HART: Enjoys laws he doesn't obey

I see where Rep. Phil Hart made the paper again. He had a fundraiser in Coeur d'Alene where close to 40 people showed up. Rep. Hart stated that his position as legislator opened up his life for public scrutiny. As it should. He stated that not paying his federal and state taxes for years and stealing state timber might affect future candidate qualifications. It should.

Representatives like Phil Hart and Charles Rangel use their office for special privileges more than anything else. Honesty and integrity should be a prerequisite for all candidates for public office. Tell us again, Rep. Hart, why politicians should be exempt from laws everyone else has to obey? Or take longer to pay their taxes than the rest of us?

Rep. Hart is still enjoying the fruits of his office. He is traveling to Boise and elsewhere staying in five-star hotels and eating great meals on the taxpayers' dime. The Bible says you should not reap where you sowed not.

Rep. Hart also stated that the state has a high deficit. Maybe it would not if everyone paid their taxes.

TERRY SMITH

Pinehurst