Speech Gets Both Praise And Criticism

Sen. Mary Lou Reed criticized Gov. Phil Batt on Monday for failing to address the state’s toughest infrastructure problems.

“All I can say is I continue to be disappointed the governor is not leading the charge,” said Reed, a Coeur d’Alene Democrat, after Batt’s State of the State speech. Reed said Idaho needs to address school construction, roads and parks across the state.

Roads are the only one of the three that the governor targeted for increased funding.

Reaction to the governor’s talk from the rest of the North Idaho legislative delegation was mixed.

Said Rep. Jim Stoicheff, D-Sandpoint, “I think the governor’s sincere in everything he said …. I happen to like the guy.”

Rep. Don Pischner, R-Coeur d’Alene, said he was glad the governor touched on issues of concern to North Idaho. “He didn’t miss the Silver Valley, he didn’t miss the wood industry, he didn’t miss the highway situation,” Pischner said. “He was fairly thorough.”

Sen. Tim Tucker, D-Porthill, called the governor inconsistent for saying he wants to avoid burdening mining companies, but later saying he wants to protect the environment. “Pick one, please,” Tucker said.

Rep. June Judd, D-St. Maries, disagreed, saying she supported Batt’s comments. “Who will you save the environment for, if all the people die out?”

Sen. Gordon Crow, R-Hayden, said he’d like to hear from citizens before deciding how to vote on a gas tax increase to repair roads.

He also said he supports using state funds for school construction. North Idaho school districts have seen dramatic increases in the number of school kids, but often have failed to win the required two-thirds voter support to pass school construction bonds.

“I want it to have a full hearing,” Crow said.

Rep. Jeff Alltus, R-Coeur d’Alene, said he, too, favors a state contribution toward local school construction, but, “There’s no money. There’s not going to be much left this time.”

Rep. Marvin Vandenberg, D-Coeur d’Alene, said he was disappointed the governor didn’t propose more property tax relief, but liked the welfare reform plans.

Rep. Wayne Meyer, R-Rathdrum, said he was worried the governor’s reference to abandoning old “roles and missions” that guided Idaho’s universities might lead to costly duplication. “I don’t think we can afford it.”

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Betsy Z. Russell and Lindsay Woodcock