Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf has been unanimously confirmed by the state Senate; he was appointed to the post after elected Controller Donna Jones stepped down to focus on recovering from injuries suffered in an auto accident. “It’s not often that we have a vacancy in one of the statewide elected offices,” Sen. Curtis McKenzie, R-Nampa, told the Senate. “We had one here in our controller’s office.” He noted that many legislators know Jones, a former lawmaker herself. “We’re saddened by the tragedy that struck her, the accident that she was in which left her unable to continue in that role. One of the important things that came out of that was a need to have continuity within that office.”

Jones requested Gov. Butch Otter to appoint Woolf, her chief deputy, to succeed her; Woolf plans to seek election in his own right after serving out her term.

Before the Senate’s unanimous vote, after extolling Woolf’s qualifications, McKenzie said, “I think he is our only statewide official that is both an Eagle Scout and is also fluent in Dutch.” He added, “I urge your support for the confirmation. I think it’s a good thing for the state of Idaho and also a good thing for the controller’s office.”