POCATELLO — In a city campaign that has become heated, accusations about campaign contributions and their influence on candidates have surfaced. The Journal has examined contributions for the contested mayoral and City Council races.
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday.
Running for a four-year term as mayor are incumbent Brian Blad, former mayor Roger Chase, city employee Paul Shepard and community activist Sierra “Idaho Lorax” Carta.
Despite the presence of four mayoral candidates, the main battle — and the most expensive one — is focused on Blad and Chase. Chase served as Pocatello mayor for eight years before losing to Blad by 296 votes in 2009. It has become a divisive campaign with Blad claiming economic progress in the city with Allstate and ATCO Structures locating in Chubbuck and Pocatello, respectively, and Chase pointing out the city’s 7.8 percent unemployment rate and low average wages.
But there are other issues in a campaign that Blad said “has become very ugly and very hateful.”
Blad supporters have complained that Chase has aligned himself too closely with Pocatello developer Bill Isley, a major Chase campaign contributor. Some Chase supporters have criticized Blad’s exclusive use of a city-owned car.
Chase did work as a consultant for Isley after losing the mayor’s race four years ago. This year, Chase lobbied the Pocatello Development Authority, which oversees urban renewal and development projects, to forgive at least part of a $200,000 loan it made to Isley, which allowed the installation of a main sewer line in an area near the South Valley Connector project.
That loan was approved when Chase was still mayor.
Isley was hoping to broker a deal with the Bureau of Land Management for acquisition of property near the proposed Snake River Hot Shots firefighter training facility to extend that sewer line to new developments along Interstate 15. That deal fell through.
City officials claim that Chase has continued to put pressure on the PDA to adjust Isley’s debt and the zero interest loan was extended twice. The last extension called for Isley to begin paying 5 percent interest.
Chase said he did speak to PDA Chairman Ryan Ward about letting Isley meet with the PDA board to explain his position on the loan, and Chase admits to suggesting ways the PDA might forgive part of that loan.
However, Chase said his efforts stem from his support of the original 1999 plan to develop the property near the South Valley Connector. He said although he has worked with Isley as a consultant, “I’ve had my differences with Bill.”
Chase said the bulk of his campaign contributions have not come from Isley or companies Isley owns and that campaign contributions didn’t dictate his past actions as a state legislator or mayor.
“I don’t enjoy campaigns that get mean spirited,” Chase said, adding it is happening late in this year’s mayoral race.
Complaints have been leveled against Blad that he had the city purchase a new Buick for his use as mayor, even though the city was weathering a recession. The purchase of the vehicle was approved by the City Council in 2012 and the city continues to pay for the gas and maintenance for the car.
“That approval was made two and a half years into my term,” Blad said. “It replaced a mayor’s car that was a 1987 Buick Regal.”
Mayor Blad said he uses the vehicle exclusively and does take it home at night. He said prior to the purchase of the new mayor’s car, he was putting a lot of mileage on his personal vehicles as he attended events all over Pocatello.
“I pay a tax on it because there is some personal use on that,” Blad said about the new mayor’s car.
How much campaign financial support and who has provided it through late October have been filed with the city by all candidates as required by Idaho code.
In the mayor’s race, Chase led the campaign contributions effort through Oct. 20 with about $24,000 in total contributions, $16,605 in cash and $7,138 of in-kind contributions. Blad has declared $7,200 in contributions. Shepard has spent $960 of his own money and has declared no other campaign contributors. Carta has declared about $32.
The declared contributions for incumbent Mayor Blad came from 12 sources through Oct. 20. They are: Phil Meador, $1,000; George Stephens, $1,000; Dr. Naeem Rahim, $1,000; Anna Mannan, $1,000; Dr. Fahim Rahim, $1,000; Beenish Mannan, $1,000; Richard Finlayson, $100; Steve Hadley, $100; Colleen Hadley, $100; Hayden Lambson, $100; Jim Johnston, $500; and Robert Flandro, $250.
Chase’s list of contributors contains more than 100 individuals and businesses. The largest contributors to his campaign are: Political Action Together PAC, Hanover, Md., $1,000; Gateway West, $1,000; Mickelsen Construction Inc., $1,000; Knudsen Poor Farms, $1,000; Thunderbird Irrigation of Idaho, $1,000; Knudsen Irrigation of American Falls, $1,000; NAP Labor First Idaho State AFL-CIO, $1,000; and Dr. Rick Edwards, DDS, $1,000.
Other large contributions to Chase’s campaign are: Brad Frasure, $750; Bill Isley, $250 and companies Isley holds an interest in, BBAD Investments, $500; B Street Investments LLC, $500; BBMAD LLC, $500; and Tuscany Hills Shell, $500. The largest number of Roger Chase for mayor cash donations or about 37 percent of the total dollars were donations between $30 and $100.
Pocatello’s election laws call for a mayoral candidate to receive 50 percent of the vote, plus one to win the office. If that fails to happen Tuesday, the two candidates with the most votes will face each other in a December runoff election.
Council seats require only a majority of the vote to win.
Seeking seat 4 on the council are incumbent Craig Cooper and challengers Amy Manning, Barbara Pancoast, Mark Villano and Kevin Perry. Running for seat 5 are incumbent Roger Bray and challenger Michael Orr. Candidates for seat 6 are incumbent Gary Moore and challenger Charlene Young.
A look at the campaign contributions in the crowded seat 4 race shows incumbent Cooper has declared $1,825 in contributions as of Oct. 20. His individual contributions include: Don Jewell, $100; Jim Johnston, $100; Ben and Nicole Baker, $500; and Paula West, $500.
Mark Villano had $3,460 in total contributions. His individual donations included: Kirk and Jeannie Bybee, $100; Mike and Linda Sandridge, $200; Dave and Stella Sandquist, $100; Jack Brennan, $100; Kirk Hadley, $200; Ron Anderson, $100; Ralph and Carletta Breding, $100; Sherm and Donna Akers, $100; Greg and Kathy Maag, $200; Terry and Katty Brower, $100; Rich and Kelly Wathne, $100; Karen Becker, $75; Steve and Joan Maloff, $200; Jason and Krista Meador, $100; Charlie and Kathy Aasand, $100; Zach and Tami Parris, $100; Paul and Shirley Villano, $200; Hornet and Kim Thronson, $200; Ed and Marsha Desano, $100; Rob and Rachel North, $100; and Don and Gina Breding, $100.
Amy Manning had declared contributions of $914 through
Oct. 10 with individual contributions including James Ruchti at $200 and Mark and Eva Nye, $220. There was no update available for Manning’s campaign contributions through Oct. 20.
Kevin Perry has spent $15 for his campaign, which came from a personal contribution. He has no outside contributors.
Barbara Pancoast declared zero contributions and zero expenses.
In the seat 5 council race against incumbent Roger Bray, Michael Orr spent $2,558 of his own money through Oct. 20. He has no outside contributors either.
Bray has raised $6,573. Contributors to the Bray campaign are: F.W. Dykes, $100; Robert and Mary Gehrke, $65; Catherine Murray and Steven Howser, $100; Douglas Nilson, $80; Marla Vik, $145; Pocatello Fire Fighters Local 743, $500; Eva Nye, $100; Dorsey Hill, $200; Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, $200; and Larry Ghan, $100.
In the seat 6 council race, incumbent Gary Moore has raised $5,505 in contributions and his opponent, Charlene Young, has raised $663.
Young’s listed individual contributors are Ralph Lillig, $100, and Paula West, $180. Young has contributed $141.95 to her own campaign.
Moore’s contributions are: Pocatello Fire Fighters Local 743, $1,000; Stephen Weeg, $75; Bill Isley, $250; Kirk Bybee, $60; 3FLLC, $250; Eva Nye, $100; Marla Vik, $145; and Michael Flandro, $100.
(95) comments
If Brian Blad is such a bad Mayor why did he defeat Roger Chase in a landslide?
Brian Blad won by a landslide. Congratulations to Brian Blad, Michael Orr, and Craig Cooper. The Democrat party's stronghold in Pocatello is over.
I think tonight's election was a referendum on the Anti Discrimination Ordinance and that's why Democrats lost.
You people are vicious and mean. I have never met anybody in my whole life that are as mean spirited as you people.
You Democrats are so ruthless that you accuse people you disagree with of being the most awful things.
You people accuse everyone you don't agree with of being a racist and a homophobe.
You leftists are so far outside the mainstream that you actually think that everyone who has a different opinion than you is a bigot. Most Americans don't accuse everyone with different opinions of being bigots.
You people have called me names and you have called patriot names.
Patriot and I have been nothing but respectful to you people. We haven't called you any names. But you people continue to call us the most awful names. I swear it is impossible to have a civil debate with you people.
Rango 2012 you are being hypocritical. You call me a person of low character when your the guy that's name calling and acting like a two year old. Rango 2012 I have been nothing but civil with you. I have not called you one name. I feel like I have expressed my views while being civil with you.
Rango 2012 I wish that you could show me the same respect that I have shown to you.
Since when is a lie told to a Journalist true just because it got printed? The very public record from Dave Swindell of the City financial department answers this question: "Proof that appropriate income taxes are being withheld for the personal use of City vehicle or records of reimbursement to the City for personal use of City vehicle(including fuel)" Answer: "The city cannot provide such proof because up to now the appropriate income taxes have not been withheld"
Wow guess the Journal printed an untruth.
Ben Gregerson, How would you like a property valued at 50 million dollars after spending only 1 million? Pretty good return on investment. Oh sorry that is a business term, didn't mean to send you to the dictionary so you could understand my comment.
I know what investments are, I'm not stupid.
Why do you liberals belittle and destroy the names of people that have a different opinion than you?
To borrow from a rather smart man, and late U.S. Senator: You are entitled to your own opinion. You are not entitled to your own facts.
Grow up. Find a voice of your own. Then, let's discuss real issues. There are many out there than need solving.
This parroting of garbage is accomplishing nothing, and - quite frankly - you are not a very good parrot.
Roger Chase is a proven leader in economic development? Hoku disproves this claim. Roger spent millions in tax payer money to bring Hoku here. Hoku has never opened its doors and it never will. It is an empty power plant that was a complete waste of tax payer dollars. Roger Chase wasted our tax payer money and we have nothing to show for it. Our power bills have gone up because of Roger’s Hoku disaster. Vote for Brian Blad
After reading some of the posts I see the ol saying is true about the apples don't fall far from the tree, but in this case its a nut tree :)
Brian Blad had his check attached as Mayor for a couple of months until January 2012 because he didn't take care of his own finances. I feel really uncomfortable with him handling $100M budget when he can't handle his own. Besides, how embarrassing is that, the Mayor having his check attached. Check it out on the Idaho Repository, Madison County. BB=Embarassment
Does it really come down to " who raises the most money "? Why is that, and what difference should it make to the voters?
The Anti-Discrimination Ordinance is a sham. It is a sham because it forces property owners to rent out their apartments to homosexuals no matter what objections they have. It wouldn't matter if the person is a convicted felon, or a criminal, you would still be required to rent your apartment to this person because he is a homosexual. Do straight people get this same advantage in this ordinance? No; apartment owners are not required to rent there place to a straight person. This ordinance discriminates against straight people because it doesn't give straight people the same advantages as homosexuals.
I want to make it perfectly clear that those of us who are opposed to this ordinance are not prejudice against homosexuals. We believe that people in the LGBT community are exceptional citizens of this great country. That being said, the problem we have with this law is the fact that it requires land owners to rent there apartments to people just because they are homosexual. This law does not equally require land owners to rent there apartments to people just because they are straight. Look, we understand that people in the LGBT community just want equal rights. Well if that's what they are looking for, this is not it.
This is unequal rights because it gives homosexuals an unfair advantage over straight people. This law gives homosexuals special rights because it only specifies the gay community. I believe in laws that protect everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. It shouldn't matter what your sexual orientation is, you are protected because you are an American. And do such laws exist? Yes, they do. There are federal and state laws that protect every single American from discrimination, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
If there are homosexuals in this community that were forced out of their apartments in the middle of the night because of their sexual orientation, that just means that we need to do a better job enforcing the laws we already have. Anti-discrimination laws already exist, what’s the point of making new ones? We are not going to fix the problem by making new laws. If our local government is not enforcing the law right now, what makes you think they are going to enforce a new law? The only way we are going to fix this problem is if we start enforcing the laws we already have.
I have talked with many homosexuals in this community and they have told me that they have never been denied an apartment because they were gay. So why are we trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist? Discrimination is not the real reason for this ordinance. This ordinance was pushed by democrats because they want to be able to tell people what they can and can't do with their property. This is just another attempt by Democrats to take away our property rights.
“Anti-Discrimination” is just the bumper sticker being used to advance their real objective. It is quite obvious that democratic candidates jumped all over this issue to launch their campaign for Mayor and city council. I am not sure this was the best issue to spark voters in order to ride their way into power.
Wasn't sure which one of your rants to respond to. Most are just insanely stupid. Others offensive. Some downright odd. But, most are the harmless wining of an immature individual.
However, some are falling squarely under the legal definition of "libel." You might consider looking that up, then getting a lawyer.
Consider yourself warned.
I'm telling truth. There is no Libel here. The only people who need to get lawyers for libel is the Democrats on this page that are trying so hard to cover up the truth about Roger Chase.
The Constitution protects my right to free speech.
The only sham here, Benny, is you and your bigoted buddies. Bigots trying to pretend they're not bigoted are still bigots. If it waddles like a bigot, and quacks like a bigot, yeah, it's a bigot. And not a very smart one, at that.
I thought that bigots were people that make everything about bigotry and racism even if it has nothing to do with bigotry and racism. Rango2012 you cant stop thinking about race and you don't know how to shut up about race. I swear you see everything through the prism of bigotry.
Rango2012 you make everything about bigotry and race even if it has nothing to do with the issue.
Rango2012 if your so concerned about bigotry why are you so infatuated with the Democrat party.
The Democrat party has, throughout its existence, represented bigotry and racism.
Democrats were pro slavery and started the KKK.
Democrats gave Black people slavery, The KKK, School segregation, The Jim Crow laws, Food Stamps, Poverty, and really crappy black communities. Black communities have more poverty than the rest of the country because of Democrats. Black communities also have the worst schools because of Democrats. The Democrat party has not been good to the black community.
Republicans on the other hand have given blacks there freedom, there liberty, and there civil rights.
Republicans believe that everyone should be equal before the law.
The anti discrimination ordinance does not do that. The anti discrimination ordinance gives homosexuals more rights than everyone else.
Rango2012 why do guys that like men deserve more rights than me?
Only a liberal such as yourself would think that one man deserves more rights than another man.
We voted Roger Chase out of office because he tried giving the city power to take away our pet dogs. What makes you think Roger won’t try this again if he gets elected?
Roger Chase will try to tax rain and tax our roofs just like he tried to do the last time he was mayor [Remember the Storm Water Fee]. Roger Chase even believed that our population shouldn't grow more than 1% a year. That's an extremely sluggish growth rate. Let’s not forget that Pocatello's population was growing at only 1% when Roger Chase was Mayor. A sluggish growth rate is horrible for the economy. During these tough economic times do you seriously think that we need someone like Roger Chase to run Pocatello? If you want to pay taxes on your roof and on rain drops that nobody owns, then I suggest that you vote for Roger Chase. And if you want a sluggish economy then you can go ahead and vote for Roger Chase.
Roger Chase brags about being a businessman but he never says what kind of business he owns. Roger Chase owned the porn store that used to be by Albertsons. Roger’s porn store was called “Pick and Pay” before it was called “Alternative Videos.” Brian Blad ran a respectable business before he was Mayor unlike Roger Chase. Brian served for 12 years on the executive board of the non-profit Blow-in-Blanket Contractor's Association and served for 3 years as an officer. He is internationally recognized as an expert in the insulation industry and spent 10 years training and teaching insulation companies throughout North America on the importance of energy efficient building. Brian Blad spent many years as a business owner in Pocatello before launching into local politics. Brian Blad ran a local insulation business. Roger Chase made money off of a product that destroys families and I think that is wrong. We need politicians with a moral foundation.
Ben Gregersen is a liar, and keeps repeating lies in the hopes the gullible will be taken in. Roger once leased a small convenience store years ago (you were, what, even born yet? Doubtful). And a convenience store was all it was the entire time he leased the building. You do realize, don't you Mr. Gregersen, that by repeating such a lie, even about a public figure, it opens you up to libel? Do you suppose your Teabagger friends will somehow protect you from a court of law, or squirrel you away in a basement somewhere (sans Cheetoes, sadly) where you can cower and send in surreptitious video screeds to Channel 12? I call you and your Teabagger confederates homophobes and bigots because you've shown yourselves to be so by (recorded) words and deeds, and the truth is an absolute defense. You, on the other hand, may soon learn that this government which you hate so much is even scarier than your fevered mind has ever imagined. More so when you're seated before a judge and a jury of your peers attempting to defend your lies. Start saving those nickels and dimes, Ben -- good lawyers are expensive.
It's common knowledge that Roger Chase owned the porno shop that was on South 4th. Citizens in this town have talked about it for years. A scout leader of mine went in there one time because he didn't know it was a porn shop until after he went inside. He told me he got out of there as fast as he could. The porn shops original name was "Pick and Pay" and then they changed the name to "alternative videos."
The porn shop claim is absolutely accurate. A candidate that ran against Roger Chase for Mayor a number of years ago asked Roger about the porn shop during a city council meeting. Rogers face turned beat red. He looked like he was totally embarrassed. [People laughed] Roger Chase then tried down playing it by saying "it was just a few playboys in the back." Roger wasn't telling the full truth. The candidate then proved that Roger was lying and trying to down play the truth. I have seen the the video of this.
Roger Chase owned a porn store and that is a FACT.
I don't need a lawyer, I am telling the truth and the constitution protects my free speech.
Now Benny tries to excuse his lies by citing someone else's lies (unless he's lying about being told this in the first place, which sound like something Benny would do). Benny, you can write FACTS in uppercase as if somehow that would hide your LIES, but it won't. You're a liar, an idiot, a person of low character and all but begging for a libel suit. The Constitution doesn't protect your acts of defamation against good people. I sense dark times ahead for you, young Benny.
Rango 2012 what part of I saw the video of a city council meeting where Roger Chases porn store was discussed. That is not someone else's story. There are people all over this town that will tell you that Roger Chase had a porn store. It is common knowledge, stop trying to cover it up.
Rango 2012 what part of I saw the video of a city council meeting where Roger Chases porn store was discussed don't you understand. That is not someone else's story. There are people all over this town that will tell you that Roger Chase had a porn store. It is common knowledge, stop trying to cover it up.
Rango 2012 stop lying to protect Roger Chase. Roger Chase sold pornography in his SO CALLED "convenience store" and that is a FACT!
PICK AND PAY was a porn shop
Roger Chase was the head of the chief theater foundation when the building burned down. The money vanished after the building burned. That was public money. We have a right to know where that money went. Roger Chase has some explaining to do.
When Roger leased it, it was a convenience store, and that's all. You know that, Benny, but you're determined to defame a good man in pursuit of your twisted, bigoted goal of removing equal rights from those in Pocatello's LGBT community and increasing city government control by your fellow Teabagger troglodytes. It won't work. By the way, congratulations on the huge turnout for your rally against the Idaho State Journal yesterday. You had a whole, what? Six Teabagger picketers waddling up and down the sidewalk (although most didn't even manage to waddle that far). With support that strong, Benny, I'm surprised you didn't just march over to City Hall and take it over by force.
It's common knowledge that Roger Chase owned the porno shop that was on South 4th. Citizens in this town have talked about it for years. A scout leader of mine went in there one time because he didn't know it was a porn shop until after he went inside. He told me he got out of there as fast as he could. The porn shops original name was "Pick and Pay" and then they changed the name to "alternative videos."
The porn shop claim is absolutely accurate. A candidate that ran against Roger Chase for Mayor a number of years ago asked Roger about the porn shop during a city council meeting. Rogers face turned beat red. He looked like he was totally embarrassed. [People laughed] Roger Chase then tried down playing it by saying "it was just a few playboys in the back." Roger wasn't telling the full truth. The candidate then proved that Roger was lying and down playing the truth. I have seen the the video of this.
Roger Chase owned a porn store and that is a FACT.
I don't need a lawyer, I am telling the truth and the constitution protects my free speech.
Struggling with homosexuality is a paradox, but embracing homosexuality is a contradiction.
There is no reason to think that Christians who struggle with these attractions are any less justified and renewed by God's grace in Christ than are those who wrestle especially with greed or anger or gossip. The gospel frees us to confess our sins without fear of condemnation. Looking to Christ alone for our justification and holiness, we can finally declare war on our indwelling sin because we have peace with God.
If there is no biblical basis for greater condemnation, there is also no scriptural basis for greater laxity in God's judgment of this sin. It is as unloving to hold out hope to those who embrace a homosexual lifestyle as it is to assure idolaters, murderers, adulterers, and thieves that they are safe and secure from all alarm. Nor will it do to say, "Well, we're all idolaters, etc.," since here—in 1 Corinthians 6—Paul's concern is not to beat down legalistic self-righteousness but to warn professing Christians that they cannot worship Diana on Tuesday and Jesus on Sunday. Paul's point is clear: For Gentiles, sexual immorality (including homosexuality, within proper social boundaries) is normal, but to take that view is to exclude oneself from the kingdom of Christ. A proud sinner defiantly ignoring the lordship of Christ while professing to embrace him as Savior is precisely what Paul says is impossible. These passages do not threaten believers who struggle with indwelling sin and fall into grievous sins (see Romans 7 for that category); rather, they threaten professing believers who do not agree with God about their sin.
According to the Moving Forward Facebook page, Mayor Blad has been illegally using his city owned car for personal use and campaigning but hasn't kept any records or paid taxes for two years. Doesn't sound like a man smart enough to run a city government. I copied the text below from their site. This is a real scandal, but the Teabaggers and Cult of Brian will do their best to pretend it doesn't exist. >>
Mayor Blad illegally using city vehicle without keeping records
Mayor Blad is apparently in serious violation of IRS Tax Code, according to records released by Pocatello City Hall today in response to a Record Request made by a concerned citizen.
Under federal law, any use of the so-called "Mayor Car" that is not specifically designated "city business" is taxable as income. For example, driving to and from Blad's personal residence is considered a "personal use" of the vehicle, and taxable. Campaign use of the vehicle is also taxable. As an alternative to paying income tax, the IRS allows the user to reimburse the City for their personal use of the vehicle.
Records released today make it clear that, for nearly two years, Blad has done neither. The Records also make it clear that the Mayor has neglected keeping a detailed log of the vehicle's use, another requirement of the law.
According to the released records, Blad has been in violation of the law since November of 2011, when the City purchased the slightly used Buick La Cross for $25,000 from Hirning Automotive, Inc.
Former Mayor Roger Chase did not use a City car, choosing to drive his own pick-up. Chase did not take the reimbursement allowed by the City for the business use of his personal vehicle. During Chase's two terms as Mayor, the mayor's car was made available to City Staff. This saved the city the cost of reimbursing Staff for the use of their personal vehicles for city business.
The released records directly contradict a statement made to the Idaho State Journal by Blad. In an article, dated Friday, November 1, 2013, Blad stated to reporter Michael O'Donnell, "I pay a tax on it because there is some personal use on that."
The fact is, he doesn't.
The Idaho State Journal article above says Blad IS keeping records of his care use. There is nothing illegal here.
Rogers Chief theater scandal is WAY worse then this car thing you won't stop talking about.
I still want to know what happened to the chief theater money.
The Idaho State Journal article above says Blad IS keeping records of his car use. There is nothing illegal here.
Rogers Chief theater scandal is WAY worse then this car thing you won't stop talking about.
I still want to know what happened to the chief theater money.
The mischaracterization of those who oppose these laws is an ad hominem attack on those who disagree with the pro-gay agenda. An ad hominem attack is an attack on an opponent’s character or motives for believing something rather than disproving his argument. This is a common tactic of many pro-gay advocates. Rather than stick to the facts and the argument they attempt to distract from the reality of the evidence presented. Stand Up Pocatello, its supporters and others opposed to the laws are not bigoted nor homophobic. SUP has genuine concerns about the mistreatment of the LGBT community, however we cannot ignore the overwhelming problems with the laws and evidence backing our position. Having a position against the laws does not mean that we support blatant discrimination in housing and employment. But, our community has been provided with zero evidence (just rhetoric and anecdotal testimonies) by the opposition in support of their position. Pocatello leaders like Bray, Moore and candidates like Chase repeatedly ignore addressing the evidence opponents have presented. Evidence of these laws infringement upon religious liberties and private property/business owners is readily available in media reports and court documents (one example is provided in our earlier post) yet they remain silent. The reason? If they acknowledge infringement is happening they have to also acknowledge that they are in support of defining a new morality and that they support using the force of law to push this view upon their citizens.
From SUP's August 15th Facebook post:
"The LGBT community has some of the most talented, gifted, and kind-hearted people and should be treated with love and compassion.
We may have disagreements in beliefs, but that should not stop us from treating each other kindly and with respect.
So, it is important to state that not all LGBT (or advocates) mistreat those opposed to the laws. It is our opinion, that in general, however, the advocacy, politicalization, etc. has gone too far in America and across the world and is causing too much division. These new laws are (by some) being used to force one view over another. This is not freedom and it is not tolerance. Some are using the laws for bullying . Some see it as a new orthodoxy."
By your past and current words and actions, you show yourselves to be homophobes and bigots whose character is lacking and motives atrocious. That the Lilligs have moved to Pocatello from Southern California to, as Rochelle Lillig has said, "be around people who look like us," and attempt to infect our community with their prejudice and narrow-minded worldview will not stand. Carpetbaggers peddling discrimination in Pocatello are never welcome, and you will be defeated. People in Pocatello are better than that, which is why, in the long and short run, truth and equality will win out.
The incumbants, Bray and Moore and the candidates who support the Ordinance (like Chase) have never answered a number of questions. Bray and Moore ignore and dodge answering for the factual evidence that exists demonstrating the negative consequences of these laws. They all need to answer why it is "good" for our City that women like Elane of Elane Photography, Barronelle of Arlene's Flowers and Melissa of Sweet Cakes By Melissa should be at risk of jail time in Pocatello. If Pocatello had been given complete accurate information, people would know that most of the individuals who are opposed to the law are opposed to blatant discrimination; the refusal to hire, provide housing, etc. BUT, these women business owners who have been harmed by similar laws in their states are NOT engaging in discrimination against the LGBT community.
For example, there’s Barronelle Stutzman of Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, WA. “This case illustrates the difference between discriminating based on sexual preference and making decisions based on your beliefs about marriage. A policy refusing to serve gay people under any circumstances would be discrimination based on sexual preference. That would also be like segregated lunch counters. In this case, however, Arlene’s Flowers had NO such policy refusing to do business with gay people. In fact, they have employed gay people and had happily and knowingly served gay people for years without any claim of discrimination or hostility. However, this particular event was something they did not want to lend their artistic, professional services to because of their beliefs about what marriage is. You (a business owner) cannot have a policy refusing service to all Mexicans or Japanese people, but you cannot be compelled to do something you don’t wish to do simply because the person asking is Mexican or Japanese.” (http://w ww.fpiw. org /get-involved/team-arlenes. html ).
Barronelle had served this gay customer for several years fully knowing his sexual orientation, but when she declined to violate her sincerely held beliefs when he wanted her to arrange flowers for his wedding, she has been sued by him and also had charges filed against her by the Washington State A.G. Where is the fairness in this? Where is the protection of Barronelle’s religious freedom/right of conscience? Is it fair in these instances for her livelihood to be at risk because someone is "put out" that she doesn't share their view? Who is really being harmed here, the gay couple? or the business owner? There are plenty of other businesses willing to provide these services.
Also tell us why it is OK for someone like Colleen Francis, a transgendered woman, to have legal protection under a similar law to expose her male genitalia to young girls in a locker room at Evergreen State College. A nondiscrimination law allowed this in Washington and will allow it in Pocatello also, If the prosecutor CANNOT show "lewdness" along with willful intent he/she will be protected in this behavior. Most transgenders are law-abiding and respectful and would NEVER engage in this activity, but it just takes one messed up person to ruin it for others and this law permits it to happen LEGALLY. How are you protecting women and children from this type of behavior? Have you considered the impact this kind of behavior would have on our women and children who have been victims of rape or child abuse? It is yet to be determined whether these new transgender rights will trump privacy rights as the laws are too new and unchallenged.
And, finally, since these laws are "entryway" law into our cities and our state and they pave the way for LGBT values based policies and laws in our schools, are you going to support all pro-gay legislation like the current controversial Callifornia AB 1266 Transgender Student Rights Bill which becomes law January 1, 2014?
These are the tough questions all based upon actual documented cases (NOT misinformation as Mr. Bray contends) that NO ONE is asking of our candidates.
Be informed, Pocatello. Choose wisely.
Hoku is Roger Chases solyndra. That's how bad it is.
Why would the local fire department and police department endorse Brian Blad for Mayor if he is such a bad Mayor.
Our police department and fire department obviously thinks Blad is a better Mayor than Roger.
Blad was endorsed because he rolled belly-up and gave them everything they asked for during budget negotiations. Unlike you, Ben, I support unions, but I also believe it's important for the city to negotiate in the best interests of the taxpayers. When it came to doing what's best for Pocatello tax-payer citizens, Brian Blad instead chose to do what was best for his re-election campaign. You'll notice the only person to speak up on Blad's behalf was the firefighters' union negotiator. If Blad gets back in office, and either Bray or Moore are removed, you can bet those same unions will find themselves in dire straits when their contracts ends.
Ben ... Let's start by defining what a homophobe is. It is classic when someone complains incessantly about gay persons endangering family values, the sanctity of marriage, etc. They usually continue on about how it is a "lifestyle choice." Explaing to me just who would "choose" to be gay? When did you choose to be straight? As a teenager to you sit down one day, look yourself in the mirror and say, "today I will like girls?" I don't think so. And I see nothing but homophobic statements on the Stand Up Pocatello website. Who is behind that website, anyway? They are too afraid to share their identity with the outside world.
And as far as a referendum on the ordinance: if we as a country had voted to give blacks' their rights in 1964, the South would still be segregated and Jim Crow laws would be in full force. No one is asking anyone to change their religious beliefs, but if a business is operating in the open market place, there are rules of common decency that must be followed -- your rentals, your products, your service must be offered and exchanged with all. Period.
The Democrat party has, throughout its existence, represented the bigotry and racism they seek to project onto Republicans.
Abraham Lincoln was a Republican and he ended slavery. The Democrats were pro slavery.
was the party that established the Ku Klux Klan as its enforcement arm. Powerful Democrat politicians have appointed klansmen to high-ranking positions in American government for a century, yet have somehow convinced the vast majority of blacks that Republicans are the bad guys!
The KKK was used to intimidate voters, black and white, into voting Democrat – or not voting at all.
Through violence, property damage, rape, and murder, Democrats were able to secure a huge majority of the black vote comprised of those afraid to cast an alternate ballot. Disgustingly, they have somehow been able to maintain that death-grip on the African-American community to this day.
When these reprehensible strategies, though unquestionably effective, did not satiate their need to keep the black population down, Democrat-supported legislation such as Jim Crow laws made sure these minorities would remain second-class citizens even after the ratification of the 13th Amendment. There are plenty of examples of heralded Democrats, including Presidents LBJ and Truman, expressing disdain for blacks in their own words.
Republicans, thankfully, emerged as the pro-freedom, anti-slavery alternative to the juggernaut that was the Democrat party. Despite the fact that significantly more Republicans supported the 1964 Civil Rights Act than did Democrats, the party of the left has somehow hoodwinked much of the black community into thinking they are its savior.
Of course, today’s Democrats will say, if they concede these points at all, that this is all ancient history, but I respectfully disagree. In much the same way that it did in the late 1800s, the Democrat party needs the black vote and, increasingly, the Hispanic vote to pull heavily for their side in order to win elections.
While paying them mere lip service, liberals pass legislation such as a broken welfare system rewarding poor mothers for having out-of-wedlock children and punishing them for getting married, thus keeping minorities at the mercy of government handouts. This makes them beholden to a party that represents views, such as support for abortion and gay marriage, that are diametrically opposed to those of many in the black community.
Anybody with half a brain knows that the anti discrimination ordinance is garbage. The anti discrimination ordinance discriminates against everyone who isn't a homosexual because it gives homosexuals special rights that nobody else has.
I believe in laws where everyone is equal before the law and the anti discrimination ordinance does not do that.
Only a liberal would think that it is OK for one group to have more rights than another group.
Contrary to the false assertions by Democrats, the racist “Dixiecrats” did not all migrate to the Republican Party. “Dixiecrats” declared that they would rather vote for a “yellow dog” than vote for a Republican because the Republican Party was know as the party for blacks. Today, some of those “Dixiecrats” continue their political careers as Democrats, including Robert Byrd, who is well known for having been a “Keagle” in the Ku Klux Klan.
Another former “Dixiecrat” is former Democrat Sen. Ernest Hollings, who put up the Confederate flag over the state Capitol when he was the governor of South Carolina. There was no public outcry when Democrat Sen. Christopher Dodd praised Byrd as someone who would have been “a great senator for any moment,” including the Civil War.
Democrats started the KKK. Harry Truman was a Democrat president and a member of the KKK.
As usualy, Ben, your inability to use or understand Google is breathtaking:
"In 1924, Harry S. Truman was a judge in Jackson County, Missouri, which includes Kansas City. Truman was up for reelection, and his friends Edgar Hinde and Spencer Salisbury advised him to join the Klan. The Klan was politically powerful in Jackson County, and two of Truman's opponents in the Democratic primary had Klan support. Truman refused at first, but paid the Klan's $10 membership fee, and a meeting with a Klan officer was arranged.[1]
According to Salisbury's version of the story, Truman was inducted, but afterward “was never active; he was just a member who wouldn't do anything”. Salisbury, however, became Truman's bitter enemy in later years, so this version is suspect.[2]
According to Hinde and Truman's accounts, the Klan officer demanded that Truman pledge not to hire any Catholics or Jews if he was reelected. Truman refused, and demanded the return of his $10 membership fee; most of the men he had commanded in World War I had been local Irish Catholics.[3]
Truman had at least one other strong reason to object to the anti-Catholic requirement, which was that the Catholic Pendergast family, which operated a political machine in Jackson County, were his patrons; Pendergast family lore has it that Truman was originally accepted for patronage without even meeting him, on the basis of his family background plus the requirement that he was not a member of any anti-Catholic organization such as the Klan.[4] The Pendergast faction of the Democratic Party was known as the “Goats”, as opposed to the rival Shannon machine's “Rabbits”. The battle lines were drawn when Truman put only Goats on the county payroll,[5] and the Klan began encouraging voters to support Protestant, “100% American” candidates, which was anathema to the Catholic Pendergasts. The Klan allied itself against Truman and with the Rabbits, and Shannon instructed his people to vote Republican in the election, which Truman lost.[6] Sympathetic observers see Truman's flirtation with the Klan as a momentary aberration and point out that his close friend and business partner Eddie Jacobson was Jewish, and assert that in later years, Truman's presidency, notably the President's Committee on Civil Rights, marked the first significant improvement in the federal government's record on civil rights since the post-Reconstruction nadir marked by the Wilson administration.[7]"
Oh, and which Democratic president began the racial integration of the military? Oh, yes -- Harry S.
Harry Truman was a member of the KKK. You can google it. The democrats also started the KKK.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Republican, was the first President to pass civil rights legilation since after the Civil war. He appointed Earl Warran to the Supreme Court, who ruled on Brown v. Board of Education, thus ending segragation. Eisenhower enforce desegragation by sending federal troops to Arkansas when the democratic governor refused to allow blacks to enter the public school. Eisenhower passed two civil rights bills clearing a path for the civil rights act of 1964 to be passed. Democats opposed Dwight D. Eisenhowers efforts.
President Harry S. Truman was a Klansman from 1920 - 1922.
His family has tired to deny his KKK membership ever since, but has failed miserably since it is a well established fact of documented history.
President Harry S. Truman was a Klansman from 1920 - 1922.
His family has tired to deny his KKK membership ever since, but has failed miserably since it is a well established fact of documented history.
Brian Blad showed true leadership during the floods this year and the charlotte fire last year. Blad got the job done.
Given the amount of legal action against Blad and his company (look it up, it's all public record), and the ensuing negative judgments and collection activity, I'm sure he was quite happy to leave the blown-in-blanket biz behind.
While Brian may have spent time in the trenches "learning the ropes," he spent precious little time in the office learning what it takes to be a Mayor (just ask his staff).
Paw Prints aren't "Economic Development," as he once claimed. Remaining in character as the cheerleader, as the stadium collapses, doesn't help anyone ... it doesn't even prevent panic.
Pocatello has some serious economic problems. Either Brian doesn't realize it ... doesn't understand it ... or, has chosen to ignore it because this "inconvenient truth" is bad for his reelection chances.
As someone smarter than me once said: "Just because anyone can be President doesn't mean everyone is qualified." Ditto, being a Mayor.
He may be a friend; but, we all have lots of friends we should never vote into office.
Roger Chase brags about being a businessman but he never says what kind of business he owns. Roger Chase owned the porn store that used to be by Albertsons. Roger’s porn store was called “Pick and Pay” before it was called “Alternative Videos.” Brian Blad ran a respectable business before he was Mayor unlike Roger Chase. Brian served for 12 years on the executive board of the non-profit Blow-in-Blanket Contractor's Association and served for 3 years as an officer. He is internationally recognized as an expert in the insulation industry and spent 10 years training and teaching insulation companies throughout North America on the importance of energy efficient building. Brian Blad spent many years as a business owner in Pocatello before launching into local politics. Brian Blad ran a local insulation business. Roger Chase made money off of a product that destroys families and I think that is wrong. We need politicians with a moral foundation.
The attorney general has NO legal authority to investigate unless our local county prosecutor approves it.
That is why there was NEVER an investigation of the chief foundation which was ran by Roger Chase.
"When Brian was elected, he took a big cut in pay. He didn't know much about running a city, but knew a lot about running a successful business. So he decided that he would need to learn how to run a city, and he did that by going to work in every department in the city. He shelved library books, he rode around in fire trucks, he worked at the sewer plant. He learned what was done in each department by actually going there and working. I really admire that." -Marjanna Hulet
The Peter Principle is a theory that people can be promoted beyond the level of their ability. Brian Blad may have been a heck of an insulation salesman (I've heard different, but for the sake of argument, let's assume he was), so if that's the case, he should have no problem going back into the workforce and making lots of money. I believe he's also considering opening a restaurant in Station Square, so he'll have plenty to keep himself busy once he's out of office.
But as Mayor of Pocatello, he's been something less than a success. I'm sure being Mayor made him feel really good about himself, and that's fine as far as that goes. However, Pocatello needs someone who actually knows how to properly run a city government and has the best interests of those who work and live there foremost in his thoughts every day. That would be Roger Chase. Blad loves the trapping and title, but he's way out of his depths. Still, best of luck to him when he returns to his private life.
The unemployment rate was 10% when Roger Chase left office. The unemployment rate has dropped to 7% under Brian Blad. More people have a job today than they did four years ago. The unemployment rate will drop even more if we re elect Brian Blad. Rango 2012 you need to stop drinking the kool aid.
Perhaps your reading comprehension is poor, Ben. As stated before, including in Sunday's ISJ, the Idaho Department of Labor states the average wage in Pocatello in 2011 was $33,845; in 2012, it was $32, 805, a drop of $1,040. Now you, being the multimillionaire playboy you must be, probably think a grand is just a drop in the bucket. To working folks (and especially those in Poky without a job right now), that's a lot of money.
The DOL stats also show that, between December 2010 and August 2013, and under Mayor Blad's so-called leadership, Pocatello has not gained, but has instead lost jobs.
Look, it's got to be hard for you when your fantasies don't match the facts, Ben, but that's how life is sometimes.
The Idaho Department of Labor statistics does not disprove the fact that Roger Chase left Pocatello with a 10% unemployment rate. Brian Blad has cut taxes, created jobs, and lowered our unemployment rate and that is a FACT.
The attorney general has NO legal authority to investigate unless our local county prosecutor approves it.
That is why there was NEVER an investigation of the chief foundation which was ran by Roger Chase.
The unemployment rate was 10% when Roger Chase left office. The unemployment rate has dropped 7% under Brian Blad. More people have a job today than they did four years ago. Rango 2012 you need to stop drinking the kool aid.
The Attorney General didn't find any criminal activity on Roger Chases chief theater scandal because he wasn't allowed to investigate. Our county prosecutor was a liberal who was apposed to the investigation and stalled it out until the statue of limitations was expired. The Attorney General never got to investigate the chief theater scandal because he was blocked by our county prosecutor. Roger Chase should NOT be elected until he tells the citizens of Pocatello where there money went. We have a right to know where our public funds went.
You posted this below, Ben, and now you're posting it again. Did you forget? Are you OK? Or do you really believe telling the same lie over and over again will, somehow, make it become true?
Tell you what -- go to the city offices tomorrow, and ask them to give you everything they have on the Chief Foundation. Then call or write the Attorney General's office in Boise and do the same thing. If you're so certain you're right, this is the way to begin. But make sure you get your ducks in a row, first.
The Lilligs and your other Teabagger pals already tried to post an ad in the Journal slandering Mr. Chase and others (according to a t-bag posting online), and were shot down by lawyers who thought defending the ISJ in court for publishing it was a losing proposition.
My suggestion: buy a truckload of aluminum foil, wrap it really tight around your head, climb into a fall-out shelter and wait for the Apocalypse. In the meantime, the rest of us will continue to go to work, raise our families and do our best to make Pocatello a great place to live for everyone. Except prejudiced fools, of course.
Rango 2012 I didn't say Roger Chase stalled the investigation, I said our county prosecutor stalled the investigation. You liberals love to twist peoples words and put words in peoples mouths.
My father was instrumental in getting the county prosecutor to come down here to investigate the Chief foundation.
Rango 2012 you have know idea what your talking about. My father and anybody else who was involved with this will tell you that the county prosecutor blocked the Attorney General of Idaho's efforts to investigate the chief theater.
My family knows way more about this because we were actually involved while you were sitting at home playing video games.
The attorney general has know legal authority to investigate unless our local county prosecutor approves it.
That is why there was NEVER an investigation of the chief foundation which was ran by Roger Chase.
Rango 2012 I didn't say Roger Chase stalled the investigation, I said our county prosecutor stalled the investigation. You liberals love to twist peoples words and put words in peoples mouths.
My father was instrumental in getting the county prosecutor to come down here to investigate the Chief foundation.
Rango 2012 you have know idea what your talking about. My father and anybody else who was involved with this will tell you that the county prosecutor blocked the Attorney General of Idaho's efforts to investigate the chief theater.
My family knows way more about this because we were actually involved while you were sitting at home playing video games.
The attorney general has know legal authority to investigate unless our local county prosecutor approves it.
That is why there was NEVER an investigation of the chief foundation which was ran by Roger Chase.
And you, young Mr. Gregersen, are also a bigot and a homophobe, though I suspect it's how you were raised, and maybe there's still time for you to change your ways. Your hold on reality is also seriously askew. You've made mention often about the Chief Theater. You were, what, 3 years old when it was destroyed by fire? Your Teabagger buddies (back then, they were just called loonies) made a great fuss about how mysterious it was that it burned because, of course, before then no building had ever burned down before. Your crazy elders raised such a ruckus they convinced the state's Attorney General to look in to it. Guess what? He found no criminal activity whatsoever.
And no, young Mr. Gregersen, Brian Blad has not brought more jobs into Pocatello during his near-four years in office -- he's lost jobs, and the unemployment rate in Pocatello, 7.8%, is the highest of all the large cities in Idaho. And, yes, the average wage in Poky has dropped by more than $1,000. You can hold your breath and stamp your feet all you want, but I doubt that will change the findings of the Idaho Department of Labor.
That old canard, "I know gay people," is not going to protect you, the Lilligs, or Brian Blad from what people can see and hear for themselves -- you and yours hate and fear those who are LGBT (actually, you hate anyone who isn't exactly as backwards as yourself), and your prejudices and bigotry are made manifest every time you open your mouths.
Side note: purchasing the land for Hoku was, and still is, a great deal for the city of Pocatello. With the work that's gone into the plant, it's going to make a fine commercial entity for some smart businessperson. Also note: Hoku didn't fail under Roger Chase -- it failed under Brian Blad.
Ben, I hope there's still a chance for you to stop drinking the Teabagger Kool-Aide, straighten out your life and stop polluting your mind with the Lillig's concoction of bigotry, hate and fear. Get some counseling, maybe go back to school, travel a bit and meet a variety of people throughout this great country. Don't be afraid because they look, sound, or act differently than yourself. It'll be OK. Just give them a chance, and I'm sure they'll do the same for you.
You know your winning a debate when liberals start calling you a bigot and a homophobe.
Dude it doesn't matter who was mayor when Hoku went bankrupt. Roger Chase is the guy that wasted our money on a failed company, not Brian Blad. Roger should have looked closer at the financial struggles the company was going through before he wasted our tax dollars on them.
The Attorney General didn't find any criminal activity on Roger Chases chief theater scandal because he wasn't allowed to investigate. Our county prosecutor was a liberal who was apposed to the investigation and stalled it out until the statue of limitations was expired. The Attorney General never got to investigate the chief theater scandal because he was blocked by our county prosecutor. Roger Chase should NOT be elected until he tells the citizens of Pocatello where there money went. We have a right to know where our public funds went.
I hope you got that through your liberal head Rango 2012
Let's see if I've got the gist of what you're babbling about, young Ben. Roger Chase has that kind of power, the power to stall an investigation by the Attorney General of the State of Idaho, the most powerful law-enforcement officer in Idaho's government.
Yeahhhh. Uh huh. And all those others on the board of the Chief Foundation were colluding with Mr. Chase, and the only people who were able to figure it out were you and your Teabagger detective buddies. Ooooo kay...
You might want to work a bit harder on that Google thing, son. Hoku was doing fine when they began to build their new plant in Pocatello. It wasn't until after construction began that the market for polysilicon dropped through the floor.
Perhaps counseling alone won't be enough to help you, Ben. It's starting to sound like strong medication might be in order. If you've already been prescribed them by your physician and stopped taking them, please, get back on your regimen. You need help.
Why would the local fire department and police department endorse Brian Blad for Mayor if he is such a bad Mayor.
Our police department and fire department obviously thinks Blad is a better Mayor than Roger.
Rango 2012 I didn't say Roger Chase stalled the investigation, I said our county prosecutor stalled the investigation. You liberals love to twist peoples words and put words in peoples mouths.
My father was instrumental in getting the county prosecutor to come down here to investigate the Chief foundation.
Rango 2012 you have know idea what your talking about. My father and anybody else who was involved with this will tell you that the county prosecutor blocked the Attorney General of Idaho's efforts to investigate the chief theater.
My family knows way more about this because we were actually involved while you were sitting at home playing video games.
I have googled Hoku and all I find is articles about how big a disaster it was. Hoku is Roger Chases solyndra
I have never known a liberal that had any recollection of the truth. Let me educate you. Roger Chase spent his time as mayor promising that Hokus doors would open someday but they never have. Roger spent millions in tax payer money to bring Hoku here. It is an empty power plant that was a complete waste of tax payer dollars. Roger Chase wasted our tax payer money and we have nothing to show for it. Our power bills have gone up because of Roger’s Hoku disaster.
Not sure where to begin... It's hard responding to this much stupidity at once.
By the way, the Lilligs weren't able to get the Ordinance on the ballot in November. However, they did manage to hoodwink enough folk to get it on the May, 2014 ballot. You'll just have to maintain your righteous indignation for a tad longer. Might I suggest holding your breath until then?
The Mayor's Car? Why is it that "small-c" conservatives get all bent out of shape when they think a Dem is spending too much money; but, can't seem to muster the same indignation when a fellow traveler bilks the public? Roger Chase didn't use the so-called Mayor's Car. He drove his own pick-up.and never asked for reimbursement for it's use. That allowed other members of the Mayor's Staff to use the car, instead of their own personal vehicles, for City travel ... thus saving us taxpayers beaucoup bread.
As to the Chief Theater, why don't you muster some moxie, and go tell each and every one of the former Chief Foundation Board members that they are all crooks. Without some co-conspirators, Roger could have never gotten his mits on the dough. So, they're all crooked, right? I smell a libel suit? Or, is that you?
I guess my mother was right, never argue with an idiot. There is so much bull in what you're spouting, we could be here forever.
Oh, one more thing - that porn store you must have frequented often, it was owned by the son of a prominent local Republican family.
'til later!
All I am saying is that Democrats are hypocrites for complaining about this because there elected representatives in the city council also voted to get a new car.
Only a liberal would think we are saving money when we let city employees drive the Mayors car instead of the Mayor. Why is it cheaper to allow city employees to drive the car instead of the Mayor? The cars gasoline is getting used either way.
DC NYLA you need to read my comments about the Lilligs again because you clearly didn't read them.
"I also have to give Ralph Lillig and Rochelle kudos for collecting enough signatures to get this awful ordinance on the ballot."
Ralph and Rochelle didn't hoodwink anyone. Anybody with half a brain knows that the anti discrimination ordinance is garbage. The anti discrimination ordinance discriminates against everyone who isn't a homosexual because it gives homosexuals special rights that nobody else has.
I believe in laws where everyone is equal before the law and the anti discrimination ordinance does not do that.
Only a liberal would think that it is OK for one group to have more rights than another group.
Ralph Lillig and Rochelle Lillig are not homophobes or extremists.
They are good and decent people. They are some of the nicest people I know.
Why are democrats making such a big deal about the Mayor getting a new car when Gary Moore, Roger Bray, and Eva Nye all voted for it. The Mayors vehicle was an old piece of junk from the 70's. They needed to get a new one. The vote to get a new car was a by-partisan vote so Democrats are hypocrites for complaining about this.
I shouted for joy when I heard that Pocatello’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance would be put on November’s ballot because the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance is a sham. It is a sham because it forces property owners to rent out their apartments to homosexuals no matter what objections they have. It wouldn't matter if the person is a convicted felon, or a criminal, you would still be required to rent your apartment to this person because he is a homosexual. Do straight people get this same advantage in this ordinance? No; apartment owners are not required to rent there place to a straight person. This ordinance discriminates against straight people because it doesn't give straight people the same advantages as homosexuals.
I want to make it perfectly clear that those of us who are opposed to this ordinance are not prejudice against homosexuals. We believe that people in the LGBT community are exceptional citizens of this great country. That being said, the problem we have with this law is the fact that it requires land owners to rent there apartments to people just because they are homosexual. This law does not equally require land owners to rent there apartments to people just because they are straight. Look, we understand that people in the LGBT community just want equal rights. Well if that's what they are looking for, this is not it.
This is unequal rights because it gives homosexuals an unfair advantage over straight people. This law gives homosexuals special rights because it only specifies the gay community. I believe in laws that protect everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. It shouldn't matter what your sexual orientation is, you are protected because you are an American. And do such laws exist? Yes, they do. There are federal and state laws that protect every single American from discrimination, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
If there are homosexuals in this community that were forced out of their apartments in the middle of the night because of their sexual orientation, that just means that we need to do a better job enforcing the laws we already have. Anti-discrimination laws already exist, what’s the point of making new ones? We are not going to fix the problem by making new laws. If our local government is not enforcing the law right now, what makes you think they are going to enforce a new law? The only way we are going to fix this problem is if we start enforcing the laws we already have.
I have talked with many homosexuals in this community and they have told me that they have never been denied an apartment because they were gay. So why are we trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist? Discrimination is not the real reason for this ordinance. This ordinance was pushed by democrats because they want to be able to tell people what they can and can't do with their property. This is just another attempt by Democrats to take away our property rights.
“Anti-Discrimination” is just the bumper sticker being used to advance their real objective. It is quite obvious that democratic candidates jumped all over this issue to launch their campaign for Mayor and city council. I am not sure this was the best issue to spark voters in order to ride their way into power.
I have to give kudos to Mayor Blad, Craig Cooper, and Jim Johnston for voting against the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. I also have to give Ralph Lillig and Rochelle kudos for collecting enough signatures to get this awful ordinance on the ballot.
We voted Roger Chase out of office because he tried giving the city power to take away our pet dogs. What makes you think Roger won’t try this again if he gets elected?
Roger Chase was the head of the chief theater foundation when the building burned down. The money vanished after the building burned. That was public money. We have a right to know where that money went. Roger Chase has some explaining to do.
Under Mayor Blad’s leadership, Pocatello has gained back 2,200 jobs of more than 3,500 lost during Roger Chases term in office.
Roger Chase left Pocatello with a 10% unemployment rate when he left office. Brian Blad has cut taxes, created jobs, and lowered Pocatello’s unemployment rate.
Roger Chase will try to tax rain and tax our roofs just like he tried to do the last time he was mayor. Roger Chase even believed that our population shouldn't grow more than 1% a year. That's an extremely sluggish growth rate. Let’s not forget that Pocatello's population was growing at only 1% when Roger Chase was Mayor. A sluggish growth rate is horrible for the economy. During these tough economic times do you seriously think that we need someone like Roger Chase to run Pocatello? If you want to pay taxes on your roof and on rain drops that nobody owns, then I suggest that you vote for Roger Chase. And if you want a sluggish economy then you can go ahead and vote for Roger Chase.
Roger Chase is a proven leader in economic development? Hoku disproves this claim. Roger spent millions in tax payer money to bring Hoku here. Hoku has never opened its doors and it never will. It is an empty power plant that was a complete waste of tax payer dollars. Roger Chase wasted our tax payer money and we have nothing to show for it. Our power bills have gone up because of Roger’s Hoku disaster.
Why are democrats making such a big deal about the Mayor getting a new car when Gary Moore, Roger Bray, and Eva Nye all voted for it. The Mayors vehicle was an old piece of junk from the 70's. They needed to get a new one. The vote to get a new car was a by partisan vote so Democrats are hypocrites for complaining about this.
Roger Chase brags about being a businessman but he never says what kind of business he owns. Roger Chase owned the porn store that used to be by Albertsons. Roger’s porn store was called “Pick and Pay” before it was called “Alternative Videos.” Brian Blad ran a respectable business before he was Mayor unlike Roger Chase. "Brian served for 12 years on the executive board of the non-profit Blow-in-Blanket Contractor's Association and served for 3 years as an officer. He is internationally recognized as an expert in the insulation industry and spent 10 years training and teaching insulation companies throughout North America on the importance of energy efficient building. Brian Blad spent many years as a business owner in Pocatello before launching into local politics" (Brian Blad.com). Brian Blad ran a local insulation business. Roger Chase made money off of a product that destroys families and I think that is wrong. We need politicians with a moral foundation.
More important than money in any campaign is how well a candidate can do the job. I will put my money on Roger Chase any day over Brian Blad. Brian has repeatedly told the person who is currently at his elbow what they wanted to hear, then has told the next person exactly the opposite -- he cannot lead. He attempts to be all things to all people -- again, that is not leadership.
Anyone who throws out statements that are total lies is not someone who can take the mayor's chair and receive respect -- and Blad has done that in my presence repeatedly. I have no respect for him; to the contrary, I respect former Mayor Chase. He has been true to his word with me and mine. He has my vote.
City car for the Mayor? So he won't have to use his own? Ask the kids who get paid less than minimum wage to deliver pizzas in their own cars, buying their own gas/tires, etc... how they feel about that fine example from their community "leaders."
Why are democrats making such a big deal about the Mayor getting a new car when Gary Moore, Roger Bray, and Eva Nye all voted for it. The Mayors vehicle was an old piece of junk from the 70's. They needed to get a new one. The vote to get a new car was a by-partisan vote so Democrats are hypocrites for complaining about this.
I am trying to wrap my head around this issue. I remember a Supreme Court case named Citizen United that not only blessed political contributions but gave free speech to corporations as if a corporation was a person. I also remember reading on October 8, 2013 Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was granted time to give oral arguments in McCutcheon v. FEC. Senate Minority Leader McConnell will argue to remove limits on political contributions and allow candidates to receive unlimited contributions. If memory serves me right the majority party in the U.S. Senate is the Democratic Party. That must mean that Senator McConnell is a Republican.
Why is this issue worthy a story in our paper, let alone all the scrutiny of the Lilligs? Oh, of course, pardon me, what is wadding their panties in a knot, must be that Roger Chase has out fundraised Blad, both in dollars and the number of donors. Now the light is breaking through, it is okay to lift contribution limits and allow unlimited funding as long as it is your candidate(s) that raise the most money and have the most donors. If the other candidate(s) outraise yours stop the presses. I find this article and the scrutiny of Patriot a tad hypocritical. If the Supreme Court rules for McCutcheon (with the added help of Republican Senate Minority Leader McConnell) why would a candidate even have to file these reports?
I have lived in this great city for nearly 45 years and never in my memory can I remember two citizens that have appointed themselves as the compass of Pocatello. While I believe Ralph and Rochelle are entitled to their opinions, when did everything that happens in Pocatello have to be Okayed by the Lilligs? I am starting to wonder if I have been teleported into a remake of a Frank Capra movie and as I drive to work Monday all the signs will have been changed from Pocatello to Lilligville. Mark my words if the referendum goes their way it will not be just I wondering what happened to a wonderful city once called Pocatello. Everyone going to work on May 21, 2014 will be driving down the streets of Lilligville. I don’t think that “born in a trunk in the Princess Theater of Lilligville, Idaho,” will be quite a melodic as the original version.
Hey, Patriot: Watched your hubby's show on YouTube last night. Hope there is lots o' dough in the kitty to pay for the rather large libel suit headed your way.
Amazing how much you and Ralphie know - or, don't actually know - about the history of our fair little berg. So, Roger Chase ran off with a pot 'o gold from the Chief Theater Foundation? Do you even know where the Chief Theater Was? Or, how 'bout this one: Either Roger is the world's smartest criminal; or, the Board of the Chief Foundation - some of the biggest names in Pocatello today - were complacent. Why don't you widen the libel suit by including their names in you baseless accusations?
Shall we continue this dance? The Connector land cost more than it should have because a fairly conservative Judge tossed Mayor Blad's case out of court with the following statement: (paraphrasing) "In Idaho, there are two things you don't take without due cause: A man's water and a man's land." Sounds like something you should be cheering, not booing.
Another round? Campaign donors? As I remember it, you and hubby were up in arms over a deal Mayor Blad had cut with his "major campaign donor" to do something you and I both agree is absolutely unconstitutional. Blad gets a pass on this, why?
Hoku? I've looked at my calendar, and Hoku failed under Blad. When Chase left office, there were hundreds of people employed at Hoku, making rather substantial salaries. The Hoku package was presented to Pocatello by the fine government folks in Boise. Last time I checked the newspaper, they were all members of your political party.
I could go on; but, I've asked some of my friends (which, by the way far outnumber you and your associates) to help out. Their post will take-up were I left off.
See you in May, when you will once again learn that it is very important to count noses before starting a political campaign for office, or trying to buck history.
'Til then.
Roger Chase should have been brought up on charges for his Chief theater scandal but the county prosecutor was a liberal. The attorney general of Idaho came to investigate Roger and the Chief foundation, our county prosecutor was apposed to the investigation and stalled it out until the statue of limitations was expired. Perhaps it was the feasibility study that hid the ability to track the money trail. But we still do not know if it was divided up among thieves. We may not therefore ever know what happened to the money!
Roger Chase was the head of the chief theater foundation when the building burned down. The money vanished after the building burned. That was public money. We have a right to know where that money went. Roger Chase has some explaining to do.
I have never known a liberal that had any recollection of the truth. Let me educate you. Roger Chase spent his time as mayor promising that Hokus doors would open someday but they never have. Roger spent millions in tax payer money to bring Hoku here. It is an empty power plant that was a complete waste of tax payer dollars. Roger Chase wasted our tax payer money and we have nothing to show for it. Our power bills have gone up because of Roger’s Hoku disaster.
Note: The Holt Arena bond issue is recorded in the archives of the ISJ and my husband and I were instrumental in getting the truth out about it and bringing about the bond's crushing defeat!
Of course the Holt Arena is good for Pocatello. The problem with Roger Chases approach to the Holt Arena was the fact that he wanted the city of Pocatello to renovate a building it doesn't own. Our city shouldn't be touching a building it doesn't own because it is kind of illegal. Roger wanted to raise our taxes and put the financial burden entirely on Pocatello citizens in order to pay for a building we don't own. The citizen's of Pocatello did the right thing when they voted against Roger Chases plan because the state has since done allot of renovations to the Holt Arena. Our taxes also didn't go up because we voted against Rogers Holt Arena plan.
Thanks, Normaldude! I try to have all my facts correct. Now to Rode, anyone who reads the blogs regularly knows who I am. Now to add to the mix, here is the body of the ad that the ISJ chose not to run. ALL of the facts have been verified through public record, media sources, or first-hand experience.
CHASE: THE CORRUPTION
Why we are not voting for Roger Chase, or City Councilmen Roger Bray and Gary Moore
*Their role in more than a half million $ overpayment for the So. 5th property purchased for the Pocatello Regional Transit Garage.
*Permits and Fees that were implemented during their terms in office, that are 2 - 3 times higher than any other large City in Idaho.
*Exorbitant hook-up fees that resulted in a lawsuit with the builders and citizens of Pocatello and affecting Pocatello’s growth; the lawsuit is still pending.
*Allstate - the reason they didn’t come to Pocatello, but located in Chubbuck instead.
*Hoku – It was a risky project from the start; it will cost local Contractors millions, with additional potential losses to the City, not to mention the loss of jobs.
*The relocation of the Cheyenne Crossing North, benefiting one of Chase’s major political contributors.
*$200,000 PDA loan made to Bill Isley, none of which has been repaid, while Roger Chase and Roger Bray lobbied to have the $200,000 loan entirely forgiven.
*$20,000,000 Holt Arena Bond that was placed on the ballot at the last minute.
*The unresolved issue of the Chief Theater insurance funds.
*Abuse of Pocatello government powers against pet owners causing those citizens great anguish and financial loss to win back those rights – and their pets!
Paid for by Concerned Citizens For Honest City Government
Patriot, why are you only focusing on Democrats fundraising in the name of disclosure and then hiding behind a pseudonym? It comes across as fairly transparent political hacksmanship. If only twelve different people donated to Blad with fairly significant donations many being $1000, and then 100's of people donated to Chase with many of those amounts being $30 - 100, then who is really beholden? Do you think those people donating $30 are going to be asking for some quid pro quo more than those donating $1000 to Blad?
QUID PRO QUO/QUO BONO *
It's that time of year when City elections are in the forefront of local news. Candidates strive to put forth their message, and voters scratch their heads in wonder and amazement, and (perhaps) no small amount of trepidation: “Whom should I trust”? - “Did he/she really say that”? - Where did he/she get all that money to campaign”? Good questions and they deserve an answer.
There's an old axiom that states, more-or-less: In business, or politics, when in doubt, follow the money! Probably sage advice, but not always that easy. So, in an effort to '… follow the money...’, and to shed a modicum of light on the current crop of business persons/politicians, I suggest we take a look at the “CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT” required of the candidates.
Let's begin with the candidate who has far and away amassed the greatest amount of 'contributions'; Roger Chase. Mr. Chase's 'war chest' eclipses all other candidates. As of October14th, 2013, Roger Chase had reported contributions of $ 24,650.27. An additional $1,000.00 was reported on October 24th and still more money came in, as reported on October 31st, 2013, for an aggregate of ; $31,586.20! WOW! Not bad for a municipal election. We normally see such large amounts for State office – not local municipal elections! One must ask, “Who is so eager to see Mr. Chase elected”? Good question. Maybe the Campaign Financial Disclosure Report can shed some light on the question.
Mr. Chase's October 24th report shows a contribution came from; “Fupat Political Action Together PAC” of HANOVER, Maryland (48 HOUR NOTICE OF CONTRIBUTIONS/LOANS RECEIVED of $1,000.00 or more - 10-24-2013). HANOVER MARYLAND? Really?! Well, that's certainly a handsome amount, from out of State.
On October 31st, Mr. Chase reported an additional $4,000.00 (approximately) income from additional contributions, the most notable from the AFL-CIO, in Boise, ID., for $1,000.00!
Now, let’s take a look at Mr. Chase's October 14th, 2013 Report. Since the “SCHEDULE ‘A’ ITEMIZED CONTRIBUTIONS of more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) this period” is 13 pages in length, we'll just highlight some of the more notable contributions. Remember, this information is available on the internet, it's no secret. You can “Google” this for yourself – in fact, you should.
Page 3: William and Catalina Steckbauer - $500.00
Gateway West - $1,000.00
Bill Isley - $250.00 * 444 Hospital Way, Ste. 555
BBAD Investments, LLC - $500.00 * 444 Hospital Way, Ste. 555
B Street Investments, LLC - $500.00 * 444 Hospital Way, Ste. 555
BBMAD, LLC - $500.00 * 444 Hospital Way, Ste. 555
Page 4:
Tuscany Hills Shell - $500.00 * 444 Hospital Way, Ste. 555
William and Catalina Steckbauer - $50.00 (total $550.00)
Page 5:
Mickelsen Construction, INC. - $1,000.00 (Blackfoot, ID.)
Knudsen Poor Farms - $1,000.00 98 Fort Hall Ave., (American Falls, ID.)
Thunderbird Irrigation of Idaho - $1,000.00 98 Fort Hall Ave., (American Falls, ID.)
Knudsen Irrigation Inc., of American Falls - $1,000.00 (98 Fort Hall Ave., (American Falls)
William and Catalina Steckbauer - $40.00 (Total: $590.00)
Linda Van Der Malen (?) - $250.00 (Sun Valley, ID)
Dr. Rick Edwards, DDS. - $1,000. - (Federal Way, WA.)
Page 6:
James Jaquet - $100.00 (Ketchum, ID.)
Page 8:
William and Catalina Steckbauer - $40.00 (Total: $630.00)
These figures are only highlights. You should “Google” the actual report for detailed information. Pages 11-13 list “expenditures” and these pages are revealing too. Probably the most significant ”expenditure” is to: John Perryman.
“Wages, Salaries, Benefits & Bonuses”
Page 11:
John Perryman - (#2) - $1,000.00
John Perryman - (#5) - $2,000.00
John Perryman - (#9) - $2,000.00
Page 12:
John Perryman - (#4) - $1,000.
Page 13:
John Perryman - (#2) - $1,000.00
John Perryman - (#8) - $2,000.00
As mentioned before; this is only a 'thumbnail' sketch. There are MANY other entries that are worth your attention. Notably absent; contributions from the Police and Fire Unions.
However, the POCATELLO FIRE FIGHTERS – Local 742 contributed $1,000.00 to GARY MOORE's campaign.
Not surprising since Mr. Moore is a retired Fire Fighter, currently works for Bannock County AND sits on the City Council, the folks who determine wages and benefits! Sure, it's all legal. But one has to wonder ... Mr. Moore has also benefited from Bill Isley's generosity. Even Kirk Bybee, the City Attorney, contributed to Gary Moore. And Mark Dalquist contributed. – doesn't he have something to do with the City and public housing? All in all, Mr. Moore's campaign is low budget (about $5,500); it's just the contributors who are interesting.
Roger Bray’s campaign is also ‘low budget’, when compared to Mr. Chase; about $6,500.00, including $500.00 from the Fire Fighter’s Union and $200.00 from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, CLEVELAND, OH.
The REAL story will immerge following the campaign, in the ‘Post-Election Reports’. That’s when we’ll get ALL the facts about who receives the “QUID PRO QUO” (the payback), and the “QUI BONO” (who profits) information. Somehow, I suspect if CHASE, BRAY and MOORE are elected, we will see many of the same names come and go over the next few years.
*QUID PRO QUO:
Translation: This for that – What’s in it for me? – A favor or advantage expected in return for
something.
*QUI BONO:
Translation: To who’s benefit – A benefit to whom? - Who profits/prospers?
A final thought: “CAVEAT EMPTOR” – Let the buyer beware!
Great post, more informative than the article. [smile] Maybe the journal needs you as a reporter.......lol
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