OpinionJuly 23, 2000

Dave Whaley - Whaley, of Boise, is president of the Idaho AFL-CIO

As president of the Idaho State AFL-CIO, I would like to clear up a few misconceptions from Bill Hall's editorial of June 28, entitled "A timid forest industry hides behind a funny name."

First, the editorial page links unions with the Intermountain Forest Association (IFA) due to an ad IFA paid for regarding the U.S. Forest Service's roadless proposal. No union, nor their leadership in Idaho, is a member of IFA. No union-elected official was involved in either the development of this ad or any of the strategy behind the ad. We simply were never consulted. We are also unaware of the membership of "Coalition of Idaho Forestry Professionals."

Second, Idaho unions have always proudly put their names on anything they endorse. We do not "hide behind funny names." We have an open system where our members and their selected leadership decide who and what we stand for and which issues we will endorse. We are not shy about making those endorsements public and have done so numerous times in the past.

However, we do not disagree with the message of the ad. We also have more than a self-serving economic interest in the roadless issue. We have seen school children selling water and soda on Highway 95 to earn money for activities cut due to a lack of timber sale dollars which have always supported our schools. We have learned that school lunch programs have been cut; books and supplies not ordered, and teaching and other positions eliminated due to cuts in the 25 percent funds.

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Our union members and leadership have been actively involved in forest issues for years. Our members are concerned about several issues regarding the roadless initiative beside the fire danger of poor forest health. We are troubled about restrictions on our ability to access forest lands where our families and we have recreated for generations.

Again, we do not disagree with the ad's message. We just do not like being falsely linked to its questionable method of delivery of which we had no part.

A simple phone call from Mr. Hall, to either the local union leadership or myself, would have easily clarified any union connection with IFA and its ad. We would appreciate being afforded this courtesy in the future.

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