A Boise Democrat wants to sell Idaho’s long-empty governor’s mansion to help fund the state parks system.
Representative Grant Burgoyne says money tied up in the hilltop mansion does nothing for the state.
Governor Butch Otter has opted not to live in the house, donated in 2004 by late french fry billionaire J.R. Simplot, for his ranch west of Boise.
Should Idaho sell, however, Simplot’s family gets 60 days to match the offer.
And if the offer is $2.1 million or less, Simplot’s family could just take back the place – even though Idaho has paid for six years of upkeep and used $310,000 from private donations for renovations.
There’s about $1 million in a fund to maintain the house, but it’s been dwindling due to exorbitant watering and mowing costs. (AP)
