House Concurrent Resolution 51 celebrated the federal act that officially preserved the 760,000-acre land in 1972. An earlier resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 117, was killed in the House on an 18-51 vote March 10 after unanimously passing the Senate several weeks prior. Both were sponsored by Sen. Michelle Stennett (D-Ketchum) and Reps. Ned Burns (D-Bellevue) and Sally Toone (D-Gooding), all of whom represent District 26.

“We were just trying to honor the fine, hard-working people who’ve worked there for the last 50 years and recognize some beautiful land in our state,” Burns said. “Politics got in the way both times. It’s incredibly disappointing. I thank the representatives, particularly those in the Magic Valley, who rose above the political games to celebrate this remarkable area.”

Burns reintroduced HCR 51 on Monday in the House Ways and Means Committee, and removed language House Republicans objected to when it first came to the floor. This time, they took issue with the resolution because the land is managed by the federal government — and has been long before 1972, dating back to the 1890s, which Burns pointed out.

“The SNRA is truly one of the greatest gems in our state,” Toone said. “The federal act has helped ensure that land stays pristine and Idahoans can continue to enjoy it. That deserves recognition.”

“The Senate recognizes the extraordinary beauty in the SNRA and its economic benefit to many Idahoans who live and work in and around its boundaries. Without this act, it would have been privatized and Idahoans would have lost the amazing access they now enjoy,” Stennett said. “It mystifies me why the House does not also recognize its importance. HCR 51 was a 50-year anniversary celebration of a universally loved place.”

Ned Burns

Burns, who will complete Davis’s remaining term for 2022, served on the Bellevue city council before being elected mayor in 2018 and again in 2020. He also works as a realtor at Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties for the Wood River Valley.

“I’m humbled and honored to be appointed to fill out the remainder of Rep. Davis’ term by Gov. Little, and excited to get to work bettering the lives of all District 26 residents and Idahoans everywhere. I look forward to bringing my perspective and ideas to all of the issues we’ll be addressing in the upcoming legislative session,” Burns said. “I hope to help advance smart, well-crafted policy to better our state for future generations by making critical investments in infrastructure and public education, as well as finding real solutions to provide meaningful property tax relief — all of which are my top priorities and where our focus should be in 2022. It’s time to move Idaho forward.”

Burns, a Twin Falls native, acted as a substitute for Davis and Rep. Sally Toone several times during the most recent sesion, and intends to officially run for the seat in the upcoming election. He was one of three names submitted to the governor’s office to fill the vacancy by the Idaho Democratic Party’s District 26 Legislative Committee, which was responsible for selecting candidates. 

“I’m thrilled Gov. Little chose Ned as my successor,” Davis said. “Ned is well prepared to jump into the role and hit the ground running to best represent the constituents of District 26.”