> This morning (early, almost awake), I saw this effort (by Hodge, et
> al) as a roller coaster. After plenty of ups and downs, the EDC is
> almost at the top of the big hill, facing the incline and the coasting to
> the end. They've jumped through a decade of hoops, held countless
> meetings since the early 1980's, and after tonight's meeting (and the
> council's approval of the Urban Renewal Agency) nothing will stop the
> business park.
I encourage individuals to attend the Council meeting tonight.
As far as Bill's comment about whether anything will stop
the business park, there *may* still be a way to kill or stall the
project (legally). This time around, I will withhold my thoughts
in this area pending the outcome of the Council action this evening.
For the record:
If I had wanted to kill or stall the project legally, the smart
thing for me to do would have been to keep my mouth shut and let
the City continue to trod in the legal tar pits. Perhaps I was
naive to think that greater public awareness of the issues
involved would lead to a different outcome (with or without the
park). Time will tell. I also hold the idealistic notion that
people can see through (and stop) truly special interest legislation
and that people are fundamentally opposed to corporate welfare.
Also, for the record, I'm still rather indignant that that I
did not so much as receive an acknowledgement (verbal or written) of
my letter to *all* City Council members and Mayor
requesting they review the URA ordinance. In my letter, I specifically
requested a response. The plattitudes of Council members for greater
public participation ring hollow in light of such events. Actions
speak louder than words.
-- Greg Brown (gregb@uidaho.edu) Computer Services Adjunct Assistant Professor, College of Forestry,Wildlife,& Range Sciences University of Idaho Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 885-2126 Fax: (208) 885-7539