Some not happy with Ammon’s letter to support school bond

The Ammon mayor and city council are under fire after sending a letter out to the community.

It arrived in everyone’s utility bill.

It shows support for the Bonneville School District’s proposed bond to build a new high school.

Some people are questioning why the council sent the letter.

Earl Clevery was shocked when he got this letter from the Ammon mayor and city council.

“We’re the bosses. They aren’t acting like we’re the bosses. They’re acting like their the bosses and they know what’s best for us,” said Clevery.

The letter of support even goes as far as saying the 55 point 3 million dollar bond is a reasonable compromise and an answer to continuing the tradition of academic excellence.

“I was actually considering voting for this bond. But when i see the city doing inappropriate things like this, that gets my hackles back up again and I’m not in favor of that kind of ram-rodding,” said Clevery

He thinks the city is crossing a line.

“If they’re going to put out a letter, they need to tell both sides, and they are not telling both sides,” said Clevery.

There is six bullet points highlighting why the bond is good for the city…but not a single reason why some are opposed.
But Clevery says that’s not the only issue. “If they would’ve paid for it themselves that’s a different matter, but they didn’t do that, they’re using city stationary and city funds.”

“My first thought was can they do that?” said Holly Gigillio who supports the bond…but questions the councils actions. “I want to know what their reasons are behind taking it, behind taking those actions,” she said.

The city responded in a statement saying, “It remains our desire that every resident of the city of Ammon will exercise their constitutional right to participate in the process and will go to the polls to vote their conscience.”

Gigillio hopes this doesn’t result in the bond failing for a fourth time.

“The last thing we need for the bond is for someone to think that something was improper or you know improperly done or that they’re using their influence you know in favor of the bond,” said Gigillio.

“They owe an apology number one. Number two I think whatever the cost for this mailing ought to be ought to come out of their personal pockets,” said Clevery

In 2005, the Idaho Supreme Court reversed the lower courts holding on case with a similiar – but not identical situation.

The case was Ameritel vs. Greater Boise Auditorium District.

Essentially the auditorium district used money to campaign for a bond.

When Ameritel lost in a lower court, they appealed.

The Supreme Court ultimately said that if the lower district court found there was advocacy then it was illegal.

Idaho code 53-01 highlights the powers of local government.