Urban renewal has come into the public spotlight the last few years across Idaho, largely focusing on the proponents stated accomplishments of such districts versus how they are funded, created and administered. The primary rationale behind urban renewal projects is to grow business and bring prosperity within certain impacted areas using taxpayer funds; for instance, an old downtown area that is outdated or perhaps has fallen on hard times. That sounds like mom, Chevrolets and apple pie, but opponents of the districts feel that urban renewal agencies have become too powerful, spend too much of the taxpayers’ money, are not accountable to taxpayers and many projects are not worth the cost. Several pieces of legislation were introduced during the 2012 Idaho legislative session aimed at curbing the power of urban renewal agencies. Most were defeated/Mitch Coffman, Idaho Reporter. More here. (IFF photo: Urban renewal dollars helped finance the Treasure Valley Community College building in Caldwell)

Question: Would you be more/less likely to vote for a legislative candidate who wants to repeal urban renewal laws?