‘Return the flag:’ Ex-senator calls out Goedde

Former state Sen. Tim Corder is calling out an old colleague — Senate Education Committee Chairman John Goedde — and is calling the rerun of collective bargaining laws an act of “hubris.”

On his Facebook page, the Mountain Home Republican also questions whether the governor’s education reform task force will be able to exact real change, since it has decided not to revisit school labor issues. That decision opened the path for the Legislature to revisit, and pass, several bills that echoed elements of the defeated Proposition 1 collective bargaining law.

Wrote Corder, “The 2013 bills barely change the language of the legislation overturned by the referenda and do nothing about seizing opportunities for meaningful education reform or securing long term consistent funding. The bills do not stop the cost-shifting from the state to local sources of revenue; an act that by itself absolutely ensures inequity for our students across the state.”

Goedde
Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d’Alene

Corder’s most pointed criticism was directed at Goedde, a Coeur d’Alene Republican who helped guide the three Students Come First bills through the Senate in 2011. (Corder, who served in the Senate at the time, was one of several Senate Republicans to oppose the laws.) For that, Goedde was awarded the flag that flies over the Senate chambers — an annual tradition honoring a senator who performs above and beyond the call of duty.

“History proves that Idaho has not been encumbered by nuisance referenda in our elections, and that unchecked power results in tyranny. This hubris must end by listening in earnest to common-sense citizens trying to assert their common law responsibility and take a larger role in the direction of our state and central committees,” wrote Corder.

“Please return the flag, Senator Goedde.”

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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