Former Nez Perce County Commissioner J.R. Van Tassel will be sworn in this morning for his temporary duty representing the 6th Legislative District.
Van Tassel, who served 13 years as county commissioner and seven years on the Lewiston City Council, will serve as a substitute for House Minority Leader John Rusche this week.
Rusche's wife, Kay, had brain surgery last week to remove a tumor. She's been battling cancer for several years. Rusche expects to miss the first two or three weeks of the session while she undergoes radiation treatment.
In his weekly newsletter, Rusche said Van Tassel will fill in for him this week, while Lewiston School Board trustee Brad Cuddy will fill in next week. If necessary, Van Tassel will fill in again the following week.
“Both have assured me they will do what's best for the people of District 6,” Rusche said.
The district includes all of Nez Perce and Lewis Counties.
Rusche said he expects to remain in close contact with his substitutes. Constituents can also reach them via his legislative email address, at jrusche@house.idaho.gov.
