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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

SR: ‘Lazy’ Solons Kill Salamander Bill

On today's editorial page, the Spokesman-Review applauds 14YO Ilah Hickman for doing her homework in lobbying the Legislature to designate the giant salamander as state amphibian. But the editorial isn't as kind to the "lazy reasoning" from Kootenai County legislators Kathy Sims, Don Chetham and Vito Barbieri, who voted against the salamander:

"So a student who was praised for her diligence had to listen to the lazy reasoning of adults. The Idaho giant salamander is not under consideration for listing. If it were, it would be unprecedented for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to invoke “state symbol” as a factor. There are no court cases to cite. The bill’s sponsors had a letter from Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s office noting this. Oddly, other state symbols have not generated the same concern. If lawmakers were serious about their fear of the feds, they would introduce a bill rescinding the mountain bluebird’s status as state bird. Don’t hold your breath."

Question: So when has "lazy reasoning" been a disqualifier to hold office for a Kootenai County legislator?



Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.