The People Roar

Only those that can't read, or live out of the area, have missed the finale. The population of Bayview, Idaho, normally a tolerant folk, roared back in anger at Bob Holland and by reference, his Company, Waterford Park Homes, LLC.

LLC means Limited Liability Corporation. This developer forms a new one each time he buys or operates a new business. Some information obtained from Arizona, and California, allegedly indicate that this man has not only Ravaged Bayview,Idaho, but has a sterling reputation in these aforementioned States for the same.

In the last three years his strategy has apparently been that fines are just another business expense to be born along with the other routine expenses. Numerous "Red Tags" or stop work orders have been issued by the Kootenai County Building and Zoning Department. These have been issued for either exceeding the scope of a permit, ignoring the permit process completely, and many other Sins of commission.

James Hagengruber's fine expose front page article in Saturday's Spokesman-Review was, it seems the last straw. Open warfare has developed between the Community and his Company over the wanton destruction of one of the last great Kokanee spawning beds on Lake Pend Oreille. The Developer brought in a tug and barge with a pile driver. After driving numerous steel pilings into the spawning gravel, Fish & Game officials sent divers in to assess damage and take pictures of the results. I have seen them and they are complete. Virtually an entire generation of the endangered fish has been killed, either by being speared with the steel piles, or murdered from the seismic shock of the pile driver, incessantly pounding and shaking the spawning gravel.

One should remember, however,that individual employees with the Company are not the villains and should be treated with respect.

What then is the answer? If the County and State Governments can't or won't prosecute this man, how are they ever going to be able to enforce any of their respective ordinances? The people cry out for justice and all they get is cowardly "We don't want to be sued" for an answer. I have no envy of wealth. But Wealthy developers should not be able to buy and sell local Governmemts, nor should they be able to intimidate them.

We, the people are the ones they represent, not special interests. It will be interesting, as future elections occur, how many votes these developers have oppossed to the rest of us. Prosecutors that only want high profile cases can't seem to be bothered with going after scofflaws such as this.

Press Release ...Fish & Game

Anglers and netters have together been making a dent in part of Lake Pend Oreille’s predator population in 2007 according to Idaho Fish and Game Regional Fishery Manager Ned Horner.

Through mid April, anglers had turned in just under 2,500 lake trout heads since January. In addition, gill and trap netting started the last week in March and in four weeks of netting, 1,029 lake trout had been removed.

“The 3,500+ lake trout removed so far this year amount to about 22% of the total taken in 2006, so we are well ahead of last year, at least for lake trout” said Horner.

Anglers are being paid $15 for every lake trout and rainbow trout over 12 inches harvested from Lake Pend Oreille to quickly reduce the predator population to prevent kokanee from disappearing. For 2007, The Clark Fork River, Lightning Creek and tributaries, Grouse Creek and tributaries and the Pack River were also opened up to harvest of rainbow trout on April 1.

Harbor Fisheries has been contracted to run deep water trap nets and gill nets to remove lake trout under Idaho Fish and Game supervision. Netters will be active through May and then all nets will be removed for June, July and the first part of August.

There will be no gill netting east of the Long Bridge during the K&K Derby to reduce conflicts with anglers. However, anglers need to be aware that there are still 10 deep water trap nets in the north end of the lake (Lee’s Point, Sheepherder Point, Thompson Point, Pearl Island, Warren Island East and West, Sunnyside, Fishermen’s Island, Bottle Bay and Sourdough Point). Watch for the orange flags on staff buoys marking their locations.

Rainbow trout harvest by anglers is lagging behind the harvest of lake trout. Between January and mid April about 640 rainbow trout have been turned in for the $15/fish reward. This includes 66 rainbow trout harvested from tributary streams, most from the Clark Fork River.

Water temperatures have been cold, so fishing should be picking up soon as the water warms. “Hopefully anglers will start targeting more rainbow trout so we can reduce overall kokanee predation before we run out of time. We’re off to a great start, we just need to step it up a few notches” said Horner.

For more information on the Angler Incentive Program, go to the IDFG web site at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.


Open Attachment 07March24 LPO Predator Harvest in High Gear.doc Open
Open Attachment Trap net drawing.doc Open
Open Attachment Trap Net Map 2007-2.doc Open

Spring Has Sprung

Temperatures are warming, birds are all about. The annual migration of Swallows aren't limited to Capistrano. We get huge numbers of them right here in Bayview. Just yesterday, Jan Larkin spotted what may have been the forerunner of many Hummingbirds to show up at the not quite City by the Lake. I may have spotted the same one just up the beach from Jan.

In other Spring like developments, Waterford Park is in high gear as they pound steel pilings into the about to hatch Kokanee spawning beds, on their way to creating a waterfront spa for the wealthy.

Eric Musson's mansion on the water is taking shape nicely, as he hand creates each piece carefully. Prices are skyrocketing here in Bayview, Idaho, but as I have seen in other places, booms can be followed by horrendous busts.

Bayview Chamber of Commerce has in place, finally, a standing committee of well educated former executives following the antics of both legitimate and allegedly illegitimate developers. We will watch these issues as they develop. (No pun intended)

Week-end weather in Bayview is predicted to be lows of 40's and highs in the 70's. This, I suspect will bring out many boaters and other water recreationists. Please all be aware that the Spring Fishing Derby starts Saturday, April 28, kicked off by the Chamber's annual pancake breakfast at the Wheel. For non-fisher people, please stay far behind anyone trolling. Many have long lines 100-200 feet behind the boat that will be cut if one cuts in close behind them. Good manners do not depend on which type of boat you operate.

I had conversations with both Melo Miaolie, Fish & Game biologist, and Ned Horner this morning. Officially, all gill nets that have been in Lake Pend Orielle this spring will be out of the water during the LPOIC Spring Fishing Derby, with the exception of areas West of the Long Bridge at the shallow water beginning of the Pend Orielle River. Trap nets will still be in the water, but buoys will mark their locations. I will publish a map later today of the locations of these traps.

Farragut Rocks

Rocks are just rocks, unless they mean something to someone. Last Summer, Farragut State Park piled a bunch of boulders paralleling the highway. Then came the mystery people. They started piling small rocks on top of the large ones, kind of like the ancient Indian custom.

I was going to go up there to take a picture of them, since many people had done so on their own. Unfortunately, someone, with a destructive nature, decided that they were an attractive target. Today they are gone. I was going to feature them in my next column, but unless one of the many picture takers share a shot with me, I can't.

It never ceases to amaze me, why people, usually bored young people, choose to destroy things in their path, just to either feel good about themselves, (hey, I made a difference) or just to screw with adults that have values. One can only hope that at some point in time, they will acquire the same.

New Friends

I met three very nice ladies last night at the Wheel. One, who had recently launched a large houseboat, and two others that had been pressed into hard labor, painting the aforementioned vessel.

They were great fun and showed excellent intelligence when it came out that they read "Bay Views." We hope that the parties will be continuous and great fun as we tippytoe into the Summer Season.

Repair facilities at MacDonald's Resort are, as usual, stretched to the max as boaters hurriedly prepare for Summer and the kickoff of the LPOIC Spring Fishing Derby.

Long time resident and entrepreneur, Ralph Jones opens a new business tomorrow. "Ralph's Coffee House," will open next to the Bayview Laundromat. This will not only be a community Center, but Bayview's first Internet cafe. This WiFi hot spot will be the only one of it's kind in town. We wish him great success.

Emergency Planning

Below, is a form that if you live in Bayview, or know of someone that would need attention in an emergency, you should fill out, and return to the address on the form. This is a new service that is being provided by the Bayview Chamber of Commerce. If an elderly friend is known to you, or someone with special needs, please share this.

EMERGENCY PLANNING

If there were an emergency situation in our area, what would you need? Please take a few moments to let us know about your areas of concern. We want to be here for you, but we need your help to do so.
Fire:


Land Slide:


Power Outage:


Flood:

How could you help?


Other concerns/special needs:


We would like to know who you are in order to provide any assistance we can, in an emergency situation. This is a neighbor-to-neighbor project, non-governmental in nature. Our mission is to have a multifaceted Emergency Plan specifically focused on our community's needs. If you prefer to remain anonymous, that is OK, too.

Name___________________________________ Phone________________

Street Address____________________________P.O. Box ______________

Email ________________________________________________________

Please return completed forms to: Merc, Terry's Cafe, Bayview Liquor, Ralph's or mail to R.J. Brennan, P.O.box 192, Bayview or email to rainwaters@isp.com.

Jackie Robinson # 42

Today, Major League Baseball is honoring the birthday of Jackie Robinson. For those that are living with sand over head, Jackie Robinson was a Super Star with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but that's not all. He became the first Black baseball player to break into the Major Leagues, back in 1947. Branch Rickey, then General Manager of the Dodgers, saw great stardom in this guy. He was right.

A star football player with UCLA, he played baseball in the Negro leagues until 1947 when Brooklyn brought him up, after a short period with a Montreal Farm Team.

The reason I am bringing this up are twofold. First, in High School,in Renton, Washington, I was a die hard Dodger fan. My Junior Year, 1955, the Dodgers went to the World Series, and again in 1956.

Secondly, after joining the U.S. Air Force in 1956, after graduation, I was sent to Texas for basic training. In January of 1957, I was sent to Casablanca, Morocco. During the week I stayed in New York City, I and a friend toured the City. We stopped at a network studio where they were rehearsing the Andy Williams Show. In those days they didn't have video tape, and the shows were live. My Friends name was Eggers, and he was from Spokane. I've often wondered what happened to that skinny tall drink of water.

The guests that week were Patti Page, the 50's singer, and my hero, Jackie Robinson.
I walked up to Jackie and asked for his autograph. He graciously did so. The following week, I shipped out for Morocco. Back then, and I guess a lot had to do with where I was raised, color really wasn't an issue.

My High School had, I think one or two black students, one or two Japanese, and one Chinese guy, that I shared a Photography class with. Both the Japanese-American and the Black guy were football stars for our school. We never really thought much about that they were different than us, just how many yards they could gain.

Back then, and I must point out that we were at the time in the Suburban Northwest, race wasn't an issue. They were just neighbors, somewhat different, but equal,than us. I still remember Kagi Yoshitomi, our running back. He was unstoppable.

I think I still have Jackie's autograph somewhere. It was the thrill of my life ...

Imus Lynched

I think most people that read my stuff know that I'm a conservative. Most people that follow Don Imus know that he is an ultra liberal. Why am I defending him? Because, even though by today's standards, he said something unacceptable, he is now a cover guy for Black Activists.

The feeding frenzy that is going on right now is news only because the main stream media made it so. He screwed up, said something that would have got laughs twenty years ago, and will get you crucified today. Imus created a stage on which every Black Activist, or Wannabe, is clamoring for face time on CNN. The Right Reverend Sharpton, Christian, who has been quoted as having called New York Jews, of which Imus is one, residents of Hymie town. New York Jews call blacks the Yiddish Svartzer.

Twenty years ago, these ethnic slurs were used in regular conversation. Those of us that were born before the 1940's told ethnic jokes, and laughed at each other's ethic background. I have a Norwegian name. I was a square head. others were Pollacks, Spics, Bohunks,Chinks, Nips and so on. Even I, after introducing all these ethnic slurs, won't use the ones for Blacks. Why? Look to your television screens.

Howard Stern is still on the air ... Imus isn't. Neither Guy will be known for their brilliant rhetoric, but I find it interesting that it is more acceptable to be a potty mouth than a bigot.

Folks this is show business. News is no longer earth shaking news that will affect all our lives. We have a media that focuses on Models, beauty queens, sluts, and druggie rappers. I find it sadly amusing that Black Activists, who apparently are really politicians, having told us over many years to apologize for the lynchings that took place in the South many years ago, are now engaged in leading the pack.

I call shame on the entire bunch of weird people that are willing to over look the great charitable contributions, the Youth Ranch he and his Brother run in
Arizona for terminally Ill Children, many, I'm sure that are Black, just for one opportunity to Lynch a good man. Apparently, Double standards are alive and well.

Sharpton! You aren't even close to being a Christian. You are just another Jerk that is getting political mileage from an unfortunate incident. I pity you, and CNN and all the others that are engaging in this feeding frenzy. Sharks would be kinder.

For Shame!

Anna Nicole Smith

I have recently felt left out. Kind of cowering in the backwash of history. Based on recent lies, distortions and outright falsehoods, a Father has been chosen of this child. As a voice in the wilderness, crying out for recognition, I have repeatedly thrown my (ahem) hat into the ring, so to speak.

Since I cannot any longer fight the battle and win the big bucks, er, future of my beloved child, I have decided to opt for the next best thing.

I HEREBY ANNOUNCE THAT I AM THE GRANDFATHER OF THIS CHILD, AND WORTHY OF ALL MONIES THAT MIGHT ACCRUE THEREFROM.

There! hopefully, I will win if justice has a voice at all.

This should end for all time, the discussion of this Tramp that has sullied my reputation by not admitting that she visited Bayview secretly, tore off her clothes shouting gaily,"Herb, I must have you!"

Easter Weekend in Bayview

We had a busy, but great Easter Week-end here in Bayview. Saturday started out with traditional Easter Egg Hunts at the three venues mentioned in an earlier post. It was great fun watching the Children scurrying about chasing down the elusive brightly colored eggs.

The kitchen at the Captain's Wheel was even busier. I cut up Watermelons, Cantalopes, Strawberries, separated grapes and in general kept very busy. Up the street at the Bayview Community Center, a gigantic birthday party was going on for Jim MacDonald, age 88. There was Cake, Ice Cream, and numerous gag gifts. Somewhere between 150 and 200 guests showed up with many more phoning regrets.

All said, (we even had some Sunshine Saturday) everyone had a great time.

Letter to "Bayview Resident"

I belatedly received this comment on my "Your Reporter Speaks" Blog Post. I will print it in full.

"Does this mean you will be reporting on events and seeking and verifying the facts, or will it be more of the opinions you gather at the Wheel by the townsfolk with an agenda who seek you out. Either way-best of luck-I think Bayview has replaced its' town Mayor!! Congratulations."

It was probably a good thing that this person, (unwilling to identify themselves) brought forth these points. Point one, my blog is mine to do with as I please. It is, so to speak, my sandbox. I will continue to offer opinions that are mine. I regret that you think I am of such low intellect, that I am swayed by whomever happens by. Having said that, you will note that all of my blog posts are in my name, with my e-mail address and so far, even my home phone number. I own what I say.

I may not attend those meetings that are held by rump organizations that I don't respect. I don't have to. I will make myself available when and where I can, consistent with my schedule. If you wish to make YOUR opinions known to me, you must first identify yourself. Only Cowards hide behind anonymity.

As to my column in the Spokesman-Review, you will not find such editorializing. I am going to write about community events, human interest stories, and news of common interest. Now, Sir/Ma'am, you will not have to guess from where I come. It would appear that this person hiding behind "Bayview Resident" is the one with an agenda here.

As to town Mayor, I do not choose to lead. I will leave that to those that I write about.

Bayview's Patriarch

Tomorrow, April 5, marks the Eightieth Birthday of Jim MacDonald. Long considered one of the Patriarchs of Bayview, Jim owns the family business across the bay. MacDonald's Hudson Bay Resort was established in 1948 by Elvin Collier purchased from War Assets declared surplus after WW11. Alvin and Nina MacDonald bought the small strip of docks in 1951.

Jim ran the mail boat from 1953 to 1965, delivering mail to points up the lake that were inaccessible by road. Stops such as Lakeview, a one-time Boom Town, and other smaller stops like Cedar Creek, Cunningham's Castle, Whiskey Rock, Kilroy, and Cape Horn.

The Resorts management was turned over to Jim's two Sons, Gary and Scott in 1989. Gary manages the resort now, following the Cancer Death of his Brother, Scott. One of the most popular places in town, MacDonalds features 10 rental cottages, 20 mobile home sites, 19 float houses, a store/office, and 250 boat slips. A large boat repair shop complete with a haul out crane is available and well used by the boating community.

Our entire Village will turn out Saturday, April 7 for a Birthday Party for Jim, the current President of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce. Cake and Ice Cream will be served, to be held at the Bayview Community Center.

Your Reporter Speaks

Throughout the two plus years that I have written Bay Views, I have posted around 300 times. The rascal that started me up this slippery slope? Dave Oliveria, Associate Editor of the Spokesman-Review, and moderator of the Zoo called Huckleberries. His encouragement and assistance has led me to a dream that I have harbored. A dream that I could realize by writing professionally.

I would like to say that great minds at the S/R insisted that I step up and become a star in their galaxy. Unfortunately I can't. What did happen was that my Thursday Morning paper included a new section called "Your Voice." Noticing that Bayview had been left out of the lineup of writers, I called the ringmaster of this circus, Tad Brooks.

Explaining why the S/R couldn't possibly survive without Bay Views, or for that matter, without me, Tad explored my qualifications. Ahem! They don't want a column written by an old fool that has opinions that haven't even been used yet. Tad wanted news, events and human interest stories about my community. Fortunately, a few friends stepped up, lied successfully, and got me the gig.

Starting Thursday, April 5, Bay Views will debut in print. No secret is safe now, since Bayview has it's very own tattletale. To crank out the most immediate events, we only have to go as far as Easter Weekend.

We have eggs. Lots of eggs. Saturday, April 7, egg hunts will kick off with 4 and under ages hustling around the grounds of the Captain's Wheel between 12:30-12:45, followed by the 5-8 year olds at Terry's Cafe from 12:45-1:00 and then on to the veterans. The 9-12 year olds will play lawn hockey from 1:00 to 1:15 or until all the eggs are gone, at the Boileau's R.V. park.

Easter Sunday,will find a Champagne Brunch at the Captains Wheel from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, prepared by the unbelievable Davena, assisted by Yours Truly.

We will for now, publish twice monthly, possibly increasing to weekly as the Summer activities progress. All organizations and groups are encouraged to e-mail me or collar me in Town with news to be disseminated. I'm excited, and I hope that having a community column is just as exciting for you.

Springtime In Bayview

Sunlight sparkles across Scenic Bay. Boats from the various marinas slowly edge toward Hudson Bay Resort, towed by small kicker boats, waiting their turn to be De-Winterized. The quiet is so profound you imagine the sound of fish swimming by. The long Winter wait is over. This resort, owned and operated by the McDonald Family, Features owner Jim McDonald, former State Legislator, and Managed by Son Gary.

The Sun has arrived at last in Bayview. Spring is here and the Village of Bayview readies for the Summer Season. Every year at this time, boat owners from Coeur d'Alene, Spokane and surrounding towns prepare their boats and float homes for the Summer Season to come.

Naval experimental vessels cruise back and forth from the Navy acoustical Research Base at the head of the bay, testing and developing new techniques for quieter, stealthy craft, both submarine and surface types.

Pile drivers and construction crews scurry about at the old Bayview Marina as new owners tear down and rebuild the docks and shoreline. The Buttonhook Restaurant has recently re-opened for the season, joining JD's, Terry's Cafe, a breakfast lunch establishment and The Captains Wheel Restaurant,Operated by Michael McFarland, former Kootenai County Commissioner, Bayview's only year round dinner house and Lounge.

Scenic Bay Marina, on the North side of the bay teams with activity, in the constant battle with nature, rebuilding and replacing older docks. The Bitter End Marina, catering to sailboats occupies the eastern most position with hundreds of sail craft of all sizes. This marina is owned and operated by Dick and Shirley Hanson. Dick is a former Idaho Fish & Game Commissioner. They also host a bed and breakfast, Dromore Manor.

Vista Bay Marina which sits at the extreme Southeast corner of the bay, features moorage, and a lodge which has morphed into a bar with light snacks, complimenting the dock and boater shower facilities.

Tradgedy Strikes

An Icon has fallen. One of the eight wonders of the world is no more. No, the Eiffel Tower is still there. Taj Mahal is still with us too. This is more serious. An American West tradition as old as, well ... Cowboys, Homesteaders, Railroad workers, is gone.

It was reported yesterday, that the individual that bought the Mustang Ranch, in Nevada, couldn't make a go of it. He gave it to the Fire Department to practice with.
It burned to the ground, along with the culture, the tradition and the Social Benefits that went with it.

Nothing is sacred anymore. People are buying old churches, making apartments out of them, politicians are struggling to stay out of jail, (a development that never has been a problem in the past) Government Officials are being called to task for, (ahem) lying to us.

While volcanoes and earthquakes circle the Earth, famine, pestilence (God I wish I cud spel) are still abounding, tradition is lost. Chris, Bartender at the Wheel, who has his tip jar inscribed, "Mustang Ranch Hooker Fund",has to find a new gig.

What has this World come to, anyway. Nothing that was sacred back when I was young is around anymore. Well, maybe corruption. That is still around ... I grieve ...

Letter to Newspaper Editors

Alas, my Curmudgeon side has arisen. My fangs are showing. I am finally rebelling against the tyranny of the newspaper trade. After spending my entire Sunday Morning reading the Spokesman-Review, I have decided to fight back.

In this era of reduced readership, they still don't get it. Marketing is what it's all about. No, not producing more ads. That is part of the problem, but I'll get to that later. There are two issues in selling. One is content. The other is style. Wait! there is a third one that relates to readership. It for my purposes will be called "User Friendly."

While I sometimes have a problem with content, that is a subjective argument which isn't part of my bitch here. Our paper, and most others, as taught in all of the great schools of journalism teaches several annoying things.

The first and perhaps the worst sin is the "jump." For those of you not steeped in the hoary traditions of the trade, this is where a story starts out in a promenent position, usually the front page, teases you a little, then continues on an obscure later page, not only hard to find, but not even on an opposing page. This requires, then, either a Wilt Chamberlain reach, or you have to try to fold the paper back.

Folding the paper is an exercise requiring the utmost patience. I do not always possess this desirable trait. Since recycled paper was put into use, folding a page back has become an adventure. After exercising the tricky whip motion three times, I usually just rip hell out of the paper until what I want appears. Sometimes that never happens, since in my fury, it has degenerated into confetti which then requires even more effort.

People, if you are trying to keep me as a print customer, you have to make it easy to read, not harder. Example: Page one story jumps to page six. If it had jumped to seven, at the very least, the story would have faced me, not requiring the aforementioned fold back. How about the back page, which would have been easier. Oh, can't do that. You sold me out for the extra money earned from an advertiser for NOT burying their ad.

Comic section. While I read every section (except ads) in the paper, I savor the comics for a chuckle or two which offsets some of the hostility you have created in the previous ones. Wait!The front page of this section is obscured by an obnoxious half page ad, over lapping it. Not only is it overlapping, but it is attached to the right hand edge causing more effort. This is by this Curmudgeon, considered an unfriendly act. I do have to lose 10 or 15 pounds, but if you think for a minute that I'm going to do business with these creepos after pissing me off with their foldout, forget it.

O.K., I understand your point. Advertisers are what makes the wheels turn. Wrong!

Readers do. Why? Because it is always about circulation numbers. You lose reader, thence circulation, thence advertisers. You want to sell papers? Try selling them to us, not them. Advertisers follow the money, not the style. Say no to them a few times, increase readership and they will come to you anyway.

To finish this lengthy diatribe, If you are a company that is sponsoring a football game, you sell the product, ergo a winning team, not the ads that follow. As always, I'm surprised I had to say these things. It appeared obvious to me.

Getting Old

I have been deluding myself that I am middle age for several years now. Alas, today is my Sixty-Ninth birthday. I figure next year when I turn seventy I will no longer be able to deny that I am old. On the other hand, getting old is better than the alternative.

Went to the VA yesterday and all good indications. PSA coming back down, all other tests in the green. They claim I'll be a burden on them for some time to come, which is good news for me.

Hopefully, I will have an interactive 69th Birthday Party, but prospects are looking dim at this time. Well, It's Potato Salad Day at the Wheel, so I gotta go.

Conflicts of Interest

Since my post on "Conflicts of Interest," I have read Planning and Zoning's Cherie Howell's post in rebuttal.

In no way was I insinuating that either Rand Wichman or Jan Gera have anything but the highest moral standards.

What I AM saying is when a regulator quits and immediately goes to work for the regulated, it opens the door for suspicions as to when that person actually started advocating for the new employer. Before, or after they left the job at Kootenai County.

This lends a negative to the appearance of objectivity, if not the reality.

A person of high position at the Boeing Company went to jail for helping Boeing while still an employee of the Defense Department. That was called corruption.

The United States Government has a law called "the ethics in government act of 1978." This act prohibits any federal employee from representing anyone that was previously subject to that person's authority, for a period of two years. That law was for the purpose of preventing an employee from influencing contracts and such while sill in a position of authority with the government.

It apparently was feared that folks in Government would lay the groundwork for the future job by doing favors while still employed with the government.(Hat tip to Bill McCrory for the details.)

I regret that I had to spell this out. I thought it was obvious.

Are County Officials For Sale?

Rumors floating around that Bob Holland, Owner of Waterford Park,LLC has Rand Wichman as a consultant. Rand, after leaving his Planning Directorship, has popped up as a consultant for most of the high profile developments in the area lately.

Following in his footsteps, it appears that Jan Gera, Senior Secretary for the department has recently accepted a position with Gozzer Ranch. One can only wonder how long it will take before this one will be seen speeding along knocking off fishermen with huge wakes this Summer. Maybe she was hired to teach the employees good manners, hmmm?

Wealthy developers are apparently hedging their bets with the hiring away of Planning and Building Department employees, in an apparent attempt to have "insider" advocates on the payroll. Maybe it is time for Kootenai County to adopt a law similar to Federal Employees regarding a two year wait for employment before going to work for an industry that one previously regulated.

In another development, it appears that Commissioner Todd Tondee has hit the ground running. He is the Commissioner delegated to the day to day supervision of P & Z. Some department employees think he is doing a great job.

Great Drainage ... Death Trap

I tried to upload a picture, but my electronic disability prevented it. So, picture if you will a drainage swale. You know, the huge wide ditches along side our principle highways. Since I live in Bayview, Idaho, I will use US Highway 95 as my example.

You can always tell what a drainage swale by the crosses that are erected in monument to those that died there. In the infinite wisdom of our bureaucracy,These deep wide ditches are shaped just right for rolling a car over when it goes off the pavement.

80 per cent or more of our highway traffic deaths result from these high speed rollovers. It would appear that good drainage rules are set by a different bureaucracy than that which sets traffic safety rules. As a result, many motorists die that didn't have to.

In years past, guard rails were installed to keep us between the trees and on the pavement. None exist anywhere along this highway. Just the clusters of crosses to remind us of the unnecessary loss of life.