March Twin Falls Republican Central Committee Round Up

By Leslie Wolff, MVLA Contributor, March 17, 2025

Greetings Liberty Lovers,

I would love to tell you to buckle up for my rundown of March’s Twin Falls County Republican Central Committee meeting, but it was rather humdrum. However, that does not mean that it didn’t have its share of interesting moments.

New Member, Same Ol’ Same Ol’ 
Not only did our newest PC not show up for his first meeting as a full-fledged Precinct Committeeman, but there were many empty seats. Only half of the Committee bothered to show up; it’s a good thing our quorum requirements are so low.

No Lincoln Days Dinner Sub-Committee Report
While we did not hear from the Lincoln Days sub-committee, the Treasurer and Twin Falls Mayor, Ruth Pierce, reported that our Lincoln Days’ Dinner raised more money this year than last year, with a profit of $6,754.46.

Is it Who You Know or How Hard You Try?
Since the Committee had asked him to look into it, County Commissioner, and PC for TF7, Don Hall brought up my America 250 Resolution from last month. He stated that he reached out to the Governor’s office several times and finally learned that Secretary of State, Phil McGrane, was overseeing the America 250 in Idaho commemoration.  Since Commissioner Hall was in Boise the day of our TFCRCC meeting, he went to the Secretary of State’s office and found McGrane was not in, but did leave a message.

Since Chairman Wageman let Don bring up the subject that was not on the agenda, I took the opportunity to make a few announcements on things that I had found out in the last month since they thought my resolution was too early to start working on.

I reported that I was invited to the Mini-Cassia America 250 Committee in early March and that their group had been working on the commemoration since 2021.  I also learned that the State of Idaho has already given out over $1.6 million to organizations start planning. Our community could have put that money to good use.

I also reported that while I spent two days in Boise for the Idaho Federation of Republican Women’s Red Jacket Days, I spent some time with Julie Ellsworth, the Idaho State Treasurer, and her staff.  Their office is heading up the state’s efforts for America’s semi-quincentennial celebration. I also signed up to be the Ambassador and liaison between the state and our county. I will be in Boise and meet with the Treasurer and staff again next week to start the ball rolling. I can’t wait to see the Twin Falls County communities come together and let their patriotism and love for our country shine.

Commissioners Take on Washington DC
The presentation for the night was Commissioners Don Hall and Brent Reinke explaining how they spent a week in Washington DC at a Commissioners Conference and was able to speak to our US Congress members about three issues that they feel are important to the Magic Valley; Lava Ridge, the third bridge crossing, and the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Dangers of the Telecommunications Act of 1996

We are all aware of Lava Ridge and the third bridge crossing, but what about the Telecommunications Act of 1996? Commissioner Hall explained that a cell tower was recently denied a permit in our area, only to find out if it was not approved, we would be taken to court and we would lose. You see, this 29-year-old act does not allow local municipalities to refuse placements of cell phone towers and there are people looking at how to put an end to the Act. They reported that there are a few lawsuits challenging it, but chances are slim that they will win.  Basically, if a provider decides to erect a cell tower, there is nothing we can do about it. Hopefully the “powers that be” in Washington can put a halt to it.

A Day Late, But Not a Dollar Short
Article V of the Constitution, calling for a Convention of States has been a hot topic for years now, and this year is no different.  Adrian Arp, PC Filer 1, presented a resolution to denounce a COS and it send to the Idaho State Legislature before they voted on HCR9 and HCR10. But the day of the TFCRCC meeting, the Idaho House of Representatives voted against both, so we did not vote on the presented resolution.

Calls to Action

 If you are interested in helping. or just getting more information on America’s Birthday, please reach out to me at America250TF@pm.me.
 Continue to visit the MVLA War Room to take action on legislation as they push through as many bills as possible before the end of this year’s session.

There are two meetings on March 19th that should be worthwhile:

The next Magic Valley Republican Women will meet on Wednesday, March 19th at noon at Pebble Ponds in Filer. The guest speaker will be Dorothy Moon, the IDGOP Chairwoman. Women and men are both welcome to attend. Lunch is $16.

The More You Know Lecture Series by Idaho Solutions is on Wednesday, March 19th at the Herrett Center Wednesday, March 19th from 7-8:30 pm. Understanding School Vouchers: Impacts, Opportunities and Challenge is the topic. Idaho Solutions, Inc. is a non-profit organization started ex- Representative, Chenele Dixon, and the employer that she is registered under as a lobbyist in Boise.

Our next TFCRCC meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 9th at 6:30 pm at County West.