Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, knew what is expected of freshmen when they arrive at the Statehouse. “I was supposed to sit down, be quiet, listen,” said Barbieri, a retired lawyer in his first term. But he also knew what the voters of his North Idaho district expected from him. “It wasn’t enough to limit government, I was to shrink government, reduce the government. It wasn’t enough to hold the line on taxes, it was to find a way to stop the taxation in areas,” Barbieri said. He didn’t wait long to begin pushing that agenda. Having read Thomas Woods’ book “Nullification,” Barbieri — with the help of Sen. Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, who became a mentor — set about to try to use the theory to dismantle the federal health care act in Idaho/Brian Murphy, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Barbieri and Sen. John Goedde are two of the six legislators listed in an Idaho Statesman story re: “voices that made a difference” during the 2011 session. Will Barbieri become a fixture in the Legislature from House District 3? Or will he be viewed as radical and lose a 2012 GOP primary bid?

Item: Mt. Spokane powderhounds on patrol: After 70 years, volunteer ski group still innovating/Cindy Hval, SR Voices.

More Info: Throughout the day the ski patrol provides assistance to those in need. “We’re essentially EMTs,” said Edwards, referring to the advanced Outdoor Emergency Care training the members are required to take. “We can typically respond within five minutes.” But they do much more than help injured skiers. They conduct search-and-rescue operations when needed, ensure guests are skiing safely and answer questions about the mountain/CindyH, SR Voices. More here.

Question: Have you ever been assisted or rescued by the ski patrol?