Mountain Home--Anti-Bond. Really?Posted Sunday, March 7, 2010, at 8:10 PM
I am here from the WECRD. Give me all of your money and nobody will get hurt. Large bills only---we have pools to build!
I found this quote, from the above story, to be of great interest and in WECRD fashion---not really factual: "So why, after 10 years, does the district own nothing more than a parcel of land? WECRD Treasurer Judy Erwin said it takes a while to save up the money to build a facility. "The Mountain Home community has a very anti-bond mentality; they turn down school bonds, they turn down hospital bonds, they turn down almost any bond that's floated. The director looked at it and said 'I don't think there's any sense in wasting our money trying to float a bond, when this community is so anti-bond'. So that means we have to save and accumulate our money until we have the money to actually build a facility." First of all Ms. Erwin, Mountain Home has approved a jail bond, a hospital bond and at least one (1) school bond. For a community that is so "anti-bond" in your eyes and that of the WECRD "Bored" (Board) this community sure has approved some bonds and large dollar bonds at that. You go on to state that "The director looked at it and said 'I don't think there's any sense in wasting our money trying to float a bond, when this community is so anti-bond'." Which director said this and when? What did the other two (2) "Bored" (Board) members have to say on this subject? For the record, this community is not "anti-bond." This community has become more aware of where their money is going, how it is being spent and what it is being spent on. People are tired of being taxed with no results. People are tired of watching the WECRD Board do what they want---and a perfect example of this was the Appropriations Application that was turned in just under a month ago that was filled with less than factual information. Only one (1) WECRD Board member had even bothered to review it---Mollie Marsh and this is only because she helped to draft the document. The two (2) other WECRD Board members did NOT even bother to review it prior to it being submitted! What kind of an operation is this? Is the WECRD really involved with the YMCA/CLDC to come up with a plan or are they just stringing everyone along while we, the taxpayers, foot the bill for this sham? Mountain home is not "anti-bond" but many of us are anti-bull and so far, the WECRD Board is just plain full of it! The sow's ear under present control will never be a silk purse. But hey, we still have those great photos that we paid $725.00 for for the WECRD Board. That is "Razzy" material there. After 10 years and nearly 1.8 million in taxes (this does not include appropriations funding) paid and still NOTHING. I cannot imagine why the people of this community would trust this board with a bond. That would just be crazy. How could a community trust this board with that kind of money when they cannot even find the time to review an appropriations application and at least make sure the info provided to HUD was at least factual. It is not like the same thing did not happen last year! See, history does repeat itself. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
Str8 Talk  - Archives - Blog RSS feed ![[Feed icon]](http://www.mountainhomenews.com/images/icons/feed-icon-14x14.png){kind=icon} - Comments RSS feed - Send email to Tracy Lauric - Login I have lived in Mountain Home for over 11 years now. I love to be outdoors in wide open spaces (as long as it does not involve camping...in a tent and an out house). I dislike Government waste/abuse of tax dollars and "sky is the limit" spending by those that we elect to represent "us." I value free speech when what is stated is factual (as opposed to lies, gossip and un-truths). I love the Chicago White Sox (I never said I was perfect) and the Broncos are okay too! I am 38 years old and married to a guy who is active duty USAF (and a Cubs fan...he is the "perfect" one). I am anti-nuclear and against further desecration of our planet with waste that we can do little to nothing with. If you dislike blunt, this is not the blog for you. Enjoy!
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don't forget that pricey bond to remodel the library.
I could care less about WECRD. I've lived here 46 years and this town is inti-bond. This comunity can make Lincoln squeeeeel. Look at the history of bonds in elmore county for the proof.
Thank you CJW...yet another fine example of what people have voted for in the way of bonds.
Savage, that is too bad that you feel that way. It is yet another fine example of your tax dollars NOT at work, waste, fraud and abuse. People like you have us where we are today. 1.8 million dollars later and we have NADA. Enough said. My point has been made with respect to the untruths at the hands of the WECRD Board and their staff. If people choose to ignore the facts then they get what they deserve...more taxes and a lot of NOTHING.
OM, Savage
I am not against bonds at all, but I do believe that as a community we have an obligation to ourselves AND those that follow to be fiscally responsible. What is wrong with at least paying off a bond or two BEFORE adding MORE debt. If a person were to run a business this way they would be OUT OF BUSINESS in no time....
Take a look at the new jail we are going to be paying on for years to come, very nice facility but with all the money they are making housing prisoners from other counties and the state why not pay off the bond early, instead of buying nice new vehicles, trucks, boats. Am I the ONLY one who noticed all the shiny new hot rod vehicles the sherrif's department has nowadays?
The library: nice now guess what, they have meetings there all the time taking away business that would have gone to local restaurants who by the way PAY taxes, so they essentially used TAX DOLLARS to compete with local businesses who PAY TAXES!!! Helllllloooooooooo anybody in there?
WRECD! another example, they are taxing existing businesses to try to build a Taj Majal and go into direct competition with the businesses they are taxing to build the place!
Concept here folks, once they have run the businesses into the ground by taxing them and THEN taking away their customers, who do you think will bear the larger tax burden then? Hmmmmmm really is simple math if you can add two plus two.
CJW,
If I'm not mistaken the jail is already paid for. At least that is what I heard a couple of months ago.
Weebro,
I don't usually just guess so I went and checked out the Elmore County Treasurer and
Tax Collector info on the Elmore County web site.
http://www.elmorecounty.org/
If you go to the link for treasurer/tax collector at the bottom left of the page, then
in the center of the next page click on the "fine print" "tax levies" link it will take you to a page and you can review the levies for 2008 and 2009. Makes for an interesting read.
We are currently being "levied" for:
Jail Bond
Library Bond
Hospital Bond
School Bond
Library
Airport
Highway-Maint & Op/Tort/Special Brdg
(whatever tort & special brdg are?)
Hospital Maint & Op
Hospital Reserve sinking fund
(whatever THAT IS)
WECR (WRECD) LOL
Pest abatement
School Tort
School Plant Facility
District Court
Charity & Indigent
Justice Fund
The list goes on, the way so many of these get through is by telling the tax payers oh well it is only a "little bit" then oops there is more, or oh by the way we are going to RAISE your tax on this even though it isn't what was voted for (WRECD pulled that one on us)
And if you look carefully you will see we are ALREADY being taxed by the CITY for recreation, and somehow we get a lot more recreation for our money on that tax...
Let's get some of the bonds paid off before we BORROW more money!
Oh yes, my own mortgage payment just went up because my taxes did, while i doubt i could sell the house for what it's worth in this stinking economy---------and WECRD wants some MORE for THEIR project.
CJW.............you said the list mentioned "library TWICE...........we have TWO of them?
I can't remember the last time I flew Southwest from OUR airport,
Highway maintenance............they can start whenever they'd like.
Reserve sinking fund............sounds like something Pelosi would dream up
Pest Abatement.............that's easy, just send 'em back to California and Caldwell
District Court...........they could cut back a little by removing the metal detector and thus stop protecting the bad guys
Justice fund------is that some kind of kickback for "chamber deals" for the vermin?
Naw CJW....we HAVE to borrow irresponsibly.........that's all part of this "CHANGE" Obama wants for everyone, and we shouldn't cast dispersions on our local liberals. They're gonna be upset enough as it is in November!
Maybe we need a "Tea Party" right here in Mountain Home, before these "busy-bodies" turn it into another Meridian.
If we don't stop this goofiness TODAY, we're gonna be emissions testing tomorrow------------and remember I said that.
PS......anybody see that "Stimulous Waste" episode on Hannity last night? I hope the libs here in Mountain Home DIDN'T. They come up with enough goofy ideas on their own as it is!
If the Court here enforced the fines imposed instead of lowering them for nearly EVERY case...our local court system would support itself. But no...have to give the creeps and criminals a free ride so they can go out and do the "bad" things again and again. Bazooka, I feel your pain re: your mortgage. It may be best to give all of these homes back to these great banks and just start over. The banks take every chance they can to screw the public at every turn. We are lucky. We did not refi and pull equity out like a lot of people we know. However, there are so many homes for sale that mine is still not worth what I need to get out of it to recover ll of the money we have put into it over the last 5-6 years. Oh well!
Wait till the WECRD increases taxes when this Y thing goes up in smoke at their own hands. More on that later. The WECRD is still not willing to play by the rules that they set. Consulting fees, etc. for NOTHING!!!!
Ms Erwin,
You're wasting your time trying to win over one of the most conserative locations on the face of this planet. Unless it has anything to do with ranching or farming...forget it!
It seems that anytime a good idea is brought forth here concerning the betterment of quality of life issues such as education, health and welfare, infrastructure, even future employment it's looked at with great distain and somehow the government is taking their money.
It amazes me how this community functions at all. The infrastructure is falling apart, but the community doesn't spend a dime to renew or repair anything. Currently the youth center is located adjacent to a BAR!
Just as the rest of the state is pulling itself into the 21st century, old Mountain Home is staying a bit in the 19th century. What does this say to our youth when you don't want to invest in them. I thank god for growing up in a place who cared about the youth of their community, who had a Boys and Girls Club, YMCA and YWCA and who didn't keep voting down school bonds. Has anyone seen the current facility they call a high school? My god it's embarrassing...especially when other communites around us are building new schools.
But, don't ya know, another day in the life of a place called Mountain Home Idaho, truly the "ugliest place in America"
DUMBfound,
It has become very obvious that you are nothing but a TROLL, a nasty person who has nothing better to do with their time than troll through websites and discussions and insult and stir the pot in your need for attention.
Each and every topic that you have commented on has been filled with your hate speech, how does it feel to be such a racist hateful scumbag? Does all that hatred keep you warm at night?
CJW you're just as negative as DFII, in fact everybody on this board is just as negative.
I have a comment that is more of a question... Where is this $1.8 million dollars? Is it in a Savings Account... Is it gone? If the WECRD is having difficulty raising money, have they tried other avenues, such as applying for grants, fundraising...
I think Mountain Home would benefit greatly from having a YMCA type facility, I worked for the YMCA throughout college, and I belong to the one in downtown Boise now... I love it, and my whole family loves it. I have seen the YMCA have such a positive influence on kids and adults, and I love the fact that they don't turn anybody away...
OBJSmith,
Do you actually read before you put fingers to your keyboard? Or in your world does research, and suggesting fiscal responsibility equate to "negative" ?
You seem to consider yourself in tune to the posters on this board so you already know from all of your reading and reviewing of past posts that NO ONE is flat out against the benefits of a recreation center, many have expressed concerns in regards to costs and lack of progress but NONE have stated they are opposed that I recall.
Does your version of "negative" only apply to those who do not agree with YOUR wishes and desires?
Simple thought READ, take a breath, READ again, and THEN post your opinions.
CJW,
I have read a lot of your posts on here, and you always have an angry tone (in my opinion)... I read, I took a deep breath, and I'm not going to value the opinion of someone who calls another adult a "TROLL".
Dumbfounded.............I wouldn't be so quick to knock farming and ranching communities, without which, your refrigerator and pantry wouldn't look too good.
You obviously haven't noticed that the economy and everything else is going into the toilet under your socialist president and his administration.
People are LOSING their jobs and taxes are continuing to go up. Not everyone shares the liberal view through "rose-colored glasses" of building some Olympics-class stadium when a smaller Rec Center would more than suffice in a town this size.
We NEED schools, cops and a fire department. We DON'T need the Rec Center they're proposing. As I've said before......those of you who want all this other stuff (in TODAY'S ecomomy)-----------YOU guys chip in and build it!
You want "big city conveniences?"
MOVE TO BOISE! Nobody here in "19th century (and I truly wish you were right about that) Mountain Home" will miss you one bit.
OBJSmith already said it.............there's already a great one in Boise..............already built and paid for.
So WHAT if it's a 40-minute drive? I have to make that same drive at least once a week to pick up things that aren't available here in Mountain Home. But I don't mind, just like MOST of us don't mind, because we DON'T have to LIVE there.
If you take the time to talk to folks, you'll find that the majority around here CHOOSE to live here because it IS a small town atmosphere, without the smog, noise and crime that help make up the little empires you progressive seem to want to build, everywhere you see an empty field.
Go help build it someplace else!
OBJSmith,
Your statement
"I have read a lot of your posts on here, and you always have an angry tone (in my opinion)... I read, I took a deep breath, and I'm not going to value the opinion of someone who calls another adult a "TROLL"."
I can and DO respect your right to YOUR opinion, great country we live in.
If my being articulate and clearly expressing my thoughts towards someone who referred to myself and Mountain Home citizens in general as "inbred white trailer park trash" offends you then so be it.
As I stated under that particular thread I can think of several not so polite descriptions I COULD apply to DUMBfound but have chosen to go with a commonly used term throughout the internet to describe one who does nothing but "stir the pot" and never adds any positive input to discussions.
From the Wikipedia online dictionary
"In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response[1] or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.[2]"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Inte...
The 1.8 million dollars you mention is what we have been taxed over the years to have NOTHING. The WECRD does not have 1.8 million in the bank but they would if they were not shelling out rent for an office open 12 hours a week, a tech guy, a web person, office staff, $725.00 for photos of themselves for their desks, $1,800 dollars for AFAD, etc. The WECRD money has been in a government investment account for years which was not fully insured (in other words...the WECRD could have lost a bundle of OUR money). They are now looking at depositing what they have (about 1.5 million) in local banks so the funds are fully insured (that may be done by now).
This has nothing to do with not wanting to see something good for our community such as the YMCA. However, you have the WECRD Board who at every turn does all that they can to torpedo this project. They have stated on the record that they would stand down and allow the YMCA/CLDC process to work yet they turn in an Appropritions Application for FY 2011 which clearly indicates that they have other plans. We pay a lot of money to consult with the YMCA---it is NOT free!
Your beef, OBJSmith, if you were an informed citizen, (and that was a really big IF) should be with a taxing district that has taxed YOU and US for 10 years and has done LITTLE to NOTHING. They have no regard for the public. They have office hours that keep the working class out of their office and they have their once a month WECRD Board meetings in the middle of the day (11:30 A.M.) to keep the public AWAY. We pay the YMCA to consult and all of the people involved with/on the CLDC donate their time in an effort to better this community and come up with a plan that we can pay for and support into the future---as opposed to the WECRD Board and their half-baked plan for a 33,000 SF building with a lap pool and therapy pool that they claim they can sustain with no real facts to back up their claims. Heck, they said at one point that the building could be built for under $75.00 PSF. Reality? HARDLY!!! They now claim (Ms. Erwin) that it will be more like $150.00 PSF. Imagine that?!?! We told them that 1.5 years ago but they just could not seem to grasp the idea.
It is people like you and DUMBINIDAHO that keep this town where it is. People who do not do their research and do not know the facts and scream build it now and we can worry how to pay for it later. OR, build that nuclear plant here right by the river where most of the irrigation water for the area is obtained. Who cares if toxic waste, etc. pollute the area as long as we have the CLAIM of great jobs. Who pays for the improved roads, more police, larger schools, more hotels, etc? We do. How do we pay for all of this? What do we do when all of the people go away? Who supports it all then? YOU AND I. Use some common sense when you post the next time. You both sound like uneducated, pissed off, idiots!
CJW and Bazooka, you were both right on. These idiots would do all they could to sell this town out for money. Few worry how we will pay for it and what it will cost us in quality of life for all of these "great" things. If you do not like it here and think we are all a bunch of narrow minded red necks---MOVE. This town could really do without some of you "forward" thinking folks. Look at what you pay in taxes now...you would really yell and holler if you had to pay to improve the infrastruture for the likes of AEHI. Have you even read their application? My guess is no. And not to worry---the ECC's and P & Z Board could not even support the regulations on the books with respect to zoning. Anything goes now in EC and the re-write of the rules will open the door for nearly anything right in your back yard. Wait until that tire plant ends up next door to you. Then you will care. Then this will all matter.
My time for dealing with stupid is up for today. Rest those brain cells DUMB and Smith...you need all of the help you can get, IMHO.
Wait...one more mind numbing stupid fact. A member who sits on a CLDC sub-group (programs and facility) is also now a paid employee of the WECRD. That is almost as good as the entire WECRD Board attending a CLDC meeting after they said they would stay out of it and wait for the results. It is clear what Mollie wants. The question is will her 10 year tantrum pay off? Bets anyone? Let us just give her the nickname Leona from here on out. Same mentality.
I wrote to Govenor Otter about the district and here is the reply I received back: "Thank you for contacting me about issues related to the Elmore County Recreation District. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.
The State of Idaho does not have ministerial responsibilities or oversight authority for the operation of recreation districts. The Idaho State Tax Commission only ensures that the districts' boundaries are mapped accurately, apportions operating property values as required by law, and reviews and approves each district's certified property tax budget, provided it does not exceed any statutory maximum amount to which they are entitled."
So the governing entity that appointed the district now says they have no control, the county and city say they have no control. Sounds to me like the inmates have the keys to the jail and are in charge.
Yes, this community certainly IS Anti-Bond. Come on now....doesn't take a rocket scientist or 'someone who works in the legal profession' to figure that one out.
outtathere,
we are already paying on FOUR voter approved bonds at th epresent time, how many bonds does to it take to meet your approval? How many bonds are floating right now in the community where YOU live?
Wow CJW, such attitude! Why do you always seem to have your panties in a twist? If I didn't know better I'd think you were related to OM? Just TRY to get another bond passed in Mountain Home.
No attitude at all, just an honest question no surprise your response was nasty toned though.
So I am correct in assuming you don't have a clue? Just like to rant and rave without any info just your own self righteous pompous opinion?
Wow that will get you far in life.
Apparently you are just another sad little name caller with attitude when someone's opinion differs from yours. Time to crawl out of that cesspool of a sandbox.
LOL
Pot meet Kettle!
I guess you really are so wrapped up in yourself you are incapable of seeing your OWN conduct as anything but perfect, regardless of the fact that I did not "call you any names" I did however respond to your personal assault on me.
Funny though you STILL have no information for me... I asked you a very simple question, and if you do read UP in these posts you can see where I provided facts directly from the Elmore County tax collectors budget.
Being the kind of person you are you have shown your true colors and responded with INSULTS and attacks when facts and truth are presented, you go girl! stick with that mentality!
outtathere,
Kick n scream and stomp your feet all ya want lil girl, facts are facts. No question on where your political pendulum swings LOL
I seriously doubt you even PAY TAXES with the mentality you have shown. Living off the dole are ya? Sit around playing Xbox waiting for the state to recharge your food stamp credit card?
I have never claimed to be informed about this, that is why I asked a question... I really wish I would've never asked, because it's a response by the same people who always reply on this board (and I should've known what kind of an ugly response(s) I would get). I have always read the Mountain Home News even though I don't live here, and it just seems like this issue has gone on WAY too long, and I know that my mom always really wanted a facility like the YMCA in Mountain Home (I personally don't think that Mtn. Home is too small of a community to support a YMCA facility)...
Thanks to Bazookaman... I realize why I like living in Boise, I do like the big city conveniences... and I enjoy paying cheaper property taxes than my parents!!!
Gee..if THAT'S the case, I hope I can 'touch" the lives of a whole lot MORE people who would rather live in Boise!
It would be GOOD to get our "town" back, without the population, no more grafitti, take off for a couple of weeks and leave the house unlocked.
And it WAS that good when I first moved here back in '72-----------population 3,410.
Everytime I hear some bozo saying "we need more jobs and industry here", I wanna knock him out.
I'd rather pay a little more property tax and NOT have to live in Ada. You can't put a price tag on everything.
I do not think we are "negative" but we are realists. We see things the way they are as opposed to how someone tells us they are. That is far from negativity.
That's one of the basic concepts that separate conservatives from liberals.
Which is why we aren't taken-in and mezmorized by fairy tales and vote for the Obama's and Pelosi's of this world.
OBJSmith ,
I don't go out of my way to have my responses come off as harsh or "ugly" and am more than willing to discuss an issue and try to at least respect other's viewpoints. So I don't think it is unfair of me to ask for that same courtesy.
The exchange between you and I did become ugly and that I regret it is not my intention to degrade any debate to name calling or insults. I try to make my point with facts, and draw on my own life's experiences to come to my conclusions in a logical manner.
Would I love to see a nice facility here in Mountain Home YES very much so, but the years and years of nothing but wasting my tax dollars for an office, and cleaning, and computer services, and legal fees, AND CEL PHONES FOR THEMSELVES with no results at all is frustrating. If you read all the back story on the WECRD you will see the reasons behind all the frustration. The tax that was originally voted for was recently RAISED but still no results, the closed or well timed to avoid public involvement meetings, etc. etc. ...
The subject of this blog "Mountain Home--Anti-Bond. Really?" says a lot, as I pointed out by looking into it, we here in Mountain Home DO pass bonds, and have FOUR of them we are paying on right now in addition to all of the regular taxes. You yourself stated that property taxes are LESS where you are located, so expecting citizens of Mountain Home to sit back and allow MORE and MORE taxes to be piled on isn't exactly fair is it?
Bottom line as far as THIS TAX PAYING CITIZEN is concerned. I want and DEMAND responsible use of my tax dollars or I WILL get involved and do whatever I can to make changes.
And that's what all these Tea Parties are about, all over the country....................contrary to what the libs think.
I missed something a while back. I thought Mollie Marsh was voted in by the voters as president of the WECRD. Isn't that what her title is/was?
If Mollie 'was' President, then how did M. Sellers become President without being voted in?
If Marsha is the President, then what is Mollies' title?
midea,
I could be wrong but I seem to remember reading a set of minutes where the board voted in Ms. Sellers as the board president. You might go the WECRD website (wecrdgov.org I think) and check out some of the minutes. They make for interesting reading when comparing them to what is going or not going on with the WECRD.
OG, you are correct. Ms. Sellers was nominated to become WECRD President. Mollie did not step down as the LTE in the paper indicated---her time as President was up. Mollie's dream. That pretty much said it all.