Betsy Z. Russell: Less government, more licensing?
Let me get this straight: Our libertarian, less-government governor now is interested in having Idaho license canoes? That idea was basically shouted out of the Legislature the last time it was proposed. But Gov. Butch Otter says he will work with state Parks and Recreation and user groups to “identify a more fair and equitable way of addressing such recreational watercraft costs as facilities maintenance, rescue operations, rules compliance, parking and access.”
Numbers game
With legislative leaders working on a compromise highway bonding plan Friday, most rank-and-file members were left sitting around, waiting. So what do to? Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d’Alene, tried some Sudoku on his computer while sitting on the Senate floor.
Exit strategy
When they took down the giant murals on the fourth floor of the Capitol last week, it was clear they wouldn’t go down the winding stairways of the rotunda. So the murals were lowered down through the center of the rotunda with ropes. With lawmakers at an impasse and the overdue legislative session dragging on, that prompted suggestions that perhaps the same technique could be used as a way to extract them from the Capitol.
Doesn’t suit him
When he learned Thursday that the Senate still wasn’t finished with business and would reconvene Friday morning, Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, said, “I’m going to have to dig a suit out – I packed my car last night.” Disgusted, he muttered, “We’ve been here long enough. … This is crazy to sit around like this. … $40,000 a day – that’s what it costs to have the Legislature in session, and for nothing.”
Desks set to split
As exhausted lawmakers pushed toward the session’s end, even the furniture was ready to go. With the Statehouse renovation looming, chairs, desks and benches and more were tagged with bright stickers directing where they’ll go. In some cases that’ll be across the street for use in the old Ada County Courthouse, temporary digs for the next two years’ sessions. Other pieces will go into storage until 2010. Even portraits of former legislators that adorn the hallways have been packed up and carted away by state Historical Society workers for safekeeping.
Customer service
At this crazy point in a legislative session, everyone’s under pressure. But some handle it with humor. Lenette Bendio, attaché in the legislative bill and mail room, had this sign posted on her counter today: “Sarcasm – Just one more service we provide.”
Fake signature
At a bill signing ceremony, the governor told a crowd he had to “fess up” – he actually signed the measure that morning because of a deadline. The bill was the appropriation for the state Board of Education, which includes a $5 million incentive to form a new community college district. Otter invited backers of the drive to establish a new community college in the Treasure Valley to the bill-signing and treated it as a campaign kickoff. He also said he has personally pledged $2,000 to the campaign and plans to be a prominent backer of the local measure in the May 22 election.
Who’s afraid?
Rep. Fred Wood, R-Burley, noted that Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis was “frowning” so he said he’d refrain from a comment he was about to make in a finance committee. Senate Finance Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, said, “Don’t be afraid of my leadership – I’m not afraid of yours.” Wood responded, “Senator, you’ve made that abundantly apparent this morning.”
Math whiz
When Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls, made a motion for funding bonds for highway improvements next year, he inadvertently moved for “$246,000.” After a pause, he said, “I’m sorry, I’ve got to think bigger,” and corrected that to “$246 million.” Senate Finance Chairman Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, responded, “And we can revive Ms. Lowe again.” Pamela Lowe is the state transportation director.