BOISE, Idaho — A criminal investigator from the Idaho Attorney General's Office agreed to meet with a Caldwell mayoral candidate who alleges one of his opponents participated in bribery and campaign finance violations involving a developer seeking taxpayer funds.

The allegations come from an Aug. 18 Caldwell City Council meeting, when a resident stated during public comment that Gientke had told multiple people about the alleged campaign commitment. The council approved Gientke's Urban Renewal Agency funding request in a 4-2 vote, despite the concern raised and despite the Caldwell Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation to deny the project.

Phillips' complaint alleges the timing creates the appearance of a quid pro quo arrangement, as the approval of the $175,000 in Urban Renewa

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