The City's Pulse Newsletter ... The More Things Change...

We all know that the Board of Trustees at NIC has refused to consider any suggestions or concerns from the general public. And that they’ve ignored input and advice from area legislators and business leaders as well.

Now, with the serious economic downturn and the significant drop in state tax revenues, we can hope NIC will reconsider some of their plans. That is what State Representative Frank Henderson believes when he says, “It is my opinion that changed conditions justify changed decisions.”

Rep. Henderson has been a long-time promoter of diverse programs at NIC. He sits on the Joint Finance & Appropriations Committee in Boise, where some of his primary budget responsibilities include Community Colleges and Professional/Technical Education. He has been championing the creation of a much-needed Dental Hygiene program, along with other degrees and certifications at NIC. Frank is concerned that now, with state monies critically tight, programs at NIC will not expand because of the board’s decision to spend $10 million on the purchase the mill site land.

"Curriculum expansion should not be placed on hold while vacant land is being paid for”, Rep. Henderson said.

He suggests the NIC board push their financing of the land out to an eight year payback schedule, thus decreasing the yearly payment and freeing money for new programs to help people get jobs.

I would also hope NIC will renegotiate the price of the land, in view of the drastic drop in real estate values, saving even more.

Please watch for Rep. Henderson’s excellent Guest Editorial in the CdA Press soon, I hope.

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On the theme of “the more things change, the more they stay the same”, I was amazed to see the Harbor Center rental agreement between the city and the U of I, in the headlines again. I reviewed some of my past columns and newsletters on this subject and the NIC plan for the mill site, and thought you might want to revisit some of them too. Here’s a quick list of the pertinent columns. The first two are about NIC, the third is about the Harbor Center. Have a great week! --Mary

“The Next Tubb's Hill?: The Art of Spin”, May 8, 2008

click on: http://www.thecityspulse.com/newsletter/May8_08.html

“Big Heads and Red Flashing Lights at the Ed Corridor”, August 5 , 2008

click on: http://www.marysouzacda.com/HOM_8-05-08.html

“Birds of Prey”, June 12, 2008

click on: http://www.thecityspulse.com/newsletter/Jun12_08.html

Any comments or suggestions can be sent to: thecityspulse@gmail.com

Please be sure to visit our new web site for local issues, http://opencda.com

Mary Souza has been a concerned citizen of CdA for over 20 years. She's a local small business owner, former P&Z Commissioner and wrote an opinion column in the CdA Press on local issues. Her opinions are her own.