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Hart to talk about state probe today

| September 3, 2010 7:07 AM

Rep. Phil Hart has a lot to say.

The Athol legislator recently investigated by a House Ethics Committee, and cleared of a conflict-of interest charge, will speak today at a Panhandle Pachyderms meeting.

"I'm sure Phil is very much focused on regaining his image from his constituents," said Jim Connell, member of the North Idaho Pachyderms.

Connell believes that Hart will speak about his issues with IRS.

The legislator stopped paying his income tax for seven years, starting in 1996, when he sued the IRS over the tax being unconstitutional.

He lost the case and an appeal. He faced $300,000 in tax liens from the IRS this year, and still owes more than $53,000 in unpaid taxes, interest and penalties, according tot he Idaho Tax Commission.

It hasn't done well for his image, Connell said.

"He's immediately more distracted with his image going to hell than the IRS," he said.

Understandable, he added, as Hart is running for reelection this November. There is an Athol resident challenging him as a write-in candidate.

"I sincerely hope the public will develop a balanced attitude toward Phil as a result of this today," Connell said.

Hart will speak at noon at the Garden Plaza senior living facility at 545 North Garden Plaza Court in Post Falls. Lunch is $10. - Alecia Warren