---I had a nice chat with Ron Rankin today. As you know, Ron Rankin is the head of the Kootenai County Property Owners Assoc. and is the individual behind the drive to qualify the 1% tax initiative in Idaho for 1996. A good part of his life has been devoted to watchdogging the legislature regarding tax issues. I'm not a fan of the 1% initiative nor do I consider myself politically conservative but twice this year, Ron and I have come down on the same side of an issue. Ron has been involved in tax increment financing issues in Post Falls, opposing the very same scheme we are facing here in Moscow. Earlier this year, he spoke against HJR 10, legislation that would have gutted the Idaho initiative process. Say what you will about Ron Rankin, but he is a strong advocate of government responsibility and accountability--and I admire that aspect.
Ron was in attendance at the legislature in 1994 when the legislature adopted the special interest changes to the Local Economic Development Act allowing communities to desiginate themselves "disadvantaged" and thus use tax increment financing (TIF). He said he watches legislation closely for those with tax implications. The TIF legislation was passed under "suspended rules"--a time at the close of the legislative session where readings and hearings on proposed legislation are literally suspended. The legislature whips through numerous pieces of legislation within a matter of minutes. Such was the case with TIF legislation--no scrutiny-- no debate--just quick and swift passage.
For Moscow, the circle is complete. A special interest law that was enacted in obscurity is being implemented in obscurity.
-- 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