It’ll Be Philip E. On Paper, But Phil Still Our Governor

Whew. For a minute there, I thought Idaho Gov. Phil Batt had gone off the deep end. According to rumors, Batt had ordered his name changed from plain ol’ Phil to Philip E. on Idaho Department of Transportation stationery - at great cost to taxpayers. Of course, that was out of character for the P.E. (Penny-pincher Extraordinaire) Batt. He had refused, for example, to have his name placed on signs welcoming visitors to Idaho because he thought it would waste money. Eventually, Batt’s name will be elongated as new ITD stationery is ordered. But, even then, he’ll still answer to “Phil.” That’s one reason why he’s popular here.

‘Woody’ deserves Hot Potato, boot

Apparently, Planned Parenthood of Idaho has closed ranks around “Woody.” Woody? That’s Planned Parenthood’s cutesy nickname for a wooden penis, used by its instructors to show high school kids how to apply condoms. Earlier this fall, a Borah High teacher was reprimanded after a Planned Parenthood instructor sprang Woody on a sociology class. Rather than quietly retire Woody, though, Planned Parenthood went on the attack. Recently, the organization published an ad in The Idaho Statesman, complaining that Woody had been expelled from high school, soliciting money and asking contributors to check one of five self-serving boxes, including: “I support more field trips for Woody.” A sixth box was needed: “Borah School administrators did the right thing. Take a hike.”

Hydroplanes aren’t wanted then or now

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce can’t take “no” for an answer. On Monday, the chamber circulated a fax of weekly events to members - with a notation accompanying the notice of the hydroplane boat display today. The chamber asked members: “Are hydroplanes too loud?” and “Should races come back to CDA?” The answers are “yes” and “no,” respectively. In 1985, when the Hagadone Corp. tried to revive hydroplane racing, Coeur d’Alene residents overwhelmingly opposed the idea during an advisory vote. Many recalled hydroplane racing’s ‘60s legacy here: unruly crowds and riots. Occasionally, the chamber resurrects the idea. It shouldn’t.

Appreciate ‘em even if you don’t vote for ‘em

I’ve bugged ‘em and burned ‘em. And I’ve told you not to vote for some of ‘em. But, bottom line, I respect anyone who has the guts to run for public office in this cynical age - particularly at city and county levels. They deserve Sweet Potatoes. They make democracy happen.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125.