Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

Jeers & Cheers — Year-end edition

In his year-end Cheers & Jeers column, Opinion Editor Marty Trillhaase began by giving JEERS to Idaho Gov. Butch Otter:

Consider this partial record of the past 12 months:

  • On Jan. 12, Otter opened the legislative session with these words: "I welcome financially responsible legislation that addresses steady, ongoing and sustainable transportation infrastructure in Idaho; however, I will NOT entertain proposals aimed at competing for general fund tax dollars with education and our other required public programs or services."

Thirteen weeks later, that's just what lawmakers threw back in the governor's face. In exchange for $95 million in fuel tax and registration fee increases, legislative right-wingers insisted upon raiding surplus sales and income tax receipts that otherwise would go toward general fund programs - primarily public schools and higher education -- for the next two years. Otter's response? He signed it. More here.

Question: Which regional politicians deserve a CHEER of a JEER for their 2015 performances?



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

Follow Dave online: