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Time for Idaho to lose Hart

The saga continues around Idaho Rep. Phil Hart. He refuses to pay taxes – both federal and state – accepts a state paycheck, is reimbursed for per diem and travel, and enjoys other fiscal perks. He seems to have no problem putting state tax money into his wallet but doesn’t want to pay any state taxes out of it – like the rest of us do.

The Spokesman recently reported Rep. Hart used state land timber to build his Spirit Lake log home – he did not reimburse the state for 8,000 board feet of timber. Rep. Hart now enjoys the warmth of his home from this state resource that did not cost him a penny – we paid for it.

Idaho Republicans are shouting about cleaning up Washington, D.C. – it needs it. But they should start by addressing those in their own ranks who use their position as an elected person to benefit their own pockets at the expense of those of us who pay taxes. We loudly object to the special treatment he receives because he is a Republican.

D.L. Martin

Hayden

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