Gather Signatures In Peace

I have no use for scumbags who harass initiative signature-gatherers - whether they’re left-wingers, right-wingers or fuzzy middle-wingers. Two years ago, organized “bigot patrols” effectively intimidated signature collectors for anti-gay initiatives in Washington and Idaho. Now, some hunters have targeted supporters of an effort to ban three methods of bear hunting (although the leader of the opposition says he doesn’t condone such tactics). Said Lyn Fritchman of Idaho Coalition United for Bears: “Men show up and start shouting at my people, yelling at my people, telling others to go away.” You may argue that rogue hunters and “bigot busters” have a right to be boors and deny others their First Amendment privileges. But I view such tactics as borderline criminal. If a cause is unjust, it will fail on its own without a tantrum from some self-righteous hothead.

Northern Idaho doesn’t begin at McCall

A side helping of Sweet Potatoes to the Idaho Board of Education for convening at Post Falls last week. During a meet-the-press breakfast, one board member admitted that he views anything north of McCall as “North Idaho” (which explains the myopia of many southern Idaho officials). North Idaho is a state of mind, of course. When I was news editor of the Lewiston Morning Tribune, the paper considered Grangeville as the southernmost civilized outpost of “northern Idaho.” The Spokesman-Review characterizes the five northern counties as “North Idaho.” Either way, it’s nice to have state boards and committees visit the Panhandle. We need to see who our officials are, and they need to see that there’s more to Idaho than the great state of Ada.

These stones should be left unturned

The committee appointed by Aryan Nations leader Richard Butler to find him a successor shouldn’t waste time with meetings. It should start looking under rocks instead.

Embezzlement investigation handled well

Bonner County commissioners deserve Sweet Potatoes for their handling of an investigation of suspected embezzlement involving Treasurer Karen Weldon. First, they ordered an internal audit and protected the respected treasurer until they were sure something was amiss. Most employees in the tight-knit courthouse didn’t learn of the matter until Friday. Then, the commissioners were candid when asked about the probe by a Spokesman-Review reporter. Often, elected officials fan suspicion and make matters worse by stonewalling the press and, as a result, the public. This time, well done.

, 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.