Keough, Eskridge, Anderson Here for 'Sendoff Breakfast'

Boundary County residents having concerns on issues from property tax relief to milfoil funding will have an opportunity to talk directly to their elected lawmakers before they head to Boise for the next legislative session at a 'Sendoff Breakfast' from 7:30 p.m.-9 a.m. at the Chic 'N Chop Nov. 26.

It will be the first time the event - sponsored by the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Committee - has been held in Boundary County. Senator Shawn Keough and Representatives George Eskridge and Eric Anderson will talk about specific issues they feel might arise when Idaho's legislative session convenes Jan. 12.

"For the last two years, the legislative sendoff breakfasts for our legislators has been held in Sandpoint, which Boundary County has always been invited to," said Tina Wilson, who chairs the Government Affairs Committee. "Last year, eight people drove from here to Bonner County in a driving snowstorm. This year we decided that we wanted to do our own breakfast."

Wilson said each legislator will have five to seven minutes to talk about what they see as key issues or agendas taking precedence at the legislative session. There will also be a signup sheet for the public to address the lawmakers for two minutes with questions or opinions on issues.

"I'm excited about having our local legislators come to Boundary County," said Wilson."It's a great opportunity for the public to have a one-on-one meeting with our lawmakers after they've just been re-elected. Hopefully, this will become an annual event for us."

She also said that hearing what the public has to say will give the Government Affairs Committee a keener sense of direction on residents' concerns.

"There may be some issues we need to me more aware of and take a stronger stance on than we currently are," she added.

For more information, contact Tina Wilson at 267-3141 x 324.