The Coeur d’Alene Press article dated Jan. 4, 2018, with the title of “Collaborating on curriculum,” was written by Marc Stewart. Two statements in the article are obviously shocking: “North Idaho College is leasing 8,500 square feet of floor space on its main campus to a private business at no charge,” and “Under the terms of the three-year contract, Gizmo receives free internet and phone service, up to 25 used NIC computers, and free water and electricity from the college.” This is Legal Plunder.

If you own real property located in Kootenai County, then you are required by law to pay property taxes to North Idaho College. If you don’t pay your property taxes, your property will be sold to pay the taxes. Simply put, you don’t have a choice whether or not you pay property taxes to North Idaho College. Not only does North Idaho College receive property taxes from Kootenai County taxpayers, it receives funding from your income taxes paid to the state of Idaho.

North Idaho College is an important educational entity for our community. It has served the community well for many years. It has morphed into a campus that includes four-year higher educational entities. Having local higher education is a great asset.

However, no taxing entity, including North Idaho College, should give away tax-funded freebies to private businesses. I’m extremely concerned that “Freebies for Friends” giveaway deals are not in the best interest of Kootenai County taxpayers. This is Legal Plunder.

If you wish to do some research of Legal Plunder, please read “The Law” written by Frederic Bastiat. The original book was written in French in 1849, with the English translation produced in 1853. Some things never change, including the continuance of Legal Plunder.

As long as North Idaho College has “Freebies for Friends” giveaway deals, Kootenai County taxpayers should not pay property taxes to North Idaho College. So what can you do as a Kootenai County taxpayer to eliminate Legal Plunder executed by North Idaho College? Contact all members of the Idaho Legislature who have districts located in Kootenai County. A list is provided below with email addresses. Ask the legislators to propose and pass legislation that will remove North Idaho College from your Kootenai County tax bill until North Idaho College eliminates “Freebies for Friends” tax-funded giveaway deals. North Idaho College Legal Plunder must be stopped.

Here is a list of the Legislators with their email address.

Sen. Steve Vick: sjvick@senate.idaho.gov

Rep. Vito Barbieri: vbar@house.idaho.gov

Rep. Eric Redman: redman@house.idaho.gov

Sen. Robert Nonini: bnonini@senate.idaho.gov

Rep. Ron Mendive: rmendive@house.idaho.gov

Rep. Don Cheatham: dcheatham@house.idaho.gov

Sen. Mary Souza: msouza@senate.idaho.gov

Rep. Luke Malek: lmalek@house.idaho.gov

Rep. Paul Amador: pamador@house.idaho.gov

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Matt Roetter is a longtime Hayden resident with six grandchildren who are fifth-generation Idahoans.