Representative Vito Barbieri recently attended the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conference in Utah — paid by Idaho taxpayers. What is ALEC? According to its website, “ALEC is a think-tank for state-based public policy issues and potential solutions. It publishes research and writing on issues that are of importance to its members. It holds meetings where people from public and private sectors share their views. It also develops model bills and resolutions on economic issues…ALEC serves solely as a resource for its members; it does not lobby state legislatures.”

Who are ALEC’s private members? It’s hard to say, except that membership costs up to $25,000. How many small businesses in Idaho can afford that?

Mr. Barbieri, if you truly believe in ethical government and personal accountability, you owe your constituents two duties. You must disclose how much taxpayer money was spent to send you to this conference. You must tell us what model legislation you discussed that will benefit Idaho.

EDWARD C. LOCKWOOD

Worley