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Heart of the Matter

Posted: Saturday, Jul 12, 2008 - 08:28:03 pm PDT
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Mary Souza

NIC cuts money from No. 1 goal

Professional Technical Workforce Education is at the top. It is the No. 1 objective of the No. 1 goal for North Idaho College. That should be reassuring. The college spent eight months working with community members to develop its five-year strategic plan, and at the very top of the list is Professional Technical Education (PTE).

The PTE program is important because it includes the skills-based learning so desperately needed in our region. Idaho's PTE Web site states it is "devoted to preparing students for occupations requiring other than four-year college degrees as well as training workers already in the workplace." Think hands-on skills such as auto mechanics, electrical, welding, plumbing and carpentry. But also think technical training, computer skills, health care support careers and more.

We must have a diversely educated employment population to keep and recruit businesses that offer stable, career-level jobs for our citizens. If we have a workforce of only academically prepared people, we will turn away technical and manufacturing companies. We need balance, and right now the scales are tipped.

Many business leaders in our community have pushed, prodded and pulled until the PTE program at NIC is finally in the spotlight. The state allocated nearly a half million dollars for PTE statewide last year, but to help bolster these important programs, Sen. Jim Hammond and Rep. Frank Henderson, both of Post Falls, worked diligently to secure an additional $250,000 for the six Idaho PTE schools this year. They were successful.

The College of Southern Idaho, a community college in Twin Falls, took the extra state money and added even more than usual from its general fund to give its PTE program a big boost.

But NIC behaved quite differently. It took the additional $42,000 of state money for PTE but cut its own general funding for the program by $33,000, leaving NIC's PTE spinning in place and well behind the efforts of southern Idaho.

I asked NIC Trustee Vice Chair Christie Wood last month when we met for coffee why the budget for PTE was cut when it is the No. 1 strategic goal? She said she was unaware of the cut and would look into the question, yet just weeks later, she voted along with the whole Board to approve the budget, PTE cuts and all.

The Press reported last Sunday that NIC President Priscilla Bell was granted a 5 percent salary increase, which, along with additional benefits, raises her compensation package to $179,250, including $1,000 per month for housing. Trustee Christie Wood called this decision "a great show of confidence."

Where is the college's confidence in PTE, its No. 1 goal? Where is its confidence in the students who now face a tuition increase? President Bell received 5 percent more pay, but the students will pay 7.4 percent more in tuition. And the promise of expanded PTE offerings will not be supported by actual budgetary strength.

NIC's new Strategic Plan lists values that include "serving the community," "ensuring access to education and training" and "maintaining accountability." All nice words, all good intentions, but the actions of the NIC board send a different message.

Our community has clearly voiced that PTE is of utmost importance. The students need cost-effective access to this type of education and training. Yet, with NIC's budget cuts for PTE coupled with tuition increases and more money funneled to executive compensation, the board's accountability comes seriously into question. Its actions do not match the words on its plan. Or as Benjamin Franklin said, "Well done is better than well said."

Mary Souza is a 20-year resident of Cd'A, local small business owner and former P&Z Commissioner. Her opinions are her own. For a free archive of past columns visit www.marysouzacda.com.

Comments: marysouzacda@gmail.com. Please visit the local issues Web site www.OpenCdA.com for more discussion.


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TheRealGoal wrote on Jul 25, 2008 8:49 PM:

" Is to start a public discussion and then secretly record it (roll evil laugh tape). "

Mary Souza wrote on Jul 25, 2008 9:38 AM:

" My information came from very reliable sources within or connected to NIC. If my information was wrong, as some state, why didn't NIC Trustee Mic Armon come out publicly and explain the situation fully?

My goal is not to make any group look bad, my goal is to start a public discussion about matters of importance, and if there's differing information, let's get it out on the table and talk about it...in public. "

Mary Souza wrote on Jul 24, 2008 6:46 PM:

" This is actually the column from more than a week ago. Last Sunday's was a follow up to this one, with more detail and information on financial aid cuts and more. I don't know why it doesn't show anywhere on this "Comments"page because it does have comments, but you can access it on the "Columns" page if you wish. Thanks. "

TheWiz wrote on Jul 21, 2008 5:13 PM:

" for the record here is what an editor of the spokesmanreview had to say about similar question about ethices and legality during the jim west affair

As long as its legal, I dont have a problem with it, he said.

that was bill morlin talking to frontline defending the questionable ethics of the paper. "

business world wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:59 PM:

" NIC is an educational environment supported by taxpayer dollars. Their product cannot find livable employment in this area. I know a man who graduated from the welding classes and moved to LA. The union offered him a great starting wage on the docks. CDA might offer $12.00 per hour for a proficient welder, but charge customers $25 per inch of weldment. I know other cases where promised employment vaporized after the classes were complete. NIC uses tax money to train workers for industry that is too cheap to train their own employees. "

Ethics - now you bring in ethics wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:52 PM:

" BS! the reason for wiretaps and wires is to secure evidence in a criminal investigation. we have a prosecutor that can't zip his pants let alone launch an investigation. Be glad this is happening in Idaho where citizens are free to record conversations to expose the lies. the only situations you would consider unethical to record without disclosure are the ones you are involved where public trust is intentionally violated. The only reason those in favor of our current regime is their increased taxes are always less than their cut of the profit exacted from taxpayers pockets.

where is that court cat when you need him - there are too many rats running loose. "

lol wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:27 PM:

" Why does the NIC board act like this? Because they can. Until now NO ONE ha bothered to print what they do. Go mary, go! Keep the heat on. "

Dollar watch wrote on Jul 21, 2008 11:02 AM:

" MamaJD a Republican? you have to be kidding! I have read her blurbs on HBO No way is she espousing Republican party values even the simple stuff such as energy production and keeping taxes low do not fall into her big government baloney. In addition the so called power of HBO'ers to effect public policy is totally overblown by Dave himself and his followers. He should be identified as the "Pied Piper" The blogs are from the same people over and over again talking back and forth amongst themselves. The idea that the hits he gets is other than curiosty or pure boredom is an improper conclusion that's why his numbers are low during good weather. The dems "not working people" that ride the bikes, hike and canoe because that's all they can afford are in his parade. They hate America because they are for the most part failures. You will see his crowd in front of the coffee shops on the week days most likely with a wool cap on either a bike or a skate board is the mode of transportation. "

The Real X wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:18 AM:

" If you think the NIC budget cuts are bad this year, wait until next year when the recession is in full swing. And that's not considering the possible waste of $10 million on the education Orifice. Speaking of which, marshall needs the money because I heard he laid off 40 people at Black Rock last friday. "

To the readers wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:17 AM:

" Obviously, most people here don't understand the business world. It is simple, if you don't keep employees' pay competetive, they will go somewhere else. Especially the president of a college, a CEO, etc. A five percent increase is nothing to satisfy an employee to stay in their position. Because of major competition, it is difficult to keep people like NIC President Priscilla Bell. It is hard and damaging on an organization to keep changing leadership. Also, employees should be rewarded for a job well done. I know nothing of the situation, and do not take sides, but I have to agree with Christie Wood. "

to court mouse wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:19 AM:

" It is not ethical for ANYBODY to record a conversation without informing the other party. And before the nudges pop up, yes, this excludes law enforcement in the pursuit of a case. "

TO Mary Lieza wrote on Jul 21, 2008 5:19 AM:

" It's really too bad you're canceling your subscription. the person who reads it to you will be out of a job!! "

Cda Booster wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:53 AM:

" Mary,

Go back to California. We don't want you here. "

Liars wrote on Jul 20, 2008 7:55 PM:

" Do you know how much the education corridor is going to cost a taxpayer?

Yep. Waaay more than the original TEN MILLION DOLLARS. Worse, much of that new land will be gifted to buddies of the pols who will then build and LEASE it back to government. The taxpayer will pay for a hundred years, again and again and again. "

Ashamed GOP wrote on Jul 20, 2008 1:59 PM:

" Mysterion, I gotta say that as much as I'd like to hang the economic woes and gas prices on the Demorats my GOP has been busting the economy for years with deficit spending and complete lack of oversight of the financial markets! Do you know how much the education corridor is going to cost a taxpayer? "

The Mysterion wrote on Jul 20, 2008 12:44 PM:

" Ollie's HBO flying monkeys are snapping and snarling at Mary's ankles but she is totally ignoring the little yappers. She doesn't have to respond to the LCDC fruitflies. They attack the messenger of truth and ignore the facts that she states. Their pathetic behavior makes them look emasculated, impotent and desperate. Meanwhile, the Kootenai county taxpayers are being hit with declining real estate values, $4 gas[Thank you Pelousy and Reid (Democrats)], a city budget going into the red, rising unemployment and a national economy going into recession/depression. The increase in property taxes necessary to pay for this $10 Million education Orifice will break the back of many lower income/retired taxpayers. Of course, that's no concern of the elitist democrats over there at Ollie's liberal recipe exchange and chat room. "

court mouse wrote on Jul 20, 2008 12:11 PM:

" To MamaJD: Ask Tony Berns how often he records telephone calls during his regular course of business at the LCDC. Is it ethical for him not to divulge the fact he is recording the other person? Please explain why it is not ethical for him to record telephone conversation without disclosure? You do have a law degree from the University of Idaho, correct? Where is the line between lawful and unethical regarding Tony's recording actions? Lets see some of that law degree at work. "

To MamaJD wrote on Jul 20, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Did you ask Christie Wood if she (Wood) recorded the conversation?

What did she say? "

to MamaJD wrote on Jul 20, 2008 7:27 AM:

" Probably wont get an answer until the court system tells her she can say something. On the stand of course!

I THINK THESE, uh hum, "ELECTED" OFFICIALS (along with the LCDC) ARE FINALLY GOING DOWN!

YEAH BABY! 'Bout time. "

MamaJD wrote on Jul 19, 2008 8:44 AM:

" Hey, Iron: Yes - one and the same. And still proudly Republican. Since you know who I am, give me a call if you need to question me further about my personal beliefs based on who I know in town.

I still would like to know why Ms. Souza won't be fully open in answering any & all questions regarding her position. I believe that the issue asserted by Christie Wood is important. Christie is an elected official after all. Wouldn't you like proof as to whether or not Christie is fibbing? Ms. Souza could answer this once and for all but she's not - how come? "

who let the dogs in wrote on Jul 19, 2008 6:31 AM:

" the HBO hordes are out and tearing up the press, or at least snarling to. Does this foretell the collapse of that other newspapers presence in North Idaho? Mary needs to answer no question from these wannabe rulers from the west. What would be interesting is a neutral third party analysis of the taped conversation or just put it up on U-Tube for all to hear. The news today is just the tip of the failed funding for this Spokane led expansion. It looks great, but it will be an albatross around our necks for decades. "

Golden Mean wrote on Jul 18, 2008 10:30 PM:

" Im waiting I asked you a question Mary. To dodge me is to lie to the whole community. Is it possible that a wannabe BS spewing politician has been exposed before our tax money can be diverted to the same?

Thank you Christie Wood for your courage! "

To Iron wrote on Jul 18, 2008 6:21 PM:

" You forgot Is that the same MamaJD on the School Districts Long Range Planning Committee. Why, yes, it is. Yeah, she's someone I want trying to rehab the School District. "

Liars wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:59 PM:

" The barking dogs are out in force, defending the indefensible and attacking those who dare ask simple questions.

Why raise taxes and cut PTE?

Why raise tuition when affordability is a goal?

Why does Trustee expense account get boosted while taxes are hiked and tuition is raised?

Why spend TEN MILLION DOLLARS on land when you CUT the PTE budget?

These are real questions. Lawyer wannabes and other attack animals aside, Bell and her board need to answer these questions. Now. "

IRON wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:29 PM:

" MamaJD- is your husband an attorney for the law firm who represents the Spokesman Review in Coeur d'Alene? Is that the same law firm that Denny Davis, who is a LCDC board member, works for? Are you the same MamaJD who spends hours on the HBO blog with MikeK, Bob and Thong? Sure right, you are MamaJD republican? "

cj wrote on Jul 18, 2008 10:37 AM:

" Well, I would like to hear directly from NIC about
the buget for PTE. I believe that NIC is pulled from
many directions to serve many needs. It must constantly
satisfy academic accredidation criteria so that it remains
a viable institution with transferable credit to larger
university systems. This requires money and constant
vigilance with regard to the content of courses and their
relevance to an ever increasing demand for two year
programs that are convertible to four year (and more)
programs. However, I see this need that you (Mary) are talking about every day. Not everyone is suited to expanded studies. The need for hands-on, workforce education and training will remain a permanent feature of our area. As you, I would be confused by the board's behavior. Perhaps what is really needed is a change in the structure of our higher ed system. By that I mean a separate "college" (for lack of a better word) that would have its own organization,funding etc. This could be a much more developed enterprise than what is presently offered. "

MamaJD wrote on Jul 18, 2008 7:22 AM:

" Mary - Without answering "THE" question, can you please explain why "THE" question is not integral to your column piece and your assertions? Why do you believe "THE" question is not a fact you feel plays a role in this story? "

Golden Mean wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:20 AM:

" Dear Mary Souza,

I understand that youre wishing to keep things on topic. Consequently, I offer the following...

Mary, please "happily" explain how secretly taping your conversation with Ms Wood will help us to force "Our elected officials need to answer the real questions about their decisions to use our public money"

I would appreciate a reply.

Best regards,
Golden Mean "

ID Bjorn wrote on Jul 18, 2008 1:27 AM:

" Good point, ID Native. Even Negative Nelly Mary herself says in her description above that she's only lived here for 20 years. Since 1988. I wonder where she lived before that? Any guesses? Anyway, the only folks that really have the right to complain about being here first are the native Americans, eh? "

Captain Morgan wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:44 PM:

" LOL claims attack while he is rude and obnoxious in addressing all who don't "stay on message". I wonder if that is how he handles financial affairs as well? "

LOL wrote on Jul 17, 2008 8:12 PM:

" Visit opencda for yourself. See what the attack dogs are barking about. Too funny! "

Idaho Native wrote on Jul 17, 2008 6:50 PM:

" DO you all realize that this OPENCDA group is nothing but a bunch of California transplants wanting to tell us natives what they think is best for our city? That's what this is about. Californians trying to reshape Coeur d'Alene into their own image. Just ask Gookin, McCrory, et al, where they used to live. Yeah, I'll answer that for them: California. I say, stop trying to tell us how to live and go back to where you came from. "

LOL wrote on Jul 17, 2008 6:07 PM:

" Wow, the opposition is coming out of the woodwork, waaaay too funny. Not a word about the scandals at NIC just attack, attack and attack. Way funny! "

ID Bjorn wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:27 PM:

" Oh, dear Mary. Seems she champions transparency only so long as it suits her needs. Open CDA? Apparently not. She needs to be completely honest or stay out of the whole LCDC debate from now on. I, for one, have lost a large amount of respect for Mary who I might not have always agreed with, but at least I admired her drive and ability to be a burr in the works. How can we trust her after this incident? No one will want to meet with her for fear of being surreptitiously recorded. "

LOL wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:05 PM:

" The desperate attempts the pretty people make to change the story are ROTFLMAO hilarious! The story is not Christie Wood's odd claims about taping, claims that she admits broke no laws and hurt nothing but her (boo-hoo) os so delicate feelings. This is an elected Trustee who is also a sworn police officer. Her hurt feelings exist for political reasons. Wood ought to be ashamed about her own unprofessional whining. Grow up Christie and deal with your elected responsibilities. "

newsy wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:42 PM:

" Christie Wood had a recorder in her purse and recorded the conversation without telling Mary Souza.

Ask Wood if its true. She will deny it. If she admitted it was true, it would also mean that she was guilty of further trying to deceive the public with her letter to the editor.

My accusation is as valid and pointless as Wood's.

There will be those who choose to believe Souza and those who choose to believe Wood. No admissions or denials by either or both of them is going to change the opinions of zealots. "

Frank Marconi wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:06 PM:

" Mary - you have voluntarily placed yourself in the public eye. You ask questions and demand answers. You champion any and all efforts to be open and honest. You say you want to have respectful intelligent dialogue after the facts are known. Please reconsider your stance on not answering this question. The way you are handling this only serves to diminish your credibility. You are manipulating the information the public has in which they use as a basis to form an educated opinion. At the very least, you are not being consistent. "

Sleaze wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:48 PM:

" Souza, you are pointing out underhanded behavior by being underhanded yourself - and I'm supposed to give your underhandedness more credibility than someone else's? I don't think so, ma'am. You are the type of person that looks at a beehive and asks yourself, "Hmmmm...I wonder if I smack the hive if any bees will come out?" DUH! Quit playing manipulative games - you want to have false humility and make a name for yourself, fine - but don't use others to do it. "

Of course she did wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:18 PM:

" Mary, that is simply a patronising obfuscation, not an answer. You know you taped your conversation. Others know you taped the conversation. Are you ashamed of doing so? People who once cheered and supported you are now severly disheartened by your behavior. And the taping of this subject makes it a focus of the story...whether or not you happen to agree with that fact. In fact, should you finally truthfully answer the question, then the subject could revert to the PTE whatever. The fact that you refuse, simply keeps the question front and center. And the trouble with your plan, is that eventually somebody will offer proof. It always happens Mary, one way or another. Frankly, were I in your place (and I wouldn't be because I would have the courage of my convictions) I would tell the truth and put the matter to rest. Believe it or not, that is in your long term best interest. "

so wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:31 PM:

" I'm guessing from Mary's answer then, that she did record it secretly. OK, now that that's settled, let's move on. "

Mary Souza wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:22 PM:

" I will happily answer any question about the subject matter or content of my meetings or columns. Anything else is a distraction from the issues important to our community and I'm not going there. Let's keep our eye on the ball, people. Our elected officials need to answer the real questions about their decisions to use our public money...that's my focus. "

Woods is full of It wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:34 PM:

" " She's supposed to know the law. She is, technically, a police officer. One party taping is legal in Idaho...not Washington. She knows it... the police use it all the time. She also knows that she is a very visible participant in a vitriolic battle over tax dollars and she was meeting with a journalist(cda press/opencda dot com). Anyone in public life knows that you don't say anything to a journalist (even 'off the record') unless you want it repeated. If Woods wants to play the the naive innocent who has been betrayed, she should turn in her badge because she's not tough or smart enough to cut the mustard in the legal field. Big hair is nice but it won't help you wear a bunch of hats effectively. And BTW, what proof does anyone have that Mary S. taped anything? Guilty until proven innocent? As Lenin said, "repeat a lie often enough and it becomes real." "

Mary wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Simply answer the question. Did you or did you not tape this meeting with CW? Yes of No... "

To Mary wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:12 PM:

" Mary - If you are asked a question and you don't answer it and continue to be evasive, aren't you doing exactly what you have criticized the officials for doing? Come on Mary - Why not answer the questions surrounding your meeting with Trustee Wood? "

Please answer wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:57 AM:

" Ms Wood,

If I come to one of these so called "open meetings" regarding to EC, am I personally going to be able to ask questions from my own mouth or will I have to submit them at the door so my questions can be re-worded and rephrased to suit the out come like they were at the previous meeting? "

Quite Concerned wrote on Jul 16, 2008 11:30 PM:

" Mary has still never finsihed doing what she said that she would do regarding traffic safety (street lights, traffic lights, etc). Maybe she's lost intrest? Regardless, sneak recording people who are trusting you is lame if not illegal.

Bad show Mary! "

Is the rumor true wrote on Jul 16, 2008 6:35 PM:

" Rumor has it that Mary covertly taped her conversations with Sgt. Christie Wood as they met for coffee. The rumor continues that The Press knew of the tape prior to Mary's employment. The Press did not necessarily agree that the tape proves Mary's point but they hired her anyway. Will someone from the Press or will you, Mary, confirm or deny that you made a legal recording of your meeting with Sgt. Christie Wood? "

HBO post wrote on Jul 15, 2008 6:29 AM:

" The Thongman is at it again at the HBO hate blog. Here's what he posted about Mary Souza. Those SR democrats have nothing better to do than spread hatred.

It's about time we get a creative thinker on board.

I'm all for "creative thinker(s)" but can't we find one who knows a lie when they write one?

Posted by ThomG | 14 Jul 11:00 PM "

Liars wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:06 PM:

" Watching so called 'public servants' attack their critics is ugly. Watching the left wing sycophants at the Socialist Review spew is also. The liars who are trying to rip off the public to line their own pockets are getting angry. They are very sad people. "

Woody wrote on Jul 14, 2008 5:28 PM:

" Wood needs to protect her turf. Everyone knows that she is setting herself up for a run for public office or a political appointment, either way a high paying tax supported gig. She has been placing herself in visible positions and taking advantage of her press connections for years to garner publicity for herself. She and Deputy Craig over in Spokane ought to take their show on the road. "

CRACK HEADS AT HBO wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:47 PM:

" For some real stories go to the SR HBO blog and read about smoking crack, check out these posts.

Somewhere, there is a more boring controversy brewing. But I can't think where.

Isn't there a fire somewhere, or a wreck, or something?

Orange TV is going to need a lot of crack to stay awake long enough to read this column and the Sarge's reaction.

Posted by Tn_Top_Hat | 14 Jul 1:05 PM
"Hyperbole," of course.

Posted by Tn_Top_Hat | 14 Jul 1:06 PM
Mountains out of mole hills.

Come on, even if they cut $30k out of a $4+ million budget, it would amount to almost nothing.

Chisty, this is a non-issue. I would just let them flame out. I would no longer provide the resistance they need to make this an issue...


Posted by Indy | 14 Jul 1:12 PM
Fortunately, I just got a fresh supply from my dealer this morning. Now where did that darned crackpipe of mine get off to?

//Looks under Amy Winehouse record


Posted by OrangeTV | 14 Jul 1:15 PM "

concerned citizen wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:29 PM:

" LOL no I am not Mary. AND so it begins! You people crack me up. "

Wow wrote on Jul 14, 2008 2:31 PM:

" I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the "show of confidence" in Pricilla Bell equating to a $12,000 --- that's twelve THOUSAND dollars a month --- pay check. Yep, that per MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Niles wrote on Jul 14, 2008 2:00 PM:

" Christie, since you seem to be following this thread I'd like to ask a question. Why won't the powers in control place the issue of the educational corridor up to a public vote? The plan has now been released and it includes many physical changes to our city. It takes calm residential streets and changes them to mixed retail and residential properties with 2 story structures. It is a massive proposal that will alter this city forever. In the same vein as Hagadone Gardens shouldn't the citizens be allowed to decide if this is what they want CdA to become? "

Mary Souza wrote on Jul 14, 2008 1:10 PM:

" Please excuse the lack of some punctuation in my last post. The software for my Mac, called Pages, must not mesh well with this web site's program. There were also a couple of plain old typos that came from me. But you can still get the gist of my message. Thanks. "

Mary Souza wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:06 AM:

" Christie, my information is correct and has been verified. The NIC budget shows that money for Professional Technical Education (PTE) was cut. Please dont divert attention by making this a personal issue, its not. You are a very nice person and I have always thought so. But I dont think you are effectively representing the needs of the citizens in your position on the NIC Board of Trustees.

Please detail out exactly what kind of internal re-allocation you were referring to in your comments. Tell us how much and when the changes were made, where the funds came from and to which accounts they were allocated. And please provide a copy of the documentation for such. Thank you.

I asked you last month, when we had coffee, to explain the budget cuts for PTE. You told me you were unaware of them and would look into the question. You never got back to me, Christie, which would have been the responsible thing to do if my question was indeed off base, as you now claim.

And the fact that you are suddenly making this some sort of personal fight is disturbing. We met for coffee because you of the Whos Who in CdA piece I ran about you on OpenCdA. Go here to review it at opencda/?p=309 (just add the "dot com" after the opencda) You didnt like that I listed you as attending school full time to get a Masters degree in legal justice, which you told me it was not accurate. But, as I explained to you then, that information came directly from your School District 271 online biography.

The day after we met for coffee, I wrote about our conversation on OpenCdA. Heres the link to my review of our discussion: opencda/?p=492 (again add the dot com after the opencda) Youll see that I was very careful and respectful in my comments.

You are a very nice person, Christie, but lets keep this conversation where it belongs, which is in the realm of accountable public policy and representation. "

Auguste Rodin wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:09 AM:

" polly tick, talk about "talking point"! "concerned citizen" use mary souza's words ("If I come to one of these so called "open meetings" regarding to EC, am I personally going to be able to ask questions from my own mouth or will I have to submit them at the door so my questions can be reworded and rephrased to suit the out come like they were at the previous meeting?") VERBATIM!!! you don't think concerned citizen IS mary souza, do you? LOL! What all of you wailers and gnashers of teeth should do is get off of you ample ends and trot on down to a few meetings and LISTEN to what is said BEFORE you jump to your opinions. FACTS the ANTI-STUPID! "

The Mysterion wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:59 PM:

" Ultimately, the taxpayer will get the ugly outcome of this LCDC folly..right up the Corridor! "

Really Concerned Citizen wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:45 PM:

" Hey, Mary's column is an opinion piece, not a news article. She doesn't need to fact-check for a column. She's not a reporter, so cut her a break.

And who the heck are you going to believe, anyway. Christie "Take The Money And Run" Wood? Or Mary "Looking Out For The Regular People" Souza?

Wood is obviously lying through her teeth, just to save herself from being prosecuted.

All these monsters are going to end up in jail. You mark my words! Kennedy, Bloem, McEvers, Wood, Armon. They'll all be living at the graybar hotel real soon.

Coeur d'Alene goverment is 100% completely out of control. It's worse than Iraq. Mary Souza is like a Holy Messenger sent to us by God Himself to save us all from Satan's Minions on the City Council. "

Polly Ticks wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:32 PM:

" It's hilarious that Mary Lieza and Christie Wood repeat the same "facts" refuting Mary. Almost verbatim. Obviously the fools have circled the wagons and have received their talking points. Expect more ad hominem attacks against Mary and the Press for finally having the guts to expose this shameful act by the Trustees. "

concerned citizen wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:03 PM:

" Ms Wood,

If I come to one of these so called "open meetings" regarding to EC, am I personally going to be able to ask questions from my own mouth or will I have to submit them at the door so my questions can be reworded and rephrased to suit the out come like they were at the previous meeting? "

The Real X wrote on Jul 13, 2008 3:00 PM:

" This is getting crazy. The economy is in serious trouble and the NIC board thinks it needs to gear up for another 4 year university. I received a BSBA from a major university when the economy was down and when I went looking for a job, it would have been better to have an AA in a specific field. When next year's property assessments come out much lower, there will 'blood to pay.' "

Mary Lieza wrote on Jul 13, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Mary, don't let fact get in the way of your opinion!

This year, NIC increased the PT budget by 4.5% which equates to $195,000 additional dollars for programs. This fall they added EMT training, dual enrollment in diesel mechanics, automotive tech, welding, as well as offering 8 week certificates, and 1 year advanced certificates.

Also, did you mention that during your coffee meeting with Christie that you SECRETLY taped the entire conversation? You didn't even have the good manners nor decency to let her know you had a tape recorder hidden away in your purse.

Why does the Press let its columnists get away with these lies and deceit?

My subscription will be canceled come Monday. "

Christie Wood wrote on Jul 13, 2008 12:44 PM:

" As a public servant I take my role very seriously and work diligently to interact with and receive feedback from the public on issues of importance to them. A little over a month ago I invited Mary Souza to have coffee with me. I did so because her written statements to the public about local public officials had become filled with innuendo and negativity. I was one of the persons she had written about in what I considered to be a personal attack and I was disappointed she had been so reckless and untruthful.

I thought if we met and talked face to face she would understand that I am a strong advocate of education and I have no motives other than working hard to provide an affordable, quality education to all members of our community. I have been very vocal in my support of the education corridor and the opportunities it brings to all future students in our five Northern counties.

I understand the process of acquiring the corridor needs to be open and transparent and include public input. The Board has committed to that and has hosted community meetings focused on the topic of the education corridor. There are more meetings to come on this topic and I encourage citizens to attend.
In good faith I spent 3 hours over coffee talking with Mary. The door was open to talk about anything she wished. The conversation was lively at times and although we do not agree on some issues, I gave her credit for caring about the future of education in our community and working to be part of the decision process.

I have since learned that Mary taped our conversation at the coffee shop. She did not ask me if I minded being taped or tell me she was taping me. That is perfectly legal in Idaho but not very considerate. I did not say anything to her about School District 271 or NIC that I would not say in public, however I did spend the first 15 minutes or so talking with her about my family. The conversation was mother to mother. Mary is my neighbor so I have known her for awhile and our children went to school together.
I am a very private person in my off time and I do try to shield my family from local politics. If Mary had asked if she could tape our conversation I would have said yes and dispensed with the private conversation. I was disappointed before I sat down with Mary and now I am disheartened that she is not genuine to the issues. She is more interested in a gotcha moment that will appear sometime in one of her future columns.

As to the bold headline in Sunday Press NIC cuts money from No.1 goal and the ensuing statements in Marys article, none of what she said about PT cuts is true. Mary likely referenced a worksheet from a budget hearing. If she had contacted the college and asked for clarification she would have been informed there was an internal re-allocation, not a cut and in fact the college has increased the PT budget by 4.5% which equates to $195,000 additional dollars for programs.
This fall we have added EMT training, dual enrollment in diesel mechanics, automotive tech, welding, as well as offering 8 week certificates, and1 year advanced certificates. The RN budget is contained in academic transfer not the PT budget.

I believe the strongest communities are home to people who care enough to get involved locally and strive to bring quality education, employment opportunities, excellent health care services, a safe environment, responsible government, and strategically plan for sustainable growth.
I do not begrudge Mary or others for speaking out for those very things. I applaud it. But I do think that as a paid columnist for the Press she has a responsibility to research the facts and include them in her story. Instead she comes across as having an agenda.

I am not interested in a back and forth every time Mary writes a column. Mainly because Mary has a barrel of ink so I could find myself very busy refuting false statements.

I encourage the editors to insist Mary seek out the facts in order to give her credibility. I also encourage citizens to attend the Board meetings and learn about your local community college or contact a trustee if you have concerns or questions about our programs.
Christie Wood "

Niles wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:27 AM:

" Actually the action of cutting the $33K from PTE probably seems like a pittance to these people. They are ready and willing to toss away the $200K they paid to secure a purchase option on the prairie property. Just consider Bells salary of $15,000.00 per month. They are quite accustomed to making and wasting big bucks. After all when more is needed they just take it from the public or squander it from funds targeted for educational programs.

The real crux is how these people perceive the role of a JC. They seem to want to be a 4 year university instead of a community oriented college focused on 2 year degrees and transferable credits. Rather than giving us facilities and coursework designed to meet these goals they seek an upscale campus geared towards undergrad degrees. Perhaps they find vocationally oriented programs beneath them. I doubt if Bell ever earned a blister in her life. "

LTR wrote on Jul 13, 2008 7:53 AM:

" "But NIC behaved quite differently. It took the additional $42,000 of state money for PTE but cut its own general funding for the program by $33,000, leaving NIC's PTE spinning in place and well behind the efforts of southern Idaho."

WOW! This action certainly is not smart! This is the kind of information the community needs to know about so we can make an informed choice at the next elections. "

Polly Ticks wrote on Jul 13, 2008 7:49 AM:

" Don't tell me: They cut the PTE budget to help purchase the 'Education Corridor.' So the community gets less of the education we need and pay for, and big developers and the LCDC get their pockets lines. Brilliant! Well, as Mic Armon said, "If you don't like it, you can vote me out of office."

WILL DO!!! "

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