and abuses are numerous.

Here's a link to the IPT Legialator story: http://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-lawmakers-prepare-for-legislative-session/article_e1909462-39ca-11e1-9a61-001871e3ce6c.html

Tax Cap on Taxing Agencies At Or Near Maximums

2012-01-04T09:51:00.001-07:00

We talked about the "TAX CAP" earlier on the Caldwell Guardian. Here is a table for your review:

You can see just how close nearly every taxing entity is to the maximum taxes they can extract from taxpayers. Next year will be budget crunch time. The numbers above are multiplied against the total assessed values of property withing the boundaries of each entity. If assessed values go up this year then look for your taxes to go up as well. Right now, the tax cap prevents the annual 3% increase. The biggest tax all but ignored is government spending at all levels despite economic conditions.

Canyon County Assessor is in the process of trying to assign values to all taxable property in Canyon County. We typically get these new notices in the mail after the May election cycle.

“Buying” New Business Not Worth The Price For Taxpayers

2012-01-02T09:23:00.003-07:00

Our friend Dave Frazier (Boise Guardian) has once again given us much to think about the very first day of the new year ahead of us.

By David R. Frazier January 1, 2012

We’ve all heard of the husband who purchased a new boat the couple couldn’t afford so the wife gets even by remodeling the kitchen and installing new carpet they also couldn’t afford.

That same silly fiscal policy is being advocated by government and editorial writers from Idaho Falls to Boise–if a business isn’t financially sound enough to survive on its own, give them some cash and tax breaks from citizen’s pocketbooks. After all, if Idaho doesn’t attract these firms, they will go to the “competition” in California, Oregon, or elsewhere.

Micron holds its “jobs” club over the heads of policy makers and gets all sorts of tax breaks–meanwhile the government pays all the workers who were laid off when jobs went offshore.

The Chamber of Commerce’s “Boise Valley Economic Partnership” is drumming up support for a $5-10 million fund to pay businesses to locate in the area. This, after their previous $5 million scheme to attract “high paying jobs” fell flat. Businesses don’t come here to pay higher wages.

Guv Butch is proposing a fund for local entrepreneur start ups. That’s better than helping the Chinese Communists and out of staters, but still not a good place to spend public money. If the idea and product are good, investors will buy in and profit.

In Twin Falls politicos are tripping over themselves as they pony up public promises of about $29,000,000 for a Chobani yogurt plant–a culture unto itself. That area has a history of attracting–and closing businesses.

Pocatello is about to fall victim to an ill-fated solar panel plant backed by the communist Chinese, but not backed with enough cash to pay their electric bill to Idaho Power. Hoku is teetering on the brink of financial failure despite massive infusions of urban renewal funds diverted from schools, the city and county. They also are beneficiaries of state and federal funds.

A hearing before the Idaho Public Utilities Commission over the proposed shut off of electric service to Hoku will be an interesting indicator regarding whether regulators go with the politicos and the POTENTIAL of “jobs” or rule to allow Idaho Power to cut its losses from a deadbeat customer.

Despite repeated promises, hoopla, and assorted pandering Boise can’t even get a Whole Foods chain store going. No doubt the folks at the Co-Op won’t shed tears over that news. If they have the money and Boise looks like a place to do business, Whole Foods would beat down the door of city hall with fists full of cash.

Citing Boise’s “proximity to west coast ports,” there was a big media push a month ago for a Zonda electric bus factory in Boise. The company had even moved its headquarters here. Don’t stand in line for tickets to ride that coach.

The overall message from we GROWTHOPHOBES is similar to that of former Gov. Cecil Andrus who opposed deal sweeteners: “If you have the money to pay your taxes and a fair wage, we welcome you with open arms. If you are shopping for rubes willing to PAY you to come here, please take your business elsewhere.”

Just How Unproductive Was Congress In 2011

2011-12-31T13:31:00.002-07:00

Most of us have had the feeling Congress hasn't done much this year but bicker and not get much done. Tobin Grant has quantified their work below...

Tobin Grant, an associate professor of political science at Southern Illinois University from a piece on NPR..Weekend Edition.

"Grant developed an index to measure Congress' productivity. After looking at the numbers, he says this Congress is on pace to be the least productive since the '80s — not the 1980s, but the 1880s.

Grant says he'd consider very few of the 80 bills signed into law so far this session to be major legislation.

Multiple bills continue funding that had already been ongoing. Others, he says, include "taking a bold stance in favor of 9/11 heroes and autism" with the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act and the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act. Congress also passed 10 resolutions naming post offices.

Now, this is the first of a two-year Congress, and the first year is always less productive. This one, though, has been especially unproductive.

In 2011, Congress did pass the Deficit Reduction Act, three free-trade bills and a patent-reform measure. However, much of its time was spent racing against those countdown clocks, passing short-term extensions to keep the government open for business and fighting right up to the brink over matters that in the past have been routine."

LINK: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/31/144459614/this-year-in-congress-much-drama-little-to-show

Idaho Power Not Happy May Pull Plug On Hoku Solar Plant

2011-12-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

by David R. Frazier

Friday, December 30th

The Hoku solar panel plant struggling to get itself up and running in Pocatello can’t even pay its agreed upon electric bill to Idaho Power, it was revealed in a filing before the Idaho Public Utilities Commission Thursday.

The Chinese backed company has been the beneficiary of all kinds of public largess including local urban renewal funds (property taxes diverted from city, county, and schools), assorted state energy and economic development funds as well as Federal funds. Now they want extra time to pay their power bill, citing “cash flow” problems.

The company’s stock has plummeted to less than 1/4 its value earlier this year and is in danger of being delisted on the stock exchange where the current price is less than 60 cents a share.

The would-be polysilicon maker said losing power would delay the Pocatello plant’s commissioning and expose infrastructure to freezing as winter sets in. Southeastern Idaho’s hopes that Hoku’s $390 million plant will eventually add hundreds of green-energy jobs to the local economy have been shaken by uncertainty over whether the project will survive.

“If service is terminated, these high value systems may freeze, causing irreparable and material damage to Hoku’s plant assets,” the company’s lawyers told utility regulators in their complaint. “Any damage would need to be repaired, at additional cost, prior to continuing with the commissioning and operation of the plant.”

This failure to pay an existing Idaho utility a contractually agreed amount does little to help the local economy and could be a harbinger of the future for energy schemes dependent on government subsidies. We GROWTHOPHOBES have long welcomed corporations and individuals to our state as long as they can afford to pay the same taxes the rest of us pay and offer decent wages for the jobs they may create. If not, please visit one of the states competing against us.

Kuna Mayor Elect and "Cold Day In Hell"

2011-12-30T10:55:00.003-07:00

The Caldwell Guardian reported in an earlier post last week the story of Kuna Mayor Elect Greg Nelson owing the city of Kuna $36,000. In the Idaho Statesman today there is more about this dust-up between Mr. Nelson and Kuna. Here's the link:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/12/30/1933726/new-controversy-clouds-kuna.html

Reporter for the Statesman, Cynthia Sewell did a great job of getting the facts in this matter for readers of her paper. She has connected all the dots and even has a great quote from Mr. Nelson:

"It will be a cold day in hell before I pay the city $36,000."

We can only wonder if the election results would have been different had this all come out during the mayoral campaign in Kuna. The Guardian supports the democratic process where things get loud and noisy with voters making informed decisions.

Editor Note: Mr. Hasson is leaving the city of Kuna to take a City Manager position in La Pine, Oregon. He will be leaving Kuna as of Feb. 1, 2012, meanwhile the Mayor will get his wish for Mr. Hasson to leave.

Caldwell and Nampa Get New Council Members

2011-12-29T20:38:00.001-07:00

Caldwell will be swearing in incumbent council members Jim Blacker and Shannon Ozuna along with newly minted Councilman-elect David Clark Tuesday Jan. 3rd at 7:00 PM. This is the first item on the New Business Agenda.

Nampa reader Bob G. sent me this item:

Tuesday the 3rd of Jan. is the first meeting that Bob Henry will be on the city council . I plan to be there and hope many others will attend this and future meetings to support him and Steve Kren. Perhaps we can all look forward to some lively debates on issues with a philosophically split Nampa City Council.

I believe the meeting starts at 6:30 pm.

Ca. To Require Booster Seats 7yrs And Under

2011-12-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

We learned today in the Wall Street Journal, starting January 1, 2012 all children under the age of seven years of age or under 4 feet 9 inches in height will have to be latched into a booster seat with all six points attached to the seat and seat belt system. The fine will be $425 and a 1 point moving violation for the driver for non-compliance.

WSJ reported in the front page story 6 year old kids are putting up a real fuss over this new law. Especially the one's that recently turned six. It is taking all the cajoling and bribery mom and dad can muster to get their kids back into these very confining seats.

California is usually a few years ahead of the curve on social change and things like this. We can only wonder how long before the insurance industry forces the issue in the Idaho Legislature. It will be a boon to folks selling these seats. Each kid will have to get one or more to comply with this new California law.

The Guardian is wondering if they came up with this law after visiting Disneyland. Seat-belted rides have a sign where children have to be at or higher than the bottom of a sign posting height requirements for these types of rides.

Things You Should Check

2011-12-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

First off The Guardian is not seeing much out there to talk about. That said I would like to remind everyone about a few things you might not give much thought to until they fail.

First on the list are smoke and carbon monoxide detector battery back up and testing them to make sure they actually still work. Smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material and need to be disposed of properly.

Second, Washing machine hoses. These things fail all the time according to insurance company data and can flood your home with water in short order. Water is the biggest enemy of homeowners. These hoses should be inspected often and replaced ever few years. They don't leak, they burst when they fail, usually at the connector part of the hose. Turn off the valves when you leave your home for an extended period of time.

Third, review your homeowners insurance policy. Values have decreased and you might be able to save a buck or two with a coverage review. A thing called a "deck sheet" is the meat and potatoes of your insurance coverage for your home as well as autos.
You may want to consider dropping collision coverage on an older car with not a lot of dollar value. Rule of thumb on vehicles is damage over 60% is considered a total.

That is my list and you may have others to add to this. It is a slow time of year for any news.

Paul

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year To All

2011-12-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone for reading, contributing and commenting Caldwell Guardian articles over this past year. Your readership and comments are helpful in keeping a stimulating discussion going with local issues of the day.

The year in front of us will no doubt have plenty of issues for readers. I get about 2500-3500 hits on my blog each month. I have no ideal of who you all are as comments and hits remain anonymous except for the cities where readers live and their browser type, unless readers wish to add their name and other data to a comment.

Warm regards to all,

Paul

Namp Sued Again, Plaintiff's Seeking Class Action Over Stormwater Issue

2011-12-23T10:21:00.001-07:00

BOISE GUARDIAN, David R. Frazier reports the following:

Yet another lawsuit has bee filed against the City of Nampa over the stormwater "fee" levied against property owners.

If class acion is granted, Nampa could have every property owner in the city seeking refunds for a stormwater utility fee that many claim is an illegal tax.

A class-action complaint filed Wednesday seeks to have Nampa's $3 per month-per resident stormwater fee and ordinance declared invalid and all the fees collected under the program refunded. The plaintiffs are: "Ronald W. Van Auker, JBR LLC; RVRV LLC; Hogan LLC; Deer 1 LLP; Par 3; Idaho Industrial Development and all other similarly situated." Commercial properties are charged based on square footage.

Republic Storage filed a similar complaint against the city on December 14. THE GUARDIAN warned of potential class action at that time.

The Idaho Supreme Court ruled in November the City of Lewiston's stormwater fee was illegal because the state has not authorized cities to collect a stormwater tax. The plaintiff's attorney E. Don Copple and Heather Cunningham of Davidson, Copple. Copple & Copple say Nampa's stormwater ordinance and fee is nearly identical to Lewiston's and should also be declared illegal.

Nampa's legal team is a private firm that probably advised the city regarding the ordinance that created the fee.

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/12/22/1926794/class-action-suit-filed-against.html#storylink=latest#storylink=cpy

Mayor Elect of Kuna Billed $36k For Water/Sewer Hookups

2011-12-20T09:58:00.013-07:00

THE GUARDIAN read with interest a story in the Idaho Statesman about Mayor Elect Greg Nelson's plans for the fair City of Kuna. Here's a link to the Statesman story in yesterdays paper, Link:
New Mayor wants to make peace .

Mayor Elect Nelson came across as someone who is a "can't we all just get along" kind of a guy with everyone and every thing save the Kuna Planning and Zoning folks. All the love from Mayor Elect Nelson was not to be regarding Kuna's Planning and Zoning Director, Steven Hasson.

The animosity Nelson expressed toward Kuna's Director of Planning and Zoning seemed out of character. THE GUARDIAN filed a public records request and the short version of all this is: Mr. Nelson is alleged to have not paid $36K for water and sewer hook-up fees for the Creekside Lounge and Peregrine Steaks and Spirits Restaurant built in 2005/06.

Mr. Nelson received notification of no record of payment for water and sewer hook-up fees for the total amount assigned to the project from Mr. Hasson in March of this year.

Lack of payment/verification was caught as part of an Idaho Department of Quality (IDEQ) audit for water and sewer fees cities turn in to DEQ.

Mr. Hasson and his staff turned up no record of payment for a total of 10 EDU's (equivalent domestic units of water and sewer usage) attached to Mr. Nelson's project at the time building permits were issued. Nor could Kuna City Officials find any record Mr. Nelson's project was exempted from the fees.

Mr. Hasson sent Mayor Elect Nelson a billing letter for $36,000.00 owed to the City of Kuna (ie. Taxpayers). Mr. Hasson has asked for any reasonable record the fees had been paid by Mr. Nelson to help clear up this matter.

It will be interesting to see how all this unfolds.

Nampa Has No Contract With White-Peterson

2011-12-19T16:27:00.002-07:00

THE GUARDIAN filed a public records request with the City of Nampa regrading legal fees paid the White-Peterson Law Offices of Nampa. Also, No formal contract exists between Nampa and W-P, they are "appointed" by Mayor Dale and confirmed by the Nampa City Council.

A records request for the last three years was filed and here is what we learned.

Legal fees for FY: 08/09 were $423,820.32

09/10 were $519,517.26

10/11 to date are $679,733.17

A comment in the post below piqued the interest in this subject and the above are the totals I received Nampa. Also of note the City of Nampa budgets $1 Million each year for legal fees. This came from budget numbers in the IPT legal advertisements.

Clouds Gather Over Nampa Stormwater Utility Fees

2011-12-16T21:29:00.004-07:00

The following is a summary of a court action filed against the City of Nampa over their Stormwater Utility Fees:

Republic Storage of Nampa (aka Twin Islands LLC) is seeking declaratory or injunctive relief from "Nampa Storm Water Utility" fees imposed by Ordinance 3928. Republic is asserting the storm water fee is a tax implemented without Constitutional, State Legislative, or police power to enact. Further, Republic is citing this tax/fee as a violation of the Idaho Constitution Art. 7 sec. 5 as the tax/fee amounts to a non uniform tax on all property. Also claimed there is no discernible service connected with the Storm Water Utility fees.

The Plaintiff, Republic Storage is seeking injunctive relief to preclude any further collections of the Storm Water Utility fees pending litigation challenging the validity of Nampa Storm Water Utility fees.

David R. Frazier of the Boise Guardian reports there is a pending Class Action Lawsuit representing 80,000 people over the Storm Water Ordinance put together by Mayor Dale, City Councilors and his legal team.

This means Happy Holidays for the law firm representing Nampa. They got paid for the ordinance work and now they will have two legal challenges over Storm Water fees to further line their pockets with Nampa taxpayer dollars.

Caldwell to Pay $47K Above Low Bid For Misdemeanor Prosecutions

2011-12-16T11:17:00.005-07:00

THE GUARDIAN learned via a public records request Caldwell intends to pay $47K more to the firm of Hamilton Michaelson Hilty, the current city attorney v. the offer extended by Canyon County Prosecutor, Brian Taylor. The decision to go with the high bid was made in Executive Session by the Caldwell City Council. Yesterday we noted the approval of HMH as the firm that will be doing city misdemeanor prosecutions. It is listed as item #7 on the "Consent Calendar" for the upcoming City Council meeting.

There will be no further discussion nor any debate about the difference in cost for this service to Caldwell taxpayer's. A motion will be made, seconded and passed. The troubling part of all this is the fiduciary responsibility to Caldwell taxpayers and $47k difference for this service.

Mind you there will be the same numbers of misdemeanor prosecutions no matter who does the job. Felonies all go to the County Prosecutor no matter what the circumstances. THE GUARDIAN sent emails to Mayor Nancolas, and two City Councilors voicing concerns about the lack of negotiation of costs for taxpayers. It is OK to stay with HMH but why haven't they said the business is theirs to lose and can they meet the price proffered by Canyon County Prosecutor, Brian Taylor and save taxpayers $47K in these difficult times.

Editor note: City of Caldwell accepted a bid of $256K from HMH on December 19th. HMH revised their bid $41k lower than their original RFQ of $296K.

Social Security and Medicare Aren't Entitlements

2011-12-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Politicos in Washington D.C. keep telling citizens Social Security and Medicare are "entitlements" and if they keep repeating this lie often enough people might start to believe it.

Fact is these are "EARNED BENEFITS". Every working person who collects Soc. Security and Medicare had money deducted from their pay over their entire working careers. The amount each person collects is based on how much they paid into the system. Medicare was also deduced from each persons pay and those on Medicare pay about $100/month for straight Medicare Part B and more if they opt for an Advantage Plan with a private insurance company.

All the people now receiving their earned benefits had no choice in the matter of enrollment for these programs during their working years. I was more than a little shocked to see how much was deducted from my pay when I got my first job. I got $1/hour which was the minimum wage back in 1963 and was dismayed at how little was left after deductions. I got past all that in time and accepted it as something that would be there if I lived long enough to actually retire.

Medicare was first approved in the Kennedy Administration back in the early 1960's. The running joke at the time was if it didn't pass muster with Congress everyone needed to try and stay young. Older people before Medicare either had the cash to pay for medical care or they simply died from neglect.

Most people end up paying Social Security and Medicare over what usually is a 40+ year working career. When I hear Congress and the President calling Social Security and Medicare "entitlements" it really strikes me as an outright lie to people who have paid into these two "earned benefit" programs. The root of the problem is the fat cats in Congress spent the money and are now trying to weasel out of the loans made to the government via these two non-optional programs.

Cecil and Wayne, More In Common Than You Think

2011-12-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

We read with interest this morning, the regular Monday Opinion piece by Wayne Hoffman to day. We also caught the November 17th, 2011 edition of Dialogue on IPTV. It was interesting to note just how much former Gov. Cecil Andrus and Mr. Hoffman have in common.

Gov. Andrus was talking about when Hewlett Packard came to Boisenin the 1960's looking for a place to expand their operations. Gov. Andrus was asked point blank what he was willing to do to sweeten the deal for HP. Gov. Andrus didn't bat an eye in his response... NOTHING! He said they would help expedite the permitting process and welcome HP to town but to do more would set the stage for future handouts for others wishing to locate in Idaho. He said this point blank to David Packard. If they got a subsidy from Idaho Taxpayers then others would want the same and HP would help pay for any government funds going to subsidize companies locating in Idaho.

Mr. Hoffman in his Op-Ed piece in the Idaho Press Tribune today is echoing the same philosophy on energy subsidies. Wind projects all over the state get huge subsidies from taxpayers, the project is not subject to the proper levels of property taxes, receive large subsidies from the federal government for "being green". The reality is they kill large numbers of birds, endangered bats, and eagles along with other avian life. In addition they create a fair amount of visual blight. There are so many of them now in Idaho they nearly carry the entire electrical loading at the minimum demand on the system.

We have yet another heavily subsidized project at the Ada County Land Fill where Dynamis Energy of Idaho has struck a deal with Idaho Power to charge IP nearly three times to going rates for electricity for 18 hours a day of power generation per the IPUC application and agreements. Not only can this project not stand on it's own but it will receive additional subsidies from the Federal Government at taxpayer expense.

FERC (federal energy regulatory commission) has recently entered the fray forcing power companies to buy wind power at inflated prices when all the waterways are brimming with water. Bonneville Power and it would be reasoned Idaho Power have no control over co-generation projects with the ability to use them as a supplemental source when needed.

Mr. Hoffman's position like Gov. Andrus before him is this stuff should stand on its own merits and not sink or swim via State and Federal hand outs.

here's the IPT LINK http://www.idahopress.com/opinion/bestread/we-don-t-need-incentives-to-know-which-car-to/article_4ef96dfe-248a-11e1-b6f3-001871e3ce6c.html

Wind Power Subsidy and FERC Will Cost Rate Payers

2011-12-08T08:23:00.002-07:00

We learn today Wind Power is not a backup but a primary energy supply when it comes to paying the piper for power. Wind generator owners won a dispute with with Bonneville Power Administration yesterday via the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Wind generators supplying power to Bonneville Power objected to being told to shut down when the Columbia River system is brimming with abundant water supplies and had more power than the grid could manage or export. Between mid-May and June there is more hydro-electric power available and the wind power simply is not needed nor is there any market for it.

The FERC ruling yesterday was based on the fact they lost government incentives when windmills were shut down because subsidies to this industry are based on actual power output. Actions by FERC yesterday have set the stage for wind farms to go back to BPA and other power companies and collect back compensation.

In short, it is the rate payers of all the various power companies who will be on the line to pay inflated prices for power from alternative sources even when they aren't needed. These secondary sources have become the tail wagging the big dog power companies. Standby for federally mandated increases in power rates courtesy of FERC.

Here's a LINK to the Statesman AP story http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/12/07/1908134/wind-generators-win-in-dispute.html

Another LINK to Rocky Barker of the Statesman on this subject http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2011/12/08/rockybarker/ferc_rules_again_favor_northwest_wind_power_devlopers#ixzz1fxy2L8ON

Idaho Power Gets 4% Rate Increase Jan. 1st

2011-12-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Settlement would increase Idaho Power rates by 4 percent

Rate case hearings set in American Falls, Gooding and Boise

Parties to an Idaho Power Company rate case have reached a settlement that, if approved, would increase rates an average 4 percent, down from the nearly 10 percent requested by the company when it filed its application June 1.

The proposed settlement must be approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, which has scheduled public hearings in American Falls on Nov. 3, in Gooding on Nov. 9 and in Boise on Dec. 5.

The proposed settlement would allow Idaho Power an annual revenue requirement increase of $34 million. The utility originally sought $83 million, or an average overall rate increase of 9.9 percent.

Included in the proposed average 4 percent increase is an increase in the monthly service charge from $4 to $5 per month. The new rates, if approved, would become effective Jan. 1. The parties are proposing a 7.86 percent rate of return. The company sought 8.17 percent.

Parties signing the settlement include commission staff, the Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association, the Industrial Customers of Idaho Power, the Department of Energy, Micron Technology, the Idaho Conservation League, the Snake River Alliance, the Northwest Energy Coalition and Hoku Materials. The Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho, which represents customers on low- and fixed-incomes, participated in the settlement discussions but not sign largely because Idaho Power has not agreed to increase its funding for a low-income weatherization program.

The signing parties agreed to defer and amortize over four years a nearly $300,000 expense for a turbine inspection. They also propose to defer $436,000 for a Light Detection and Ranging survey and amortize that over 10 years. That deferral and amortization mitigate the size of rate increases for customers.

Some issues were not resolved and will be argued during the Dec. 5 technical hearing while others will be handled separately in other cases.

Issues to be argued during the technical hearing include the amount of funding that Idaho Power should provide for a low-income weatherization program; the surcharge level for the Energy Efficiency Rider (now set at 4.75 percent of billed rates) and the method used to calculate facilities charges for large commercial and industrial customers.

The issues to be handled separately include the amount paid by parties requesting a line extension and whether the annual pilot Fixed Cost Adjustment (FCA) mechanism should be made permanent.

The commission will conduct three public hearings, giving customers an opportunity to testify regarding the proposed settlement. Those hearings will be:

· Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Power County Courthouse Annex, 500 Pocatello Ave., in American Falls.

· Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Gooding County Planning and Zoning Building, 145 Seventh Ave. East in Gooding.

· Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at the commission hearing room, 472 W. Washington St. in Boise.

The technical hearing will also be Dec. 5 beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the commission hearing room.

The commission cannot, by state law, arbitrarily refuse to consider utility rate increase requests without first considering the evidence presented by the utility, intervening parties and customers. The burden of proof is on the utility to justify the expenses it seeks to recover through rates as 1) necessary to serve customers and 2) prudently incurred. The commission may accept, reject or modify the company’s request. All commission decisions can be appealed to the state Supreme Court by the utility, intervenors or customers.

Continued growth in demand for electricity, aging infrastructure and higher compliance and reliability requirements are the driving factors behind the rate increase request, according to the company’s application.

Idaho Power claims it has made significant investment in pollution control equipment in four units and upgraded a turbine in one unit of the Jim Bridger power plant, a coal-fired facility in southwest Wyoming. The company plans additional investment at its Valmy coal plant in Nevada this year. Idaho Power also completed construction of a new 500-kilovot Hemingway transmission station and the associated Hemingway to Bowmont 230-kV transmission line at a total cost of $54 million. The company also completed construction of the Long Valley Operations Center in Lake Ford to replace the existing McCall Operations Center.

The company’s application further states that the cost of building materials has increased dramatically since the last time the company was granted a general rate increase in 2009. In that two-year period, the company claims aluminum costs have increased 59 percent; copper, 104 percent and standard plate steel, 83 percent.

To mitigate the size of the increase, Idaho Power says it is not including nearly $32 million in power supply expenses and also is not asking for construction expenses related to the Hells Canyon relicensing project. While not collecting the expenses now will impact cash flow, it will not affect the company’s earnings or perception of the company’s financial health in the markets, according to Greg Said, vice president for regulatory affairs.

Idaho Power serves nearly 500,000 customers in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon.

Customers can track the case on the commission’s Web site, www.puc.idaho.gov., where the company’s application, including testimony from company officials and intervening parties as well as customer comments are posted. Click on the electric icon, then on “Open Electric Cases,” and scroll down to Case No. IPC-E-11-08.

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AARP Urges PUC To Nix Idaho Power Rate Hike

2011-12-05T17:43:00.002-07:00

URGES PUC TO SAY “NO WAY” TO IDAHO POWER’S $83 MILLION RATE HIKE
Last Public Hearing on Rate Hike Tonight – If Approved Will Mean $90 Million in Hikes for Idahoans as Many Struggle to Pay for the Basics
BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Power reported record earnings last quarter, raking in roughly $40 million more than the prior quarter. But that hasn’t stopped the state’s largest utility company from seeking to hit consumers with even higher energy bills – to the tune of $83 million in rate hikes plus $6 million more in customer service charge increases. AARP Idaho says enough is enough and is urging the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to deny the rate hike request.
Tonight will be the last chance for the public to make their voices heard before PUC as the commission wraps up public hearings on the rate hike request. The final public hearing will be held in Boise at 7pm in the PUC building, 472 W. Washington St. in Boise, in the commission hearing room. AARP is encouraging Idaho Power customers to make their voices heard in opposition to the rate hike.
“These rate hikes are a bad idea in a good economy, in today’s economy they are a horrible idea that will wreak havoc on some households already struggling to get by. Idaho Power sure isn’t struggling, so why should consumers be forced to?” said Lynn Young, a member of AARP Idaho’s Executive Council. “Older Idahoans already have to strike a delicate balance between affording their utility bills and paying for the basics like health care, rising prescription drug, grocery and gas costs – AARP stands in strong opposition to this rate hike.”
The Idaho Power rate hike would send most residential consumers’ bills skyrocketing by nearly 9%, in addition to a $1 a month increase in customer’s service change (bringing in an additional roughly $500,000 a month to the company – or $6 million a year). A non-binding settlement agreement between the company and the interveners (none representing residential consumers) in the rate hike case, currently before the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC), still calls for $34 million in rate hikes, hitting the typical residential consumer with a 4.19% higher monthly energy bill.
“This rate hike request and the non-binding, closed door deal cut by those who had the money to be at the table, further lays out a clear need for Idaho to create a utility consumer advocate office to make sure people have their voice and views heard,” added Young. “At a time when so many of the state’s older residents are having trouble paying their current utility bills, to hit them with a hike in their utility bills is unthinkable.”
Idaho is the only state in the West lacking a utility consumer advocate office to represent residential consumers and small businesses such as farms in rate cases and other regulatory issues before the PUC and the courts. AARP stands in strong support of the creation of an advocate office and is currently urging its inclusion in Idaho’s draft Energy Plan which is being updated.
According to an AARP survey released earlier this year, over 40% of Idahoans 50 and older reported already having difficulty affording their utility bills. In many cases, older consumers are already forced to make hard choices between turning up the thermostat and filling a prescription – higher utility bills could see more of the state’s elderly struggling to afford the basics.
“All of Idaho’s major utility companies are back at the trough this year seeking to hike customer’s utility bills at a time when most can least afford it,” added Young. “The most important voice in the debate over more utility rate hikes in Idaho should be the public’s but too often they are left out of the equation or underrepresented; we’re working to help them raise that voice.”

Here's a link to respond the IPUC http://www.puc.idaho.gov/forms/ipuc1/ipuc.html

Ada Landfill Energy Project Will Burn "Tyres"

2011-12-04T11:13:00.005-07:00

We learn from a English publication the marvels of the TRASH TO ENERGY project at the Ada County Landfill "tyres" will be a fuel stock for this project. Dynamis Energy, Ada County and Idaho Power will present their case to the IPUC in the near term via case #IPC-E-11-25.

U.S: Gasification comes to Idaho

Idaho based waste gasification specialist, Waste Dynamis Energy is to design, build and operate a $60 million facility to convert MSW and waste tyres into electricity at Ada County's Hidden Hollow Landfill in Idaho.

According to the company, the agreement will see landfill property leased from the county for $1 a year for 20 years and will build a gasification plant capable of disposing of 250 tons (227 tonnes) of municipal waste, tyres and other types of solid waste per day.

We can only wonder about the "variances" and other schemes around clean air emissions Idaho DEQ will entertain in the name of progress. Between controlled burns, naturally occurring wildfires and just plain old pollution from vehicles and stationary sources in the valley how much worse the air quality will suffer in this valley when this project comes on line in 2014.

Here's a link for more info.. http://www.waste-management-world.com/index/display/article-display/5341521639/articles/waste-management-world/volume-12/issue-6/regulars/news/new-uk-association-to-help-partner-recycling-and-reprocessing-sectors.html

US Will Be Net Fuel Exporter This Year

2011-11-30T15:50:00.001-07:00

THE GUARDIAN learned via the Wall Street Journal today the USA will be a net fuel exporter this year for the first time in 62 years. The US sent abroad 753.4 million barrels from gasoline to jet fuel and everything else you can burn for fuel while it imported 689.4 million barrels of fuel stocks.

The US is currently exporting 919,000 barrels of oil per day. Gasoline and low sulfur diesel are the highest items for export customers. The increases in supply are from North Dakota and Texas. North Dakota is producing 424,000 barrels per day. The US is expected to remain a net exporter throughout this decade.

Growing domestic output means refineries are producing much more than domestic demand can absorb hence sales to other countries like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Peru and others. Export demand is boosting profits for Exxon-Mobil, Royal Dutch-Shell and refineries Valero Energy Corporation and Marathon Petroleum Corporation.

Here is the link to the Wall Street Journal article, you have to be a subscriber to read all of it, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203441704577068670488306242.html

Here's another link to SLATE and you can read more... http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2011/11/30/america_is_still_a_giant_oil_importer.html

Is Privatizing Liquor Sales Effective

2011-11-28T19:37:00.006-07:00

The following is a guest opinion written by Elaine Hirsh, November 28, 2011:

It is not uncommon in the American liquor industry to hear phrases like "big brother" being thrown around in reference to state controlled liquor sales. In states where liquor has been totally privatized, and when they can sell liquor. However, opponents of privatized liquor cite a wide range of real and perceived consequences to the notion of removing state control from the liquor industry.

The argument over the legitimacy of private v. public liquor sales is nothing new; the argument between public/private sales is covered in every Masters Degree in Economics curriculum link . Many American states and Canadian Provinces that have switched over to private liquor regulation and sales have actually felt the sting of complaints from within the industry. Notably in 2006 when Connect Logistics, a liquor distributor, suffered some setbacks with retailers complaining they had empty shelves and were not receiving their stocks on time. This resulted in legal action in drastic changes in pricing regulations.

In the United States, most states still have some laws regarding which alcoholic beverages and containers can be sold and a majority specify spirits with a high alcohol content can only be sold in liquor stores and other specific venues. In eighteen states liquor stores can only be legally owned and operated by the state government.

For example, Idaho law limits alcohol sales to 16% ABV. Any beverages with more than 16% ABV must be sold in a state-run liquor store. In Mississippi, privately owned liquor stores must have a state contract. In Minnesota, various cities have their own laws, some allowing totally privatized liquor sales and others only allowing city-owned stores to sell liquor.

According to and independent study, Pennsylvania Governor, Thomas Corbett announced the state would realize an estimated $1.5 billion if the state were to privatize liquor sales.. The article goes on to advocate for regulation due to alcohols negative societal effects but the numbers speak for themselves. During a time when municipal governments are running huge deficits, privatizing liquor sales could provide the boost they need to dig themselves out of an ever deeper hole.

Roughly one fourth of the US population lives in states where the government controls or has an outright monopoly on liquor sales. Manny critics suggest this is, in fact, taking a toll on both the economy and the small businessman in states like New Hampshire, where independence and personal freedom are highly valued.

In states like Michigan where the government is holding a monopoly on the liquor market, liquor prices are usually higher due to lack of competition, licensing fees, and alcohol taxation. States such as Wisconsin have privatized liquor sales and clearly demonstrated it's possible to have regulated (21+) alcohol sales without the state regulating the substance. It is understandable the powers be would want to maintain control of the alcohol market but the call for independent alcohol sales is being made loud and clear all over the United States.

Here are some links related to the above story:

for "master's degree in economics":

http://www.mastersdegree.net/">master's degree in economics

for "Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission":

http://www.aglc.gov.ab.ca/publications/default.asp">Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission

for "independent study":

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/should-liquor-sales-be-privatized-asks-pennsylvanians-concerned-about-alcohol-problems-2011-11-08/">independent study

Misdemeanor Prosecutions, Caldwell Takes High Bid

2011-11-23T19:14:00.004-07:00

THE GUARDIAN is always thinking about the costs to taxpayers for all manner of things done by government at the local level. The costs for misdemeanor prosecutions came up and a public records request was made to the City of Caldwell for the costs of private legal services v. services from the local Canyon County Prosecutor. THE GUARDIAN interviewed Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Taylor, Tuesday of this week about the costs. Mr. Taylor indicated he made an offer of $250,000 to prosecute misdemeanor and infraction issue for the city of Caldwell per year regardless of what the numbers of prosecutions came to over the course of the contract.

A public records request was made to Caldwell City for the RFQ's submitted by Canyon County and the current private law firm of Hamilton, Michaelson, Hilty Law Office. Bids were: $250K/year from Canyon County and $297K from HMH. We then used historical data of 3292 prosecutions in the HMH RFQ to figure the costs of each prosecution effort. Canyon County came in at $76/ prosecution effort and HMH came in at $90/prosecution. The fair City of Caldwell chose the HMH prosecution services at a elevated cost of nearly 18.5% or $47,000.00 more.

We have known Mr. Taylor for a number of years and consider him to be a learned man of the law as well as a very efficient Prosecutor. Why the City of Caldwell would not opt to save Caldwell Taxpayers $47K on these services is baffling to THE GUARDIAN.

Editor Note: RFQ = Request for Quotation... Felony prosecutions automatically go to the Canyon County Prosecutor unless they are conflicted out to another county.

Dynamis Project At Boise Landfill Equals Higher Idaho Power Rates

2011-11-23T08:46:00.003-07:00

The following is a guest opinion by our friend Hubert Osborne. It is important to note the amount paid to Dynamis by Idaho Power for electricity is over three times the spot market rate for electricity at $27/mwhr. Also, the land fills in the area have a life of over 100 years. Natural gas today is more than 25% cheaper than it was twenty years ago due to the new technology of getting it out of the ground. Why are rate payers being asked by Idaho Power and Dynamis to fund a costly experiment?

On Wed, Nov 23, 2011 at 8:05 AM, Hlclosborne wrote:

Good morning Paul,
The energy agreement between Dynamis and Idaho Power which was reported in the Statesman yesterday and Press-Tribune this
morning presents us with both challenges and opportunity's.
A challenge because if not confronted agreement and all the repercussions will be saddled on the public for many years.
Not just here but nationally and internationally where Dynamis has made presentations.
An opportunity because delay, delay, delay and even defeat of their proposal would be good for everyone except Dynamis
Buried in the back of Case No. IPC-E-11-25 which can be downloaded from the IPUC site is a request for modified procedure
and I quote " Idaho Power believes that a hearing is not necessary to consider the issues presented herein and respectfully requests that this application be processed
under Modified Procedure; i.e., by written submissions rather than by hearing. RP 201 et seq. If, however, the commission determines that
a technical hearing is required, the Company stands ready to prepare and present its testimony in such hearing."
I happen to think this is worth fighting and as Paul knows if sufficiently motivated I am willing to put up some bucks to get the best
representation available.
My questions to each of you are
1. Are you with me on this
2. Do you know a good attorney versed in PUC proceedings
3. Do any of you have access to the PUC members or staff to get an inside feel of how they will rule.
4. Any other comments as to how to fight this would be helpful
Hubert

Here's the challenge we can all just take this laying down or we can get it together and take this thing on in the Courts before we hit the point of no return. Paul

Geezer Group Talks Turkey Over Raising Rates

2011-11-21T21:32:00.003-07:00

By David R. Frazier November 21, 2011

Taking advantage of the paucity of news during the holiday week, the old timers at ARRP have issued a press release aimed at the electricity and water providers who want more cash for their current.

With Thanksgiving just days away, AARP Idaho has released the hotly anticipated winners of this first annual Gem State Turkey Award - and the winners are Idaho Power, Rocky Mountain Power and United Water. The utility companies were cited for their attempts to press through a combined $122 million in rate hikes on Idaho consumers, as many , including the state's 50+ year old people struggle in a difficult economy.

"We couldn't find better recipients for the first annual Gem State Turkey Award - asking consumers to keep paying more in this economy is move worthy of recognition." said Jim Wordelman, State Director of AARP in Idaho. "These rate hike proposals are in real turkeys in this Thanksgiving, and AARP is calling on the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to ensure they don't fly."

The Turkey Award "winners" - Idaho Power is looking to sock state consumers with $83MM in rate hikes, resulting in the average residential consumer's bill skyrocketing by nearly 9% in addition to a $1/month increase in customer's service charge (bringing in an additional $500k to the company). A non-binding settlement agreement between the company and the interevenues (none representing residential consumers) in the rate hike case, currently before the Idaho PUC, still calls for $34 million in rate hikes,, hitting the typical residential consumer with a 4.19 higher monthly energy bills.

- Mountain Power has a $32.7 MM rate hike before the PUC, which will mean Idaho consumers would see their monthly power bills climb by 7.2%, their non-binding settlement agreement with groups again facing a residential consumers voice, provides the company with a $34 million in rate hikes over two years, hammering consumers with an 11.23 hike in their monthly bills.

- United Water is turning to the PUC for approval of $7.6 million in rate hikes with an alarming 20 increase in monthly bills.

"I'm betting the overwhelming majority of Idahoans didn't get a 7%, 9% or 20% raise or cost of living increase last year, and neither should the utility companies", said Wordelman.

County Commishes Not Reading Tea Leaves Regarding PIO

2011-11-17T13:03:00.003-07:00

Canyon County Commishes are once again trying to convince citizens of the need for a Public Information Officer despite every indication the public is saying NO. Add to this the cavalier attitude of spending over $80,000/year to fund this position flies in the face of taxpayers. IPT Opinion Piece

We live in an age where everyone wants instant access or response to the most trivial of questions. THE GUARDIAN has watched the endorsements for the need of this position dribble out from various elected officials in the attempt to sway public opinion in this matter. The local paper did a poll and respondents to the poll said NO to the PIO idea. Today we have a guest opinion from the Canyon County Commishes telling us how useful this person would be to their efforts at transparency and how hard it is to respond to the media effectively without someone in this position.

THE GUARDIAN would like to suggest the Commishes video tape every meeting and they make it available via YOUTUBE or some other online service. They could also have a media press conference block of time set aside each day to make one of the three as well as any other elected official available to the media with that session also available on video access.

The Jumbo Shrimp oxymoron of the day has to be: "County PIO shouldn't add expense". The cash meter for taxpayers starts the minute this position is filled. It will add expense to the county. Just because they have the position budgeted does not mean they should spend our money.

Without a serious analysis of the cost v. benefit we think Auditor Clerk Chris Yamamoto is 100% correct in his vocal non support of having a County PIO.

Industrial Revenue Bonds Explained

2011-11-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

Why offer an IRB Most states and many local governments offer industrial revenue bonds (IRB) as a way to encourage relocations and expansions of companies that provide jobs and expand economic opportunities for residents and the community. IRBs are an incentive to encourage a company to invest in Albuquerque.

What is an IRB?
An Industrial Revenue Bond, or IRB, is a loan to a company from a private financing entity to build or buy a facility or buy land and/or equipment. IRBs are one way local governments can provide tax abatements to encourage relocation and expansion of companies.

How do they work?
The city issues the bonds but is not making the loan. The investor buying the bond makes the loan. The company must find its own bond purchaser. It can also buy its own IRBs. The city technically owns title to the facility built with IRBs and leases it to the company for up to 20 years. At the end of the term, title is transferred to the company.

Here’s an example: Company X wants to build a $15 million plant and buy $20 million in equipment. The city issues a $35 million bond for 20 years. During this period the company will repay the bond. The company gets a break on property taxes for land of $4.3 million over 20 years and a break on equipment property taxes of $1.15 million over 7 years. It’s not correct to say the company is getting $35 million in tax breaks. The $35 million represents the amount of money the company will invest in our community.

Do IRBs affect the city’s credit ratings?
No. Since the city is not responsible for the loan, the IRB does not have an impact on the city’s credit rating.

THE GUARDIAN thought the explanation of how IRB's work was cut short in the IPT today. The above explanation came from the City of Albuquerque, NM.

Urban Renewal In Boise, Hawks New Stadium, City Council On Deck

2011-11-14T11:51:00.001-07:00

Once again the WHACK A MOLE game of trying to throw money at pop up targets is well underway in Boise. This time around it looms large Boise Urban Renewal may step up to home plate and throw $23.7 million of property taxpayer money at a new stadium for the Boise Hawks. Here is a section lifted from the article in the Idaho Statesman today:

"• Option 1: Urban renewal area — Tax increment financing — paying for public improvements by capturing the increase in property taxes that improvements generate — can be used within a designated urban renewal area such as Boise is considering creating around 30th Street .

Who approves it: The City Council would decide."

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/11/14/1877941/search-for-boise-baseball-stadium.html#ixzz1dhnfnyNP

Mavens of the BETTER BOISE COALITION and no doubt baseball fans are trying to figure out how to download the cost of this project onto the backs of Boise property taxpayers. By way of a tax shift if this gets approved all Ada County property taxpayers will get stuck paying for this project. The smooth talk of TAX INCREMENT FINANCING has begun. Most taxpayers have no clue how urban renewal works and the good people at the BETTER BOISE COALITION will do nothing to help educate property owners in this matter.

The soft sell is this will be a "multi-sport complex. Is there a new foot ball venue in the works?

No vote of the people in this matter if Urban Renewal is used it will fall to the the Boise City Council to make the decision if urban renewal will be the financing instrument for this project. Voters countywide should be given the opportunity to make this decision, not a few baseball fans who want a new stadium.

If Each New Job Creates 3-5 Other New Jobs, Does Each Job Lost Create 3-5 Added Losses?

2011-11-09T19:06:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, November 9th By David R. Frazier

The news from the J.R. Simplot Wednesday is bad any way you look at it. Loss of up to 1,000 jobs and closure of potato processing plants in Aberdeen and Nampa is not anyone’s idea of holiday cheer.
It’s even worse if you use any of the gushingly optimistic estimates about “job creation” related to the new Greek Yogurt plant about to be built at Twin Falls. Here is an excerpt from a Twin Falls Times-News newspaper editorial:

“And before you know it, the 7.57 multiplier similar to that of a cheese manufacturer can parlay the economic benefit of 400 new jobs into a number closer to 3,000.”

Even if a potato processing plant has only a 5.0 multiplier, it would be reasonable to conclude the closure of the Simplot spud processing plants would put another 4,000 Idaho workers on unemployment–this at a time when the head labor guy wants to put an end to extending unemployment bennies.

Our point is this: New businesses seldom live up to its projected benefits. Likewise, while closures are never good, they are seldom as bad as projected. Prior to the Simplot announcement, Gov. Butch Otter told a radio audience the yogurt plant was worth an additional 3-4 jobs. A former Simplot executive and family member himself, Guv Butch will have a hard time defending claims that loss of 1,000 jobs at the plants won’t mean 3,000-4000 additional job losses.

Simplot simply can’t sell all the french fries (a style of fried potato, not really from France) it has the capacity to produce. Tastes are changing. Greek yogurt (a style of yogurt, not really from Greece) is all the rage among certain cultures.

It has taken an act of congress to get potatoes back on the school lunch menu approved by the U.S. Government. Our famous potato is being maligned by health enthusiasts.

State of Washington Kills State Liquor Dispensaries State Will Make $80 Million More

2011-11-09T13:21:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, voters in Washington State voted to do away with their state liquor dispensaries. The new law also allows wholesale purchasers to go around local distributors and this tore down yet another law on their books.

Starting in June of 2012 the numbers of places where you can buy liquor by the bottle will go from 328 to 1,428. Prices are expected to fall while revenue to the state will go up by nearly $80 Million.

THE GUARDIAN has long been an advocate of doing away with the antiquated liquor dispensary system in Idaho. In Washington it will mean more than 900 state employees will lose their jobs, Liquor prices are expected to drop but not to the levels of California. Washington will hang onto high levels of sin-taxation.

Costco was the main contributor in the effort to overturn Washington's liquor law regarding state run dispensaries. Costco ponied up a cool $22.5 Million of the total of $22.7 Million spent to pass Initiative 1183 in Washington. It will be interesting to see if Costco sees an opportunity to go after states like Idaho with antiquated liquor sales models and expensive delivery overhead. Here's a link for more info .

Nampa and Caldwell Election Results, Apathy Wins Again With Very Low Turnout

2011-11-09T12:50:00.002-07:00

THE GUARDIAN is posting the election results for those of you who don't take the paper or missed them for one reason or another. It was another example of disinterest in local elections by voters. Nampa and Caldwell numbers are screaming apathy in these elections

NAMPA CITY COUNCIL SEAT 2
Vote For 1
Stephen A. Kren . . . . . . . .   2,441   54.98
Lance R. McGrath . . . . . . . .   1,999   45.02

NAMPA CITY COUNCIL SEAT 4
Vote For 1
Curtis Homer . . . . . . . . .   1,566   35.17
Bob Henry . . . . . . . . . .   2,181   48.98
Justin T. Harrison . . . . . . .     406    9.12
Charles Harris, Jr. . . . . . . .     300    6.74

                                           VOTES   PERCENT

CALDWELL CITY COUNCIL SEAT 4

Vote For  1

 Shannon Ozuna .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     878   39.80    

 Erik Constantine Makrush  .  .  .  .  .     732   33.18    

 Kent A. Marmon.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     596   27.02    



CALDWELL CITY COUNCIL SEAT 5

Vote For  1

 Jim Blacker.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   1,062   48.23    

 Rem Fox .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     732   33.24    

 Jerry Kilbourne  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     408   18.53    



CALDWELL CITY COUNCIL SEAT 6

Vote For  1

 Jeremy Feucht .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     772   36.97    

 David B. Clark.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   1,316   63.03

Storm Water Fees Ruled Unconstitutional By Idaho Supreme Court

2011-11-07T20:31:00.002-07:00

The following is a conclusion of law rendered today by the Idaho Supreme Court stating the storm water fees imposed by Nampa and contemplated by Caldwell are indeed an unauthorized tax under Idaho Law. Here's the link to the Idaho Supreme Court decision.

This Court finds that the first step of the analysis leads to the conclusion that the
assessment is a tax, not a regulatory fee. As per the second step, it is clear that the revenue to be
collected from the storm water utility fee has no rational relationship to a regulatory purpose
because the storm water fee is a tax. The storm water fee is used to generate funds for the non regulatory function of repairing, maintaining, and expanding the City’s preexisting storm water
system and streets under Brewster. Ordinance 4512 is, therefore, an unauthorized tax intended to
free-up the City’s general revenues. It is for the Idaho Legislature to authorize such a tax.
The judgment of the district court is affirmed with costs awarded to the Entities. Neither side has requested attorney’s fees.
Chief Justice BURDICK, Justices EISMANN, J. JONES and HORTON CONCUR

Mayor Tom Dale and Team Tom had to know about this legal challenge to Storm Water fees and instead of waiting until the case cleared the Idaho Supreme Court they said taxpayer's be damned and went full speed ahead. It has been reported to THE GUARDIAN several business have simply shut down over this fee. It will be interesting to see if any legal actions are taken by persons and businesses harmed by Mayor Dale and Team Tom. Stay tuned for more....

McKinstry Letter to Mayor Tom Dale on Trash Burner Project. Where Was The Due Diligence?

2011-11-05T12:20:00.004-06:00

THE GUARDIAN obtained the letter in the photo from a source who wishes to remain anonymous. It is also impossible to copy and paste it to my blog so I am doing the best I can. The photo was taken of the actual letter and I am going to present the actual content herein:
"October 17, 2011

RE: Reduction on Phase 1 Municipal Solid Waste to Energy Feasibility Study

Dear Mayor Dale:

Mckinstry remains committed to investigating the possibility of implementing a municipal solid waste to energy (MSWTE) facility that will provide sustainable energy and economic development for the City of Nampa and it participating partners.

Per our recent meeting, we have elected not to proceed to Phase 2 of this study, until such time that we can identify additional waste volumes that will make a larger MSWTE plant cost-effective under the recently revised PURPA power purchasing rates as set by Idaho PUC. This investigation into additional waste volumes is being pursued at our expense.

As you know the Phase 1 report, which is now complete was to cost the City of Nampa $100,000 upon completion. However, our technology partner, Dynamis Energy, has volunteered to absorb the costs ($40,000) that they incurred for their portion of the work to develop and implement the Phase 1 Report. The beneficial result to the City is a decease to a total of $60,000. In addition, McKinstry has elected to postpone invoicing the City of Nampa for this amount until we have the opportunity to investigate other waste streams further.

Thank you for your support and commitment to this project. As the ESCO (Energy Service Company) partner to the City of Nampa, we affirm that Nampa is an example for other cities that are looking for innovative and sustainable solution in this new economy-ones that focus on integrated community partnerships and public-private cooperation.

I look forward to many years of rewarding collaboration.

Best regards,
David C. Naccarato
Business Development Manager

Cc: Cliff Long, Director-Nampa Development Corporation
Lloyd Mahaffey, CEO-Dynamis Energy"

The above letter shows Nampa Urban Renewal is on the hook for $60K of Nampa taxpayer money down the drain for the work done by McKinstry. This project is a very fine example of the "RUBBER STAMP" actions of Nampa City Council members.

The only sources of revenue on this project will be what they can get from Idaho Power for the electricity generated and any "Tipping charges" they can collect from waste haulers. Current PURPA reimbursement rates authorized by Idaho PUC are $.06/KWH. Again, it was going to be Urban Renewal issuing REVENUE bonds with no vote of the people as the financing instrument.

We find the lack of DUE DILIGENCE on the part of the people authorizing this study amazing and once again demonstrates it takes no talent to spend other people's money.

Rem Fox's Last Comments on Caldwell City Council Election

2011-11-04T20:40:00.002-06:00

Rem Fox Last Comment on Guardian Before Tuesday's Election In Caldwell

Rem Fox is running against sitting Councilman Jim Blacker and would like to say:

I would like to encourage all citizens to get out and vote on Tuesday November 8th. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout the campaign. I appreciate your support very much. The local elections this year are one of the most important events for Caldwell in recent years. Throughout the United States we have major political and economic issues. Quite frankly, people are tired of the same old politics and most of us do not see new leaders emerge that look much different than previous choices. Optimism seems to be at an all time low. In Caldwell, a majority of the residents I have spoken to seem to be feeling defeated when you look at all the challenges at the federal level, the state level and the city level. A big part of these challenges is the inability to solve issues between political parties and the general public. A lot of people are scared and angry over the entire mess.

We could spend hours discussing the complexity of the problems this country faces but that will not change our situation. What will change our situation is something that I truly believe in; we need to look for leaders who bring different and better skills to elected positions. There are pockets of success for a few cities that have managed to accomplish a shelter from the huge federal events that have taken place the last 5 years. How they did this proves to me that creative solutions, innovations, and community involvement with local government are highly important factors to success.

In Idaho, we are challenged by our state's location and distance to major population centers. This makes economic recovery harder for us and simply equates to delay for our state in the time line of prosperity in any recovery effort. On September 15th an article from the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program ranks Boise with Detroit and New Orleans as one of the biggest American cities most stuck in the economic doldrums. The article was titled “major metro cities stuck running in place”. I saw this article title and immediately thought this is exactly how our entire valley feels. If Boise is running in place, where does that leave Caldwell?

We all love our way of life here in Idaho and especially in this valley. However, to pay for this lifestyle we also need jobs. That means we need industry, companies, science, and infrastructure. We also have to balance this need with environmental management and smart government decisions. We cannot expect the cities around us to fix our problems. Waiting for that to happen is simply waiting for erosion to stop. There are reasons Caldwell has not seen the success the other cities in the Boise Valley have seen. I would like to work for you to enable Caldwell to find its identity and become what the citizens our city expect and deserve.

Methods used in the past will absolutely not be the methods for success in the future. We face global competition for economic prosperity and our foreign competitors have a more aggressive effort for success against us. They have not had Middle American comforts and they want what we have already achieved. We are going to have to get more innovative at every level to regain a competitive advantage in the global market and sustain a new level of continuous improvement to move forward for our own security, livelihood, and a decent economic future for our children.

Those that have met me and know me as a friend can attest to this fact; I am a very driven individual. I do not take on an executive role, volunteer role, or project role without great consideration for those who have chosen to place their faith and equity in me. If I choose to do something, it will be with full awareness and attention to obtain what is expected of me. You should also know that the expectations I place on myself are far and above what most people ever even consider of me. It is part of who I am. I am an idealist, an optimist, and tireless. What I am not; is a career politician.

What I do have is leadership, community interest, empathy, and desire to help this community reach the potential we all recognize in Caldwell. I have invested interests in Caldwell and in greater Idaho. I am well educated and vastly experienced and will bring all my skills to the table. But come Tuesday, what I need is your support to vote for me to represent this community with nothing less than my best efforts if I get elected to the Caldwell City Council. I am running against a long time local community citizen; Jim Blacker. Jim has dedicated many years to this community and should be thanked for his contributions. Mr. Blacker has served more than two terms on the city council. I see a need for a generational change moving forward. We absolutely have to work smarter and at less cost to taxpayers with Urban Renewal sun-setting in two years, property values continuing to decline and tax revenues shrinking as we move forward to make Caldwell an even greater place to live and raise our kids.

Please vote for Rem Fox Seat #5, City Council, in Caldwell.

Thank you so much for your time,
Rem

Dynamis Inks Deal With Ada Commishes, What Were They Thinking?

2011-11-03T21:00:00.001-06:00

Dynamis Inks Deal With Ada Commishes

By David R. Frazier

Dynamis Energy, the outfit that got $2,000,000 of taxpayer cash to design a “trash to electricity” generating plant signed a five year agreement with Ada County Tuesday.

Commish Vern Bisterfeldt voted against the project, citing “serial meetings,” lack of a bid, no performance bond, improper loans (of public funds) and no payback as Commish Sharon Ullman had promised. The “loan” was disguised as an award to Dynamis for technical plans–with no bid–and Dynamis is to buy back the plans.

The GUARDIAN has been wary of the deal from the beginning and our view hasn’t changed. The deal to draw up the plans leaves the county holding the bag as the plans cannot be used off the landfill site and the county will not make a penny off the sale of electricity if any is ever generated through burning 408 tons of trash each day.

The DAILY PAPER has reported the story without the bias the GUARDIAN offers, but we haven’t seen any results and the claims by Dynamis have too many excuses and unanswered questions…they still have a lot of loose ends to tie up including a building permit, DEQ approval, and an agreement with Idaho Power.

Financing the $60,000,000 will also be an interesting scenario in and of itself. A similar project in Nampa was deemed to not be economical by a non partisan consulting engineering firm hired by the city.
We have also been told by several sources that low prices for natural gas make it uneconomical to build the $60 million plant.

THE GUARDIAN got a chance to tour the ALLIED/REPUBLIC Waste facilities in Ada and Canyon County yesterday and see first hand the CNG filling stations at both sites. The topic of burning solid waste for electricity generation was also discussed. Here's the short answer. At $.06/KWH this project will not be economically viable. Feed-stocks were a project killer in Nampa. Our landfills have a remaining life of over 100 years. And finally inflows to the land fills in Ada and Canyon Counties are down by 40% over the past several years adding to the life of the land fills.

TAXES ARE JUST PLAIN HIGH IN CALDWELL AND NAMPA

2011-11-01T21:11:00.000-06:00

One thing has become clear this election cycle ..PROPERTY TAXES are way too high in Caldwell and Nampa. The Idaho Press Tribune reported $11/$1k of net taxable value in Caldwell, $10+/$1k in the fair city of Nampa. Meanwhile Bob Henry reports in an earlier blog comment:

"Wow, the comment posted by "anonymous" is so far out in left field that I feel compelled to reply. First off, I am not against spending. My problem with urban renewal is that tax dollars are being diverted to URD, causing tax rates to go up without voter approval. I was on the school board for 12 years in Nampa. We ran several bond elections, getting the necessary 67% approval and got the schools built. In Nampa, the URD was approved by the vote of 3 City Council members. That's wrong. Nampa's levy rate is 10.15, Boise is 6.98, Meridian is 4.75, Eagle is 2.96. If you don't think there is still fat in the budget, you just don't understand budgeting."

By Bob Henry on 10/31/11

Tonight THE GUARDIAN attended a meeting where it was reported the numbers of employees in Caldwell have gone up 9.4% since 2006 and a whopping 13% in Nampa since 2006. The source of this information is reliable and it was obtained via a public records request. Despite what Mayors Nancolas and Dale say about running a tight budget the numbers for PROPERTY TAXATION along with employee head counts tell a much different story. If you are happy with the status quo then cast your city council vote for the incumbents if not the challengers are offering a change for taxpayers.

Jerry Kilbourne Running for Caldwell City Council Last Comments

2011-11-01T16:04:00.000-06:00

I would like to say that I am always willing to listen. Anyone can contact me at anytime using any mode of communication they wish; I believe all opinions are valid. Lately, there has been a lot of free press about two of the candidates. This is one of the main reasons I decided to run in the first place. It’s a shame that voters don’t know that they have a choice and that they do not have to settle. The community has been led to believe that they must settle between two choices that they don’t necessarily like. The voters need to know that they have a third choice; there are 3 candidates for seat 5. One of the candidates has a clean record and is honest, even on Social Media sites. One of the Candidates has just as much education as the others, so it turns out. One of the candidates is unencumbered by business dealings, pet projects or fighting to protect his image. I have always said that one doesn’t have to vote for the same old thing, you don’t have to settle. On November 8^th, as you enter the voting booth, ask yourself if you want four more years of the exact same thing or someone who already is forming an agenda or do you want the third choice, someone who truly cares and will bring a fresh perspective. On November 8^th ask yourself the questions and vote but remember you have choices. Think, decide, vote.

Jerry Kilbourne, Candidate Caldwell City Council, Seat 5

Jerrykilbourneidaho.org

information@jerrykilbourneidaho.org

facebook: Jerry Kilbourne for Caldwell City Council

Twitter: @jerry83605

249-8643

Kent Marmon Candidate for Caldwell City Council Response To Guardian

2011-10-31T09:51:00.001-06:00

I am offering all candidates one last shot at getting information about themselves out to voters prior to the Nov. 8th election. Kent Marmon is the first to respond to this offer. Again, THE GUARDIAN DOES NOT ENDORSE CANDIDATES but anything I can do to get more voter participation in the process is worth the effort.

I am a candidate that the Idaho Press-Tribune didn’t even mention – good, bad or otherwise – in their endorsement editorial on Sunday. I’m Kent Marmon, one of the three candidates running for Seat 4 on the Caldwell City Council.

Unlike the candidate they endorsed I:

ê am a native and life-long resident of Caldwell;

ê have been actively involved in volunteer service activities all my life, giving back to

my community;

ê owned and operated a small business, so I understand their challenges and needs;

ê have served as a member of the Caldwell City Council, and was a member of the

Finance Committee, responsible for drafting the budget (during lean financial times),

that was unanimously approved by the Council;

ê have tackled complex projects including finding a solution to the woes of one of the

several Irrigation Districts, working to find a workable, long-lasting solution;

ê know the limitations placed on city government by state and federal governments,

and would not make campaign promises that can’t be kept when authority to make

many of those changes must be approved by the Legislature;

ê understand that property taxes can’t be lowered at the same time that “debt” is being

paid off without cutting services or programs that the people of Caldwell want;

ê believe that City government is expected to provide more than just fire and police

protection, clean drinking water and sewage treatment services;

ê understand that some “regulations” can’t simply be removed by the City when they

are set by the Legislature, Congress and by International Fire and Building Codes;

ê know that you can’t fund animal control without mandatory licensing or by creating a

line item in the budget that everyone has to help pay;

ê am opposed to a City Manager form of government, where the administrator is not

accountable to the people.

You can learn more about me, and what I have to offer the people of Caldwell by visiting my website at https://sites.google.com/site/kentforcaldwell/. I welcome questions, comments and suggestions by email at kentmarmon@yahoo.com, or by phone at 841-3850.

I hope you’ll let me go to work for you by electing me to the Caldwell City Council on November 8^th! Don’t let an Editorial Board made up by mostly Nampa residents convince you to “rubber stamp” their choices on Election Day!

Mayors, Property Taxes, Rubber Stamp City Councils And Endorsements In Sunday IPT

2011-10-30T12:26:00.001-06:00

We have watched over the years as the Idaho Press Tribune has routinely endorsed incumbents seeing no need to change business as usual but that is not the case this year. It was surprising to see who did and did not get the endorsements from the IPT this time around. The Editorial Board has endorsed candidates who they feel will best deal with reduced tax revenue going forward, Mayors who have stacked the deck on their city councils with "rubber stamp" members, and question big dollar projects taken on without voter approvals was also addressed by the IPT Editorial Board members. Business as usual has clearly been called into question by the IPT this time around.

The IPT Editorial Board did a lot of vetting of candidate statements and information and the issues facing voters this time around. They even nailed down the property taxes paid by property owners in terms we can all understand. Caldwell has the highest rate at $11/$1k of assessed value with Nampa running a close Second Place in this effort at $10/$1k of assessed value. Why is this important? Simple, Meridian and Kuna are out there at $7/$1k of assessed value. Mayors Nancolas and Dale can sing their little hearts out but the cold facts of business decisions take Caldwell's 57% and Nampa's 42.8% higher property taxes into account when deciding where to locate their businesses.

Here's a LINK to the IPT Opinion Page Sunday Edition.

(I have to confess I am a print news junkie. This Sunday seeing endorsements for people running against incumbents was a pleasant surprise. It takes a lot of time, money and effort to run for any public office and to see the paper endorse the folks running against the status quo made my Sunday morning just that much more interesting.)

One More Opportunity for Candidates To Say What They Didn't Get To Say At Forums

2011-10-29T19:10:00.001-06:00

We want to give candidates running for city council in Caldwell and Nampa what may be a last opportunity to say something to voters prior to the election. Sort of a "I wish I had said this or that at the candidate forums but I didn't think of it or I got timed out by the moderator. I will be moderating the comments to keep everything above the belt. No low blows allowed.

THE GUARDIAN blog does not endorse candidates but does encourage candidates and voters to become informed as we move to election day. Also, comments are encouraged moving forward to election day. Candidates can send me their stuff to my email address paul.alld@gmail.com along with their phone numbers so I can verify the content is from a candidate. I will leave your phone number off the blog.

It is amazing to me so many people are fighting in the Arab world to get the right to participate in the election process and here voter turnout will be abysmal. Most of us have no impact with our vote at the federal level but it really does count at the local level. Just a few votes will separate winners and losers in this off year election.

Mayor's Daughter Indeed Did Move Business To Eagle

2011-10-27T16:38:00.003-06:00

We read with interest the three essays of candidates for Caldwell City Council yesterday in the Idaho Press Tribune. An observation in a essay written by Mr. Rem Fox jumped out at THE GUARDIAN. Business is so good in Caldwell the Mayor's daughter has closed up a juice and coffee shop business in Caldwell and has moved to the fair City of Eagle.

The juice business was handed over to Mayor Nancolas' daughter last year when the former operator moved downtown to take over the coffee and sandwich shop in TVCC. The operator at the TVCC operation closed up shop for reasons not known and did not renew the lease from Caldwell East Urban Renewal Agency for this academic year. This year there is a new operator for the TVCC food service operation. However, the Mayor's daughter vacated the premises of the business that was handed over to her and is now in Eagle trying to make a go of it. Not even the Mayor's daughter could make a go of it in Caldwell .

Economic development and opportunity in Caldwell appears to not be as good as Mayor Nancolas has professed. Caldwell's pied piper of good news missed the mark again.

Candidate Navigator on Idaho Press Tribune Webpage

2011-10-24T20:50:00.006-06:00

All right folks, we now have the very first candidate navigator posted by the good people at the Idaho Press Tribune. I tried it out and the results came out pretty much to who we will be voting for come election day. Here's the link ELECTION NAVIGATOR it will take you about 15 minutes to go through it to read all the responses and place your marks by the comments you agree. It is pretty easy to figure out the incumbents and some of the challengers have cited their websites in the answers but none the less it is helpful to become a more informed voter. We are pleased to see a lot of the questions dealing with Urban Renewal and other issues of importance to voters.

There are also audio and videos of the candidates. Essays by the candidates will also be posted on the IPT website in the near term.

THE GUARDIAN hopes the good people at the IPT don't mind me sending me to their website. I thank them for making the effort to better inform voters.

Also, it is important to remember you can vote early at the Canyon County elections office and generally the City Clerks have ballots and a secure ballot box for all early voting. ballots. You can also get an absentee ballot request on the County elections website or simply request one in writing with your signature and return address info.

CEURA Funding of Business Recruitment & Expansion Project a Question Mark

2011-10-21T17:09:00.003-06:00

A group of citizens from Economic Development group in Caldwell approached Caldwell East Urban Renewal for funding of a blight removal project in downtown Caldwell. Below is a copy of the response motion in this matter from CEURA, the urban renewal agency for Caldwell:

"Update on downtown development concept from Business Recruitment & Expansion
Committee (“BR&E”) presented by Steve Fultz. The BR&E Committee met with developers
and various consultants to develop a proposed incentive package for a mixed use development
in downtown Caldwell. The incentive package includes potential URA funding up to
$1,000,000 through URA’s Business Incentive Grant incentive program that is currently
available. BR&E is requesting a commitment letter from URA to include in the developer
incentive package.
URA commissioners clarified that Urban Renewal can provide incentive dollars for economic
development, but can’t buy property to give to a developer. The incentive program currently in
place is available to a developer if job creation and other required criteria are met. The
commissioners further clarified that tax revenues continue to decrease and, while the URA
Board of Commissioners has every intention of continuing the Business Incentive Grant
program that is currently in place, the board is not able to guarantee that the program will be
available for the next four years. All commissioners indicated support of the project and a
desire to assist where appropriate and fiscally able.
Page 2 of 3
Motion to draft a letter in support of the project and offer potential funding through the
Business Incentive Grant program currently in place, noting that the program operates on a
year-to-year basis and that it is the intent of the current Board of Commissioners to continue
funding this program for the next four years as the budget allows: Hopper/Hardin M/S/P"
(here's a link to CEURA minutes) http://www.caldwellonline.org/files/000031/CEURA/CEURA%20Minutes%20100411.pdf

The tea leaves in this case suggest no funding for the project by CEURA. Urban Renewal laws were created by the Idaho Legislature to deal with blight in dilapidated cities in Idaho. The reality is quite a different story when you look at where all the property tax money deferred to UR actually went over the lives of these agencies. It is and will remain a loophole for cities to skirt bond elections until the legislature puts a permanent fix to this problem.

YES..There Won't Be A Roundabout At 10th Avenue and Ustick Rd.

2011-10-19T19:07:00.000-06:00

There is a rumor floating around town about a roundabout going in at 10th and Ustick. One of our good people at Caldwell City Hall has asked THE GUARDIAN to help quash this rumor. City Engineering and Streets just put in a very nice signalized intersection at 10th and Ustick and have no plans in the near or distant future to put a roundabout at this intersection.

Additionally, we would offer to our good readers there are finite limits ( nice word for maximums) to the amounts of vehicles a roundabout can handle and the traffic projections for 10th and Ustick are way above the inherent limits of a roundabout. Depending on which guru you subscribe to the limits of a roundabout is in the neighborhood of 20k-25k vehicles per day.

We know there are several other intersections getting consideration for roundabouts like Florida and Ustick and perhaps Indiana and Ustick but at this point it all exists as a wish list by City Engineering and Streets. Caldwell is out of money with the fact they are up against the TAX CAP imposed by the state legislature on property taxation. You can look forward to other means of increasing revenue to the city via increases in enterprise funds like we just had with water, sewer and trash rate increases.

Dog at large and licensing issues for dogs a Misdemeanor?

2011-10-12T12:39:00.001-06:00

It has come to the attention of THE GUARDIAN our fair City of Caldwell is contemplating making some regulations about dogs misdemeanors.

"1. Consider the DRAFT “Canine Licensing” Ordinance and set the public hearing date for
Monday, October 17, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. during the Regular City Council Meeting. " (Taken from October 3rd City Council Agenda)

If your dog is unlicensed or at large in your neighborhood or any other issue you could be facing misdemeanor charges. This means you will find yourself in front of a judge with all manner of ancillary costs for court costs, fines and possibly probation if the Judge deems it proper. We have not seen the ordinance but we have serious reservations about the Misdemeanor aspects of the draft ordinance.

Dismantling of the County Animal Shelter operation into private hands has opened a whole list of things that will have to be enacted in Caldwell regarding animal control. We got wind last week the County is probably going to hand over an animal control pickup truck to Caldwell as it has become surplus property.

Without some kind of enforcement of animal control laws things can spin out of control very quickly. THE GUARDIAN supports animal control laws but not as MISDEMEANORS. This approach will do nothing but clog courts with petty issues. Infractions are a much better way to deal with this aspect of dog law enforcement. Dog licensing fees should go to pay for the program. There is no better way to get a lost dog back than having the dog licensed. It also assures the animal has been kept up to date on rabies vaccinations and the dog gets a "well dog exam" when taken to the vet every three years to get that rabies shot.

In the final analysis laws are no better than the enforcement on one side and the voluntary compliance on the other. Do we want to make otherwise law abiding citizens criminals over dog licensing?

Urban Renewal Question Best Answer..Bob Henry of Nampa

2011-10-09T12:18:00.003-06:00

We would like to thank the Idaho Press Tribune for asking city council candidates questions about URBAN RENEWAL. THE GUARDIAN went online to see candidate answers (long version) regarding urban renewal.

The candidate with the best answer award goes to Bob Henry of Nampa. The short version of the main question:
How would cities do projects without urban renewal? They would have to go to voters and ask permission via a bond election. We also liked the response from Mr. Kren who is also a supporter of asking permission of voters when it comes to spending millions of their tax dollars for big ticket projects.

Mr. Henry's answer:

Bob Henry

"How would cities do projects like Nampa's new public safety building or Caldwell's Indian Creek project without urban renewal, or should they be done at all?

It's simple. Go to the voters and ask them to pass a bond. During the twelve years I was on the School Board, we needed to ask the voters several times for approval of bonds to build new schools, we were never turned down. The citizens of Nampa have a history of approving bonds if they feel the need is great. One additional benefit of going to the voters for approval is that the bond must be very specific. If the citizens had approved a bond to build a library, a library would have been built, not a public safety building. As a side note,when the old URD was retired, the leaders went to the voters and asked for a bond to fix Garrity and Kings Corner. The bond passed the very first time.   How do you respond to residents who say urban renewal ultimately raises their taxes since it takes revenue away from other city needs? I agree that it does. There is no magic money pot from which urban renewal money comes. The money that is diverted to urban renewal is money that is not available for the city to use for its other obligations. There are those who say that an URD is less expensive over the life of the District because of the interest savings over bonding. That would be an accurate statement except the Nampa URD approved bonding for the public safety building. They are now paying off the bond, including interest. This is no different than if the voters had approved a bond, except the voters didn't get to vote.

If you could change how urban renewal operates, what changes would you make?

I would require that in order for an Urban Renewal District to be formed it must be voted on and approved by a super majority of the affected population. Also, the City Council would have to be very specific on what projects would be funded by the URD and neither the City Council nor any newly formed URD Board would have the authority to change projects.

Do you think urban renewal is a benefit or a liability for your community? Please explain.

 I think ultimately it's a liability. Look at our tax rate compared to the surrounding communities. One of the reasons our tax rate has increased so much over the past three years is the diversion of tax dollars to the Urban Renewal District. There are only two options available for a city to replace tax dollars lost to the URD; cut expenses or raise the levy rate, Nampa has chosen the latter. As a citizen, I find it extremely frustrating that three City Council members voted to form an urban renewal district with the clear intent to build a new library, and then, after the district was formed, changed their minds and are constructing a public safety building. Not only is that wrong, but it also fuels mistrust people have of elected officials."

Here's the link to the IPT story and candidate responses

Justin Harrison Running for Nampa City Council Seat

2011-10-03T21:29:00.001-06:00

Election day this year is Tuesday November 8th. You can vote early clear up to the Friday before the election date at the County Elections Office 11th and Chicago St. in Caldwell.

Mr. Harrison is employed by Idaho Water Sports and is active in trying to keep Lake Lowell open to boaters and recreational use.

THE GUARDIAN received the following information from Justin Harrison who is running for City Council in Nampa:

Common sense objective decisions based on rational thought. That will be my platform. My opponents will say that I don't have the Knowledge and experience that I need. During my years as a master mechanic I learned that it impossible to know everything. Anyone that tells you they know it all, doesn't. What is necessary is the ability to find Information, process it and make decisions based on rules and facts.

My mother and grandmother were born in Idaho. My dad was a licensed backcountry guide here for 40 years. Although I wasn't born here, I have hunted Idaho all my life. I love this state and will do my best to keep it "Idaho Style". I moved to the Treasure Valley in 1990. I have worked in Nampa for 8 yrs and lived here for five.

I am going to start a list of bullet points regarding my thinking. If anyone has a question for me, feel free to call 208-695-4471. Thanks, Get out and VOTE!

All political positions should have a 2 term limit.

Career politicians should not exist.

Nampa needs a 6 chair council.

Lake Lowell and recreation are top priorities for me.

Government should not compete with private business.

I love sports and competition.

I coached softball for over ten years.

I am not afraid to say what needs to be said.

Thanks, Justin Harrison

All Candidates Invited to Post Their Message To Voters

2011-10-03T14:43:00.000-06:00

THE GUARDIAN has received inquiries about candidates for city council from cities other than Caldwell posting their information on THE CALDWELL GUARDIAN. All candidates running for office in any city or county election in Canyon County is welcome to submit election information. My only guideline is that it be less than 500 words or less and a single photo of your choice is welcome. Also, I will ask that it be kept to the issues. You can send it to my email address paul.alld@gmail.com.

Last time this offer was extended there was some confusion that it was limited to just Caldwell candidates and I apologize for that misunderstanding. I will make no endorsements of any candidates. On any given month THE GUARDIAN gets between 2,000-2,900 hits/month. This is my effort to get voters informed about candidates and issues at no charge to candidates. If you know someone running for office please pass this open invitation to them.

Caldwell Council Support Essay From Guardian Reader

2011-09-29T17:04:00.001-06:00

The following was received by a Guardian reader who wishes to remain anonymous, (THE GUARDIAN does not endorse candidates but does provide a forum for discussion).

"I believe it is time to open the windows in the Caldwell City Council Chambers and let some fresh air in.

Over the past few elections we have had an interesting list of candidates show up for various reasons. This year we have two incumbents and one open seat with at least two people running for each seat. The good news this year is that we have three candidates, one running for each of the seats up for election that come highly qualified. While they are not running together as a group (each one is running his own campaign independently). Erik Makrush, David Clark and Rem Fox all represent successful backgrounds in their personal lives. All three are in their early 40's and represent new generation of involvement ready and willing to step up to the plate.

We need to be gracious and thankful for the efforts of all current incumbents who have served on the Caldwell City Council, they have given us their best efforts. However, I think we need to get behind our Mayor and bring some new younger people with fresh ideas and energy to the table in our city council.

THE GUARDIAN does not endorse candidates but does invite your comments to this post.

Netflix Thinks It Pays To Thumb Nose At Customers

2011-09-28T21:39:00.000-06:00

Netflix stock was around $300 per share in July of this year, today it is $127.14 per share. How did they work this magic? Reed Hastings has figured out the fine art of annoying his customers on a grand scale. We received our latest copy of the ECONOMIST and there is a very good article on the fine mess Mr. Hastings has created for what was once an excellent company a nightmare for himself, stockholders and customers alike.

Here is the Economist version in a nutshell. DVDs may be old technology but they have all manner of legal protections. Generally, movies are released on DVDs about four months after the original feature opens in your local theater which means Netflix can start renting it via the mail without interference from the original owners. However, if Netflix wants to stream the same item via the internet they must strike a deal with studio or outfit owing the item in question. Netflix has become too big and too scary for a lot of the owners and they have therefore made negotiations difficult for Netflix to get streaming rights and some simply won't even discuss the matter with Netflix. They have to wait 8-9 years to stream various movies and TV programs.

The combination of DVDs by mail and the option of streaming all the older stuff gave customers a level of instant gratification they can not get today unless they opt for 60% more in monthly charges. Add to this customers will get billed two separate charges on their credit cards. QWIKSTER ( formerly Netflix DVD mail service), is the latest oxymoron example right up there with jumbo shrimp.

To date about 4% or 1 million customers have left Netflix. The shorthand math is this is about $100 million in loses unless the unrepentant Mr. Hastings does a mea culpa and lures customers back to Netflix.

Nampa Budget Items You Might Find Interesting

2011-09-26T10:53:00.000-06:00

Most taxpayers recognize there is a level of taxation that is needed to keep a city viable. That means more than water flowing and toilets flushing but some of the numbers below are troubling others informational.

Items noted in the GENERAL FUND,
1. Budget transfer to Civic Center $361,000
2. Budget transfer to Idaho Center $766,000
3. Mayor and City Council $489,000

Items in ENTERPRISE & SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS, (additional taxes extracted from everyone as a use tax fund not related to property tax),
1. 911 Telephone and cell phone fees you pay $1,538,299
2. Electric franchise fees (Idaho Power bill add on) $251,800
3. Storm-water Utility (the new one everyone hates) $1,830,000
4. Idaho Center revenue $4,371,000
5. Civic Center revenue $$1,215,000

Public Safety Costs,
1. Police $18,335,000
2. Fire $11,568,000

We picked these costs off page D-4 in the Legal Advertisements in today's Idaho Press Tribune and thought the numbers might be of interest to Guardian readers. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars up or down.

Legislators Have No Business In Turkey

2011-09-22T13:21:00.000-06:00

POLITICS

Legislators Have No Business In Turkey

September 22, 2011 ⋅ by David R. Frazier

Whenever states enter into the international arena of business and diplomacy you can figure there is something wrong with the plan.

The local news outlets played it pretty straight yesterday when news was received that a delegation of Idaho legislators and their spouses was safe following a terrorist blast in Ankara, Turkey. This was nothing more than a junket payed for by the Turkish government. It could be only a tourist promotion, but the Turks have been hustling public officials for several years. WHY?

Over the past 40 years the BOISE GUARDIAN has witnessed visits from officials in Taiwan to the legislature at a time when the island nation was struggling to remain independent–the USA does not recognize Taiwan today as a country, but various states have trade offices in Taipei.

We also saw farmers sucking up to a Libyan delegation claiming to be interested in Idaho wheat–they wanted hard red, but we grow soft white. A complex sale agreement was worked out, but the actual grain was not grown in Idaho. The reason for the Idaho interest turned out to be former Senator Frank Church’s opposition to selling US-made C-130 aircraft to Libya which could be used against Israel. The deal even had an “anti-Zionist” clause.

One politico appeared on Channel 7 saying he had taken the bait last year and had a most pleasant trip, noting the Turks are interested in Idaho beef. The legislature has no beef to sell. Ranchers have beef, but they didn’t get the freebie. We think there is a move to “BUY” political support for Turkey which has a lot of politics and diplomacy on its plate with the European Union, USA, Russia, and Israel at the moment.

We got a call from one local official who said he turned down the offer for a free trip to Turkey–airfare was NOT covered–because it was simply against the law. The local guy told us there was so much value in the gift that it would have clearly violated the Idaho ethics law. He was invited solely based on his official position.

Link to Pacifica Institute http://pacificainstitute.org/index.php/activities/visits

NETFLIX The NEW COKE Of 2011

2011-09-20T11:41:00.000-06:00

NETFLIX has to be one of the more serious marketing disasters of the decade. Most Netflix customers held Reed Hastings and Netflix in very high regard for his business model of providing DVD's to customers without those ugly late fees charged by brick and mortar competitors. Most customers saw the future of the business as streaming via the Internet and went along with the first round of price changes that incorporated streaming and DVD rentals for $10 and up depending upon how many DVD's you wanted.

The price increases this past Summer offended a lot of loyal customers of Netflix. Not that customers had anything against Mr. Hastings making a profit but the magnitude of the increase at 60% was over the top for a lot of Netflix customers. Mr. Hastings had a great product, great service, and great attention to meeting and exceeding customer expectations when problems came to the fore. The good will even extended to customers who talked to friends about the great deal and service Netflix provided...grass roots and word of mouth worked for Netflix success and everyone was happy.

The price increase was a catalyst for over a million customers to drop the mail service but what is really irksome was the choice left. You can't get recent movies and TV shows via the streaming service, the "suggestions" for customers on the website are unavailable unless you have DVD's by mail. The streaming service works fine but the selection stinks. And now customers face two bills posted to their credit cards with QWIKSTER. Netflix stock is now down to around $130/share from a recent high of over $300/share.

Reed Hastings has taken his customer base for granted and is now paying the price of arrogance. Everyone expect businesses to make a profit but all this bungling and the goofy blog posts along with business analysis and articles in the Wall Street Journal critical of Hastings and Netflix makes one wonder what the next marketing blunder will be for Netflix customers. Too many other choices are out there for customers fed up with the "in your face" marketing from Mr. Hastings. Sorry Reed... No warm feelings in our hearts for you...

Jerry Kilbourne Running for Caldwell City Council

2011-09-19T16:47:00.001-06:00

Mr. Kilbourne is running for seat 5 in the Caldwell City Council election.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”- Benjamin Franklin-

First of all, I am not a politician. I do not consider City Council a stepping stone for bigger and better things. I don’t have a wealth of political knowledge from which to dip my ladle and stand here and tell you, “here is where I stand and this is what I am going to do.” What I bring to the table is superb communication and mediation skills and a willingness to listen to both sides in order to make a rational judgment. I have no high profile friends which may cloud my judgment yet I, being a long time Caldwell resident, am sensitive to the growth needed to help Caldwell prosper. I have always been of the school that all government needs fresh ideas from one of the masses; the masses which I belong.

I am a 17 year resident of Caldwell Idaho and reside with my wife and son. My wife and I moved to Idaho in November 1994 where I picked up a job with a local agricultural company which I worked until the season ended in late January 1995. I found work with various companies until settling with a High Tech company in 2000. With the unfortunate turn in the economy I found myself laid off in 2009. I did not see my lay off as a bad situation; instead I saw it as a new opportunity. In June 2009 I seized this new opportunity and went back to get my degree in Business Administration. With degree in hand, I went back to work.

In my free time I enjoy Camping in beautiful Idaho, seeing sites around town, riding my motorcycle and Family time. I also help out as a Math and Writing tutor and am a member of Toastmasters.

Quick facts:

Name Jerry Kilbourne

Born: January 1966

Residence: Caldwell Idaho Since 1994

Marital status: Married

Education: College of Western Idaho 2010 - Business Administration

Favorite quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Class Warfare? You Decide

2011-09-18T22:05:00.001-06:00

THE GUARDIAN has watched with interest all of the Republican bluster about taxation destroying our economy when by any measure real taxation is at an all time low since WW2. Most people are for limited government and low taxes but the Republicans in both houses of Congress are trying to tell the Baby Boomers and the elderly that Social Security and Medicare are "entitlements" that will have to be cut.

These are the same people who signed onto an unfunded prescription drug plan without funding it. The same people who signed the American people up for two wars without funding them (they did borrow the money from China). The same people who encouraged banks to loan people with low paying jobs and lousy credit money to buy a home.... the "OWNERSHIP SOCIETY" were the words used by then President George W. Bush.

We now have mega billionaire Warren Buffet telling us he pays a lower percentage of taxation than his secretary. The Republicans in both houses of Congress fail to see a problem with this difference of higher tax rates on the Middle Class while those in the highest income brackets pay a much lower tax rate. In addition, they manage to get a lot of their pay in the form of stock options and when the stock is sold it falls into the category of capital gains tax with a maximum rate of 15%. They continue to demand and press their Republican Congressional people for even lower taxes at the expense of the elderly, the middle class and call something most people have paid into for a lifetime "ENTITLEMENTS". ( I will gladly trade my social security payments for a congressional retirement package, I will even throw in the gold watch.)

We have witnessed nothing less than war on the middle class in this country for the last 30 years to pay homage to globalization. We have to consider Ross Perot may have had it right with his vehement opposition to NAFTA. We may not have heard that "sucking sound of jobs leaving this country" he predicted but I think most of us have borne witness to the results and economic pain we are all feeling these days.

THE GUARDIAN is constantly listening to our CONGRESSIONAL POLITICOS and those who call Social Security and Medicare "entitlements" may have stirred up a hornets nest come election time. The party of Lincoln is doing little to get us out of this economic mess while at the same time stepping up the warfare on the middle class in this country. When Senator Mitch McConnel of Kentucky says his number one job is to make President Obama a one term president is this showing any concern whatsoever for the millions of Americans who are out of work, losing their homes, can't pay their taxes and trying to keep the bills paid? I always thought and was taught it is the duty of Congress to conduct the business of the people. What is currently going on in Congress is nothing less than shameful in reflects the 82% disapproval ratings of Congress in most of the polls.

Elderly Drivers and Driving Capacity

2011-09-16T11:00:00.001-06:00

Senior Citizens and Driving Capacity

by Allison Gamble
writer for forensicpsychology.net

Though aging seniors don't have to worry about the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a family, many keep themselves busy with active personal lives and social schedules. Clubs, community affairs, and family events keep seniors active well into their golden years. Seniors' ongoing active social lives aren't usually thought of as matters of forensic psychology, but inhibited driving ability on seniors' part can become criminal. While many aging adults take pride in their active lifestyles few question if their age may be prohibiting them from safely driving themselves to and from these events.

In order to be responsible both on and off the road, aging adult drivers and their families need to be aware of the age-related eye conditions that can develop and greatly affect vision and impair seniors’ ability to drive safely. Some of these vision impairments include macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Other medical issues that could result in decreased perception or mental decline must also be taken into consideration.

Census data show there are almost 50 million people over the age of 62 living in America today, a 16.2 percent increase since 2000. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2009 there were at least 33 million licensed drivers over the age 65 in the United States, a 23 percent increase from 1999.

As we age, we experience changes in our vision, our reaction time, and overall flexibility. As adults age, they can suffer from a host of vision-related impairments such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, all of which develop with few or no warning symptoms. Additionally, as we age we lose our ability to gauge distance and also have slower reactions to the environment around us.

This can be especially problematic for older drivers who may also have difficulty judging distances and speed or who have problems driving at night or in bright sunlight. If you’re a senior driver and have noticed any of the following issues while driving, or if you have noticed your aging parent struggling while driving, you may want to consider other means of transportation. In order to ensure your vision is strong enough to drive safely, be sure to schedule regular eye exams to make sure you do not suffer from any of these conditions.

You may need to STOP driving if you notice you have:

• Problems seeing objects close up, or issues reading the car’s instrument panel, street signs, or road maps.

• Problems seeing in the dark or in direct sunlight.
• Problem with glare from bright headlights.
• Problems with, or the loss of peripheral vision.

If you or an aging loved is regularly operating a motor vehicle, you may want to take precautions to ensure safety. In addition to keeping themselves safe, aging motorists need to be sure that they don't endanger others as well. To help extend the number of years you or your loved one can spend behind the wheel, follow these tips to encourage safe driving.

• Review the Rules of the Road.
Make time to review the most recent edition of the Rules of the Road handbook. This iconic manual can be obtained from your town’s Department of Motor Vehicles office or from senior organizations in your community.

• Take a Refresher Course.
Visit your local DMV to take a driving refresher class designed for senior citizens. These types of classes provide seniors with tips to help them drive at night or in adverse weather conditions. Aging drivers may also be interested in a one-on-one driving session with a driving instructor who specializes in working with older drivers.

• Learn How to Use New Technology.
If you’re an aging driver who has recently purchased a new vehicle, you may want help learning how to use your car’s new technology. Review your owner's manuals before you try to use any unfamiliar gadgets on the road.

For drivers of any age, safety should always be the primary concern. Staying active and self-sufficient may be a matter of pride for seniors, but pride shouldn't trump keeping oneself and others safe on the road. There's no shame in taking steps to assure you're still a safe driver, nor in letting somebody else take the wheel.

Property Tax Cap (the short version)

2011-09-14T14:48:00.000-06:00

THE GUARDIAN has been hearing elected officials mentioning and lamenting a thing called "the cap". And in the same context they mention bumping into "the cap". This was a new term I didn't have a reasonable feel for what it is and how it is calculated so I went on a quest for knowledge of this mysterious thing called "the cap"

Heretofore, all taxing districts have been in a growth economy and under Idaho Code their levy rates were budget driven. This meant no matter what you assessed valuation amounted to all the taxing entities could take all the new growth plus a 3% increase in their maximum taxes levied against all real property. If last year they got $100, this year they could take a 3% increase and take $103 for the sake of simplicity.

The past three years we have a situation where we have falling real property values and to protect property owners the Idaho Legislature wisely placed a "cap" on what all taxing districts can extract (levy) from property owners. They simply can't continue to raise taxes in a down economy with taxpayers ability to pay imploding with regularity and lockstep with the general condition of the economy.

Idaho Code specifies the maximum amounts of money each taxing entity can take based upon the average three year total assessed value of all real property. Here are some examples spelled out by Idaho Code:

TAX ENTITY ID. CODE SEC. CAP MULTIPLIER

Airport ..................................................................... 21-404 .0004
For building and/or maintenance.
Ambulance Service ................................................. 31-3901 .0002

Appraisal Program .................................................. 63-314 .0004

Armory Construction............................................... 46-722 .0002
Must jointly levy w/city. Total levy cannot exceed max levy.

So, here we are in 2011 with declining property values and most taxing entities faced with forced budget reductions v. going merrily forward with a 3% increase each and every year. The "cap" was something wisely built into Idaho Code to protect taxpayers in a down economy from "PREDATORY TAXATION" regardless of the needs or wants of taxing districts. Most elected officials do not have an understanding of "the cap" but it is out there and would behoove citizens to find out what it is in areas they have a concern about over-taxation.

( A special thanks to Joe Cox and Zach Wagoner who work for the Canyon County Assessor and Auditor/Recorder respectively for their help and explaining "the cap" to me.)

Jeremy Feucht Announcement for Seat 6 Caldwell City Council

2011-09-14T10:50:00.003-06:00

We received this announcement from Jeremy Feucht today, He is running for the seat vacated by Bob Sobba. Again, THE GUARDIAN will be happy to post candidate info but will not endorse any candidate over another on this blog.

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 8TH. You can vote early at the County elections office once the ballots are printed, sometime after the 23rd of September clear up to November 5th.

Hello to all. I would like to let the community of Caldwell know, that I would like nothing more than to represent you as a member of Caldwell City Council, seat 6. I will be running against David Clark.

I have been in Caldwell now for seven years. I first came to Caldwell, in the Fall of 2004 as a Freshman at the then Albertson College of Idaho. I would end up graduating from their in the spring of 2008. I fell in love with a lifelong Caldwell resident to whom I am now engaged. During this time, I have seen the cities east of Caldwell boom in population while Caldwell's has stayed relatively low. While the lack of population is appealing, the progress the city has made in certain areas, has left me wanting.

There are definitely certain problems the city needs to tackle. First, why are we deficit spending? We have the tax base, and if a person reads the Urban Renewal legislation from the State of Idaho as well as the ordinance that was passed by the City of Caldwell, it can be spent on about anything unfortunately. Second, why are our police and fire departments paid so much less than their counter parts in Nampa and Meridian? I realize that these towns are bigger, but ultimately we have lost members of the police force especially to other areas. Third, why do we not yet have a texting while driving ordinance? This is something we need to follow other cities in the treasure valley on. There are other issues we definitely need to be concerned about, but these are the three I wanted to mention at this time.

I am 25 years old and there will be questions about my age and length of time within the city, of that I am certain. Just know, that I have the energy and the passion to get things done to continue to move the community of Caldwell in the right direction. I have a Facebook page that I hope you all will visit: Jeremy Feucht for Caldwell City Council. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to send me a message of email me and I will respond back as soon as I possibly can.

A special thank you to "Caldwell Guardian," for keeping us up to date on the issues that surround our community, and a thank you to all for your time and support.

Jeremy Feucht

David Clark Running for Caldwell City Council

2011-09-11T21:53:00.001-06:00

David Clark sent in the below information on his bid for Caldwell City Council.

Hello everyone. I wanted to personally send out this email to let you know I am running for Caldwell City Council, seat 6. Councilman Bob Sobba has decided not to run this time around. I wanted to thank him for his 40 years of service to Caldwell. During a recent lunch meeting with Councilman Sobba, he said he has been blessed to have been able to serve and he is looking forward to more outdoor activities in the future! I also wanted to thank Arlene Yamamoto for agreeing to act as my Treasurer and Lety Juarez-Sisson as my public relations manager.

I have been living in Caldwell for a long time and I love it here. I chose to raise my family here and I hope that opportunities will be created so my kids may raise their kids here as well. One of the issues heavy on my mind is the proper role of government. I believe government should create the environment so business owners can come in and set up shop. Currently, it is quite difficult for businesses to come here due to unnecessary restrictions, antiquated rules, regulations and red tape. In addition, the City should not be choosing between who wins and who loses, i.e, subsidizing businesses.

I have already been asked by friends why I would be the best choice for this office. I answer them by saying I have operated many successful businesses. I have also failed a few times and that has given me valuable experience. I also say I have fifteen years of marketing and advertising experience. This experience will be helpful promoting the city and attracting new business ventures via the Internet and other media sources. Lastly, I am from Caldwell. I graduated from Caldwell High School, I worked here and I have raised my family here. I am a Ambassador in the Chamber of Commerce. I have served on the Planning and Zoning Commission. I have plenty of community equity. Plainly, I love this town.

I also wanted to ask you to go my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/DavidforCaldwell?sk=app_190322544333196) and check out my platform to create positive changes in Caldwell. If you like what you see, please pass it on.

I hope that you would feel free to call me or send me an email with any questions you may have. I want to be sure I am representing the Citizens of Caldwell properly. Your opinion is important and necessary.

Thanks and I will see you at the Indian Creek Festival! (look for our cardboard kayak).

Rem Fox Running for Caldwell City Council

2011-09-11T13:19:00.002-06:00

THE GUARDIAN received this post from Candidate for Caldwell City Council, Rem Fox Sunday afternoon. Mr. Fox has taken a personal interest in the City of Caldwell and was a Co-Author of the Master Framework Plan done for Downtown Caldwell along with other projects he has generously put his personal time and efforts into as a Caldwell resident.

Intro: Helping Our Community Grow and Prosper

If you take a drive throughout the Boise Valley and compare notes on progress and business development for the last 10 years you can see a huge difference between Caldwell and the surrounding cities. Nampa, Meridian, and Boise continue to expand even in tough economic times over and above Caldwell.

Caldwell’s elected leadership have not cultivated the private investors through public/private partnerships that launch solid growth plans for businesses and jobs as a priority for our community in over a decade. Without the right focus our home values and township values have deteriorated far below our peer cities. With the nation’s debt and our dependence on major jobs outside our community we are in a vulnerable position that must be remedied through significant work efforts.

Caldwell has a rich history and needs new leadership skills that can guide and enable changes for positive investments that create jobs and balance the wages to our side of the Boise Valley.

The efforts required are akin to the 1940’s by building from within and focusing on our assets that we have today. We can no longer rely on taxation tools as a way to build a city and a community. We need new leadership with the skills required for the times we face. We cannot afford to be left behind.

BIO

For the last 23 years I have been a business and technology executive for several major corporations and small business start up companies. I have worked in four completely different industries gaining incredible knowledge and applicable skills that I have diversely applied to various roles and contributions along the way.

I have personally invested most of my working career in Idaho with my 3rd start up company located in Meridian, Idaho in the Health Care industry. As a local Caldwell resident I have donated my time the last two years to the City of Caldwell. I served as Chairman of the Master Framework Committee, Business & Economic Incentive Program for Urban Renewal, and Operational Management Consultant for development services Red Carpet Program. I serve on the Business Retention & Recruitment Committee for Caldwell Economic Development, the County IRB Committee and donate time to various projects supporting education and business improvement programs.

I am the Economic Development Director of Sage Community Resources consulting for new strategy and program development projects and the Area Agency on Aging for senior services and programs.

As a seasoned business executive in private industry, my exposure to Idaho Government has been quite a learning experience. Since my involvement I have brought much needed business, financial, and analytical skills to the decisions being made with public dollars. Public money needs to be managed with great respect and strong equitable outcomes for taxpayers. Using my business experience to focus on Public / Private partnerships, job creation, growth, technology innovation, education, and building a road map for the future of Caldwell; these are my top priorities.

I am a very driven and optimistic individual that removes barriers for success. My level of engagement to this community will be a top priority if elected. Together I believe we can ensure Caldwell a path to great success.

Washington State Will Eliminate Vehicle Emission Testing by 2020

2011-09-10T11:10:00.000-06:00

THE GUARDIAN noted at the bottom of page 12 in the September 12th edition of TIME MAGAZINE there was a cute little green car. Curiosity drew my eyes to the short piece on ENVIRONMENT in the Briefing section. Here is what was printed:

"One state is saying goodbye to long lines, incomprehensible readouts and $15 fees. Washington State's ecology department has announced that thanks to improved air quality and more efficient engines, it will phase out vehicle emissions testing by 2020. The 30-year old antipollution programs, matched in many states, requires a trip to a testing center once every two years, or annually for vehicles more than five years old, in one of the nation's greenest states."

Meanwhile, in the Great State of Idaho we continue to badger, threaten and rain down all manner of punishment on people who fail to take their vehicles in for testing so the Idaho DEQ can cash in on a potion of the fees collected at testing sites all over Treasure Valley. What is really confounding about the forced testing on vehicle owners is the data trends are we are nowhere near going out of compliance with air quality standards set by the EPA.

Old sludge box engines are going to the scrap heap in ever increasing numbers and new cars are engineered to squeeze every mile they can out of a gallon of gas and continue to be cleaner and greener with each passing year. We think it time for our Idaho Legislature to enact a legislative end to vehicle emissions this next legislative session.

Erik Makrush Announcement for Caldwell City Council

2011-09-07T10:48:00.002-06:00

THE GUARDIAN received this announcement from Erik Makrush today. He has filed and is running against Shannon Ozuna who was appointed to the Caldwell City Council when former City
Councilman Rob Oates took over as Caldwell Airport Manager.

Dear neighbor and patriot,

I am pleased to announce that I am running for Caldwell City Council this November. Like many cities around the state, Caldwell faces many challenges and is in need of new leadership to take us into the next decade.

Upon election to city council, I will fight for:

· LOWER property taxes
· Solutions that actually work to create a viable, business friendly environment
· Elimination of non-essential services and pork spending
· Complete transparency and engaging citizens to find better ways for city government to operate
· Adopt a “pay-as-you-go” philosophy and pay off outstanding bonds

As a policy analyst, I have worked on issues of urban renewal reform, transparency in state and local government, reform in transportation funding, higher education, reform in building codes to allow for more local control, and exposing waste in state and local spending.

I am asking you for your support. In order to make the needed changes and to lead the way as an example for the rest of the state, my team and I are asking you to tell 5 people about my effort to give a new, strong conservative voice to the Caldwell city council. Together we can stop wasteful spending and bring real government reform. It’s up to us here in Caldwell to set an example for the rest of the state to follow!

Thank you for support.

Erik C. Makrush

Candidate for Caldwell City Council Seat 4

Commishes Meet Tuesday Sept. 6th To Raise 911 Fees by 80%

2011-09-05T09:27:00.005-06:00

THE GUARDIAN could not help but notice the agenda item on the Canyon County Commissioner's Agenda for Tuesday 9/6/2011 to discuss raising the E 911 fees by $1/month per phone line and cell phone. You can look forward to this fee accounting for $2.25 of your phone bill each month if approved by our Commishes.

All of this sounds innocuous on the surface but when you figure the E911 fees have been going on for years and years and can only be used for equipment purchases. When do the endless upgrades in equipment stop? Millions and millions have been collected and spent on E 911 equipment upgrades.

We all want to be safe and have a working system but where is the accountability for all the changes made to these systems at taxpayer expense. THE GUARDIAN would like to know the justification of this latest round of E 911 tax increases on all of our phone lines. The upgrades and money spent on new and improved 911 dispatch systems has been a never ending exercise and it is time for some feedback to taxpayers on why we are all facing a 80% increase in this tax from those who are spending all this cash on 911 systems to what advantage to taxpayers.

The following is from WIKIPEDIA ON E-911:
Fees vary widely by locality. They may range from around $.25 per month to $3.00 per month, per line.^[25] The average wireless 9-1-1 fee in the United States, based on the fees for each state as published by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), is around $.72. Since monthly fees do not vary based on the customer's usage of the network, the fees are considered, in tax terms, as highly "regressive", i.e., the fees disproportionately burden low-volume users of the public switched network (PSN) as compared with high-volume users. Some states cap the number of lines subject to the fee for large multi-line businesses, thereby shifting more of the fee burden to low-volume single-line residential customers or wireless customers."

City Council Candidates Welcome to Post Statement on Guardian Blog

2011-09-04T12:23:00.000-06:00

This year THE GUARDIAN is opening up the blog for candidates to post their statements should they choose to do so. No endorsements will be made on this blog but we would like to offer candidates an opportunity to reach potential voters this year for local city council races. You can send your press releases to me at my email address paul.alld@gmail.com and I will be happy to post them as a service to those running for office.

The part that is bothersome to THE GUARDIAN is low voter turnout in Caldwell. There will probably be less than 2,000 votes in this election. I will add candidate info to this post as they come in. We can't have too much info about candidates and free space is even better.

The cutoff date for filing for office is September 9th, 20011 with the City Clerk in your city. Here's a HERE'S LINK TO GET A VOTER REGISTRATION FORM Voting is something taken for granted in this country and sadly a majority won't bother to exercise this right to weigh in on how our local governments are doing. You can also vote early. Generally, you have until the Friday before election day which should fall on the 8th of November this year.

Bujak Legal Costs to County $101K And No Bid Contract for Jail Food Service

2011-09-03T11:37:00.002-06:00

THE GUARDIAN filed a public records requests last week in two areas of interest. First was the cost of legal fees for the Bujak case and the second was regarding a NO BID contract issued to a food service company for preparation of jail and juvenile meals served in the jail and juvenile detention facility.

The costs for Mr. Bujak's legal fees to date with the county come to just under $101,000.00! One invoice listed $17,488.00 and the second invoice came in at $83,280.00. It may turn out the Canyon County Commishes will end up losing the Tort case filed by Mr. Bujak come January of 2012 and there will be a lot more zeros added to they cost of this messy business with Mr. Bujak. Let's hope some kind of settlement is reached before the case goes to trial. Right now Bujak has not been charged with a crime nor has his license to practice law in Idaho been suspended. Under Idaho Law the County Prosecutor is one of the few elected officials who can make a profit while serving as a public official.

The second issue we did some research into was the NO BID Food Service Contract. No RFQ/RFP

was used to determine who was best suited to fill the needs of the jail and juvenile detention meals and commissary program for inmates. We can all appreciate the efforts to lower to costs of keeping people in our jail and juvenile detention facilities but the use of a NO BID approach was determined to be legal by the County Prosecutors legal staff.

ABL Management Services will provide meals to the adult detention inmates at a rate of $3.3714 to $3.9879 per day based on inmate populations. The lower the numbers of inmates the higher to cost of meals per day (fixed costs etc here enter into play). The juvenile detention meals are a flat $4.50/day for each juvenile held in the South West Idaho Juvenile Detention Facility.

Medicare Premium Costs Rise Higher and Faster In 2011

2011-09-02T12:52:00.000-06:00

Living costs for seniors 65 and older are rising faster than younger households because seniors use more medical care and health care. Medical costs are growing much faster than prices for most other goods and services.

According to a fact sheet released by the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), households headed by seniors 65 or older spend two to three times as much of their budgets on medical care as younger households and disabled individuals spend even more. NASI also says that health care costs have grown faster than prices for other goods; and services over the past thirty years. Monthly premiums for Medicare Part B have grown ―fifteen-fold‖ since 1976 — from $7.20/month to $115.40/month in 2011.

What you can do: Members of Congress are more likely to re-think voting for legislation when they see a large number of seniors adamantly opposed to cutting COLAs. Write to or call your Member of Congress and ask what plans he or she supports to maintain COLA adjustments in their present form. The more input they get from their senior and Veteran constituents the less likely they are to support the proposed changes. For quick Congressional email or telephone contact data refer to http://thomas.loc.gov/home/contacting congress.html.

Dispatch $$$ Brouhaha When One Dispatch Center Should Be Adequate

2011-08-26T14:25:00.001-06:00

It is once again time for the cities and county to exchange bills for public services paid for with taxpayer dollars. Back in the lat 1990's dispatch services for Canyon County and Caldwell were combined to save the taxpayers money when Caldwell built the new police building. It was a great idea and clear demonstration of cooperation between Sheriff George Nourse and Caldwell Chief of Police Bob Sobba. Caldwell handed over all the 911 fees attached to phone lines and cell phones to the Sheriff. Now we have the county handing a bill over to the city of Caldwell for $475k to pay for dispatch services. Meanwhile the Commissioners are looking at pay raises for county employees to be paid for with taxpayer dollars.

Nampa is out there all alone with their own dispatch services and threatened to sue the county over their fair share of 911 fees generated from telephone lines and cell phones. County officials agreed to let Nampa have $800k in 911 phone fees to stop the law suit threats over this revenue stream. Nampa has assumed a very circumspect attitude toward the County over the years and combining services of any kind for any reason is not well received based on perceived poor treatment in the past. (They withdrew from the Animal Control program due to the bills they refused to pay generated by the County Sheriff as just one example.)

The reality is taxpayers only need to fund one dispatch center for the entire county and cities. It would save taxpayers a wad of cash if cooler heads and logic prevailed. Case in point...Idaho State Police are dispatched statewide from their Meridian, Idaho headquarters. Yup...every ISP car gets dispatched from Meridian. Pretty slick deal and it saves taxpayers a bundle. THE GUARDIAN would like to know why we need more than one dispatch center for all of Canyon County?

It seems unreasonable for the Sheriff to bill the City of Caldwell for dispatch services given all the cash handed over to the Sheriff via the 911 fees that are generated from Caldwell phone lines and cell phones. Canyon County dispatch center is a "sunk cost" and will cost the Sheriff and County more if Caldwell bails out on the current partnership. In the event the Sheriff and Caldwell can't work it out, it makes more sense for Caldwell to partner with Nampa for dispatch services. Caldwell and Nampa combine resources with a Metro dispatch plan and leave the County and small town dispatching to the Sheriff.

Nobody seems to be looking out for the taxpayers who ultimately pay the bills for this service. If ISP can dispatch statewide from Meridian, then why can't taxpayers get a break from the Sheriff on this deal. It just seems ridiculous with this bickering and billing letters going back and forth between the County and Caldwell.

When Is is Time To Quit Driving?

2011-08-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

THE GUARDIAN made one of my infrequent trips to Boise Tuesday of this week and there was a terrible back up of traffic near the Franklin on ramp of I-84 on the east bound side of the freeway. The cause of the back up of all the traffic was an elderly driver who failed to merge into freeway traffic and had slammed on the brakes. He had traffic backed up for several hundred feet in the construction zone as well as the entire length of the Franklin on ramp.

We struggled with the point in time our departed father should give up driving as a family after he blacked out behind the wheel and ran a bicyclist off the road and nearly took out a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Doctors are reluctant to turn in nearly blind or otherwise medically incompetent elderly drivers, family members hate trying to get mom or dad to hang up the keys. But this week gave me a clear understanding of when the elderly should park the car. The on ramp merge test failure is about one of the best tests I can think of to test the capability of elderly drivers.

The elderly guy in the traffic jam on the freeway could not figure out how to merge with freeway traffic and nearly caused a chain reaction series of accidents with his decision to hit the brakes instead of merging into freeway traffic. Very few of us have not run into this at one time or another and it is not always the elderly who hit the brakes instead of merging. I would lump these folks into a group that need a remedial driver training course. They are a danger to themselves as well as other drivers.

This sad situation got fixed when a freeway driver stopped and let the old guy and several others merge onto the freeway. Fact remains, it should have never happened and it is time for the old guy to hang up the car keys.

TV Antenna Scan Killed My TV!

2011-08-23T21:24:00.000-06:00

Here is another one of my less than popular tips for the technically inept. Somewhere along the line I remembered some instructions to scan for new TV stations broadcast for free over the air waves. I did this procedure on my new flat screen TV and lost about 50% of my TV stations I was receiving via my rooftop antenna. I pulled out the owners manual and went through all the troubleshooting instructions and finally had to call for HELP!

Here is the fix that only took me the better part of Monday to apply to my TV and it was fixed instantly. Unplug the TV while it is on and hold the ON button down for at least a minute while the TV remains unplugged from the wall power outlet. The Tech help was a freebie I got from COSTCO concierge service that came when bought the new TV. I plugged the TV back in pressed the ON button and was back in full reception of all TV channels broadcast locally. I am too cheap for cable service plus it gives me way too many choices to contend with when channel surfing.

Holding the Power ON switch on the TV down bleeds off all the reserve power stored and resets all the magic stuff. My usual TV repairman always likes to point out all the stuff inside and is amazed it all works as well as it does for as long as it does actually work. The old Motorola with the converter box works all the time every time since 1982. It will be going nowhere soon despite please from my kids to get rid of it.

Mayors Nancolas and Dale On EPA 2018 Compliance Date for Sewage Component

2011-08-17T17:31:00.000-06:00

We learned today via the IPT, Mayor Nancolas is in decision paralysis over what to do with phosphate in sewer water discharges to Indian Creek. "Its got us really really concerned" was Mayor Nancolas' comment on the article in the Press Tribune today. Meanwhile Mayor Dale has rallied his minions to study the matter for the looming sewer plant upgrades that could cost Nampa home and property owners $200 MM to correct.

The problem is too much phosphate in the discharge effluent (fancy word the tech types like to use) pumped into Indian Creek by both cities after the water has gone through all the various cycles of waste treatment at the sewage plants. Phosphate is not a new problem as THE GUARDIAN wrote about this several years ago after a discussion with a Caldwell city official over what to do with 160 acres next to Purple Sage Golf Course. The official wanted to sell the property at the height of the housing boom but the deal caved in when the housing market imploded. It was suggested the property may be needed to land treat 6MM gallons of sewage with the phosphate problem revealed in the IPT today.

Meanwhile, we would like to suggest to Mayor Nancolas he reconsider widening Hwy. 20/26 at a cost of $3 million to Caldwell taxpayers and pretty much a gift to developers along that patch of pavement between Smeed Parkway and the Flying J Plaza. It is clear the compliance date is 2018, a mere six years down the road. What is the plan for Caldwell to pay for this compliance mandate. Hope and ignoring the problem are not solutions. Most would also agree the doubling of sewer fees in Caldwell is not a reasonable answer either.

If they don't dump the sewage into Indian Creek that leaves land treatment and the golf course site or some other parcel and the sewage goes on the land to gain compliance. We think Mayor Nancolas should reconsider the $3MM giveaway on Hwy. 20/26 and come up with a compliance plan for the sewage problem compliance date of 2018. Caldwell City officials have known about this problem for several years and citizens need to know the plan for compliance.

Time To Change Netflix Plan Or Your Bill Will Increase $8.54 In September

2011-08-11T22:46:00.001-06:00

The dog days of summer are here and frankly, the items of interest for Caldwell and Nampa readers is pretty low this time of year. City officials are finalizing budget numbers to try and convince all of us they are running a tight ship with out tax dollars.
I know the Netflix post here and the ARMORALL post may not captivate the interest of GUARDIAN readers but take heart, our elected leaders will be back in rare form sooner, rather than later.....

In case you forget about it, the good people at NETFLIX have decided to double up on you with a unprecedented $7.99 plus tax rate increase on your home delivery. The only way to get around it is to go to another provider or drop home delivery from NETFLIX. NETFLIX had a great deal for DVD watchers but they just had to screw around with their pricing structure again. (Greed is good and they just took a giant rate increase.)

They raised the price last year due to the success of the DVD rental plans they offered now they're at it again. They are looking to get rid of as much of the USPS services and jobs of people filling those evnelopes as they can with this latest round of increases. I just clicked off the home delivery option for DVD's and will use the Internet for NETFLIX videos here at our home. REDBOX at Albertson's and Walgreen's will be my DVD provider from now on unless a challenger comes along to compete with NETFLIX in the near term.

NETFLIX has pretty much given their customers a poke in the eye with a dull stick with this latest rate increase of $7.99 plus tax for home delivery of one movie at a time via USPS and an additional $7.99 plus tax for Internet services you can download. Just a reminder to readers who may have put off making the changes in time to avoid the rate increases. Some people may consider NETFLIX still a bargain at whatever they charge but we collectively made the decision to abandon NETFLIX home delivery services.

Caldwell Mayor Nancolas Gross Pay $101,901 Other things Of Interest In Budgets Noted

2011-08-07T13:57:00.005-06:00

THE GUARDIAN got a copy of the Caldwell budget and on page one was payroll data for the Mayor. Mayor Nancolas makes $101,901.00 for the total pay he received with benefits. He did take a hit this year as his car allowance is down to a mere $8,000.00 this year ($10,000.00 last year), most of this decrease will be made up via a bonus (Performance pay) of $1,500 and a fitness reimbursement of $321. The job of Mayor in Caldwell pays very well at $101,901.00 as the gross pay package.

The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council will continue to receive $12,000 from the City coffers. We are not sure why this is listed under the revenue detail of the budget. Mayor Nancolas will continue his road trips to Washington DC with his MYAC group. (Mayor Nancolas was asked a couple of years back why he doesn't take the MYAC group to the Idaho Legislature v. going all the way back to Washington DC. THE GUARDIAN got a blank look from our Mayor with this question.)

Hwy. 20/26 will be widened from the FLYING J to Smeed Parkway at a cost of $3,000,000.00. The widening project is a gift to the development community in the hopes of getting some commercial development in that area and jobs for Caldwell citizens. The widening is not on the Idaho Dept. of Transportation to do list for several decades. The approach to this project is the highest cost of the three proposals presented at a public workshop several weeks back. Cheaper approaches involved using some existing pavement, this one will be a whole new road bed with a longer interval before the road has to be dug up and reworked. Roads like this have about a 20 year life. We did not hear of any guarantee if the widening project was done by any of the developers present at this meeting.

Caldwell did not take the 3% increase allowed by Idaho Code but the overall budget is up 2% due to the widening project on Hwy 20/26. The money came from rainy day reserves for the streets.

MAYOR DALE'S WAGE PACKAGE $101,416
We don't have a car allowance amount for Mr. Dale for this year but in past years it was around $4,500.00 and that would have to be added to the total wage package for Mayor Dale. These numbers came from a reader who went to the time and trouble to purchase a copy of the budget and thumb drive at a cost of $10.00 When we get the amount we will post it on THE GUARDIAN for our readers.

The big item for the City of Nampa is the increased cost of the IDAHO CENTER to Nampa residents. The cost of keeping the doors open will rise to nearly $1 million to Nampa property taxpayers. Heretofore, the City of Nampa has been feeding the Idaho Center monies left from the first Nampa Urban Renewal effort that built the Idaho Center. Mayor Dale likes to call this a community building project.

The next project to get a new tax or fee to deal with will be phosphates in waste water. Mayor Dale has already put together a group to work on this issue. Caldwell knows it to be a problem but no official word on how they are going to address the problem. It all comes from the Clean Water Act back in the 1970's and is getting to the front burner via the EPA. Word on the street is it will cost Nampa tens of millions to fix this problem. Caldwell has not begun to address this problem with their waste water discharges into the Boise River. Hang on for even higher sewer fees for this one.