Cities Seek More Authority Without Oversight
by David R. Frazier
While at least 6 bills are pending in the Idaho Legislature aimed at limiting Urban Renewal by allowing citizens to vote on board members and creation of districts, Idaho”s cities are pushing for a law allowing “Intermodal Commerce Authorities” with no voter control.
SB 1060 passed the Senate Friday (2-11-11) and is headed for the House. The BOISE GUARDIAN doesn’t oppose a healthy economy, jobs, or even “intermodal transportation centers.” We just feel these major public projects need to have public approval for the long term debt. Like current urban renewal agencies, these Intermodal Commerce Authorities would be autonomous agencies with authority to take even more property off the tax rolls to benefit a few businesses.
The idea is to create “land ports” that will have authority– like airports just got–to purchase, acquire, build, expand, buy, sell land, facilities, etc. through sale of public bonds. The aim is to construct freight warehouses and other commercial business facilities that will be TAX EXEMPT all under the guise of creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
It really is sad that cities have not only their “bully pulpits” with public releations staffers, but funds for association memberships that lobby, paid lobbyists (Boise has a stable of outside PR contracts and consulting firms doing surveys) to stealthily lay the foundation for pet projects DESIGNED to operate with no citizen oversight. It is wrong, it is sneaky and the legacy media needs to report on this legislation before it passes the house.
Take a look at SB 1060 SB 1060 TEXT LINK. If these projects were worthwhile, private businesses would gladly make the investment.
Editor Note: There was not a word of this bill at the Canyon County Legislative forum held on Saturday morning 2-12-11. This bill was supported by Senators McGee, Lodge, McKinzie and Smeyser of Canyon County.
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