Highlights from 01-28-2013

CAPITOL RULES

Man in video didn’t break Idaho law

Idaho State Police Capt. Sheldon Kelley says ISP is not seeking to question an unidentified man whose Jan. 10 appearance on an 11-minute security video alarmed lawmakers and prompted security changes.

A number of comments on the Statesman’s Sunday story about tightened Capitol security asked about a law enforcement response.

“We weren’t able to identify him because we haven’t tried to,” Kelley said. “It wasn’t a crime at the time. That’s part of the reason ... to get those changes instituted.”

Kelley said discussions include more limits to public access inside the Capitol, which is not part of controversial rules for the building’s exterior and the Capitol Mall, sparked by last year’s Occupy Boise encampment.

The man was seen on a security video inspecting documents on representatives’ desks, taking photos of documents and desktops with his cellphone and at one point reaching into a waste bin, removing a paper and returning it to the trash. The man was wearing a sidearm.

Dan Popkey

STATE CONTROLLER

Senate confirms Jones’ successor

Brandon Woolf was appointed to the post in October after controller Donna Jones retired to focus on rehabilitating from injuries suffered in an auto accident. Jones is a former lawmaker, R-Payette, who was in her second term as controller.

Idaho’s controller is the chief fiscal officer for state government, with duties ranging from keeping all accounting records to paying state bills and employees.

Woolf served as Jones’ chief deputy. He intends to seek election in 2014.

The Associated Press

KRISTIN ARMSTRONG

Legislators OK honor for cyclist

The House voted unanimously to honor Kristin Armstrong, the two-time Olympic gold medal cyclist from Boise.

“In my estimation, Kristin Armstrong has grit and courage and determination — she doesn’t give up,” said Rep. Grant Burgoyne, D-Boise. “And she reminds us that the Idaho character is strong and equal to any challenge that we face.”

Rep. Hy Kloc, D-Boise, said Armstrong “enhances the image of Idaho as a state with a vibrant and active outdoor culture.”

Betsy Z. Russell,Spokesman-Review

IDAHO PARKS

Director seeks 10% budget bump

Nancy Merrill told budget writers Monday the Department of Parks and Recreation kept all 30 state parks open last year — thanks in part to a legion of volunteers who provided 86,000 hours of free work last year.

The department’s total budget in 2013 was $32.4 million, with most of the revenue coming from park fees, RV registration fees, dedicated funds and federal cash.

The department got $1.3 million from the general fund in 2013. Merrill asked for a boost Monday, requesting $2.8 million, an increase of 9.7 percent.

Gov. Butch Otter is recommending $1.35 million for the agency.

Spokesman-Review