It's time to hitch up our britches
House Bill 32, just passed, is about more than mask mandates. The bill, which is now in the Senate, moves the duties and responsibilities of local communities to deal with the spread of infectious diseases to a centralized authority — the state.
Majorities of Idahoans and larger majorities in North Idaho are suspicious of moving power to the state away from local authorities. Disease spread in communities often depends on the unique characteristics of a community. Local decision making by individuals, businesses, school boards, the medical community, libraries. Addressing issues and problems at the lowest possible level works better than having a centralized authority impose uniform rules for issues like this.
Rep. Mark Sauter voted “no” on the bill. It makes sense for communities to make these decisions as local knowledge is essential in addressing local challenges. He voted for us to keep local control.
I’m glad Rep. Sauter stands up for local decision making and keeping government close to home.
Thank Rep. Sauter and ask Sen. Jim Woodward to vote against this bill. You can email Rep. Sauter at MSauter@house.idaho.gov and Sen. Woodward at JWoodward@senate.idaho.gov.
It's time to hitch up your britches and get ready to tell our people in Boise what we want. Add these emails to your address book.
NANCY GERTH
Sagle