Local-Option Sales Tax No Option For Poor, Elderly
How has legislation for a local-option sales tax, pitched by our local government leaders, survived so long without protest? It passed the Idaho House with only one member of our delegation voting against it: Rep. Tom Dorr, R-Post Falls. (Attaboy.) Yet, no one can say that the tax will help anyone but Kootenai County’s wealthiest landowners. The middle class might break even if the property tax relief promised by the bill offsets additional sales tax. But lower-income households and the elderly would be soaked - along with tourists. Seems our elected officials make a big deal out of keeping their budgets down and then hire a lobbyist to work behind the scenes for higher taxes. Remember this at election time.
Coeur d’Alene reservation needs stoolie
Incredibly, the 1988 disappearance and possible murder of Tina Finley has yet to be solved. When I worked on the story several years ago, authorities on the Coeur d’Alene Indian reservation were hoping to catch a break. They had evidence. They had suspects. But no one would talk. They were close. Now, they’re still looking for a breakthrough. I’m amazed that no one in the tight-knit Coeur d’Alene Indian community has stepped forward to tell what happened to Tina - for her family’s sake if not for justice. I can understand why a killer (and I believe there is one) would conceal his monstrous deed. But surely there are witnesses somewhere - who’ve been cowed into silence out of fear or misguided loyalty. These cowards are as despicable as the killer they protect.
GQ’s actually proud of North Idaho story?
Hmmm. Gentlemen’s Quarterly magazine mailed us a complimentary copy of its March edition (see Hot Potatoes, Feb. 29) and a press release for Mike Sager’s article about North Idaho. Or “Fascistville, Idaho,” according to the cover. Quoth the release: “In the shadow of Ruby Ridge and notoriety of new resident Mark Fuhrman, refugees from urban chaos and others with perhaps darker agendas coexist with a common goal: Make America the way it used to be.” I suppose the editors thought we Idaho rubes would be ecstatic just to be mentioned in a national magazine - no matter what trash was said about us. (Golly, Mabel, looky here. They’s talkin’ ‘bout us in one of them slick magazines with colored pictures.) Well, we aren’t impressed. Just remember how unscrupulous the national media are next time they come calling - as they will when the Fuhrman deposition is held in Sandpoint.
, 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.