Why do we have legislative committees?

Rep. Denney prevents bills from reaching a crucial committee.

House Speaker Lawerence Denney is not allowing any local-option tax bill to be considered in the House unless it contains a constitutional amendment, a restriction opposed by many local-option backers. “That has been my position, that if it’s not a constitutional amendment, I’m not interested,” Denney told The Spokesman-Review.

The committee chair cowers to keep his seat.

House Tax Chairman Dennis Lake, R-Blackfoot, said he has clear instructions from the speaker. “If there’s no constitutional amendment, it goes to him,” he said. “I may get it back later.” Asked if he had any problem with that, Lake said, “That’s his call – I work for him, he’s my boss.”

“I work for him”???? Really? He pays your salary? He votes you into office. Why do we have these committees? What purpose does a chairman of a committee serve? Does he just call up Mr. Speaker and ask, “What’ll I do now?” “Is it ok if our committee takes a potty break?” What’s the big deal about being able to tell your buddies that you are the Chairman of the most powerful committee in the Idaho House of Representatives when you don’t do anything but play sycophant to the House Speaker? Big stinking deal!