Robert Ehlert
Idaho Statesman
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Past articles by Robert:
Idaho AG thinks it’s illegal to sell aerial fireworks here — so why do we allow it?
Since it is the eve of the Fourth of July weekend, it must be time yet again to remind the Idaho Legislature that its inconsistent, wink-and-nod policy of allowing the sale of aerial fireworks to unpermitted individuals is neither safe nor sane. → Read More
He’s not well known, but nobody knows more about Idaho water law than Clive Strong
The quirky history and constant challenge were motivations to sort through and organize more than 150,000 water rights claims in Idaho. Clive Strong retires as one of the most respected water experts in the state. → Read More
Risch’s questions, Comey’s answers inject doubt about Trump’s ‘obstruction’
A smoking gun may be found in the future implicating Trump in some serious wrongdoing as this investigation unfolds. But Risch’s tactical questioning of Comey put some of the doubts about Trump and Flynn to rest. → Read More
Forgotten, displaced U.S. veterans now present, honored and accounted for
The abandoned remains of tens of thousands of troops lost to the twilight of time are rejoining the ranks at veterans cemeteries around the nation. It all started right here in Boise, thanks to Idaho veteran Richard Cesler and a band of concerned brothers and sisters around the country. → Read More
Boise streetcar proposal promising, but prompts plenty of questions
There are smashing success stories about established and brand new streetcar efforts around the country, but do those situations — and funding formulas — apply to Boise? → Read More
Female supporters, a desire to serve led to Muchow’s defining GBAD victory
From a distance, it might appear as though a political career was launched Tuesday in the Greater Boise Auditorium District election. → Read More
Les Bois Park is a ghost track; Derby Day festivities live on only in memories
Les Bois is a ghost track these days, its 800-odd stables empty of horseflesh and gear, and all of the dreams and drama of the place. Live racing ended at the end of the 2015 season, and the controversial racing machines that had subsidized the racing and purses were unplugged in March 2016. → Read More
Join me in starting a seasonal rosé diary. I’ll share mine; you share yours
The new rosés are not the sugary, syrupy jug-style pink Zins that grandma sipped with ice cubes. Contemporary rosés are delicious summer cocktails finely crafted with subtle bouquets of flavor bottled in crisp, dry blends or single varietals with just a touch of something special. → Read More
My Trump agenda for Day 101: North Korea crisis, federal judge vacancies
Idaho Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo have key committee assignments related to the North Korea tensions and getting a new federal judge in place to serve Idaho. → Read More
Boise readers, Hawks baseball fans, react to plans for a new downtown stadium
A column I wrote last week about the Idaho Statesman Editorial Board’s visit with backers of a proposed $41 million downtown Boise stadium got a lot of reaction form a wide range of readers. → Read More
'Approval ratings' are a worthless, toothless metric in a politically divided country
‘Approval ratings’ are toothless, vapid measurements that never dish out consequences for the things we theoretically don’t approve. → Read More
Labrador conducts his town halls the way the ought to be done
There are a lot of ways for politicians to connect with constituents. I happen to think live town halls where anybody can walk up to the microphone and ask any question are among the best and most courageous. → Read More
Elected officials deserve decent pay, but why the pensions?
If you are one of the people who believes in taxpayer-funded pensions for elected officials, you could just continue to ante up and sit this debate out. → Read More
ROSE award celebrates the people who wait tables, drive the buses, clean your rooms
Every other industry seems to hold awards ceremonies for its best performers. It was about time the Boise-area hospitality corps had an avenue to be recognized for all of their great work. → Read More
Q & A: Underestimate Democratic Rep. Erpelding at your own peril
Rep. Mat Erpelding’s smile and friendly countenance don’t give clues to his feistiness, but if you don’t anticipate it the first couple of times, you’ll be ready for it on the third go-round. → Read More
Is tea party losing steam to new tactics in GOP’s ‘Freedom’ camps?
Idahoan Bob Neugebauer is the publisher of the Gem State Patriot “news website” often associated with the tea party movement in the state. He goes by the moniker “Tea Party Bob” when he’s on with KIDO 580-AM radio host Kevin Miller. → Read More
Foothills shooting: Boise community came together during weekend crisis
Reaction to the Boise Foothills shooting over the weekend revealed a community that cared for one another. It’s not unreasonable to say that the smart, prompt response by citizens may have saved lives. → Read More
Often persecuted and wrongly profiled, Sikhs among most patriotic Americans
Sikhs in Boise and around the country — some of whom have beards and wear turbans — often feel misunderstood and ostracized. When miscreants target them as ‘terrorists,’ it can prove fatal. → Read More
Active imaginations of lawmakers overlook facts of what needs fixing
From the national to the state and local level, it seems like we’re seeing more and more legislation designed to thwart undesirable things that might happen instead of targeting things that are happening. → Read More
Trump speech inspiring, but vague on future of health insurance in U.S., Idaho
President Donald Trump deserves his due for delivering a poignant and presidential speech with human moments that will resonate and soon be filed under “history.” → Read More