Wow! What a Week!


This week is representative of the diverse nature of issues with which we deal on a regular basis. A few of the highlights:

Monday morning, the three of us showed up at the Public Safety Building at Barrister and performed a two-hour, statutorily required quarterly jail inspection. We found a few things in need of maintenance, and I identified one safety issue to be addressed. The Sheriff and his employees run a professional, forward-thinking operation, so these inspections tend to be more of a legal formality than an opportunity to discover major problems.

That same day, we also received an e-mail from PETA – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – concerned about the health, feeding, care and weight of the elephants scheduled to come with the Shrine Circus to the Expo Idaho Fairgrounds this weekend. Don’t laugh. I mean, elephants are inherently a funny topic, but I consider this a serious issue. Not only do these large, lumbering creatures deserve to be treated humanely, but elephants can be dangerous. At this time, it appears the elephants will not be performing with the circus, but if they do make it to the Ada County-owned fairgrounds, Jeff Rosenthal D.V.M., the Executive Director of the Idaho Humane Society, is ready to examine them to determine their current state of health. If he feels it is necessary, he will call in and confer with his state counterparts, as well.

Tuesday, I met with Fourth District Administrative Judge Darla Williamson and Ada County Clerk Dave Navarro to discuss ways in which a proposed administrative order regulating the public’s ability to make audio and/or video recordings in the courthouse can be made more lenient and user friendly, without jeopardizing the privacy of victims and children.

Wednesday evening, Canyon County Commissioner Dave Ferdinand, my colleague Ada County Commissioner Rick Yzaguirre and I had the pleasure of attending Girls’ State on the NNU (Northwest Nazarene University) Campus. Honored guest Donna Jones, the first female state controller, gave the 350 or so high-school-aged young women in attendance an overview of her position. She also refuted the concept that there is a glass ceiling in the political arena and told the girls they could become U.S. Senators.

We broke into three groups where I had the opportunity to speak with a large roomful of these bright, energetic and enthusiastic young women. I told them not to limit their thinking: perhaps one of them will be a future U.S. President!

Thursday, after a brief meeting at the courthouse, I raced out to St. Luke’s in Eagle for daylong “Speed of Trust” training with representatives of Ada County Paramedics and five of the county’s six fire agencies. Participants included firefighters and medics from Boise Fire, Eagle Fire, Meridian Fire, North Ada County Fire and Rescue, and Star Fire.

Friday, I had a lunch meeting with fellow and future female elected officials. We are conspiring to reduce taxes and bring about more open, responsive government!

Saturday, my three youngest kids and I plan to participate in the 20th Anniversary celebration for the Hawk’s Memorial Stadium. Hope to see you there!

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