Dixon meets with Boundary County constituents at town hall meeting

The Bonner County Republican Women Inc. and the  Bonner County Farm Bureau hosted a town hall meeting Saturday with Rep. Sage Dixon at the Providence Bible Presbyterian Church, who presented an update on the first three weeks of the 2016 legislative session in Boise.

Topics discussed were the budget, education and a recap of his visit to to the recent standoff in Oregon. Dixon said he appreciated those who turned out, as it gives him a chance to stay connected with those he represents.

“It’s extremely important, so I can get a feel for what they’re hearing here while I’m in Boise,” Dixon said. “What we do affects our constituents, which is why I come back once a month.”

Dixon went on to say he thought the meeting went well, and held a few surprises.

“I think it went very well, and their were some questions I did’t expect,” he said. “Some I had to think about, and some I admittedly didn’t have the answer to. But we’re still early in the legislative session and wrapped up in the rules process.”

Dixon said Boundary County residents with an interest in the session should’t hesitate to keep informed and contact their legislators.

“Pay attention to your government, and let us know what we’re doing, right or wrong,” Dixon said. “It’s good to have some encouragement, but it’s also good to hear what we may not be paying attention to, an issue we may not know that exists. Communication with your elected representatives is very important.”

Another issue Dixon addressed was House Bill 413, which deals with a specialty Idaho license plate with the Orifino Maniacs logo on the plate. Gini Woodward, a mental health advocate and parent to a daughter living with a mental illness, expressed her displeasure for the bill.

“In light of recent national shooting rampages by individuals living with serious mental illness, I believe the continued attachment to that mascot name and cartoon image promotes stigma and discrimination against people with brain disorders, interferes with appropriate treatment and opportunity for recovery, and reflects negatively on our entire state,” Woodward said in a statement. “It is my hope and prayer that the people of Orofino will open reasoned dialogue and retire the Maniacs, even though there is a long history and intense generational community pride.”

Dixon said he appreciated the concern from those in the mental health industry, and would address the issue.

He will next be in Bonners Ferry later this month. When a date and time is solidified, the Herald will let residents know.