[Vision2020] Tribune uncovers new Moscow pro-growth group

[J Ford]

Ooooo, nicely done.  Hoepfully we get a POSITIVE response, but I wouldn't 
count on it.

Good job.

J  :]

P.S.  Did you happen to notice just how many of these folks belong to the 
Moscow Chamber of Commerce?  I guess I don't see the point of two such 
groups in Moscow, but maybe someone would be so kind as to explain it.  
Maybe there is a difference in the two?

Probably not.

Also, the fact that a kirker is supporting the web site as well as being on 
the board is an interesting note.



>From: Steven Basoa <sbasoa at moscow.com>
>CC: <vision2020 at moscow.com>
>Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Tribune uncovers new Moscow pro-growth group
>Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 11:28:40 -0700
>
>Here's what concerns me about this group (the Greater Moscow  Alliance):  
>Many have shown that they do not have Moscow's best  interests at heart, 
>but rather, their pocketbooks are all that  matter.  Mr. Busch and his 
>company have long held us hostage at our  local gas pumps.  Mr. Comstock, 
>Mr. Busch and Ms. Mack have  demonstrated through their poor leadership and 
>lack of vision on the  city council that they don't care about 
>infrastructure or controlling  the growth of town.  Instead they have 
>offered us myriad sub- divisions with no intelligent street planning, etc 
>(this list could  go on).  Ms. Bennett and Mr. Morscheck are realtors and 
>their  fortunes are made on the sale and re-sale of property (the more the  
>better).
>
>Of those that I know of on the board, only Dr. Weitz has offered  positive 
>ideas and potential solutions for growth and development.   And he has gone 
>even farther by backing his words with positive actions.
>
>I am skeptical that this group (as a whole) has any agenda other than  the 
>business-as-usual/good-old-boy plans that they have lorded over  town for 
>so many years.  But I will wait and see and hope (with  baited/bated 
>breath) that they do come up some positive plans and  forward thinking 
>ideas that will actually benefit the entire populace  rather than their 
>individual bank accounts.
>
>Moscow definitely seems to be at a crossroads and we do need to get  more 
>positive ideas out on the table.  Hopefully the GMA will offer  helpful and 
>insightful ideas on our future growth.
>
>-SB
>
>
>
>
>On May 22, 2006, at 7:52 AM, Mark Solomon wrote:
>
>I'll let the lack of position statements on GMA's website slide as an  
>organizational growing pain issue, but I believe it is obvious from  the 
>testimony on the Thomson rezone where GMA stands on that issue as  2/3 of 
>the board members spoke in favor of the rezone at either the  p&z or 
>council hearings.
>Stephen Busch, Chairperson
>Jim Anderson, Vice-Chairperson
>Jim DeMeerleer, Treasurer
>Shelley Bennett, Co-Secretary
>Dan Carscallen
>Marshall Comstock
>Bob Hieronymus
>JoAnn Mack
>Bill Morscheck
>Brian Thie
>Jerry Weitz
>Susan Wilson, Co-Secretary
>
>In a community as small as Moscow, it is inevitable that there will  be 
>conflicts of interest when organizations engage in advocacy. As  such it is 
>very important to understand how personal motives,  especially economic 
>motives, may relate to an organization's positions.
>
>One example: The Thompson Rezone is listed as an Issue of Interest by  GMA. 
>What is not listed is Shelley Bennett, GMA Co-Secretary, is  reported to be 
>in line for a $400,000 realtor commission if the  development is approved. 
>JoAnn Mack's family owns the property  adjacent to the Thompson's. Susan 
>Wilson "continues to be involved in  the real estate industry while 
>beginning her law practice. Her  husband of 4 years, Sean Wilson, is an 
>Associate Broker with Bennett  & Associates Real Estate in Moscow."
>
>Mark Solomon
>
>
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>


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