RECALL: Visit sheds some light

On Friday, May 25, I visited Recall CdA to get some answers. My decision was predicated by two letters in The Press, one claiming an 18 percent increase in our property taxes because of changes to McEuen field, and the other stating the project will cost us $39 million.

Not one of the six or seven people there professed a great love or use of McEuen. I was told they weren’t responsible for statements made by others. They couldn’t explain the 18 percent claim, however, noted Mary Souza, that 18 percent may represent “increased services” to both Urban Renewal Districts. As to the $39 million, it appears to be a combination of what was once considered and what is now proposed: $14 million.

I received a full color pamphlet with the title “Taxation Without Representation” sponsored by Kathleen Sims, our city’s representative in Boise. It seems almost disloyal that this city’s elected representative doesn’t represent the community but instead a special interest group.

The information dispensed by the pamphlet and “Recall” is a combination of half-truths and lies. What better way to scare Idahoans than shout INCREASED TAXES!

In nine years all the tax revenues from Lake District will flow into city coffers and we will still have the library, Kroc Center, Prairie Trail and hopefully a more user-friendly McEuen Field. I’d like to take my grandchildren there to play. I called the Kootenai County Treasurer’s office and learned I am not being taxed for the Urban Renewal Districts.

JANET CALLEN

Coeur d’Alene