Idaho’s Freshman Class: A Series Of Profiles Pietsch Busy Juggling Full Plate At Legislature Education One Of Many Issues Former Teacher Is Immersed In

Don’t look at Democratic Rep. Carol Pietsch’s years of teaching in Sandpoint and peg her as a one-issue freshman legislator.

Sure, she has 25 years of teaching seventh- through 12th-graders with a focus on home economics. “I must have had about half the town in my classroom at one time or another,” she said, which didn’t hurt for recognition in the voting booth.

And yes, there’s a pencil-filled Idaho Education Association coffee mug on Pietsch’s desk in the House. But next to that is a blue plastic cap from the Idaho Building Contractor’s Association.

Pietsch is a businesswoman. A landowner. A lakeshore resident concerned with the environment. And of course her extensive education background serves her in her post on the House Education Committee.

But it’s the time spent at the Health and Welfare committee that Pietsch finds the most challenging. “It’s one of those things where you come in and you think you have a pretty good idea of what it’s all about, but it turns out to be much, much more,” she said. “I’m learning more in there than anywhere else.”

Pietsch learned the ropes of the Democratic Party in the late ‘80s. After retiring as a teacher, she volunteered with the organization and went on the “fast track” to the party chairmanship. Running for the Legislature was the natural next step.

“I thought the seat needed some continuity,” she said, referring to the appointment of former Rep. Dean Stevens, who finished up former Rep. Monica Beaudoin’s term in 1994 after she left the seat.

Stevens could not continue to serve this year because of his health, so Pietsch saw her chance to act, and coasted through the election unopposed. She sees herself hustling back and forth from committees to meetings for a maximum of 6 years. “I think I’ll know when I’m not being an effective legislator and it’s time for me to go.”

During that time she wants to make lowering property taxes her top priority. Seniors, who are particularly hard hit by property tax increases, should see the circuit breaker and homeowner’s exemptions expanded, she said.

But she’s also concerned with how young people in District 1, which includes all of Boundary and part of Bonner County, can survive with lowpaying jobs and high property taxes.

When Pietsch, 60, goes back to her district, she tries to seek out as many groups as she can to find out where they stand. Sometimes the people seek her out.

With her education background, Pietsch hears frequently from fellow educators concerned about Anne Fox, state schools superintendent. Fox’s administration already has been criticized for management gaffes and personnel turmoil, and Pietsch said Fox’s performance has disappointed her so far.

“It’s hard for me to get angry about it all, though,” she said. “I do feel badly for her.”

As for legislation Pietsch backs, she and Rep. Jeff Alltus, R-Coeur d’Alene, will try for a bipartisan way to cut government spending. Their bill would save $2 million in payments to states whose residents get injured in Idaho. The bill would add a residency requirement for payment of medical expenses, she said.

Fellow legislators say they are impressed with Pietsch’s work ethic and enthusiasm.

“She’s got a strong public input posture,” said District 1 Sen. Tim Tucker, D-Porthill.