Letter to the Editor

WECRD petition organizer 'alarmed' by data in documents

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Dear editor:

Last week, I went and reviewed what were stated to be all documents the WECRD had submitted to obtain federal appropriations. Here are a few of those items that stood out and were a bit alarming.

In the WECRD's 2010 Federal Appropriations Application the following is stated:

1. "Anticipated start date and finish date of project: August 2009 start/November 2010 finish."

2. "Total project cost: $5 million."

It is important to note that this application was submitted on or about February 15, 2009, when the WECRD already claimed to be working with the YMCA on a "new" plan. So, if the WECRD was/is indeed working with the YMCA why does their web page indicate that there is already a building design and a facility plan?

The CDLG (Community Development Leadership Groups) are supposed to be working with the public to discover what the true, current needs of the community are and what we, as a community, are willing to support and pay for.

It seems silly to create these groups when it would seem there is already a plan. The WECRD has stated that they will construct a 30,000 square foot building at a cost of $67 per square foot. So, where does this $5 million dollar price tag come from? What are the true intentions of the WECRD at this point?

In a 2008 Federal Appropriations Application the following is stated:

"Brief description of project: An 80,000 square foot, $14 million facility developed by the WECRD and known as the Mountain Home Community Center Complex will serve 50,000 people within 8,000 square miles."

"Experienced management, program development, and program supervision will be provided through collaboration with Treasure Valley YMCA and Armed Forces YMCA."

"A sustainable operation with rigorous planning and review assures that ongoing annual revenues from the WECRD tax base and MHCCC memberships will EXCEED operating and maintenance expenses."

That is some pretty interesting information there. So, according to the WECRD we will have about 30,000 people from up to 8,000 square miles away (out of district) flocking to this facility to swim and use a gym? Pretty impressive and even more misleading. The voters and taxpayer(s) of Elmore County should be insulted and disgusted!

In the same 2008 Federal Appropriations Application the following is stated on page 8 at the very top of the document:

"Renewable Energy Resources will implement a geo-exchange system in the building construction saving 50%-75% in operational heating/cooling costs."

Now this is interesting because this is the company owned by Mark Hiddleston who is also a CDLG Chairman. What happened to the sending things out for bid part of this process as required by law?

In all fairness to Mark Hiddleston I thought I should contact him directly and talk to him regarding what was stated in this application because the WECRD has not exactly been honest with regard to facts. Mark Hiddleston stated that he had NO knowledge of this information, prior to my call, and that by law bids would be required for this work. I have to believe that what he stated was indeed the truth as he genuinely seemed shocked when I brought this to his attention.

Local business people may want to review these documents as your business could be listed as a "supporter" when in reality you or your business are not supporters much less "collaborators."

From the Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Project Certification Form:

la) "Will the funding requested in your application be used for a new building, program or project to be named after a SITTING (form emphasis) Member of Congress? Response -- YES."

Funny how that works! I wonder what "Sitting Member of Congress" the WECRD intends to name the facility after? Good luck Congressman Simpson. You have your hands full with this group and they are sure to provide you with years and years of "great" PR if you continue down your current path.

On a side note, this same group has budgeted up to $5,000 of TAXPAYER money to be spent on floats, a booth, a boxing ring, T-shirts, etc. for Air Force Appreciation Day. That is a lot of taxpayer money to be spent to promote a project where the board is spreading less than factual information. Clearly the WECRD Board obtained their political skills and "fiscal responsibility" from those in Washington, DC. When is enough really enough?

I attended the last (day) board meeting and posed several of these questions directly to Ms. Marsh and Ms. Sellers. Both had no comment but indicated that some of my questions would be answered at another meeting. No comment! I thought we were beyond all of that. Clearly not.

Tracy Lauric