The Twin Falls Times-News, in an editorial today, called for Idaho's governor to be given direct oversight of the state's transportation director, reversing a stand the paper's editorial page had taken for years that the agency's independence should be preserved in the interest of avoiding politics. Senate Transportation Chairman John McGee, R-Caldwell, proposed legislation this year to give the governor the power to hire and fire the ITD director, but it didn't advance; that power is now held by the state Transportation Board, whose firing of Director Pam Lowe has brought the state a scathing tort claim and the prospect of a lawsuit.

Meanwhile, Gov. Butch Otter's transportation and education adviser, Clete Edmunson, is leaving for a position in the state Department of Labor. Edmunson led Otter's failed efforts this year and last to convince lawmakers to raise the gas tax and registration fees to fund more road work in the state. Click below to read an email from Otter chief of staff Jason Kreizenbeck informing state agency directors of the move.

Directors,

As you know, two of Governor Otter’s top priorities are getting Idahoans back to work and creating jobs that lead to careers.  He has been working closely with Director Roger Madsen at the Department of Labor and Director Don Dietrich at the Department of Commerce to ensure we are using every available resource to empower Idahoans and enhance economic opportunity.  

 To continue advancing that agenda, Clete Edmunson is joining the Department of Labor – turning his great energy and professional experience to helping build public-private partnerships devoted to fulfilling the Governor’s goal of creating jobs that lead to careers.  Clete’s background as a businessman, educator, legislator, and education advisor to the Governor will make him a valuable asset in making the connection between workforce development and economic development. 

 Jason

---

---