Urban Renewal Commission, Let’s Give Openness A Chance

It’s hard to tell if the McEuen Preservation Alliance is jumping at shadows.

Group leaders are concerned about all the time the Urban Renewal Commission is spending in executive session. They see it as a sign that McEuen Field, as we know it, is in jeopardy. Said Charlie Roan: “Our greatest fear is they are going to make it appear the public has some input, and will appear to listen, when it’s already a done deal.”

Is Charlie being unreasonable? Maybe. But the burden of proof rests with the Urban Renewal Commission, which wants us to believe it’s using executive sessions to discuss sensitive land deals - and then won’t return phone calls to answer questions.

McEuen Field fans have a reason to be skittish.

The HyettPalma report, which is fueling the push for downtown revitalization, states bluntly that “public and private sectors must have the political will and courage to tackle this project (transformation of McEuen Field).” Then, who can forget businessman Duane Hagadone’s attempt to convert the playfield into a library-botanical garden complex?

I’m willing to give the Urban Renewal Commission the benefit of the doubt - as long as it keeps its cards and hands above the table.

Alltus, panel fiddle while schools crumble

Where would we be without the House State Affairs Committee protecting us - from ourselves? Last week, the panel majority, including Rep. Jeff Alltus, R-Hayden, blocked a proposed constitutional amendment to lower the supermajority vote to pass school bonds, from two-thirds to 60 percent. Seems legislators didn’t trust Idahoans enough to let them set the supermajority standard. Afterward, Alltus defended himself by using the old dodge that a lower supermajority requirement might let people who do not pay property taxes sway bond elections. Do you want to tell Alltus, or should I, that renters pay property taxes in the form of higher rent? Apparently, the politicians are content to continue fiddling while school buildings crumble.

Idaho’s judges should face commoners

Alltus, however, got it right when he joined the House majority to torpedo a bill that would have allowed the governor, rather than voters, to choose most judges. Idaho attorneys pushed this nonsense because they don’t like to be a part of “beauty contests.” They’d rather bloviate in comfortable courtrooms than press the flesh with us commoners. Well, too bad.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.