Idaho Governor disbands The Science and Technology Advisory Council

Kempthorne-formed advisory council’s recommendations never saw the light of day.

The Governor’s Science and Technology Advisory Council, rebuked last year by Gov. Butch Otter, is being disbanded after more than two months of speculation about its fate.

The 16-member group, formed in 1999 by Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, will be replaced by a new organization, according to Idaho Commerce Director Jim Ellick.

In an interview with the Idaho Statesman, Ellick said legislation is being drafted to eliminate the council, which is required by state law. Ellick said it hasn’t been effective.

"I figured, let’s put that one to bed and talk to the governor and find out what he’s interested in," Ellick said. "We have to decide some other avenue to give advice to the governor and the legislators and do it in an innovative way."

By Ken Dey – [email protected]

Full Story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/business/story/261226.html

(Thanks to Bill Sellers for passing this along. Russ)