Lawmakers question tax commissioner nominee over marriage

Idaho lawmakers took turns grilling a newly appointed state tax commissioner over concerns surrounding her marriage to one of the Legislature’s most vocal tax cut proponents.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter appointed former GOP Rep. Janet Moyle last year to an open seat on the Idaho State Tax Commission. She is married to House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, a 10-term Republican from Star.

Janet must now be confirmed by the Idaho Senate in order to complete her six-year term.

Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee members on Tuesday pressed Janet about her ability to remain objective in implementing tax policy when her husband has been powerful leader in changing tax law inside the Statehouse.

Janet countered that she spent 17 years protecting taxpayer information when she worked as a county tax appraiser and she does not base her decision on her husband’s opinions.