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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho House panel has backed a proposal to require community college trustees be elected from designated zones inside community college districts.
Republican Rep. Greg Chaney of Caldwell says his bill, HB 387, would divide two-year college districts into five zones with equal populations. Currently, college trustees can be elected to a board so long as they live within the current district.
Chaney added that community colleges need to be more evenly represented by people in the communities they serve, particularly in rural areas.
"With regard to responsiveness, this bill helps ensure one person, one vote," Chaney said. "It helps make sure ... that we guard against taxation without representation."
The move comes one year after the current College of Western Idaho Trustee and Boise resident Emily Walton ousted incumbent Gordon Browning, who lives in Meridian. CWI's campuses span both Ada and Canyon Counties with main campuses in Boise and Nampa. In the 2014 election, Walton garnered nearly 60 percent of the votes and swept Browning in his own county.
Several Democratic members on the House State Affairs Committee argued against the motion, asking the committee for more time for the measure to be thoroughly vetted.
Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, pointed out Chaney didn't meet with all the trustees and stakeholders of CWI before drafting and presenting his bill.
"It would be nice to have more discussion," Wintrow said. "I would love to hear from (the trustees.) I think some time would be good. I feel a little troubled that this was one institution that was impacted by one election."
The point was countered by Rep. Gayle Batt, R-Wilder, who stated this issue has been presented by legislators for years.
The motion passed 13-3 Monday. It now must pass both the House and the Senate before being submitted to the governor for a final approval.
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