Transition from burning

Gov. Butch Otter's visit to Lewiston recently shows that perhaps he intends to be a governor for the entire state, not just the South. If so, it's good to have a governor who will talk to all Idahoans even if we don't always agree with him.

When he told the displaced grass growers that he could see no good in the federal decision to stop field burning, he may have been acknowledging their frustration but they need more than sympathy. Gov. Otter could encourage the Legislature to find funds to help the grass farmers transition to another type of business even if it means raising the sales tax.

If these farmers receive aid to move in another direction, maybe they too in time will see the value of air without smoke from field burning. Amond other benefits, cleaner air can aid health, bring in more tourists and make for quality living.

Our valley can never be as clear as that on a mountaintop, but valley air can be much better without smoke from grass fires in the summer and smoldering fireplaces and wood stoves in the winter.

Patricia Tutty

Lewiston