Decision To Retire Cause For Applause

The word “politician” has been sullied for an entire generation on the national level, to be sure.

But in Idaho, where we have a citizen Legislature, we’re not talking about people making a comfy career out of elected office.

More often than not, it requires a considerable sacrifice both personally and professionally to serve. It’s not uncommon to find either retirees or independently wealthy people in the state senate and house chambers. Then there are the exceptions, the regular guys and gals who weigh the sacrifices against making a difference.

I’ve known Sen. Gordon Crow for a dozen years in a variety of capacities. When he announced his retirement from the state senate this month because he felt his family needed him more than his constituents, I had to applaud. The three solid months living in bachelor digs in Boise with more time spent in the air to and from than anyone outside of an airline flight crew should have to, I can certainly understand how six years could seem like much more.

I’ve not always agreed with Crow politically, but I’ve been to the Legislature and seen first-hand how he’s earned the respect of his peers and crafted the beginning of an illustrious career in politics.

I’m not anointing him for sainthood for his decision to come home for good and be a full-time dad to a 6-year-old son who missed him, but I think a nomination for Dad/Husband of the Year and a sincere thank you is fitting.

I’ve attended numerous annual banquets and events in the past decade and without a doubt one of my favorites is the American Legion Post 143 Annual Birthday Banquet every March.

Even though Commander John Dunlap wasn’t a Navy man, he runs a tight and efficient ship here in Post Falls. His post is the largest in the state and I’m sure one of the most active.

This year’s celebration of the 82nd Anniversary of the American Legion provided a couple of lighthearted moments. When Dunlap was introducing dignitaries and special guests, he announced Post Falls Mayor Gus Johnson. As more than a hundred heads turned to see where the mayor was sitting, he was nowhere to be found. After a brief pause City Administrator Jim Hammond, who’s attended as many of the Legions banquets as I have, stood up and waved while deadpanning, “I used to be mayor.”

And then there was the 80-year-old Canadian veteran Vic, from Trail, British Columbia, who presented a plaque to Post 143. He prefaced his remarks with a comment on his age and the statement, “If I say the same thing twice, it must be important.”

I’m going to file that one for future personal use.

In an election year we get a little jaded by seeing candidates everywhere, all the time, especially at events and large gatherings of potential voters.

Don’t confuse Sheriff Rocky Watson with the glad-hander contingent, though. Rocky and Mary Watson have long been supporters of community organizations such as the American Legion. They attended the Ducks Unlimited Auction the following night, also.

I overheard Watson and Post Falls Police Chief Cliff Hayes comparing how often - or more accurately how seldom - they wear a uniform. Of course, this exchange followed my comment that I just loved a man in uniform and unofficially nominated the Post Falls Police Department motorcycle officers as the best dressed in a three-state region.

I wrote a letter to my 10-year-old grandson Matthew, to celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. Even though he lives just two houses away, the simple act of writing down all of the reasons I think he’s a great kid was a reminder to me to praise youngsters for being kind as often as we praise them for academic or athletic achievements.