Senate debate: ‘Some folks starting to see this as long-term residence’

As senators debate HB 404a, the anti-Occupy Boise bill:

Sen. John Tippets, R-Montpelier, said he stopped in at the Occupy Boise encampment one evening. “I sat down by the wood-burning stove for about an hour, and talked to them,” he said. Tippets said it was a good discussion. But, he said, “My concern is that some folks are starting to see this as a long-term residence. … I don’t think it’s appropriate to be camping and living on that property, so I’m going to support the bill.”

Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Meridian, said he’s offered to help Occupy Boise members find a meeting room, and noted they can use capitol meeting rooms for any lawful purpose. “If there are grievances, let ‘em come, keep your doors open,” he said. But he favored the bill to end the indefinite encampment.

Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, said, “This is not aimed at one group. … It’s good long-term policy for the state of Idaho.”