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An important choice is coming up in May. It's not the President, or the Governor. No, it's your neighborhood Precinct Officer. This May, affiliated Republican voters in Idaho will choose whether their political party is a grassroots organization standing for platform principles like low taxes, traditional values, and free markets . . . or whether their political party will be a tool in the service of lobbyists, politicians, and special interests. For months, rumors have persisted of certain unhappy politicians secretly planning to upset their own party organizations in Idaho and here in Bonneville. After ugly mudslinging via anonymous publications before the Presidential Caucus, now confirmation that’s likely just the beginning. Apparently, a group of lobbyists, politicians, and donors hired professional political operatives nine month ago that have recruited and reportedly gathered over ONE MILLION DOLLARS of dark money with the intent of using it to oust current party volunteers in favor of ones loyal to their own agendas. Because political party organizations are entirely voluntary, when too few patriots choose to participate, it’s sometimes possible for special interests to essentially “buy” a political party to their own liking. This unfortunate reality sometimes causes people to despise parties because they see them as nothing more than unprincipled loyal supporters of the power-hungry politicians. I pray that reality never occurs in Idaho or Bonneville County. Like it or not, political party organizations are important. Freedom depends on active informed citizen participation. Americans understand the principle of self-government, and our right to petition our government is severely limited if citizens cannot effectively associate and work together in the world of politics. Alone our voices are lost in the wind, but when we do the hard work of organizing, we can make a real impact. The Bonneville GOP has made a real impact in our state precisely because of the active participation that happens here. The Bonneville County Republican Party will continue to welcome all volunteers who wish to advance the principles of the Republican Platform. Participation in the GOP has been steadily growing over the years in Bonneville, but as a volunteer organization, we always need more help, and we thank anyone who encourages and inspires more people to participate. As a party, we welcome reinforcements to our cause. As individuals, each registered republican voter will have choices to make. The decision, about which of your neighbors should be selected to serve as a Precinct Officer, will determine the direction of your party. In turn, the party’s direction will impact our laws, our freedom, and our children’s children. Inform yourself and choose wisely. The deadline to volunteer as a Precinct Officer year is Friday March 15th , and those passionate about Republican values are needed. More info is available at https://www.bonnevillegop.com/position-requirements and candidates file at the county election office. Eastern Idaho is a wonderful place with incredible people who are overwhelmingly conservative supporters of freedom. I believe in the people of our community, but freedom is never free. It’s essential that good people step up, and that between now and May, citizens get to know those who are seeking to become the Precinct Officers making up their local political parties. --- Nicholas Contos Bonneville Country Republican Party Chairman

CAUCUS LOCATION SECOND LINK: INFORMATION YOU NEED REPUBLICANS RISE UP AND VOTE!!!! "Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the REPUBLICAN from their VOTE". FIND YOUR PRECINT https://elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/ViewPollingLocation.aspx (caucus location in link below) FIND YOUR CAUCUS LOCATION https://www.idahorepublicancaucus.com/bonneville-county

Why do we need multiple "eyes" in the room, because each of us hears and sees another perspective. This helps "we the people" understand the issues. On this report scan down to 6.0 issues that would impact the citizens, take action where needed. And thank you to all citizens willing to get out there and listen and report. Cheryl Papke Feb 22, 2024 Reporter F3 BCRCC Meeting Report Idaho Falls City Council The agenda was as follows: 1.0 Call to Order 2.0 Pledge of Allegiance 3.0 Consent of Agenda 4.0 Public Comment: None this evening. 5.0 Consent Mayor Agenda (all of the following items in this section were approved with no comment as a group): 5.1 Mayoral appointments to committees and commissions pursuant to law. No discussion 5.2 Municipal Services; purchase replacement for Sweeper for Public Works. Bid awarded to SWS Equipment LLC. No amount mentioned. No discussion. 5.3 Public Works; Bid award for Meppen Canal Trail pedestrian hybrid beacons. No discussion. 5.4 Idaho Falls Power; Path and Landscaping; no location specified. No discussion. 5.5 Idaho Falls Power; Electric Conductor Wire purchase. No discussion. 5.6 Idaho falls Power; Board Meeting Minutes for February 2024. No discussion. 5.7 Office of the City Clerk; Minutes from City Council meetings. No discussion. 6.0 Regular Agenda: 6.1 Idaho Falls Power; Resolution amending the Idaho Falls Power Service policy. Changes are available on line. The document is updated every year about this time to keep it current with customer needs. No debate or discussion other than appreciation by the Council to keep the document current and customer friendly. Approved. 6.2 Public Works; Easement Vacation for Lot 6, Block 1 of first amended plat of Westridge Commercial Plaza, Division 1. Owner of the property requested the easement. City staff reviewed and approved. No discussion or debate. Approved. 6.3 Community Development Services; Final Plat and Standards for Rising Sun Plaza Division No. 1. P and Z has recommended approval. Approved with no discussion and no change in zoning. 6.4 Legislative Public Hearing; Annexation and Initial Zoning of 118.320 acres in Southeast ¼ of Section 30, Township 3 North, Range 38 East (farm ground directly to the North, across 65th North, from Sage Lakes Golf Course). Developer initially applied for R1 zoning, but P and Z came back with R2. The developer responded that they could live with R2. It is now zoned and planned for R2 (single family and twin homes). At least they did not force high density zoning as they have done elsewhere out there. The parcel is in an Airport Overlay Zone. The Council could have decided for R1, as one of the Council’s stated objectives in these kinds of projects is to support the property owner (I have never heard this before at any meetings I have attended). But the Council approved R2. Only discussion centered around R1 vs R2. Council member Burtenshaw voted no, and wished to leave it as R1. Eagle Rock Engineering did the engineering. 6.5 Impact Fee Hearing, Appeal of Impact Fee Certification, Sayer Nissan New Dealership Sales and Service. This issue revolves around a City ordinance that allows for impact fees to be determined in a single structure, like an auto dealership, according to the various areas inside the building and what they are used for (office, industrial, retail, etc.). Mr. Sayer was objecting to the fee being determined as counting his shop area as retail area, or support for a retail establishment. If the fees had been determined with the shop area as industrial, the fees would have been much less. This is a clear example of one of the problems with government in general. It was clear from the discussion that the ordinance is unsettled in its application, and when proposed, should have been thought through more carefully, and the impacts thought through more carefully. The ordinance in question clearly allows for this kind of partitioning to arrive at a fee assessment, but Council Frances was adamant that the shop was not industrial, it was retail support. Three of the other members agreed. In my mind, no one can seriously consider an automotive machine shop and repair shop as a retail space. Mr. Sayer lost his appeal on a 4 to 2 vote. There was concern that the council not reverse the decision of the Fee Administrator, Pam Alexander. Also, there was lengthy discussion on what precedent might be set by the Council reversing a Staff decision like this. To my thinking, no one could possibly equate an automobile repair and machine shop as a retail space. The Council members admitted that the ordinance would need clarifying and refining in the near future (the ordinance is 3.5 years into its 5 year run, and will need some work). Council members Radford and Freeman supported Mr. Sayer and his petition. I believe this was very unfair. I realize the City must have some means to estimate the impact that new construction has on City services, but this particular case was very poorly managed. There was also discussion about how Boise performs this function, which I found inappropriate. They only consider traffic impact, the number of trips in and out of a facility. 6.6 Payment of Impact Fees Under Protest, Southbridge Division 1. The meeting ran over quite late and I was not able to stay and report on this outcome. I am assuming that this one, like the Sayer matter, was not approved. I am sure that the outcome is on the council’s web page, but I have not looked at it. DISAGREEMENTS: The only disagreement was noted in the section referencing Mr. Sayer’s appeal. How the functional areas inside a building are assigned value must be readdressed carefully. Action items? (i.e. upcoming events, votes, things we need to be aware of?) None. Additional notes: The impact fee procedures need to be scrubbed in the near future, hopefully with public comment

IDAHO FALLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING 02/22/24 Reporter B1 1. Idaho Falls Power- Approved- Resolution Amending the Idaho Falls Power Service Policy 2. Public Works- Approved- Vacation of an easement 3. Community Development Services- Approved-Application for the Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for Rising Sun Plaza Division No. 1 4. Legislative Public Hearing- Approved- Annexation and Initial Zoning of R2 Mixed Residential Use- 118 .320 acres. This property is north of Sage Lake golf course. The builder had requested an R-1 zoning upon application though the building and zoning department changed the zoning to R-2 in order to be approved. Their reasoning was that it would be more cost effective in bringing in utilities to the development and more compatible to the comprehensive plan of the city. One of the council members commented that they have never seen the developer ask for an R-1 and have the P/Z department change it to an R-2. Both council members Burtenshaw and Freeman opposed the zoning to be an R2 but did approve the annexation. Note: R-1 is typically for low density residential use, R-2 is to stabilize and protect the residential characteristics of a district where a compatible mingling of single-family dwellings and multi-family dwellings is likely to occur. 5. Municipal Services a. Impact Fee Hearing- Payment of Impact Fees Under Protest, Southbridge Division 1. There seemed to be a dispute between the builder and the city as to the classification of the development whether it be single family residences or multi. This classification affects the impact fees charged. The request for a protest was denied and the fee schedule remained. b. Impact Fee Hearing- Appeal of Impact Fee Certification, Sayer Nissan New Dealership Sales and Service. A discrepancy has arisen as to the breakdown of the property and resulting fees charged. Sayer Nissan felt that the development was a mixture of industrial, retail and office space. The impact fee as originally charged was $132,000. Sayer Nissan request would be a fee of $53,000 if so approved. Much discussion ensued as to the definition of industrial use. It was decided by all council members but Burtenshaw and Radford that the legal definition of industrial did not apply to any area of Sayer Nissan. The final outcome was that the development could be divided into office/retail and no industrial area as per what was determined to fit the legal definition at their disposal.

Idaho Falls City Council Meeting Reporter: F3 Date:  8 Feb 2024   7:30 p.m We will begin with Reporter F3’s personal Comments. Let me Preface Reporter F3’s comments: From a Local Government Perspective, it takes many voices to counter changes “We the People” see and do not like.  Contact us and join our network of individuals going out and “observing” Bonneville Government in Action.  Help us inform citizens.  YOUR VOTE AND VOICE COUNT.  Why don’t our Republican Representatives support our Values in the Platform? From:  Reporter F3 I am very concerned about the direction the Planning and Zoning Commission is taking relative to approving new subdivisions. Every meeting I have attended, there is an item to approve a final plat. Everyone I have seen is for a very condensed, high-density apartment complex or highly compacted townhomes, etc. I am afraid that our city and county are losing their character and heritage buy building such areas. I am also afraid that the occupants, largely moving here from out-of-state, don’t possess our values, and are voting Democrat. The Council essentially rubber-stamps these items when presented, with little or no debate. I am assuming therefore that we need to meet this head -on by challenging this at the planning and zoning meetings, and challenging their property development procedures that encourage this. In my area alone, Fairway Estates, we have no fewer than six of these complexes, and more under construction. Also, I am concerned about the local politicians being able to operate in their positions and run for office and not declare a party affiliation, so citizens that are voting can at least form some form of an opinion on where the candidate stands. I know this is state law, but I would love to see our Republican leaders get it reversed. I know why they do it. If you are a Democrat or RINO in this state, odds are you will never be elected, or will have problems getting elected or garnering any support. I believe this is gutless. I am a proud conservative constitutional Republican, and I am not afraid to admit it---anywhere---anytime. If they are so convinced that their ideas and methods are superior to mine, or Republicans, and are better for our state or our country, then let them say it. Put a “(D)” behind your name, and make your case. Report: The agenda was as follows: 1.0 Call to Order 2.0 Pledge of Allegiance 3.0 Consent of Agenda 4.0 Public Comment: One gentleman questioning the cost of painting and decaling the gym floor of the Recreation Center which is about to be refinished. Explanation was that sponsors will pay the cost. Some have already been identified. The work is discussed in subsequent section. 5.0 Consent Mayor Agenda: 5.1 Mayoral appointments to committees and commissions pursuant to law. No discussion 5.2 Municipal Services; Quote for purchase of Replacement Crack Sealer for Public Works. Approved with no discussion. 5.3 Idaho Falls Power; Gem State Vault Toilet-Precast, bid tabulation. Approved with no discussion. 5.4 Idaho Falls Power; Bid for Recloser Switch, bid tabulation. Approved with no discussion. 5.5 Public Works; Bid award for North Highland Park Concrete Improvements. Approved with no discussion. 5.6 Bid Award for Jefferson Ave Water Line Replacement from Science Center Drive to Micro St. Approved with no discussion. 5.7 Office of the City Clerk; Approval of minutes from City Council meetings. Approved with no discussion. 6.0 Regular Agenda: 6.1 Final Plat and Development Agreement for Sand Creek Estates Division No. 2. Approved with no discussion. 6.2 Addition to Public Works Fleet; one John Deere 60 P Mini-excavator for $124,987. Approved with no discussion. 6.3 Idaho Falls Power solicited for request the best qualified company to build a peaking plant. ESI response considered the best one. Contract amount for $25 million. Discussion ensued about the plant using natural gas and not being a “green plant” and therefore not producing carbon emissions. Commissioner Radford expressing the most concern. At one time he stated he would not support, but is supporting now. The plant can be configured in the future to burn hydrogen. I did not realize that our local leaders had bought into this extreme agenda, which is disappointing. Project approved and is proceeding. 6.4 Tautphaus Park Tennis Court re-construction project; amount is roughly $475,000. Sourcewell chosen in a competitive bid process. Approved with no discussion. Apparently the concrete there is in very poor shape. 6.5 Sole Source Bid for the project to demolish and re-construct and re-finish the Idaho Falls Recreation center wooden court floor. Floor is extremely old and needs to be replaced. Has several flaws and soft spots in the current floor. Cost is about $190,00. Sponsors will help with the costs. Approved with very little discussion.

By: Doyle Beck Senator Kevin Cook and Representative Stephanie Mickelsen wrote in a recent op-ed that “we see firsthand the results” of Idaho’s education system. They claim we already have school choice, so, heck, why bother expanding it more, especially given Idaho’s constitutional obligations to “public” schools? First, let’s examine the results to which they speak, and then let’s look at school choice, and finally, the reality of the state’s constitutional obligation. In the Bonneville School District 93 and Idaho Falls District 91, which Cook and Mickelsen call “incredible” here are the most recent test scores: District 93 Idaho Standards Achievement Test showed ( https://idahoschools.org/districts/093/achievement) a passing rate of 52 percent in English, 40 percent in math, and less than 38 percent in science. District 91 reported (https://idahoschools.org/districts/091/achievement) English proficiency at 48 percent, math at less than 38 percent, and science at about 35 percent. According to Senator Dave Lent, 20% of children entering the 9th Grade never graduate from High School, and only 1/3 of our population graduate from college. Nowhere in the world would anyone call that “incredible.” On the whole, these results would be labeled as failing. And it is also what passes for normal on a statewide basis. Our local school districts are not an anomaly when it comes to test scores. Nor are Idaho’s government-run schools different from their peers across the country. In short, the public school system has been failing our kids for some time. Parents are compelled to pay for their kids to attend public school. This puts non-public schools out of reach for many of our local families. Saying these parents have a choice is like saying you can buy your groceries wherever you want but you still have to pay for the spoiled vegetables offered at the government grocery store. To solve this problem, more than a dozen states across the country allow parents to take advantage of tax credits, education savings accounts, and vouchers. These programs are popular because parents want an option other than government schools. In short, they want their money to follow the student to the education arrangement that best meets their needs. No longer are families, at least in those states, forced to pay for an education where the prospect of quality experience is a coin flip. Those states also have constitutional obligations, the same as the one in Idaho, requiring that the state “establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.” As it turns out, courts have defended this position, the obligation for states is to ensure the existence and funding of the system. However, the system need not be confined to school buildings run and operated exclusively by the government. The system can also include private schools. This concept is consistent with the beliefs espoused by the Republicans across the country and specifically in the Idaho GOP platform, which calls for the expansion of education choice. Cook and Mickelsen complain that education choice means “We won’t know how your tax dollars will get used or the education a student receives.” Well, we know what students are getting now, and it isn’t great. I trust the parents directing the funds to the school that best fits their child, shoot you never know the government-run schools may want to be attractive enough a parent would choose them. It’s time to do what’s right for Idaho’s school children and their families. Let’s expand education choices in Idaho.

GOP Legislative District 33 Votes to Censure Representatives Lent and Erickson for Not Following the GOP Platform IDAHO FALLS, ID, FEBRUARY 16, 2024 As per the new rule, Article XX, adopted by the Idaho Republican party, which was put in place to hold legislators accountable to the professed Republican Party ideals, Legislative District 33 voted to Censure Representatives David Lent and Marco Erickson. The vote to censure was for not following the GOP Platform which they signed and pledged to accept as the standard by which their performance as candidates and officeholders should be evaluated. Our goal as a legislative district committee is to work with our elected representatives. We are grateful for their dedication and commitment. We urge them to learn more about the principles of natural law upon which the Idaho and U.S. Constitutions and the Republican Party Platform are based and vote in accordance thereof. We also thank the PCOs who studied the objections and cared enough to express their desires and concerns. More information can be found on the LD 33 webpage at https://www.bonnevillegop.com/ld-33-platform-reviews Jilene Burger Chair, Republican Legislative District 33

Another Report by Dawna Howard These are the notes I took from the resettlement meeting held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 . It was hosted by a couple from Idaho Falls in conjunction with the US department of State. The organization is Welcome Corps!  This is not a city ran program but will have much impact on the city, our taxes and our way of life. Private/Public Sponsorship Program You can check out information through Welcome Corps and Bridge Builders on FB and Google Functions of this PPP....finances/employment, housing/transportation, documentation, language/clothing, medical It is a fundraising organization......requirements include but are not limited too: $2425 /person 90 day commitment Must participate in sponsorship essentials training course The people you are "sponsoring" have already gone through the vetting process, seeking asylum and just waiting in a camp somewhere to be accepted into a program. They are looking for at least 5 people sponsorship groups, for fundraising, to bring refugees seeking asylum to the United States. Most come solo and work to bring their families over after they have integrated.  So it will not just be a few it will turn into many. My thoughts: It will take way more than $2425 to provide them with the basic needs for one month After the 90 days what happens to them?  Are they just left to fend for themselves, using our underfunded, understaffed local agencies for "benefits"....denying our taxpayers the right to use them AND when they need more services locally, who will fund that?  THE TAXPAYERS!!! This is NOT a sanctuary city per se....but definitely the beginning of one. Twin Falls is a sanctuary city and they have been fighting it for at least 20 years if not longer.  They bring their "war" with them, girls get raped, they get priority for housing, school, college and social benefits. I sounds like to me that the Federal Government no longer has funds to manage this program so they are putting into the hands of the citizens. I am not sure what we can do to shut it down since it is private but once we let them in....they will come. I do not want you to think that I do not have sympathy for refugees seeking asylum.  I believe that they should be given a chance at a new life. I have witnessed and been apart of citizenship hearings, sponsorship of families.  A family that I view as my "family" (from Japan yes I speak a little Japanese) just received  their US citizenship after much hard work and dedication using their own money, education and work visas after more than 10 years!  It was a monumental moment for us to share but 10 years is hardly 90 days. 90 days and $2425 are unrealistic numbers. I believe they should be given English classes and a work visa (that is how the people I know did it) and become tax paying citizens and not a benefit "eating" community. We all ready have an understaffed/underbudgeted first responder department.  Who is going to bear the burden of keeping our neighborhoods safe WITHOUT tax payers footing the bill? I shared the  information from the meeting but remember my thoughts are MY OWN and by no means does it mean you need to agree with me. This a situation where you need to research and decide for yourself your own thoughts. Education is mandatory moving forward! Anyone else who attended this meeting and has other thoughts, ideas or different perspective than I left with please share those with me as well. Dawna Howard, Founder CCofIF Conservative Coalition

By: Dakota Roberson is an engineer and educator in Idaho Fall Someone contacted me and said this was an excellent article. This article was submitted in the Post Register Conservative Reflections on Human Nature In the rich tapestry of conservative thought, a foundational strand weaves through the corridors of time, echoing the sentiments of classical thinkers like Edmund Burke and Russell Kirk. It is a belief steeped in the recognition of the unchanging nature of human beings—a conviction that stands as a bedrock principle in the conservative tradition. At the heart of this conservative tenet lies the profound understanding that human nature, with its perennial virtues and vices, remains a constant force over time. Unlike the transient waves of societal trends, the conservative asserts that the essence of humanity endures, navigating history with a continuity that defies fleeting fashions. This recognition becomes the cornerstone upon which the conservative edifice is erected. For the conservative, government is not a sculptor shaping the very essence of human existence but rather a custodian, entrusted with the task of creating space for the organic growth of institutions that allow individuals to flourish. The conservative mind is skeptical of grand designs and utopian visions, understanding that human nature is not a raw material to be molded but a force to be accommodated. Government, in this view, is not a panacea for all societal ills but a limited entity designed to preserve order and safeguard the conditions necessary for human flourishing. It is a guardian, not a creator—a distinction that carries profound implications for the conservative understanding of governance. The conservative's acknowledgment of the unchanging nature of humanity is not a lamentation, but a recognition of the enduring strengths and frailties that define the human condition. It is an embrace of the complexity inherent in the human experience, steering clear of the simplistic allure of ideological fervor. Within this conservative framework, institutions play a pivotal role. They are not arbitrary constructs but organic outgrowths that have evolved over time, shaped by the collective wisdom of generations. These institutions, be they familial, religious, or communal, are seen as the bulwarks against the excesses of an unrestrained government. They are the laboratories of human interaction where individuals learn to navigate the complexities of social existence. However, the conservative is not blind to the flaws inherent in humanity. In fact, it is this acute awareness of human imperfection that informs the conservative's approach to governance. Government, in the conservative ethos, is a necessary but limited tool—a tool that must be wielded with caution, for it is susceptible to the same flaws that afflict individuals. The conservative tradition recognizes that power, if unchecked, can corrupt, and authority, if unrestrained, can lead to tyranny. In the grand narrative of conservative thought, the belief in the unchanging nature of human beings emerges as a timeless principle—an anchor that steadies the ship of state amidst the tumultuous seas of political ideologies. It is a belief that invites reflection, humility, and a measured approach to governance.

February 8 2024 Reporter G2 Bonneville County Library Board Free library cards will be available for all of Bonneville County teachers and families, home school teachers and families and school staff and families. The programs at the libraries are a huge success. Storytime’s are being even more attended. Classes such as crochet are growing. These programs are enhancing the public awareness of the library. The Bonneville county libraries will be a liaison for kindergarten roundup. The libraries are staying very current with new books. Handicap ramp is now in place in the parking lot. Need sponsorships for the summer reading program. There will be a dragon hatching program to go along with the dragon book program. Watching the library bills in the legislature. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 13th at 9PM.

February 6, 2024 Reporter B1 Idaho Falls Planning Commission 1.      Approved- final plat MLV Industrial Park- generally located north of W Sunnyside Rd, east of McNeil Drive, south of W 25th E, west of Rollandet Avenue. 2.      Approved- final plat Snake River Landing Division 3- generally located north of Pier View Drive, east of Bluff Street, south of the Porter Canal, west of Snake River Parkway. Public hearings: 1.      Approved- Annexation/Initial Zoning- Initial zoning of public.approx. 1.791 acres generally located North of W 65th S, east of Columbia Street, south of Cold Springs Drive, west of S Holmes Ave 2.      Approved 4-2-Annexation/Initial Zoning- annexation with an initial zoning of R2, Mixed Residential and R3A. There was much discussion on this property. There were at least 8 homeowners who testified opposing the zoning of the property. Their concern was the traffic impact. There were also questions of if the current property owner where the R3A zoning will occur if they were aware of the consequences of this classification. There was also much concern about the impact on current businesses in the area namely the equestrian center. They were requesting an R1 zoning not the R2. There was a petition presented with 130 signatures. The builder kept referring to the Idaho Falls comprehensive plan. The final approval will need to be decided by the city council. 3.      Approved 4-2- preliminary plat for the above property. There will be 87 lots with 84 being buildable. This will be 3 units per acre. 4.      Not sure if this was approved or not- the zoom of the meeting stopped. Rezone from Industrial and Manufacturing and LC Limited Commercial to LM, Light Manufacturing and Heavy Commercial- property generally located as north of W Sunnyside Road, east of McNeil Drive, south of W 25th Street, west of Rollandet Avenue.