DISCLOSURE: What are you afraid of?

This past week Vito Barbieri and Heather Scott, North Idaho Representatives on the Idaho House State Affairs Committee, voted against financial disclosure for Idaho elected officials and candidates.

This legislation would have applied to state, county and local levels and was proposed by the Republican Chair of that committee.

In his comments Mr Barbieri stated that he “did not want a target on his back… I just don’t agree that the Idaho public thinks that this body is full of dishonest individuals.”

Well, we really don’t know if Mr. Barbieri and Ms. Scott are honest or not. I assume they are.

But, why not clear the air and pay us all respect by being transparent and making disclosure the standard?

As President Reagan said, “Trust, but verify.”

STEVE MOSS

Coeur d’Alene