[Vision2020] Legislative absences

[Tom Hansen]

Vote Republican.  It's easier than thinking.

 

Tom Hansen

Moscow

 

We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are
dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but they all
exist very nicely in the same box. 

  _____  

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Shirley Ringo
Sent: Sunday, October 17, 2004 5:34 PM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Legislative absences

 

Visionaries:

 

Uh oh!  Mr. Bennett thinks he has me this time!

 

Yes, I did leave for five days during the 2003 legislative session.  The
session was of unprecedented length.  Because of the slow economy, and prior
ill-advised tax cuts, state programs were headed for disaster.  Speaker
Newcomb was unable to get his very conservative Republican caucus to join
Democrats with a plan to generate revenue.  That's why we were there so
long.

 

Prior to the session, my husband and I made plans to go to Boston with our
older daughter during the week April 21-25.  I did not dream that we would
still be in session.

I assure you I considered the matter carefully.  The extra 1% sales tax
issue was already settled.  (April 17)  During the week I was gone, there
was little business conducted on the House floor, and three bills were acted
upon that week in the Revenue and Taxation Committee.  My substitute was the
very capable and honorable Dr. Stephen Cooke.  (U of I Ag Econ)  We
communicated constantly, and, thanks goodness, he followed my directions
carefully.  I can imagine how angry I would have been had he not done that.

 

I worked closely with Dr. Cooke's wife, Judy Brown on tax issues throughout
the session.  Steve seemed the most logical choice to replace me.  If I were
more of a political animal, I may have chosen a Democrat with immediate
plans to run for the legislature.

 

Those five days were the only days I have missed during my four years in the
legislature.  If you have further questions, I'll be glad to reply. 

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