OK! We’re quickly getting to the point of no return with this State Rep. Phil Hart story. First, the guy didn’t pay his income taxes, contending the laws governing taxation are improper, illegal or something. Anyway, seems Hart owes some $700,000 in unpaid taxes. Ever think of how much money someone must make to equate to $700,000 in unpaid taxes, penalties and fines. How the government is expected to function without tax dollars ... well, that’s apparently not a concern for this three term legislator. But, now, the kicker … From what we read, this alleged tax-dodging soul stole the logs used in building his home out there in rural Athol. According to news account, he went onto state lands and cut down a bunch of trees – from property earmarked as school endowment money. This endowment money, from what we understand, is timber set aside, the sale of which goes into funding for public education – not for some snook to come in, cut it down and build a house/Editor Tom Burnett, Rathdrum Star. More here. (Photo: Howard Griffiths)

Question: Will Kootenai County Republicans try to vote Tom Burnett out as Rathdrum Star publisher for not supporting Phil Hart over a write-in?