HART: Subject of witch hunt?

The Ethics Committee for the Idaho legislature was formed in 2010 and met for the first time July 6, 2010. The committee seems to have been formed for the sole purpose of investigating a complaint against Representative Phil Hart.

Rep. Hart has been vindicated and his constituents voted him back into office to serve them. Those who check our legislators' voting records know that Rep. Hart is one of the few legislators who votes according to his conscience and the Constitution.

The Ethics Committee rule for filing complaints states: "The Speaker shall receive written, signed complaints from any person concerning misconduct involving legislative duties by a member of the House..." How does Rep. Eric Anderson's latest ethics complaint apply, since it concerns Hart's lawful taking of timber from state lands 14 years ago?

This has the appearance of a witch hunt, not orchestrated by his constituents, but by his legislative peers. I was surprised that Anderson was "chosen" for this assignment since he has angered people by using profanity in phone conversations and hanging up on them. Now there is an Ethics complaint filed against Rep. Anderson. Lesson: If you live in a glass house, best not to throw stones.

INGRI CASSEL

Spirit Lake