I was wondering why Sen. Werk took the gavel in the Senate today. This press release might explain it.
GOVERNOR APPOINTS VETERAN DEMOCRATIC SENATOR TO IDAHO STATE TAX COMMISSION VACANCY
(BOISE) – Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced the appointment today of State Senator Elliot Werk to succeed fellow Democrat David Langhorst on the Idaho State Tax Commission.
Werk, assistant Senate minority leader now serving his seventh two-year term there, also serves on the Local Government and Taxation, Judiciary and Rules, and State Affairs committees in the Senate.
“I’d like to thank the people of District 17 for the honor of representing them in the Idaho Senate over the last 12 years,” Werk said. “I will miss the Idaho Senate and I look forward to new challenges at the Idaho State Tax Commission.”
His appointment to the four-member Tax Commission is effective immediately and subject to Senate confirmation. Werk succeeds Langhorst, who left the Tax Commission in August 2014 to become director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Since Langhorst’s term expires March 8 this year, the Senate will consider Werk’s appointment both for the completion of Langhorst’s current term and for a six-year term of his own.
Werk joins the Tax Commission – led by Chairman Rich Jackson – as Governor Otter seeks to act decisively on recommendations submitted to him by Chairman Jackson and a panel of experts aimed at streamlining and improving the effectiveness, efficiency and governance at the agency.
“Senator Werk has proven himself to be a devoted public servant who is committed to protecting Idaho taxpayers and improving public confidence in our tax system,” Governor Otter said. “I appreciate his willingness to take on this new challenge.”
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