" Is that the really tall building that's not even done yet--it still has a big crane going? Why are big tax dollars paying for that building and furniture too?! I'm done with this silliness. I'm voting for Gookin, Brannon and Snedaker. "

" If in fact the current CDA City Council has oversight of the LCDC, why did the LCDC give OPA money (free money with interest) to the Parkside high rise condo project? Yea, over $800,000 of tax money went to the developers and $100,000 went for furniture, landscaping and etc. Now that in no way in HELL is oversight. Simply, it is a tax give away to rich developers who don't need free tax money with interest. I hate the stupid big building which has changed our quaint down town and I hate the fact tax money was used to finance it. The CDA City Council must be replaced now. "

" The poll results do add up to 100%. Maybe you thought it was confusing because the question was to Kootenai County residents but was asking about city council elections? That's because there are city council elections going on all over the county, not just in CdA...Post Falls, Rathdrum, I believe, and many more--even in little Fernan. "

" The poll on front page dont add up. "

" Let just say hypothetically, the mayor of a small western United States town owns a jewelry store with lots of expensive diamonds and bling-blings. Now picture a very connected rich developer who is in the market for expensive diamonds or bling-blings. The very well connected developer selects a big old two carrot diamond ring worth say $25k, just because. But the very well connected developer feels a gush of gratitude towards the mayor and pays the mayor $150k for the diamond ring. The question is did the very well connected developer get the SHAFT? No, the tax payers got the SHAFT while the mayor and the very well connected developer had a pleasant transaction. Is it possible this could happen in the Great State of Idaho? Oh, that's why there are no price tags on those Bling-Blings and expensive diamond rings. I just love all that free money plus interest that the LCDC doles out to just a few well connected rich developers. Who needs a new diamond ring anyway? "

" Coeur d'Alene is in need of new persons with new ideas. The old "Guard" council members must go. Al Hassell conducted business with the LCDC and or City. Is that a conflict of interest or not! Ron Edinger drove school bus and was the janitor at Winton Elementary. What makes him qualified to over see a City budget of over $60 million? Does Edinger have a clue about LCDC's actions? He probably has no understanding of the definition of an OPA! Ron it's time to buy a nice new rocking chair from Runge's and Al just sell your investment products to the City as a private citizen. "

" I like that, Niles: "Today the fox owns the keys to the hen house allowing the wolves unfettered access." Well said. We need change. "

" The LCDC has morphed into a monster. They feel that the need not report their actions or plans. They are arrogant and they are bold. They feel invulnerable because they think they are 100% protected by the current city administration....AND THEY ARE CORRECT. It is the current administration that laid and sustains the groundwork that keeps the LCDC an independent juggernaut bent on personal financial gains. The only way to end it is to elect candidates with higher values who will represent the people not big business and big money. Today the fox owns the keys to the hen house allowing the wolves unfettered access. Vote em out. Lets reclaim our city. "

" I spoke with Hazel Bauman this morning regarding proposed facility levies and the burden new development is adversely placing on the backs of existing property owners. Our Comprehensive Plans were intended to shelter against inequitable developer enrichment. We are not alone in this predictment...see: (http://www.idahostatesman.com/readersopinion/story/119471.html). I would think our legislators and staff attorneys would be all over this. Are they co-opted to avoid adding further costs to a new home or merely refusing to take notice. I raised this issue with SD271 when Hawk's Nest was being rubber stamped. "

" "Mr. Berns said it appears to LCDC that the high end housing market is being satisfied and said housing for the work force is something they will need to address eventually." "Is being satisfied." How about is being DRIVEN by LCDC with CDA taxpayer's money. Vote out these bums on the City Council who provide such lousy stewardship of our tax money. All told, my family represents seven votes and none will go to incumbents. "

" I asked a simple question of Hazel Bauman directed through her secretary: Has SD271 engaged in any lobbying effort to secure impact fees for school projects. Steve Briggs comment that a facility levy would 'burden the district quite significantly' which means higher taxes for everyone. Given the current status quo, it also means that developers will maintain their profit margins and marketability without any consideration for school impacts. SD271 recognizes public concern for Lakes MS and Winton Elem., but equally sees need for more facilities in the northwest area of CDA. Did Harry Amend attend even one public hearing regarding Hawk's Nest and the Landing that now necessitate more facilities? BTW, I did not receive the call I was promised! I guess SD271 and the powers are not concerned with the general public's desires for accountability. "

" I'm surprised that Tony Berns admits that CdA did not qualify as a "disadvantaged border community". That means that all the urban renewal work LCDC is doing here is because of "blight". You know, Sherman Avenue in the heart of downtown where the very tall Parkside building is going up higher than McEuen Tower--was that area blighted? Or right along busy NW Blvd where the new building from Cheshrown and Butler is going up with LCDC help--was that prime piece of property was blighted? I think not. The important qualifier is "would not otherwise be developed". These properties would absolutely be developed without public money. Maybe just not as high and huge. How dumb do they think we are? Pretty dumb because we're letting them reach into our pockets and give tax money to developers for bigger profits. "

" Why is Tony Berns who is paid $113,000 per year by the City of CDA promoting URDs to other cities? Is that really his job? City Council Meeting Minutes for 7/14/2005 CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP: Urban Renewal Development PRESENT: Mayor Ray Miller; council members Elliott, Ogilvie, Boge, Burgstahler, Lamson and Spickelmire. Urban Renewal Development Board: Debra Meaux, John Corn, Eric Paull, Mark Williams and Nancy Hadley Bonner County Commissioners: Marcia Phillips and Joe Young Staff: City Clerk Helen Newton; Treasurer Shannon Syth; Public Works Director Kody Van Dyk; attorney Will Herrington; grant writer Stephen Drinkard; Association Planner Joan Bramblee Other: Jen Forsythe, Downtown Sandpoint Business Association Louis Collins, Commissioner, Dover Urban Renewal Development Assn Doug Lieuallen, Commissioner, Dover Urban Renewal Development Assn Scott Whitesitt, ALSC Architects, Coeur d'Alene & Spokane Mollie O'Reilly, Pedestrian Advisory Committee Gretchen Albrecht Hellar Mayor Miller introduced Tony Berns, executive director of the Lake City Development Corporation, Coeur d'Alene. Mr. Berns narrated a power point presentation and answered questions. Mr. Berns said the city of Coeur d'Alene established their 729 acre Lake District urban renewal district in 1997 and the 363 acre River District in 2003. Showing a map of the districts, he said the boundaries have to "snake around" in order to prevent the districts from exceeding 10% of the city's valuation. Two situations qualify areas for urban renewal development: (1) deteriorated or deteriorating areas or (2) economically disadvantaged border communities. He said Post Falls is the only city to qualify for the latter. Following formation of a district, leadership is appointed and this agency prepares a plan which it can justify and rationalize. He noted that the property tax shift results in dollars being reinvested in the area. In response to questions from Bonner County Commissioner Marcia Phillips, Mr. Berns said this process does not affect Idaho taxing entities 3% cap. He said "only the denominator is affected". Property tax dollars on new development go to the development and personal property tax dollars go to the agency. The "plan" is not static but can be changed. District Commissioners, he said, can choose to "share any excess dollars with others". He added that while some may suffer in the short term, there will be long term benefits. Time frames can go to 24 years; he suggested 10. In response to a question from Mr. Drinkard concerning how stakeholders can give input to the board, Mr. Berns said it is a very public process. Leadership submits ideas and then seeks public input. He emphasized that there has to be "public buy-in" through at least one public hearing. He said the city council adopts the plan and defines the area by ordinance. The capital improvement plan goes to the planning commission. He added that if county property is inside the tax allocation boundaries, there must be a participation agreement with the county. Otherwise, no formal agreement with the county is required. Funding guidelines for proposed projects were listed by Mr. Berns as: • provides public benefit • includes substantial improvements • increases evaluation • results in new employment • is consistent with city's comprehensive plan Mr. Berns said urban renewal development may be characterized as "corporate welfare" by some. He said this is an issue that has to be worked through. Following several slides showing expensive downtown condominium projects built in Coeur d'Alene, Molly O'Reilly asked how LCDC was developing affordable housing downtown. Mr. Berns said it appears to LCDC that the high end housing market is being satisfied and said housing for the work force is something they will need to address eventually. Public bonds have not been used in Coeur d'Alene. Mr. Berns said getting the dollars up front through bonds is "rolling the dice". When asked about overhead costs, Mr. Berns said he is the only LCDC employee. Other costs have been incurred in hiring consultants and legal counsel. Noting that support from the city's finance department was essential at the beginning, he said it can be a drain on city staff. The cleanest way is to contract with the city. LCDC now outsources that work. When asked by Commissioner Phillips how the initial feasibility study and capital improvement plans were financed, Mr. Berns said the city could pay for those out of its general fund. He assured those present that tax increment financing would not affect impact fees. The workshop adjourned at 5:20 P.M. _________________________________ Helen M. Newton, City Clerk Page 2 of 2 Back to Council Minutes List "

" Newspaper employees brace for layoffs By John Stucke Staff writer October 22, 2007 The Spokesman-Review intends to lay off about 30 employees and has offered early retirement incentives as the newspaper fights a struggling business model. Publisher W. Stacey Cowles said Monday that several years of flat revenues including advertising and circulation sales are forcing cutbacks as costs continue to rise at the rate of inflation. He anticipates that the combination of layoffs and retirements will eliminate a total of about 40 jobs. The Democrats For Outragousness (dfo) blog must not be good for business! The dfo must not be favored by all the Idaho Republicans, surprise, surprise. "

" Kiwi...Strawberry...whomever you are. When you have nothing of substance to say, when you cannot propose an opposing view with facts, then attack...attack! Ah yes, the Josef Goebbels school of propaganda. As Fear so succinctly stated..."so sad". "

" I didn't realize that the property management companies will post political signs in the yards of renters. That doesn't smell right, even though it may be legal. If the sign is in front of the house you live in, it reflects on you. I agree that we should all treat the election like a job interview--we are the boss and we're looking to hire someone for a very important job. They will be in charge of our tax money and the direction of our community. This is serious stuff, let's get the facts by asking questions every chance we get. "

" In walking my precinct and reminding people to vote, I see signs in some yards. Instead of assuming that they will be voting, I knock on the door and give a gentle reminder. What I found very interesting, was many of the signs in fellow neighbors yards are placed there by property management companies. They are rentals, not homeowners. And a majority of my neighbors don't vote; many not even registered. Although I do not understand this "political science", my agenda is getting out the voters. I did see a pattern; those average neighbors that were posting those signs, haven't given permission. In fact it was their property management companies that have placed them there. People, get out and vote. Don't just rely on cheesy messages in the candidates'literature that all say the same thing, "I'm your voice", "I promise to do this, integrity, accountability, blah blah blah" but call them, contact them and ask them the tough questions. They are just people like you and me. We want someone that is willing to take the time, study the issues and represent us. After all we are putting our future, our children's future in their hands. Get out and vote. And vote for someone, no matter what city you live in, that will protect the character of the Inland Northwest, not change to the whims of the greedy. "

" If only we would vote the person and not the party. Here is a novel idea, how bout we vote as if we were hiring them to be stewarts of our own personal money? "

" Why dont you give something constructive! "

" More name-calling. So sad. Really. "

" Mary Souza is the dreamy Queen of Fruitopia. She really wears her hair on her sleeve. "

" The placement of campaign placards is so superficial and so telling. The election is of extreme importance to those who have watched their gov't ignore their needs while developers have been given carte blanche. The Councilmen Edinger and Hassel who sold you down the drain are running again for office. They also have Mr. Bruning a 20 year friend who they want elected because he'll be a "team player" too. That team is the one playing for the wealthy developers. VOTE EM OUT. It's high time for a change. "

" For all you lawyers out there: Where can I find the legislation or regulations for URD creation that stipulate that affordable housing and livable wages are to be maintained in the process or renewal? Those candidates who are co-opted will support LCDC's hidden agenda to establish affordable housing for families making $33K to $67K a year, specifically government employees and critical service providers like nurses & physicians. "

" Unless you live within a 1/4 mile of Sherman or Riverstone - ask yourself what this council has done for you? Better yet, ask them that question. The choice is clear. "