Risch outlines agenda during inauguration

BOISE – Idaho’s new governor pledged Friday to appoint a drug czar to target methamphetamine abuse, to expand nursing education in the state to respond to a “critical” nursing shortage, and to negotiate with lawmakers to reduce fast-rising property taxes.

All that came in new Gov. Jim Risch’s 12-minute inaugural speech on the Statehouse steps, just after he took the oath of office and cannons boomed in a salute.

He also managed to tantalize lawmakers with hints of a possible special session this summer on property tax relief, a call for a new statewide community college system, and advocacy of an approach to economic development that includes attention to both the business climate and the quality of the state’s education system.

“Very shortly we will have all sails on this ship of state fully hoisted … and moving forward at battle speed,” Risch told a crowd of several hundred gathered on the red-, white- and blue-bedecked state Capitol steps in front of a giant American flag.

His proposals prompted immediate talk among the state legislators assembled for the event, who perspired good-naturedly through the ceremony in filtered sunlight on the bright steps.

“I think he’s hands-on, he’s ready to move and he’s got a plan,” said House Speaker Bruce Newcomb. “I think we’ll see some pretty big changes.”

House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, said, “He’s a decision-maker and I really appreciate that. I may not agree with him, but at least I know where he stands. … I do know that he’ll give me the time of day. I think he’ll be a strong leader, and in seven months I think a lot will happen.”

Seven months is all Risch has to make his mark as governor – after that, he’ll turn the office over to the winner of the November election. Risch, as lieutenant governor, succeeded Gov. Dirk Kempthorne in office when Kempthorne resigned last week to become secretary of the Interior. Risch is running for re-election as lieutenant governor in November.

He directly challenged lawmakers on property tax relief, saying he favors eliminating the current property tax levy that funds basic school operations, and replacing that funding with sales tax or other state general funds, to grant Idahoans “substantial” property tax relief.

“My friends, we owe this to the people of Idaho – let’s get it done,” Risch said.

He added, “I am willing to negotiate on all other components of such a plan.”

Yet he didn’t commit to calling a special legislative session, which only the governor can do. Risch said his long years of experience have shown him that special sessions tend to be either short and productive, or long and unproductive, “with nothing in between.” He then declared loudly, “As a result of my experience, I have no intention of calling a special session of the Legislature,” at which point he was interrupted by mild applause.

But then he said, even more loudly, “UNLESS,” drawing laughter, and continued, “there is a high degree of likelihood that a measure will pass that will achieve significant property tax relief.”

The House repeatedly passed legislation this year to shift school funding off the property tax, and the Senate repeatedly killed it. Objections ranged from concerns about adequate school funding to suggestions that the move would mean an overall tax increase for middle-income Idahoans.

Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, said, “I think he’s very wise in making sure that we have all our ducks in a row, not just having a special session for a special session’s sake. Personally, I hope that we get there.”

Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, said he’d only support a special session if it was to use state surplus funds – which are expected to grow to as much as $150 million – to provide a one-time property tax break, and to place an advisory measure on the November ballot asking voters if they want to make a permanent tax shift from property to sales tax to fund schools.

“I strongly support allowing the people to participate in that” decision, Davis said. But he added that Senate leaders still are polling members, and it’s not clear yet what the Senate will support. He also noted that some of the state surplus could help start up a new community college system.

Newcomb said he thought only a constitutional amendment – which Risch backed during this year’s legislative session – could accomplish such a permanent tax shift. Constitutional amendments require two-thirds support from each house of the Legislature, plus majority support at the next general election.

As for whether to call a special session, Newcomb said, “That’s the governor’s call.”

But Newcomb, a rancher, noted that he’s been castrating calves on his ranch and sported a bandaged finger as a result. “In my life I’ve probably done 10,000 calves,” he said, “and it’s a lot easier than property tax relief.”

After the inaugural ceremony, Risch and first lady Vicki Risch welcomed a thousand visitors to an open house at the hilltop mansion that J.R. Simplot donated to the state for a new governor’s residence. The home is vacant and awaiting a $3 million renovation, for which private funds are being raised; the Risches don’t plan to live there.

As crowds who arrived by shuttle bus strolled through the home, with its harvest-gold décor and dated appliances and wallpaper, Risch said, “It needs a touch.”

“But the view is tremendous,” Vicki Risch added.