Norm Semanko seeking nomination to U.S. House seat

by Nancy C. Butler

Norman M. "Norm" Semanko has spent years learning the ins and outs of politics through his work for Larry Craig in Idaho's First District, first in the U.S. House and then the Senate, and he would like to put that experience to work as Idaho's First District Representative to the U.S. House. To that end, he is seeking the Republican nomination for that position.

He grew up on the Rathdrum/Spirit Lake area and graduated from Lakeland High School where he was 4-H president, student body president and valedictorian. He was excited to vote in his first election two weeks after he turned 18. Politics of the time caught his attention and he got involved not only in voting, but also a few years later in the Bush campaign when he ran against Dukakis.

While Craig was in the House, Semanko handled veterans, natural resource and transportation issues. When Craig became a U.S. Senator, he continued with those issues. Salmon erupted about that time and he learned about the issues surrounding keeping Dworshak Reservoir up as far as possible as long as possible. After working in Washington, D.C., he decided to return to Idaho as Craig's field representative in the 10 northern counties. He was headquartered in Lewiston and spent a lot of time on issues such as reintroduction of the wolves and grizzly bear. At the time, local citizens said they did not want the species brought back. Now there are problems with the wolves.

After 14 years of draw downs at Dworshak, the science does not support the "experiment". Semanko would like to see the federal government live up to the promises they made when they built the dam and keep the pool full during the summer.

He has also seen the problems in the timber industry with all the federal laws have decimated the industry in the last 15 years. There are still some strong mills that get supplies from state and other lands. He does not feel it is a good idea to sell public land to individuals. It needs to be used responsibly in multiple ways. Shutting down the forest is not the answer. He feels he understands the issues and can work with federal land managers.

Semanko said it will be a high priority for him to get on the House Resource Committee to work on the issues that are so important to the state. Not only does the decline in the timber supplies from federal land impact the industry, it also impacts the funds available for schools, roads and emergency services. The Craig/Wyden Bill has helped for a number of years to get funds in lieu, but it is about to expire and reauthorization is only a temporary measure. Semanko would like to see benefits from the land done responsibly.

While he was in Craig's office in Washington, D.C., worked on issues involved with adoption. Both Craig and Semanko are adoptive fathers. Semanko would like to see more tax incentives created for the red tape cut for adoptions. He is looking forward to working on that in the U.S. House.

Semanko's wife came here from the Soviet Union 15 years ago legally. He feels that letting aliens come and stay illegally cheapens the efforts of those who come legally. He feels that laws need to be enforced and borders protected.

He also feels that it is important to get Idaho out of the Ninth Circuit Court which is a California court and get a Rocky Mountain Circuit Court. The Ninth Circuit Court is way to big and the judges do not have a lot in common with the people of Idaho. Judges should are public officials and should be scrutinized and get rid of the nonsense of taking over the management of public lands, taking God out of the pledge and moving the 10 Commandments.

He feels that the federal budget is out of control and lawmakers should not "spend like drunk sailors" just to get re-elected. Semanko said he would limit himself to 12 years in the U.S. House. He feels that is long enough to get things done, but not get influenced by campaigns and power. He realizes that he is there to do a job and thinks the lobbyists will know it too.

Semanko said he is different because he is not a career politician and has never run for public office before. When he has finished his time in Washington, D.C., he would like to come back and work with small farmers and ranchers on problems they have with the federal government as he has for the last 15 year as a water rights attorney.

Photo: Norm Semanko

 

SPORTS PHYSICALS According to the Idaho High School Activities Association, current sports physicals are required for all students involved in school sponsored fall, winter and spring athletic programs. 7th, 9th, 11th and all first year participants must have a current Idaho "Health Examination and Consent" form signed by the student, parent and qualified health professional on file with the school before they are allowed they are allowed to practice or play in athletic events during the school year. CLEARWATER VALLEY HOSPITAL & CLINICS supports athletic programs and their fitness goals. Each of our clinics sets aside certain times to provide sports physicals at a reduced rate. They also contribute $15 back to the school of each student seen by our health providers. Students can make an appointment other than the scheduled times, but the full rate for a physical will be charged and no money will be returned to the schools. Orofino Medical Clinic, 301 Cedar, 476-5777 Wednesday, May 24, 5:30-7:00 Junior High Students begin at 5:30, Senior High at 6:00 No Appointments necessary Pioneer Medical Clinic, Pierce Community Bldg, 464-2578 Tuesday, May 23, and Thursday, May 25,, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 9:00-noon & 1:00-5:00 John Beeh, PA-C Appointments encouraged $25 payable at time of visit Please bring health exam form with the front page filled out, your immunization records & signed immunization form. No immunizations will be given without the consent form signed by a parent or guardian.