Neighbor Sticks To His Gun
Government is supposed to act responsibly so people don’t have to strap on guns to protect themselves. But in Don Buckham’s case, the government failed. Don is an ex-Wallace councilman who now packs a loaded firearm for protection from a convicted drug dealer next door. On Dec. 11, neighbor Victor Slater was arrested on multiple drug counts and a charge of harboring a wanted felon. He probably still would be in jail trying to raise $100,000 bail if the forensics lab hadn’t taken so long to process evidence. As a result, authorities lowered bail to $10,000, and Slater posted it. Now, Buckham and others are campaigning to have Slater’s home seized. And Buckham has armed himself, making a bad situation potentially a lot worse - particularly with a school nearby. Stay tuned.
Voters key to campaign finance reform
And here’s one more reason why Idahoans should protect their initiative process at all costs: campaign finance reform. State lawmakers admitted Tuesday they can’t rein in their own campaign spending when the House State Affairs Committee blocked five reform bills from being introduced. Afterward, Rep. Mark Stubbs, R-Twin Falls, said: “I don’t think this body is capable of making this kind of decision.” Among the bills shot down were proposals that would have required candidates to raise at least 25 percent of their money from within their own district and would have limited outof-state contributions to $100. Both proposals sound reasonable. But what do I know? I don’t have to run for re-election.
OK, Kootenai County, you’ve been forewarned
I want to let you folks know now - on Jan. 30, 1997 - that there’s a move afoot to restructure Kootenai County government. In fact, at 7 tonight, the Optional Forms of Government Study Commission will hold a public meeting in the Coeur d’Alene Board of Realtors building to discuss changes. There’s been talk of making a number of positions appointive rather than elective, such as those of sheriff, prosecutor, clerk, assessor, treasurer and coroner. Of expanding the board of commissioners and making those posts part time rather than full time. Of switching to a commission-manager form of government. Some of these suggestions are fairly radical. Yet, you may see them on a ballot soon. I’m sure the media will cover any suggested changes intensely. But if history is an indicator, no matter how much this issue is publicized in the months to come, some people will complain that no one told them about it. Consider this an early warning. I’m not bashful about reminding people who didn’t pay attention that I told them so.
, 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 or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.