In handing down the disappointing decree, Eismann, Copple and Schroeder resembled the biblical Pharisees who were mesmerized by the letter of the law but failed to understand its intent. That the Idaho Constitution intended that the business of the Idaho Senate and the Idaho House "be transacted openly and not in secret session" is without dispute. That the Legislature has farmed out much of the business of the two houses to their committees is without dispute, too. That 21st-century Idahoans desire that public business be conducted in full view has been supported by several polls.

For the rest of my editorial re: the 3-2 court decision to allow legislative committees to close meeting for whatever reason, click here.

And remember: North Idaho Sens. John Goedde, Dick Compton, Mike Jorgenson and Joyce Broadsword voted for secrecy, too.

dcompton@senate.idaho.gov
jgoedde@senate.idaho.gov
mjorgenson@senate.idaho.gov
jbroadsword@senate.idaho.gov

(Hat Tip: Thom George for e-mail addresses)

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