Let voters make urban renewal decisions

The recent hysteria and related criticism of our local urban renewal agency ignite cda is unwarranted and unfair. Urban renewal agencies are statutorily authorized entities. By every tangible measurement, ignite cda is effective, efficient and well run.

Criticisms of the newly created urban renewal district (the “Health Corridor”) is better directed toward the Coeur d’Alene City Council for allowing themselves to be duped into providing political cover for Kootenai Health’s expansion plans. In authorizing the creation of the Health Corridor the city has effectively put its own urban renewal agency (ignite cda) on the front line of this political battlefield while the Kootenai Health Board of Trustees has safely positioned itself behind the skirmish line.

I have grown weary of governing boards taking the politically expedient route of urban renewal while hiding behind what many believe to be nefariously constructed public entities having frightening and absolute power over its citizens.

Idaho Code 31-718 states “[t]he board of county commissioners shall have the authority to place a question on the ballot pertaining to any issue before the citizens of that county during a primary or general election. The results of such an election shall be advisory only.”

I fully understand this statute has likely never been used by any county in Idaho to provide guidance to other taxing authorities regarding the creation of an urban renewal agency, district or revenue allocation area.

Until now.

It is my belief the county should provide leadership regarding the proliferation of urban renewal in Kootenai County (and possibly by example, the entire state of Idaho). Each newly created urban renewal agency, district or revenue allocation area within the geographic boundaries of Kootenai County should be subject to an advisory vote of all county citizens. I propose the Health Corridor be the first.

Please understand I passionately believe Kootenai Health’s expansion plans are critically important to the health and well-being of our shared communities and I support a strong, independent and growing community-owned hospital. However, I feel much more strongly about maintaining the legitimacy of our government institutions and believe bypassing voters is beyond arrogant and exceedingly unwise.

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Steven D. Matheson is Kootenai County treasurer.