Woodward has zero North Idaho spirit

Jim Woodward has zero North Idaho spirit in him.

In fact, the senator's guest opinion (Daily Bee, Jan. 17) indicates a sad state of affairs. Jim's words tell us that his "representation" is deferred to experts and higher bureaucratic authority. And he appears to be in the fold of legislators who look to progressive and crony-capitalist groups for counsel.

Senator Woodward uses Idaho's mandate for a balanced budget as a crutch to promote the acceptance of more federal dollars. It bears mentioning that many "communist" states across the USA require a balanced budget. Yet it doesn't prevent governments from being authoritative, confiscatory and sometimes tyrannical. We're living this scenario right now in Idaho.

And what kind of growth does Jim Woodward think we need to "manage?" Population or economic? Considering his mindset and allegiance to a U.S. senator and the governor, does he mean population through unqualified immigration, amnesty and refugee programs? Indeed, this type of growth would be a drag on the economy and harmful to our culture and values. 

Now peruse the third paragraph, which starts with an account of the governor’s three-pronged method of discourse. And let's simplify this "PowerPoint" musing to a few things that we the people desire: Eliminate the income tax, dismantle or streamline departments, agencies and commissions. This means, Jim, we want you to "fight" to help get the bureaucracy out of our way. But we lose confidence in you as your writing awkwardly transitions to legislative RINO (Republican in name only) and trite "unity" pablum.

In the last three bulging paragraphs before his close, the senator touts FEMA, FEMA, and more FEMA, and what he believes it can do for us all over the place. The prospect of Idaho hanging from the teat of national government is sad, and frankly disgusting. We might find it's actually possible to balance our budget without the fire-hose infusion of federal funds. But for the state senator, kicking back and gobbling up those dollars indicates he's just trying to get "through the territory" on a position of appeasement.

In summary, Jim Woodward gives me the impression that he's just a rubber stamp, and perhaps an empty suit, and surely wasting our time.


MIKE FRANCO

Trestle Creek