D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.
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Stickman on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:38 p.m.
I am not going to rescind anything, but I hope he says something that might change his mind in a sense because of all these comments. The blog really spoke up today and I like all of the comments. Can we hear from you soon Ben? I hope so.
Stickman on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:36 p.m.
Thank you Christie for a well said comment. I hope Ben reads all of these comments.
stebbijo on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:15 p.m.
This is just wierd. I don't know why sexuality has to enter into the Boy Scouts, anyway. Leave it alone, it really has no place in the organization. These kids tie knots, right? Do openly gay males declare their sexuality at age 12 now? Is it on their application? I, absolutely, support Wolfinger on this. Would not want to touch it with a 10 foot poll and if I had a kid in it, I would pull him, homosexual or not. What a mess.
Randy_Myers on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:04 p.m.
I hope Wolfinger reads this.
christiewood on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 7:40 p.m.
I am writing this as a member of the KCTFHR and as a private citizen. I have known Ben for a long time. I like his family very much so it is difficult to criticize. But I cannot
be silent on this issue. The Idaho sodomy law is utilized by prosecutors in cases of rape. Ben knows very well that Lawrence and Gardner vs. Texas (2003) supersedes
state law. (It is a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court. In the 6–3 ruling, the Court struck down the sodomy law in Texas and, by extension, invalidated sodomy laws in thirteen other states, making same-sex sexual activity legal in every U.S. state and territory). But let's not forget we are talking about kids, and the BSA does not schedule sexual activity on their weekend agendas. Instead they build camp fires, tie knots, learn about the wilderness etc ...
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terrymr on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 7:09 p.m.
State sodomy laws were invalidated by the supreme court 10 years ago http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L...
I guess "uphold the law" means something different in Idaho. This guy should not be a cop.
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 7:05 p.m.
Deal. :)
Adamsfly on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 6:57 p.m.
I agree you seem open minded and I think I am so lets agree to disagree on this issue and trust the new school board to make the correct choice.
Stickman on Memorial Day Wild Card -- 5.25-27.13
May 25 at 6:56 p.m.
It's Memorial Day weekend, so I will have to think about some of these comments and comment later. It doesn't sit well right now.
JohnA on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 6:24 p.m.
No, but it wasn't for want of trying :)
Actually, the closest I got was during a campout with the girls at Nehwahlu about 40 years ago, when I was a naïve staffer at Camp Easton. Oh well, the memory is enough at this point. :)
stebbijo on Trib & Leadfoot Wayne Battle
May 25 at 5:46 p.m.
I understand what you are saying, however, the gist of this traffic ticket has more to do with the timing of Wayne Hoffman's ticket. I am not interested in what the penalty is now, it's how it is determined. The judicial system sets the penalty for itself.
It's complicated, and if Hoffman wants to get to the bottom line, he will probably need to appeal, that is if the judge just does not throw it out because the statute does not exist.
Still is interesting how our fines are set by a few and we really do not have a choice how it is determined. A couple of years ago the judicial branch needed some more money, so they just create a reason to allow for additional funds to be added to the charge(s) that allows for the allocation. This is all done thu meetings and ...
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CdaMomof4 on TGIF Wild Card -- 5.24.13
May 25 at 4:52 p.m.
Enjoyed the video. I kept thinking that the District Administration needs to see this too.
CdaMomof4 on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 4:24 p.m.
Unfortunately, you are probably right. :(
Adamsfly on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 4:09 p.m.
No wonder we are the laughing stock of the country. This will make national news.
Adamsfly on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 4:06 p.m.
How do we know he is competent enough? What has he done? Is the district in better shape today than when he came on board? That's the questions I want to see answered. I'm not saying he's not a good guy, but we need more. We have to see what's out there before we hire someone because he worked here a couple of years.
paineite on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 4:04 p.m.
ditto
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 4:04 p.m.
I prefer to see myself as open-minded and optimistic - not naive. ;) See my reply below.
paineite on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 4:01 p.m.
ditto
paineite on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 4:00 p.m.
REALLY disappointed in this stance. Just read the announcement and it is transparently fallacious and purely political. To choose NOT to discriminate is no tantamount to "promoting the lifestyle." Ben ... REALLY disappointed in you. Thought you were a better man than this.
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 3:59 p.m.
Matt was a principal for 14 years and has been with our district for 3 years. He knows the teachers, staff, parents, community, curriculum, challenges, etc. I'm not saying he is the only choice, I just don't think he would be a bad choice. I don't think it will be a quick hire - the board indicated they wouldn't start the search until December/January.
Adamsfly on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 3:57 p.m.
Why is he more than qualified? Give us some of his past experience and accomplishments that gives you that endorsement.
Where and when as he ever had a position that is even close to being the superintendent of a district as large and complex as ours. No offense, but you are being very naive.
One more time....what's the fear about going out and asking for applications for the job using a search committee from the district? If he's the best person then hire him, but I have a feeling there are some very qualified individuals that will apply.
CdaMomof4 on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 3:52 p.m.
?? That is a ridiculous question and of course, you know that answer to it. Why would you think sharing a tent with a girl scout would be similar to sharing a tent with a gay scout?
Adamsfly on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 3:48 p.m.
She was with the district for over 20years and had a number of management positions during that time. When she she was named there was some concerns about her appointment. in fact a number of people don't feel she has been one of our better superintendents.
I will say it once again...this is one of the largest districts in the state and we are facing many critical issues. We owe it to our children to find the best person for the job, not to make a quick hire just because it is would be easy. If we do that it would be irresponsible and very shortsighted.
powderfarmer on Memorial Day Wild Card -- 5.25-27.13
May 25 at 3:43 p.m.
A look at which insurers are and which insurers aren't participating in California's exchange.
http://www.fool.com/investing/...
Rhodetrip on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 3:37 p.m.
JohnA, when you were camping out during your teen years, did you commonly share your tent with Girl Scouts?
Just wondering?
Phaedrus on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 2:47 p.m.
The BSA resolution to not discriminate based upon sexual orientation reiterates that sexual activity of any members, regardless of sexuality, is discouraged. Sodomy is not an issue. Ben is off-base.
Lynne on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 2:37 p.m.
Would like to rescind my vote for him please!
Aaron Roberts on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 2:33 p.m.
I am extremely disappointed in Ben, I was hoping KCSD would exercise more tolerant behavior
Sherlock on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 2:22 p.m.
Yup. He just lost my vote.
Sherlock on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 2:18 p.m.
Someone ought to arrest Sheriff Ben for having his head up his rear end.
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 2:11 p.m.
What was Hazel Bauman's experience as a superintendent prior to leading SD 271?
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 2:10 p.m.
He was the logical choice for an interim superintendent while they decided who their real choice would be. I can definitely see why you would question their appointment, but I also think you would be doing an injustice to Mr. Handelman, who is more than qualified to lead our district.
Adamsfly on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 2:08 p.m.
I think when you are talking about one of the largest districts in the entire state you need someone with experience as a superintendent. He doesn't have that. He may be a good man, but he is not ready for prime time yet.
I think the old board wanted someone that wasn't seasoned enough to have the confidence to stand up to them or their man Wardell.
Dennis on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 2:00 p.m.
I totally agree CDAmom. But given their past ideological displays, I would question any appointee by that board. IMHO, being the right fit politically was more important to them than qualifications.
nic on Trib & Leadfoot Wayne Battle
May 25 at 1:38 p.m.
Check the timing of your argument. That advisory committee has oversight BEFORE the infraction. They determine the fines that the ticketing officer puts on the ticket.
But once the ticket is written, those fines don't change. If you go to court, the judge that you see can't change them. In fact, if you chose to face a judge, you are pleading not guilty. The clerk of the court hands you a piece of paper that reads:
"All penalties (fines and costs) for infractions are set ,by the Idaho Supreme Court. THE MAGISTRATE JUDGE WHO WILL HEAR YOUR CASE DOES NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO INCREASE, DECREASE OR SUSPEND THAT PENALTY. The amount of the penalty depends on the offense with which you are charged. REMEMBER, A JUDGE CANNOT CHANGE THE AMOUNT OF THE PENALTY."
I stand by what I say. As much as I (and Phaedrus) would like ...
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Stickman on Crumpled Flag Flusters FFriend
May 25 at 1:27 p.m.
Thanks Matthew, so do I.
Stickman on Busy Summer To Meet Downtown Mess
May 25 at 1:24 p.m.
Since I live so close, it's always easy for me to find a spot to park. As for out of towners, it may get very tough to find a spot. Any one is welcome to park down where I live, there's always some spots when big events are on. and it's only a 4 or 5 block walk to downtown from here.
fortboise on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 1:22 p.m.
Sounds like the Sheriff doesn't understand his job, the law, or the Boy Scouts. He does at least provide a public service by declaring his ignorance on the record.
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 1:20 p.m.
Hopefully, the new board will be wise enough to make decisions based on careful deliberation of the facts and not based on doing the opposite of what they think the current/old board would do or did do. I think our district will be much better off if they use their own judgment. Not ALL of the decisions by the old board were bad decisions (although I would say the majority were).
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 1:12 p.m.
I disagree.
Dennis on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 1:03 p.m.
If he was supported by the current board, the new board members should run from him like their hair was on fire.
Randy_Myers on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 12:29 p.m.
Homophobia is in full bloom with Ben. His leap from gay to sodomy says something doesn't it ?
NIV on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 12:14 p.m.
Re the current assoc./asst. supt., he is NOT ready for prime time.
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 11:42 a.m.
Yes, WAY too top heavy.
CdaMomof4 on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 11:42 a.m.
I agree. He has been VERY involved in the administrative aspects already. Hire him and please don't spend unnecessary money searching hither and yon for candidates.
Dennis on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 11:35 a.m.
They won't. They were hardheaded when they thought their majority was safe. The only reason they are doing this is to save face and try to maintain some form of relevance.
OrangeTV on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 11:04 a.m.
This is so angrymaking to me, I don't even know where to begin. The mind reels.
Dave Hopkins on Parting Shot -- 5.24.13
May 25 at 11:01 a.m.
Go Vikes!
Duane Rasmussen on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 10:13 a.m.
This is interesting because the justice who wrote the opinion allowing the homosexual behavior on privacy grounds specifically avoided voicing an opinion with regard to how the ruling applied to minors.
Here is a quote from Wickipedia:
Kennedy underscored the decision's focus on consensual adult sexual conduct in a private setting:
The present case does not involve minors. It does not involve persons who might be injured or coerced or who are situated in relationships where consent might not easily be refused. It does not involve public conduct or prostitution. It does not involve whether the government must give formal recognition to any relationship that homosexual persons seek to enter.[37]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L...
JohnA on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 10:00 a.m.
I think Ben's being a little anal on this one. :)
When I was working on my eagle rank I remember these: trustworthy, loyal, obedient, kind, straight...ah, no. And, there was no Missionary merit badge either, that I can recall, so I'd advise Ben to rethink this one.
CdaMomof4 on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 9:39 a.m.
It would be inappropriate for the sheriff's office to allow Ben to remain as sheriff, as his leadership directly encourages ignorance and stupidity!
Phaedrus on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 9:35 a.m.
I wasn't aware of the BSA passing a sodomy resolution? Is that required at Boy Scout meetings? And why wasn't he pulling support when Pedophiles were abusing scouts and the BSA hid it? Isn't pedophilia against the law too?
Phaedrus on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 9:33 a.m.
Ben is permitting his evangelical Christian beliefs to impinge upon his duties and elected government official. If he follows through I hope somebody brings a lawsuit against him and the KCSD. Very, very disappointed in him.
Nicole Seguin Olson on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 9:29 a.m.
Sounds like the Boy Scouts have a wise sexual contact policy. Too bad the sheriff feels it is necessary to take a political stand.
Nicole Seguin Olson on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 9:25 a.m.
Yes, and if we apply his logic that accepting gays promotes sodomy in underage Boy Scouts, then wouldn't
accepting heterosexual boys be promoting statutory rape?
letstalk on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 9:17 a.m.
Rethink this Ben, you are way off base.
wheels on Crapo Defends Ex-Campaign Manager
May 25 at 9:06 a.m.
I think a very close examination of this might turn up some illegal maneuvers so to speak.It's my understanding this so called business was 'struggling' for a long time and the 'loan arranger' should have known it...or did he?
wheels on Huckleberries Hears ...
May 25 at 8:54 a.m.
This was a very good decision and I'm waiting to see if Tom & Terri will be, let's say cordial.They now find themselves in an awkward position.
wheels on Parting Shot -- 5.24.13
May 25 at 8:39 a.m.
When I was younger but I've gotten away from guns period.Just don't like them ,don't hunt.
BigMac on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:38 a.m.
He is being VERY selective with the law. How do you figure that the Boy Scouts are "promoting" sodomy? I have some gay students this year. I have not kicked them out of class. Am I "promoting" sodomy?
When was the last time anyone in Idaho was arrested on a sodomy charge? The law is no longer valid since Lawrence v. Texas.
wheels on TGIF Wild Card -- 5.24.13
May 25 at 8:36 a.m.
As I said 'thus far'.
sue on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:34 a.m.
Shameful Ben. Are you heading out to makes arrests this morning since you know the law so well? Clearly a politcal move, and one that I hope CDA makes him regret.
wheels on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:30 a.m.
Singularly the absolutely most rediculous take on something I've seen in quite some time.You're the sheriff for All the people Ben.
condor on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:28 a.m.
Darn that man! Respecting the written laws of the state. Just who the heck does he think he is?
Why do we elect such people? They need to learn to selectively apply some laws and to look the other way on others.
That's what made this nation so great.
Right?
Dennis on Memorial Day Wild Card -- 5.25-27.13
May 25 at 8:22 a.m.
And newspapers are "Private Entities". Good for the papers to not waste ink on that trash.
EdeninCDA on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:21 a.m.
I am disappointed in Wolfinger. I voted for him and like him, but this is disappointing.
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 25 at 8:17 a.m.
I don't understand your comment, Joker (which is really nothing new.). I'm not under salary from Kootenai County so whether you live there or not you aren't contributing anything to me.
kpomer on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:17 a.m.
However, the sodomy law in Idaho is not supportable at the federal level. To whom is the sheriff's department ultimately responsible?
"In 2003 the Supreme Court reversed the decision with Lawrence v. Texas, invalidating sodomy laws in the remaining 14 states (Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Kansas,Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia)."
simpleton on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:14 a.m.
The sheriff is making a political decision, not a legal one. Any laws Idaho has against sodomy have been invalidated by the US supreme court several years ago. Idaho still has laws against sexual contact with minors, which are unaffected by the recent change in policy by the boy scouts.
In addition, the Boy Scouts reiterated their position that sex and sexual contact by anyone, with anyone, has been and continues to be banned at all scout events.
The sheriff is smart enough to know all of this as well. He is taking a stance he believes will be politically popular, not legally necessary, at the expense of the boys.
photoguy on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 8:08 a.m.
There is a difference between promoting something and being accepting of something. BOOOO to KCSD.
Now, if the BSA gets a merit badge for gay sex, that would be promoting something that is illegal in Idaho.
Continuing... one can be gay without practicing the acts that are "in violation of state law."
stebbijo on Trib & Leadfoot Wayne Battle
May 25 at 8:06 a.m.
nic, that is not exactly true. there is an infraction advisory committee that gives oversight to folks who are appointed by the Supreme Court Justice - they are not elected - however, they determine the fines ect increases or decreases. These are the latest members. I don't know who they are, do you?
Chair: Hon. Michael Oths
Hon. Tyler Smith
Suzanne Johnson
Hon. Jayme Beaber
Ralph Blount
Benjamin Harmer
Jed Whitaker
Jacob Deaton
Cathy Derden, Reporter
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 25 at 8:05 a.m.
Hecla stock? Zip. Although I'll agree it is a great time to invest in it. I have a bunch of friends who've gone back to work at the Friday and they said it's just getting back up to speed. So, Joker, give it a look.
brentandrews on Memorial Day Wild Card -- 5.25-27.13
May 25 at 8:02 a.m.
Newspapers aren't about sending the "all good" message. They sew the seeds of argument, trumpet violence, target all the usual suspects. But they are rolling over everywhere you look, tail between their legs like a slave puppy, to accept marijuana advertising bans without any evidence that advertising drives up marijuana use; without ever thinking that marijuana is going to be bigger than alcohol ever was, and that newspapers might need this revenue to stay afloat. Newspapers print advertising as a service to readers. Cutting out important information about where to find marijuana is a disservice, and some competitor will find a way to provide the information to the people at the newspapers' expense. Love 'em or hate 'em, the newspapers are still the best guardians of democracy that we have. Why accept a ban on their lifeblood, advertising? I would print ads in defiance of this law, and challenge ...
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Joker on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 25 at 7:59 a.m.
I am so glad our taxes dollars are contributing to your salary. Thanks Kootenai County.
Joker on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 25 at 7:58 a.m.
The voters just got done sharing their opinion with you. I think it was loud and clear.
brentandrews on Memorial Day Wild Card -- 5.25-27.13
May 25 at 7:54 a.m.
I bet there are still hundreds more churches in Los Angeles and Denver than marijuana dispensaries. So we're all good.
brentandrews on Memorial Day Wild Card -- 5.25-27.13
May 25 at 7:53 a.m.
Starbucks' coffee gives me diarrhea, is the thing. If it didn't - every time! - maybe it wouldn't bug me so much when the bandwagon press mentions the Starbucks vs. dispensaries count. (What about America? I bet there are thousands more Starbucks than dispensaries, in America; and they never mention that. What about Starbucks vs. McDonald's?) The thing is, a focused medical marijuana program saved my life. Maybe yours too because I was a top killer in America: a drunk driver! Starbucks has made money and facilitated conversation and taught a few people French. But what lives has it saved? Show me one. Better to compare pot dispensaries to churches. Are there more or less pot dispensaries than churches in Colorado? Los Angeles?
brentandrews on Memorial Day Wild Card -- 5.25-27.13
May 25 at 7:45 a.m.
I try to read every marijuana story that crosses the Net, good and bad. One trend I am tired of is every story mentioning how either Colorado or Los Angeles has "more marijuana dispensaries than Starbucks," often without any numbers provided. Does this mean fewer marijuana dispensaries than McDonald's franchises? Or more marijuana dispensaries than check-cashing places? What about gas stations? Why not just give us a graphic? Is the constant comparison to Starbucks a subconscious agreement with the studies that show marijuana to be less harmful than alcohol, and "about as harmful" as caffeine? See the story in my last entry for the latest throwaway reference to Starbucks, in no less a paper than the Tribune.
mlc on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 7:43 a.m.
Is he going to start prosecuting straight, married, people who commit acts of sodomy, too? Ridiculous!
brentandrews on Memorial Day Wild Card -- 5.25-27.13
May 25 at 7:31 a.m.
As Illinois MMJ Bill Awaits
Governor's Pen, Tribune
Offers An Industry Primer
-> Boom and bust, change
and more change in the
Colorado market: and an
'insatiable demand' for bud
http://my.chicagotribune.com/#...
Joker on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 25 at 7:18 a.m.
How much stock do you own in Hecla?
KCres2 on KCSD May Cut Boy Scout Ties
May 25 at 4:08 a.m.
The BSA is not promoting a 'lifestyle'. Wolfinger is being ridiculous,
jdanmike on Cis: Bonner County Gas Now $3.66!
May 25 at 1:32 a.m.
ahhhh bicycle!
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 25 at 12:08 a.m.
I understand your opposition, SC. I hope we can have fruitful discussions on this in the months ahead.
ShoshoneConservative on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 25 at 12:02 a.m.
The Commissioners have been waffling back and forth on how many of them are going to be on the Board. Who's to say they won't change their minds again after the vote?
Yes, there is a lot the legislature can do to make Urban Renewal half-way palatable. Unfortunately, few make it through both the House and Senate. Until that happens, and until there are ways to keep a leash on this thing, I will remain opposed.
ShoshoneConservative on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:57 p.m.
Everyone knows that any study in this county is going to find deterioration, so the discussion could have been held while awaiting the inevitable result. The findings were hardly a surprise. These Commissioners had from January to talk to us about this, and they didn't. Why should we expect more in their consideration in approving a district?
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:52 p.m.
That's an issue for the legislature, SC, on who can comprise the URA Board. The Commissioners have agreed to have no more than one member out of five, leaving the ultimate decision on any project for them to consider as your elected officials. I think that is as it should be.
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:50 p.m.
The decision to put it on the ballot was made months ago by a different set of elected officials. It could not proceed, however, until a study of deterioration in the county was completed, and that didn't happen until late March. As I've stated before, in hindsight we could have waiting until August to get the URA approval but everything was in place for May, so we proceeded. The best thing to come from the vote this week is the knowledge that we have to do a better job of countering the mistruths circulating in the county, and that's my plan for this summer.
ShoshoneConservative on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:49 p.m.
And the Commissioners have the option of making themselves the URA Board. Which is yet another decision that isn't made until AFTER the vote.
Considering that the Commissioners didn't even speak to P&Z or the public before deciding to go ahead with this, I find little comfort in your statements.
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:45 p.m.
SC, you're talking apples and oranges. The URA has NO authority to proceed with any project. That falls to the duly elected County Commissioners, and ONLY them following months of debate, first before the URA, then the P and Z and finally before the Board itself. Clearly, if the public dislikes a project coming from the URA, they can voice their opinion way before it even gets to the Commissioners. And, as a final resort, you only have to wait 2 years to vote those people out of office if you don't like their decision. So, it is not an issue for the future, but one that is needed now.
ShoshoneConservative on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:42 p.m.
It's kind of hard for people to share opinions on something they don't know about until after the decision has been made to put it on the ballot.
ShoshoneConservative on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
Therein lies the rub. The vote essentially IS to allow "UR in general," and there's NOTHING to limit it to "this project in particular" after it is approved. People think they're voting on fixing up Big Creek, but end up creating something that a future board of Commissioners could use to use eminent domain to clear the "riff-raff" out of Burke Canyon and sell the land to a developer based on more empty promises.May 24 at 11:40 p.m.
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:39 p.m.
Well, SC, no one shared their opinion with the Commissioners or with me that they were opposed to urban renewal. In forming nine other URAs, I never once had any opposition to it. Sure, some of the projects might have been questioned but not the creation of an agency which has no authority to proceed with any project. Of course, I understand Rep. McMillan's opinion in the legislature, but it was never shared with us as this went forward. I look forward to discussing its merits with her in the months ahead.
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:34 p.m.
He didn't have the facts, SC, especially the part about this project helping the cities of Wallace and Kellogg deal with their infiltration issues (treating ground water instead of effluent), making this project a benefit to the whole district. That was the problem from the start. Too many people disliking UR in general, and not because of this project in particular.
ShoshoneConservative on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
I can assure you that statement is 100% incorrect.May 24 at 11:34 p.m.
ShoshoneConservative on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:31 p.m.
A member of the South Fork Sewer District board spoke quite vehemently against the URA at at least two of the meetings at which you present, and has been very vocal in opposing the URA all along. He's prettty adamant that the District is not going to annex Big Creek.
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:30 p.m.
Actually, Joker, I am not a salesman, just a retired finance guy who agreed to work for PAC on a very important project to help create jobs in the Valley. I still think it's important and I will work without pay to see that the truth is revealed in the months ahead. I hope that makes you happy.
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:26 p.m.
OK, here's the facts: The engineering is already in place, funded by a Gem Grant matched by the companies in Big Creek. The Panhandle Area Council charges NO fee to write the grants for the water and sewer portion of the project. If you're worried about the $300 a month for PAC to administer the URA, well, you've got me there. So, exactly what are you referring to, SC?
JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:22 p.m.
SC, I guess good governance to you is paving a road because you have the funds today, and then tearing it back up to install sewer and water lines later. If that is so, you should run for Congress. The fact is that the EPA will not allow the discharge of effluent from the mine operations or the homes in Big Creek into the Sunshine's tailings pond. That is a big issue that must be resolved before the road is rebuilt. Also, you say the sewer district will not take the discharge but you show no evidence of that. No meeting minutes of the South Fork Sewer District, no public officials taking that stand. Nothing. Just rhetoric, not unlike that spouted by Rep. Sims. We have a plan in place that works well because of urban renewal, but we can't reveal that plan until the URA is in ...
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JohnA on IFF: Shoshone County Did Right Thing
May 24 at 11:16 p.m.
I've had people tell me that the S on your plate stands for 'Stupid', SC, but having grown up there I take offense at that. The fact is that I was blindsided by an opponent (from my own legislative district no less) with her own ax to grind on urban renewal. Until that time there was no one to object to our plans to create an agency and no one to argue against the project to help to create 300 jobs in Big Creek. I'm disappointed, but not defeated, in making it right for my friends and neighbors in the Valley. Once they hear the truth, and not the misconceptions and falsehoods about urban renewal I know they will support this issue. I look forward to the opportunity to bring in real life benefactors of urban renewal and let the facts, and not the politics, dictate its outcome.