Grant letter: Cecil Andrus

Chris Carlson perfectly captured Governor Andrus. He met problems head on, solving them without hesitation. When I served him as counsel, the funding federal agency required a law enforcement planning document that requested funding for organized crime projects. No options, it was a must. I described a stolen gun ring in the Burns, Ore., to Parma corridor. The director of law enforcement called me on the carpet in the governor’s office and denied that such a ring existed. I said, “I believe that for $100 I could buy one, maybe two stolen guns in Parma tonight.” Andrus took out his wallet, took out a folded $100 bill and slid it across the desk to me. He said, “Let’s meet here at 8 tomorrow morning.” No discussion. Just do it. In the morning I went in with two stolen revolvers and FBI certification that they were stolen from Portland in a burglary. The director said nothing. I asked, “What do I do about my report?” The governor said, “Go with it.” He was a man for all seasons. It is not likely that Idaho will ever see another. He disputed it but he was Idaho’s greatest governor.

This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 7:58 PM with the headline "Grant letter: Cecil Andrus."