MACOMBER: Already at work

One of the most effective North Idaho legislators hasn’t even been elected yet. Art Macomber wrote two bills for the 2016 session and both passed in the House and Senate.

One was House Joint Resolution 5 that proposes a Constitutional Amendment that provides the Legislature the ability to review and approve or reject administrative rules to ensure they are consistent with the intent of the law. It passed 62 to 3 in the House and 34 to 1 in the Senate. HJR 5 will be on the ballot for the next election. The other was S 1388.

Art became aware of a court case that put every easement holders’ property rights at risk and could have cost counties millions in legal fees and awards. Art Macomber’s bill fixed the law. It passed both houses unanimously and was signed by the governor as an emergency measure. It is now law.

A sign on President Reagan’s desk read: “There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.” Art Macomber let others take the credit so that we all would benefit. Art Macomber doesn’t need to be a legislator, but we need Art Macomber.

SCOTT BAUER

Sandpoint