Idaho Legislature lacks leadership; Sen. Twiggs' death leads 2000 session into mire of confusion

Senate President Pro Tem Jerry Twiggs' death three months ago was an ominous sign of things to come for the Idaho Legislature.

Twiggs was a pivotal leader, but no one knew how important he was until he was gone.

"Everybody took their water to him. He was the leader, and when he passed away, he took that with him, all the focus those individuals had. Then everybody was out there trying to gather their wits about them."

Twiggs' absence left lawmakers unfocused and unorganized.

"They never defined themselves. They let circumstances define them," Lt. Gov. Butch Otter said.

Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, the leader of the state, didn't bother stepping in and taking on that leadership role until the very end.

Even though the two houses have heavy Republican majorities, there are strong philosophical differences within the groups that prevented focus and consensus.

The Legislature was somewhat productive, despite all the confusion. They passed a $29 million tax cut, approved an increase in state aid to public schools and made improvements in state employee pay and benefits.

The real challenge for lawmakers will be what happens next year, and who, if anyone, will stand up and take a leadership role.

"There were times we sat in here and didn't know where we were going," said retiring Senate Finance Committee Chairman Atwell Perry of Melba.

The Idaho lawmakers need direction. Someone needs to step up and take charge, whether it be the governor or another legislator.

A lack of leadership is equally evident in Washington. We saw what happened there when lawmakers there chose to focus on election-year politics instead of taking care of the state. Initiative 695 created some major problems that needed to be addressed. Instead, lawmakers spent their time and energy positioning themselves for the November election.

-- Rachel M. Moore