Huckleberries: Some say Trust Gus’ fashion sense is short on respect

Commish Gus Johnson’s decision to resume wearing shorts to work since he became a lame duck triggered a debate at Huckleberries Online this week. Most HBOers think he’s being unprofessional. But Trust Gus has advocates, too. David Newberger, a Great Laker who runs an unauthorized blog about the Coeur d’Alene Indians, sees nothing wrong with flashing your pegs from 9 to 5. Then, he’s an ex-California techie who works from home. The general sentiment runs against the lame duck commish, however. Howard Martinson got things rolling with this post: “Shorts at work … shows a lack of respect for the job, county staff and the public.” Commenter JBelle, a Spokane globetrotter raised in Coeur d’Alene, said Italian men consider shorts fit only “for the gym.” She held up President Reagan and late commish Ron Rankin as individuals who showed respect for their offices by dressing properly. Alice Rankin couldn’t resist that intro. She added the coup de grace to the discussion. “My Ron always wore a suit and tie as befits the office and was amazed when … Gus started wearing shorts to work (during his first summer as a commish).” Trust Gus’ fashion statement has served one good purpose: It provided fodder for Huckleberries Online gang as the dog days take hold. Now, back to JBelle to button things up: “I think Commissioner Johnson is/has retired from public service; problem is, it’s a few months too soon.”