Allen's Corner is based on Public documents

*****UPDATE FIBER LID#2*****

City council meeting June 24, 2025, City council member stated that we have not successfully completed Lid#1 our first fiber project.  Like to see that be successful and completed before signing on getting Lid#2 started, seems a little premature.  Still waiting on Clearwater financial to get us a bank loan to payoff Lid#1.  Motioned to table Lid#2 indefinitely until Lid#1 is completed.  Motioned and seconded,  all city council members unanimously agreed to not approve Lid#2.  
Mayor was unable to secure loan from local financial institutions in the amount of 1.2 million.
City has not informed citizens of Mountain Home of the city councils decisions. Where is the city’s real, accurate information news straight from the source, it’s been a week.
To many unanswered questions by citizens.  Lack of answers leads to lack of transparency.  
What happens to bond once loan received, will terms be the same?
Mayor has changed amortized payments over 20yrs to 15yrs; 10yrs; 7yrs; now 12yrs.  Also went from monthly payments to yearly which means interest will be paid before principal.
Some citizens who did not Opt-in yards still not fixed.
Photo below is an article I wrote for Mountain Home News April 10, 2024 warning citizens.  We did get them to stop micro trenching due to lines not being buried deep enough.  
This is what happens when opting in are signed without full disclosure, terms or conditions are not listed.  Perfect example of showing no transparency by city.
Questions call city hall 208-587-2104 or email mayor at mayor@mountain-home.us.
Was hoping city would let citizens know but I guess it’s up to me again.
Link below to YouTube of meeting, fiber starts at 1:11:50.

https://www.youtube.com/live/4c2jYiYp108?si=jfctOQi7fBCHWfZ_

All Photos available please contact us.

 ***CORRECTION & CLARIFACTION***
to mayor Sykes fake/misleading         allegations against citizens of       Mountain Home

Mayor Sykes using his one sided Monday’s with the mayor to spread propaganda against citizens with false pretense by using city resources.  Misuse of power by an elected official.  Also violating the freedom of information act which grants citizens the right to request access to government information.  Question he mentioned in regard to public records request does not exist (Photo below). Items sent to city hall/city council become public records.  Mayor Sykes was behind it to attack us, we are not elected officials.  Just the week prior city hall was promoting citizens to request public records (photo below).
Mayor Sykes does not like us sharing our findings with citizens of Mountain Home.
Mayor Sykes also mentioned that public records request take an hour or more to complete (part of a certain employees job description).  Below is a photo showing a request for copy of question requested.  Time submitted and response back was 13 minutes.
For more verification/information please go to MOHOIDAHOWATCHDOG.com.
City council members even request public records due to lack of transparency.
Bottom line is if mayor Sykes and city hall returned calls, answer emails and be TRANSPARENT there would be no need to request public records!  
We are not the first nor will we be the last to expose the truth.
It’s time for a public town hall.

CITYS NEW EXCUSE NOT TO MEET **AND SEWER LAGOON ISSUES**

The city’s Nikki Stornetta digital creator/speech writer not a water expert (posts below) who could not even get mayor to discuss water issues in video on January 17, 2025.  (Post below) Previously stated call city hall for correct answers now telling us to contact a third party.  Do we not have any experts in city hall?  When you reach out to individuals you get a response back from city clerk.  Where’s the transparency?
I am a citizen and a taxpayer who would like answers to my questions (documentation with facts like I provide) not excuses!
Now sewer lagoons issues (photo below).  Is this more of an attack on county?  It also appears that with all the porta potties in town and the chemicals they use are affecting the natural breakdown in the lagoons.  Why has this been allowed?  Mayors been allowing what ever to be dumped into the lagoons for 10 years and now starting to do something about it when it’s been on his watch.  Tax payers will be picking up this tab.
Contact city hall at 208-587-2104 or mayor@mountain-home.us with your concerns.  As they say the writing is on the wall!

April 9, 2025

***RAN ON TRANSPARENCY, BUT ISN'T***

Below is an article that appears in today’s Mountain Home Newspaper under Letter to the editor and another one from me that was printed in the March 26, 2025, paper.  After last night's city council meeting it appears we need a public town hall meeting NOW to clear up MAJOR concerns!  Mayor would not say why city council got chief’s Thompson’s resignation letter on the 1st of April, and it was dated March 14th.  Also, mayors' refusal to answer a city councils' question in regard to the concessionaire's contract and why he did what he did without councils' input.  After some pressure he finally said he would answer in an executive session, what is he hiding from the citizens?  Where is the transparency?

https://youtu.be/H9hwyHjoPa4

 4/9/2025

*****HOW SOON WE FORGET****

With the current resignations and of previous events of our mayor, the writing is on the wall!

Mayor Rich Sykes has abused the trust of the citizens by willfully ignoring grievances, abusing his power and authority by usurping the U.S. Constitution and its first amendment.
Mr Sykes has violated freedom of speech by order, implementing a device of letter to staff requiring compliance with the mayor’s policies without question nor comment, either publicly or privately.  Failure to sign letter or comply with mayor’s policies did result to the termination or resignation of staff within the police and fire departments.
Mayor has also sent city council email stating he will not sign letters with them anymore, separating executive and legislative bodies.
If the mayor would have left the city council’s decision alone, we would not be dealing with one of the resignations (military liaison).  Instead, he manipulates their decision causing the current situation which is what a narcissist does.  Any contract the city council approves he manipulates to his favor, causing another situation (golf course concessioner and military liaison).
When is he going to stand on his own words “city council runs the city!”  The mayor is trying to discredit the city council.
Letter from mayor in Mountain Home Tribune (picture) signature not mayors. City’s speech writer/not mayor's own words?
In my opinion the resignation letters were written by city’s speech writer.  One with no signature and written on the same day.  Just like the mayor’s apology video.  
Mayors treatment of TJ Gomez our golf pro at desert canyon golf course.  
Mayor has not gotten along with county commissioners or sheriff for years.  Mayor told commissioners he would build his own jail, the county prosecutor quoted state law, that only elected sheriff’s could run a jail.  
A town this size the elected sheriff should be over the police department, not the mayor.  Just like mayor stalling discussion on impact fees that impact jails and dispatch.  Now mayor wants city’s own dispatch that would cost tax payers instead of keeping what is already in place.  Mayor pulled the police chief into his mess and now they are trying to discredit the city council. Look at the employees that were close to retirement that he pushed out.  City employees that quit.  Business’s and contractors that were banned or blackballed.  The list goes on and on and on.  
Quintessentially it’s not one town, one team.  It’s Sykes way or no way.
It’s time for a public town hall!
This is only the beginning!

4/28/2025

 ***UPDATE ON YOUR TAX DOLLARS***

What was wrong with the fence at the cemetery?
The fence has been removed at the cemetery and a new one is being installed at a cost to the taxpayers in the amount of $58,542.74.
Can someone please explain why this was necessary?  Taxpayers would like to know!

4/8/2025

****SPECIAL COUNCIL REGULAR****  

MEETING FRIDAY MARCH 7, 2025

Attended this meeting at Elmore County Court House.  Present city council and Elmore county commissioners.  No mayor Sykes or city employees.
Council had passed that all meetings be recorded even special meetings.  But notice live stream viewing (not available).  But we recorded it, link below.
Something is happening and it is starting with the mayor, down to the police chief affecting county sheriff.  Then down to Police officers and sheriff deputies which then could affect citizens of Mountain Home (mentioned in video).
City council apologizing  for city’s actions, discussing what can be done to mend dispatch agreement.  Which mayor Sykes was to discuss with county but has not!  Mayor told city not to pay bill!  Which caused this issue.  Mayor pushing for city to do its own dispatch, this is a critical public safety issue and could cost millions of taxpayer dollars.
This meeting showed city council and county commissioners can work together.  Issues is with mayor Sykes and city employees.

https://youtu.be/yemgy0ppfro?feature=shared

 *******The “MAYORS” Agenda*******

Looks like mayor Sykes has another ambush taking place tomorrow night at the city council meeting, March 11, 2025.
Council member wanting to know what the military liaison Marty Anderson is up to with American Classic Charter and emails.  (Another charter school) But before that, a discussion with Col. Christopher Hanson from Mountain Home Air Force Base. (No reason given).  Why is this not in recognizing persons in the audience (maximum 3 minutes).
Like what happened on Oct 22, 2024 see YouTube.  A video chat with Jagdeesh Prakash (not on agenda).  MAC (military affairs committee) in attendance, most live in county.  Then discussion with Alan Bermensolo and Mac representative about reinstating Marty Anderson as military liaison when he was voted out at previous city council meeting.  Then on January 14, 2025 YouTube, this agenda was mayors doing in regards to action item deliberation/decision to freeze the unfilled police  department lieutenant position and all other current and future department vacancies.  City hall was full of police officers.  Same meeting Sykes said he could veto city council, council member verified with city attorney that council can veto mayor not the other way around.
When city council has to fight to get things on the mayor’s agenda.  Sykes way or no way.
Charter schools take funding away from public schools and look at the conditions of our schools.  Mayor Sykes wants charter schools/ school board in uproar. If you can’t be present, please watch YouTube.

***SHOULD THE MILITARY LIASION BE IN QUESTION? ****

Documents below are from public information requests to city hall and are public knowledge.  They are of Mr. Anderson’s contact with the city as military liaison. A question from a city council member in regard to the military liaison contract and* pay seems to be supported by these documents.  They are his contracts with the city and invoices that Mr. Anderson has submitted to the city for payment.  For just his contract amount he has collected $137,553.00.  In addition, he has collected $6,359.38 over his contract amount and $1,886.28 for traveling expenses.  Which per contract traveling is to be paid by MAC (military affairs committee).  This trip was for air force academy.  Invoices approved by city clerk.Any extra charges stopped with his May 2024 invoice which is when city council questioned Mr Anderson’s income beyond his contract at the budget meeting.Mr Anderson was turned down for contract renewal, then mayor Sykes put it on the next agenda again for renewal.  Would this not come under conflict of interest declaration that city council has been upheld to the same standards?  A council member changed vote due to mayors and MAC’s persuasion.  YouTube video dated October 22, 2024.  Same meeting Alan Bermensolo said MAC use to pay Mr Anderson’s salary and are willing to do it again if need be.  Maybe it’s time.  Mr Anderson does not want to attend city council meetings even when it’s part of a presentation he’s a part of.  Does not want citizens to know what’s going on, shows a lack of transparency which seems to be an issue here with city.  Mr Anderson has interfered with county issues which is not of his contract and with another charter school which has school board in an uproar.  Charter schools take funding away from public schools.In typical fashion mayor is directing this scenario.City council is doing the job they were elected for.  Looking out for citizens tax dollars. Mayor Sykes brought this to light by his February 3, 2025, city’s Facebook page video. 

Supportive Documents

https://youtu.be/Gwc_QzEdlAg

 February 25, 2025

*******WASTEWATER UPDATE*******

Last City Council Meeting, approved purchase of aeration equipment for lagoon cells 1 and 2 at the wastewater treatment plant.  Cost $690,775.00.  This is the first big hit on citizens of Mountain Home with more to come.  Our lagoons have had no aeration/dredging of any kind which should have been done to avoid build up. (Letter below).
Also letter below being sent out to developers who have submitted applications and received preliminary approval in regard to wastewater declining balance.
Mayor Sykes has been in office going on 10 years. With no progress in wastewater until now, after citizens, planning and zoning and city councils outcry’s.  Mayor not charging accordingly to support operations and maintenance. No regards for water or wastewater studies.  Facilities planning studies and declining balance reports from 2015, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023 from Keller and Associates to city of Mountain Home.  Most reference what needs to be done or what choices are recommended but no action from mayor Sykes.  He’s been more concerned with his fiber and tax payers funds going to golf course.
Marty Anderson the city’s grant writer submitted a grant for wastewater but was declined due to grant being submitted to close to another grant.  This was a substantial amount that we lost.
Used restroom at last meeting at city hall, photo below shows what is taped to the mirror.  But mayor has said we don’t have a water issue?
Last photo is what is painted on the back wall of city hall in the alleyway, how fitting!

 ***PUBLIC TOWN HALL WITH MAYOR SYKES***

I have emailed mayor Rich Sykes three times about a public town hall so citizens of Mountain Home could get answers to their questions in a two-way conversation for complete answers instead of his usual one-sided videos.  I have received no response back from mayor Rich Sykes.  (Copies below, please read)
We need a town hall meeting especially after mayor Rich Sykes on city facebook page post on February 3, 2025 false allegations against city council.  We were present at that budget meeting and the only non-city employed citizens.  There was no unfounded allegations against Marty Anderson.  Below are the city council meeting minutes found on city web page for May 30, 2024, it was also not recorded or on YouTube.
All this is, is the mayor gaslighting the citizens to turn against city council.  For them making the mayor accountable for his actions.  This council is doing what they were elected to do by citizens of Mountain Home.  
Mayor does not like his actions being exposed or questioned.  Showing a lack of mayor’s credibility.  Attacking city council when he lacks transparency is a conspiracy theory.  Mayor likes to cause situations so citizens fight among themselves as he sits back and watches.
Rich Sykes Mayor of Mountain Home Facebook page dated Oct 29, 2023 has a post…While I am running for reelection, this hit hard.  I have always told people…”If you do not like me it’s probably because someone lied to you about me”.  
No one lied to us but you and you continue gaslighting citizens of Mountain Home.  We learned this firsthand.  That’s why you won’t respond to us and because we know the truth.

****WASTEWATER/IMPACT FEES ****

Below is an article from the Mountain Home Newspaper 1/5/25.  If you were unable to make it to the City Council Meeting or unable to watch it on YouTube, please read this for importance of where our status of wastewater is at.  Mayor Rich Sykes has avoided this subject for some time.

Last night was the impact fees committee which the city, county and Glenn’s Ferry committees attended to discuss EMS and the growth in these areas.  County said they have been trying to get with city for four years to discuss this matter and others.  They presented a report they did two years ago. City’s committee was blindsided with the information due to mayor's lack of transparency.  Mayor left after only two hours, meeting lasted until 9:30.  County said most EMS calls come from city of which city does not pay for.  With the new developments this will only get worse which will cause delays in responding.  Impact committees to meet again on the 19th to give city impact committee time to view documents presented by the county impact committee.
Citizens and committees have been asking where the impact fees are that have been collected and all we get back from city hall and mayor Sykes are crickets.
Mayor Sykes has been delaying processes, why?  Even with being urged by city council.