Up yonder at Huckleberries Online, D.F. Oliveria blogged about a newspaper exec for whom he nearly worked.

Which prompts me to write about the same executive, Stephen Hartgen, former publisher at The Times-News in Twin Falls. The Republican Hartgen was named Tuesday to run for a vacant spot in the Idaho House (click here for the story).

Hartgen hired me in the summer of 1996 to work as The Times-News' city editor. The move was a big jump for me — partly because the city editor, the air traffic controller supervising a reporting staff, has the toughest and most stressful job in any newsroom. It was also a jump since I would be working for a new publisher. I didn't know Hartgen too well firsthand, but after 11 years in Idaho newspapers, I'd heard enough rumors to suggest he'd be a tough boss.

The rumors were unfair. Hartgen was a demanding boss, passionate about the difference between good journalism and hack journalism. He wasn't shy about sharing his opinions — but I always knew where I stood. I also found him open to debate, heated debate on more than one occasion, and someone who didn't hold grudges afterwards.

I worked for Hartgen for nearly five years, and learned a lot about newspapers. I also found him eager to support his employees. He gave me a chance to get some experience in editorial writing, even though he and I didn't always agree on the issues. When it was time for me to look for my next job, he was on my side.

All good qualities. Coupled with his intellect and understanding of Idaho politics, it makes Hartgen a good pick for this ballot vacancy.