Local leaders push more federal resources in court cases

Local leaders from all over eastern Idaho gathered in Idaho Falls Tuesday to talk about major issues in the state.

One of the concerns is having more access to federal resources when it comes to certain court cases.

Some local leaders are pushing to have a special assistant U.S. attorney in eastern Idaho. That person is appointed by the attorney general for a limited period to assist a U.S. attorney in specific cases.

This would help in cases involving drug trafficking, illegal firearms and gang activities, which eastern Idaho officials said need to be in the federal system.

“We’re trying to build a coalition, a partnership of stakeholders with the state, with the counties and with cities. Primary legal courts are within the counties, and the state system, and the federal system- they’re not generally within the cities, but the quality of life is within the cities, and what we’re concerned about is that our citizens are safe and have a good quality of life,” said Paul Loomis, mayor of Blackfoot.

Officials said having these cases at the federal level will lift the state’s responsibility of housing prisoners. It would also save the cities and state money. They are hopeful that this position can fit into the budget.