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Good government respects citizens' boundaries

| April 13, 2021 1:00 AM

In his March 14 column, Sage Dixon asks, “What is good government?”  

My response is, "Good government respects boundaries."  The term “boundaries” is usually associated with personal boundaries. According to self-help gurus, healthy relationships and sound living depend on maintaining smart personal boundaries. But boundaries are not just for relationships among individuals. Boundaries apply to relationships between individuals and their local government; relationships between local and state government, and the relationship between state and the federal government.

My first introduction to boundaries did not use that term at all. In fact, my Mom would have snorted in disgust at such a word. She was on point when she said, “Know when to mind your own business and know when to tell others to mind their own business.” 

Representative Dixon, in his address to the House State Affairs Committee on March 10, discussed legislation intended to give Idaho lawmakers veto power over federal government actions and federal court decisions. Dixon is co-chairman of Idaho’s Committee on Federalism. In presenting the legislation, he said, “This was written to be the strongest possible legal stance that the state can take in pushing back against some of the authority that the federal government is trying to take away from the state.”

“… [P]ushing back against some of the authority that the federal government is trying to take away from the state.”  I’m still recovering from inhaling my morning coffee! 

If any level of government is guilty of taking away authority and needs some pushing back from “We the people” it is the Idaho Legislature. I suggest they do a group read and reflect on Article III, Section 19 of the State Constitution as this session has seen bill after bill usurping those duties and responsibilities of individuals and of local governments.

Let’s begin with personal sovereignty. When is it OK for the state to meddle in our private decisions?  According to my very conservative Dad, it never was. He explained to me that although he strongly disagreed with what a neighbor was doing, he could not vote on a law to outlaw the behavior. He explained, “Things could turn and that guy could pass laws on me.”  

Local governments including school boards, our cities, and our counties are seeing a host of bills that are best decided locally. Whether it’s guns in schools or permission for sex-ed classes, district patrons and their elected school board members can figure it out. Likewise, cities and counties are on the receiving end of the bossy-pants individuals in the legislature. I think they can figure out how to rename streets and buildings and how to set tax policies and elections. 

The Idaho Legislature needs to stay in its lane and respect the boundaries of individuals and of our local governments. That’s good government!

MARY OLLIE

Bonners Ferry