Thank you to my family, friends, volunteers and voters of Elmore County. I wish Mollie and Board the best of luck in the future with the Western Elmore County Recreation District.
It was a great learning opportunity, and my sincerest thanks goes to all those who supported me and helped with the campaign.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
My Statement to Mountain Home News 29Oct08
My name is Leanna Whitney and I am running for a position on the Western Elmore County Recreation District Board. I’ve lived in this community all my life and I love it dearly. I was elected to three terms in the Idaho House of Representatives and have been City Treasurer for 20 years. I’ve had occasional questions about my job as City Treasurer – is it a conflict? The answer is no. I verified this with the City Attorney and the Attorney General’s office before running. Like school district employees currently serving as City Council members, a city employee can serve on the WECRD Board. Hopefully, my knowledge of government budgeting and my ability to collaborate would be helpful to the district.
I have tremendous admiration for my opponent, Mollie Marsh. She’s a committed community volunteer, with many years dedicated to this project. I respect Mollie and I like her. So why run against her? It isn’t personal. It’s not about who Mollie is, or who I am. It’s about recent decisions of the board, the course of the district’s future and my desire to give voters a choice.
First, a little rumor control about my intentions: I do NOT want to see the district dissolved or its assets liquidated.
I believe the district has a tremendous opportunity to do good for this community, as long as they communicate openly, keep taxes low and provide affordable, financially sustainable recreation opportunities in a changing economy. At this point, after seven years of existence, the WECRD Board has not yet produced a detailed financial plan to prove their vision is do-able within a reasonable timeframe, and is affordable to access and operate. Economic signs are pointing to a very difficult recession. So the most important question is “Where is the financial plan spreadsheet?” Send out newsletters. Post financial specifics on your website. If a financial plan exists, put it out for all to see. The public is entitled to full disclosure with solid, realistic numbers.
However, in volatile financial times, I believe one plan is not enough. If elected, I would help develop a Plan A, a Plan B, and a Plan C and then actively communicate the details of those plans to the public. Given the national economy, we must be realistic and calculate not only the best case scenario, but also the worst-case scenario. Using those numbers, if pools are affordable to build, operate and access – great. If not, if costs are impractical in the midst of tough financial times, then let’s be honest and move forward with other proposals to provide much-needed benefit to the community now. WECRD has close to $1 million and land that’s purchased but undeveloped. I’m concerned the board is so rigidly attached to aquatics – the most costly portion to build and operate – they are holding back all of the dollars for that purpose, even though a facility without aquatics, or other recreation programming for youth, seniors and families, might provide affordable benefits to the community immediately. These options need to be explored with an attitude of openness. Board members should accept input and criticism gladly, as an opportunity to fine tune their decision-making.
Secondly, I strongly disagree with the board’s decision to change from a per household fee to a property tax levy. This increased taxes from $250,000 to over $413,000 annually (more than a 60% increase in one year) without a vote of the public. When the district was sold in October of 2000, the Mountain Home News noted the Blue Ribbon Committee (the organizing group) “is actually recommending a hearth tax, a $35 per household per year tax rather than a levy based on property valuations…” Many citizens voted in favor of the Rec District because a per household fee seemed reasonable. As more houses are built, more revenue is raised. Business property, equipment and farms weren’t taxed. After using the household fee for six years, the board suddenly changed to a property tax levy on the assessed value of homes and businesses, offering minimal communication to the public. Businesses that paid zero before were now paying several hundred dollars. This was legal, but it wasn’t right. It also created a credibility issue for the board. If elected I would work diligently to reverse this decision.
Finally, the board is using ten year old data to develop their Phase I design. That simply doesn’t make sense to me. Before spending a million dollars, wouldn’t you want the most accurate, most current information possible? This community has changed a lot in ten years, and recreation has too. If elected I would work to obtain updated facts based on current recreation needs. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring groups to the table, engage the community, and plan strategically. Also, collaboration should be discussed and duplication of services avoided, so the WECRD board must be leaders in reaching out to the School District, the City and the County. Currently, there seems to be resentment or suspicion toward other jurisdictions, based on a perceived lack of cooperation in the years since WECRD was formed. It’s time to set that old baggage aside, join hands and get things done for the good of the community. Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective to move in that direction.
If the issues I’ve raised make sense to you, I would deeply appreciate your vote. Whether I win or lose, this has been a lively and educational race and it’s giving people a choice between two approaches. Voters are better informed about district decisions, and the board will feel a greater level of accountability. That’s all good. At the end of the day, no matter how you vote or where you stand, we’re all neighbors who care about each other and the strength of this community.
I have tremendous admiration for my opponent, Mollie Marsh. She’s a committed community volunteer, with many years dedicated to this project. I respect Mollie and I like her. So why run against her? It isn’t personal. It’s not about who Mollie is, or who I am. It’s about recent decisions of the board, the course of the district’s future and my desire to give voters a choice.
First, a little rumor control about my intentions: I do NOT want to see the district dissolved or its assets liquidated.
I believe the district has a tremendous opportunity to do good for this community, as long as they communicate openly, keep taxes low and provide affordable, financially sustainable recreation opportunities in a changing economy. At this point, after seven years of existence, the WECRD Board has not yet produced a detailed financial plan to prove their vision is do-able within a reasonable timeframe, and is affordable to access and operate. Economic signs are pointing to a very difficult recession. So the most important question is “Where is the financial plan spreadsheet?” Send out newsletters. Post financial specifics on your website. If a financial plan exists, put it out for all to see. The public is entitled to full disclosure with solid, realistic numbers.
However, in volatile financial times, I believe one plan is not enough. If elected, I would help develop a Plan A, a Plan B, and a Plan C and then actively communicate the details of those plans to the public. Given the national economy, we must be realistic and calculate not only the best case scenario, but also the worst-case scenario. Using those numbers, if pools are affordable to build, operate and access – great. If not, if costs are impractical in the midst of tough financial times, then let’s be honest and move forward with other proposals to provide much-needed benefit to the community now. WECRD has close to $1 million and land that’s purchased but undeveloped. I’m concerned the board is so rigidly attached to aquatics – the most costly portion to build and operate – they are holding back all of the dollars for that purpose, even though a facility without aquatics, or other recreation programming for youth, seniors and families, might provide affordable benefits to the community immediately. These options need to be explored with an attitude of openness. Board members should accept input and criticism gladly, as an opportunity to fine tune their decision-making.
Secondly, I strongly disagree with the board’s decision to change from a per household fee to a property tax levy. This increased taxes from $250,000 to over $413,000 annually (more than a 60% increase in one year) without a vote of the public. When the district was sold in October of 2000, the Mountain Home News noted the Blue Ribbon Committee (the organizing group) “is actually recommending a hearth tax, a $35 per household per year tax rather than a levy based on property valuations…” Many citizens voted in favor of the Rec District because a per household fee seemed reasonable. As more houses are built, more revenue is raised. Business property, equipment and farms weren’t taxed. After using the household fee for six years, the board suddenly changed to a property tax levy on the assessed value of homes and businesses, offering minimal communication to the public. Businesses that paid zero before were now paying several hundred dollars. This was legal, but it wasn’t right. It also created a credibility issue for the board. If elected I would work diligently to reverse this decision.
Finally, the board is using ten year old data to develop their Phase I design. That simply doesn’t make sense to me. Before spending a million dollars, wouldn’t you want the most accurate, most current information possible? This community has changed a lot in ten years, and recreation has too. If elected I would work to obtain updated facts based on current recreation needs. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring groups to the table, engage the community, and plan strategically. Also, collaboration should be discussed and duplication of services avoided, so the WECRD board must be leaders in reaching out to the School District, the City and the County. Currently, there seems to be resentment or suspicion toward other jurisdictions, based on a perceived lack of cooperation in the years since WECRD was formed. It’s time to set that old baggage aside, join hands and get things done for the good of the community. Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective to move in that direction.
If the issues I’ve raised make sense to you, I would deeply appreciate your vote. Whether I win or lose, this has been a lively and educational race and it’s giving people a choice between two approaches. Voters are better informed about district decisions, and the board will feel a greater level of accountability. That’s all good. At the end of the day, no matter how you vote or where you stand, we’re all neighbors who care about each other and the strength of this community.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Letter to the Editor from Judy Mayne
Judy Mayne took a lot of time to gather her facts and data for her letter in this week's Mountain Home News. Thank you Judy! I've attached the link to her letter, and I hope you take a minute to read what she has to say.
Leanna Whitney can put rec district on the right track . . .Wednesday, October 29, 2008
http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/1473738.html
Leanna Whitney can put rec district on the right track . . .Wednesday, October 29, 2008
http://www.mountainhomenews.com/story/1473738.html
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Election Information System
Below is a link to a very helpful and informative website where you can see where you vote, and if you are registered. Pass it on to your friends and family to avoid long lines on election day!
http://www.idahovotes.gov/YPP_NEW/default.aspx
http://www.idahovotes.gov/YPP_NEW/default.aspx
Meet the Candidate Night Oct 27 7pm
The Mountain Home Senior Center will be hosting "Meet Your Candidate Night" on Monday, Oct 27 at 7 pm. Candidates for local races have been invited to attend. The public will have the chance to submit questions to the candidates in writing before the event starts and candidates will have two minutes to respond to each question.
I encourage all of you to attend and hear the candidates, and what our platforms are.
Questions? Please call me at 590-4440 or send me an e-mail at leanna4wercd@hotmail.com
I encourage all of you to attend and hear the candidates, and what our platforms are.
Questions? Please call me at 590-4440 or send me an e-mail at leanna4wercd@hotmail.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
MH News Editorial Board Makes Endorsements
Thank You! MH News Editorial Board has given me their endorsement!
The five-person board is composed of key staff members and is convened on occasion to present the paper's official view of candidates in the upcoming election....
Finally, the board took up the issue of the race between incumbent Mollie Marsh and challenger Leanna Whitney for the open board position on the Western Elmore County Recreation District, an election that may be drawing the most interest locally of any of the races. Both women are highly respected -- and honorable -- members of the community, but the board believed this race is not about personalities, but clearly is about the issue of the direction that WECRD should be taking. Marsh simply happens to be the board member whose term of office was up at a time when the WECRD board began facing a crisis of confidence among some members of the public due to changes in its taxing policy, a perceived lack of progress eight years after its creation, and concerns that its focus no longer represented both the economic and social realities of the community today.
The board members themselves simply did not believe the WECRD would be able to begin groundbreaking on a community center by this time next year and that its scaled back "Phase I" proposal to essentially build only a swimming pool would cost far more in operating costs alone than the public is willing to pay. The board believed it is time to re-evaluate the entire focus of the district, and therefore strongly endorses the candidacy of Whitney.
It's time for the annual "Kiss of Death" endorsement of candidates from the editorial board of the Mountain Home News.
The five-person board is composed of key staff members and is convened on occasion to present the paper's official view of candidates in the upcoming election....
Finally, the board took up the issue of the race between incumbent Mollie Marsh and challenger Leanna Whitney for the open board position on the Western Elmore County Recreation District, an election that may be drawing the most interest locally of any of the races. Both women are highly respected -- and honorable -- members of the community, but the board believed this race is not about personalities, but clearly is about the issue of the direction that WECRD should be taking. Marsh simply happens to be the board member whose term of office was up at a time when the WECRD board began facing a crisis of confidence among some members of the public due to changes in its taxing policy, a perceived lack of progress eight years after its creation, and concerns that its focus no longer represented both the economic and social realities of the community today.
The board members themselves simply did not believe the WECRD would be able to begin groundbreaking on a community center by this time next year and that its scaled back "Phase I" proposal to essentially build only a swimming pool would cost far more in operating costs alone than the public is willing to pay. The board believed it is time to re-evaluate the entire focus of the district, and therefore strongly endorses the candidacy of Whitney.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
My press release announcing my candidacy for WECRD Director -
Leanna Whitney, a long-time resident of Mountain Home, has announced she will seek a position on the Board of Directors of the Western Elmore County Recreation District (WECRD). Whitney will face incumbent Director Mollie Marsh in what will be the first contested board election since the formation of the district eight years ago. Whitney was a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 1986 to 1992 and is employed as Mountain Home City Treasurer, an appointed position she’s held for twenty years. She has three children and one grandson, and in 1998 served as the Chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, the group formed by Mayor Don Etter to initiate discussions regarding a community center, eventually leading to the formation of the Western Elmore County Recreation District.
In making her announcement, Whitney stated, “I have three reasons for running. First, I want the Recreation District to succeed. I’ve always believed wise use of District dollars could make great things happen in this community. But if the Board stays on its current course I’m concerned there will be a move to dissolve the district. The Board members are dedicated people with good intentions, but they aren’t listening to the growing dissatisfaction of the people who pay the bills. Citizens are entitled to more accountability and more action. By running for the Board, I’m giving the voters a way to change things without dissolving the district.”
Whitney’s second reason for seeking office is a call for accountability. “This is a serious issue. Leaving voters out of the loop, the board raised taxes from $250,000 to $413,000, a budget increase of over 60% in one year. How did they do it? They simply cast a vote and changed the ground rules, moving from a $34.50 per household fee -- which the voters approved when they passed the district -- to a property tax levy, which they never approved. Totally legal, but not totally right. It was a violation of taxpayer trust and plenty of people are justifiably upset about it. What’s more, the building they’re planning – now scaled back to primarily an aquatics center – is very costly to operate and would likely require additional membership fees to cover expenses. So people would be forced to pay property taxes…then pay an additional membership fee to use the facility. I’m not sure everyone realizes that. And I’m not sure that’s a good fit for this community.”
The final reason Leanna filed for the Director’s position is the need for action. “The Board’s basis for building an aquatics facility is ten year old data gathered by the Blue Ribbon Committee. I chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee, and I can tell you the community has done a lot of changing in ten years…so has the kind of recreation kids and adults prefer. The Board has to be willing to change as well. To make an omelet you have to crack a few eggs. We need to crack open the process, engage the community and ensure we build an affordable facility we can be proud of. WECRD should collaborate with the school district, the business community and the City to avoid any duplication of services and make taxpayer dollars go as far as possible. It’s time for some lively community conversations about what serves the most people for the dollars spent. If elected, I’d move to immediately hold town hall meetings and conduct a community survey, so the district does what the citizens want today – not what they wanted ten years ago. Then, for heaven’s sake, let’s put those dollars to use and do some good for our community. People have been paying and paying for eight years, but they aren’t feeling much benefit. They’re struggling in this economy and have a right to be impatient. I think citizens want to be treated with consideration and – most importantly – to see some results. I’m excited to give the voters a choice, and whether I win or not, the District will be better off by having this dialogue.”
I invite all interested citizens to contact me at 590-4440, e-mail at leanna4wecrd@hotmail.com or read my blog at http://www.leannawhitney.blogspot.com/
In making her announcement, Whitney stated, “I have three reasons for running. First, I want the Recreation District to succeed. I’ve always believed wise use of District dollars could make great things happen in this community. But if the Board stays on its current course I’m concerned there will be a move to dissolve the district. The Board members are dedicated people with good intentions, but they aren’t listening to the growing dissatisfaction of the people who pay the bills. Citizens are entitled to more accountability and more action. By running for the Board, I’m giving the voters a way to change things without dissolving the district.”
Whitney’s second reason for seeking office is a call for accountability. “This is a serious issue. Leaving voters out of the loop, the board raised taxes from $250,000 to $413,000, a budget increase of over 60% in one year. How did they do it? They simply cast a vote and changed the ground rules, moving from a $34.50 per household fee -- which the voters approved when they passed the district -- to a property tax levy, which they never approved. Totally legal, but not totally right. It was a violation of taxpayer trust and plenty of people are justifiably upset about it. What’s more, the building they’re planning – now scaled back to primarily an aquatics center – is very costly to operate and would likely require additional membership fees to cover expenses. So people would be forced to pay property taxes…then pay an additional membership fee to use the facility. I’m not sure everyone realizes that. And I’m not sure that’s a good fit for this community.”
The final reason Leanna filed for the Director’s position is the need for action. “The Board’s basis for building an aquatics facility is ten year old data gathered by the Blue Ribbon Committee. I chaired the Blue Ribbon Committee, and I can tell you the community has done a lot of changing in ten years…so has the kind of recreation kids and adults prefer. The Board has to be willing to change as well. To make an omelet you have to crack a few eggs. We need to crack open the process, engage the community and ensure we build an affordable facility we can be proud of. WECRD should collaborate with the school district, the business community and the City to avoid any duplication of services and make taxpayer dollars go as far as possible. It’s time for some lively community conversations about what serves the most people for the dollars spent. If elected, I’d move to immediately hold town hall meetings and conduct a community survey, so the district does what the citizens want today – not what they wanted ten years ago. Then, for heaven’s sake, let’s put those dollars to use and do some good for our community. People have been paying and paying for eight years, but they aren’t feeling much benefit. They’re struggling in this economy and have a right to be impatient. I think citizens want to be treated with consideration and – most importantly – to see some results. I’m excited to give the voters a choice, and whether I win or not, the District will be better off by having this dialogue.”
I invite all interested citizens to contact me at 590-4440, e-mail at leanna4wecrd@hotmail.com or read my blog at http://www.leannawhitney.blogspot.com/
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Resume War...Who has the best qualifications to serve as WECRD Director?
First, let me tell you, I think my opponent Mollie Marsh is a great individual, who has dedicated tremendous time and effort to this community. I respect her and I like her. I just happen to disagree with some of her recent decisions on the WECRD Board of Directors. That’s why I’m running.
As to my background, my great-great grandparents settled in this community in the late 1800’s. It is my community of memory….and I love the people and the place with all my heart. I am a believer in public service. I’ve spent the last twenty years as City Treasurer, and served for six years in the Idaho Legislature as a State Representative from this area, with two of those years in legislative leadership. I’ve served on a number of organizations and boards. I was the keynote speaker for the local Women’s History Banquet in 2007. I was a charter board member of the Idaho Hispanic Commission, and the Idaho Rural Partnership (originally called the Idaho Rural Development Council). When my kids were in school, attending East Elementary – the same school I went to – I helped start Parents and Teachers Together and served as its first president. When Mayor Don Etter wanted to look at the need for a community center, he appointed me as the Chair of what he called the Blue Ribbon Committee, the group that collected the data and started the discussion ten years ago about the need for a community center. But I don’t like all this, “I did this…I did that” stuff. The most important thing to know about me is I’m a collaborator. I believe that the best things that happen in this community happen from people, governments, and organizations trusting in each other and working together side by side.
So, clearly, the voters have the best of all possible scenarios – two people running who love the community and care about what happens here. This isn’t about who Mollie is, or who I am. It’s about what direction the district will go in the future.
No one is entitled to an elected office. You earn it through the time you put in, yes…but also through the decisions that you make. That’s where accountability happens.
As to my background, my great-great grandparents settled in this community in the late 1800’s. It is my community of memory….and I love the people and the place with all my heart. I am a believer in public service. I’ve spent the last twenty years as City Treasurer, and served for six years in the Idaho Legislature as a State Representative from this area, with two of those years in legislative leadership. I’ve served on a number of organizations and boards. I was the keynote speaker for the local Women’s History Banquet in 2007. I was a charter board member of the Idaho Hispanic Commission, and the Idaho Rural Partnership (originally called the Idaho Rural Development Council). When my kids were in school, attending East Elementary – the same school I went to – I helped start Parents and Teachers Together and served as its first president. When Mayor Don Etter wanted to look at the need for a community center, he appointed me as the Chair of what he called the Blue Ribbon Committee, the group that collected the data and started the discussion ten years ago about the need for a community center. But I don’t like all this, “I did this…I did that” stuff. The most important thing to know about me is I’m a collaborator. I believe that the best things that happen in this community happen from people, governments, and organizations trusting in each other and working together side by side.
So, clearly, the voters have the best of all possible scenarios – two people running who love the community and care about what happens here. This isn’t about who Mollie is, or who I am. It’s about what direction the district will go in the future.
No one is entitled to an elected office. You earn it through the time you put in, yes…but also through the decisions that you make. That’s where accountability happens.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Western Elmore County Recreation District
We've waited long enough! .JPG)
Hello, thank you for taking the time to read this blog and gather information about the WECRD and why I am running for the WECRD Director.
My practical plan for the future of the Western Elmore County Recreation District -
- Lower taxes by returning to the original fee structure ($34.50 per household per year).
- Expand the WECRD Board from 3 members to 5 members
- Contact patrons for an update on the programs they believe offer the greatest benefit at a realistic, affordable price, review the facilities plan, and then take immediate action with no more waiting.
- In the first 6 months a comprehensive financial assessment should be conducted to include the following 3 options:
- Community Center with aquatics
- Community Center without aquatics
- Recreation programs and facilities in the community
- Our taxes were increased 65% in one year without a vote - a violation of public trust.
- The idea of the Western Elmore County Recreation District was sold to the patrons on a per household fee in 2001, and then the Board switched to a property tax fee in 2007 without a vote of the public. The fee structure went from $34.50 per year per household - to a property tax levy imposed on every home and every business within the district.
- There is no concrete business plan for the construction of a facility, operation and maintenance of the facility.
- Current ideas and decisions are based on 10 year old survey data.
- Aquatic center to be built with tax dollars, but will likely require a membership fee to access.
There are two ways you can vote for me as your WECRD Director -
- You need to ask for a WECRD (Western Elmore County Recreation District) Ballot on November 4 at your regular polling place. These ballots will not automatically be given out unless they are requested.
- Absentee vote by going to the WECRD office located at 140 North 3rd East, Mountain Home prior to November 4th.
I have local experience with local solutions. I have 20 years experience as the Treasurer for the City of Mountain Home, and have 6 years experience as a State Legislator for the State of Idaho. I am invested in Mountain Home and offer realistic solutions and fiscal accountability.
I urge you to contact me if you have any questions. I am ready to take action now but need your vote and support.You can reach me at 590-4440 or e-mail at Leanna4WECRD@hotmail.com.
Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
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