Sandpoint Senator Named To Key Panel

The Panhandle has a senator on the Senate Resources Committee for the first time in more than a year.

Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, was appointed to the key panel this week, and attended her first meeting Monday.

“I didn’t realize there was a geographical dysfunction until I got there yesterday,” she said with a laugh.

The Panhandle hasn’t been represented on the resources panel since Sen. Gordon Crow, R-Hayden, gave up his seat just over a year ago to become chairman of the Commerce Committee.

Southern Idaho legislators dominate the Resources Committee, though Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, is a member.

Keough said she has been hoping for a Resources seat since she first ran for the Senate four years ago.

In her regular job, Keough manages the timber information program for the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

Keough said the new assignment will allow her to examine plans for a new approach to handling endangered species issues in Idaho. “I’m anxious to be part of that debate and discussion, because of the impact those issues have on Idaho and more specifically on the north end,” she said.

In the House, there are three Panhandle representatives on the Resources Committee, and two on the Environmental Affairs Committee.