Rep. Shirley Ringo has made an offer to Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden.

If accepted, it could lead to the suspension of the lawsuit that the Moscow Democrat has filed against the state alleging secret tax breaks for privileged, connected individuals and corporations.

In a hand-delivered letter to Wasden that was written on Thursday, Ringo’s attorney, Robert Huntley, proposes that an investigation panel be commissioned to look into the matter as an alternative to expensive litigation.

“I perceive you to be a man of integrity, and am hopeful you view me in the same light,” wrote Huntley, a former justice of the Idaho Supreme Court. “We each, as lawyers, have sworn a Sacred oath to support and defend the Constitution of the State of Idaho and Laws enacted pursuant thereto. Having done so, we each place our personal integrity and our duties and reputations as Attorneys above partisan politics in the service of our clients and the People of Idaho.”

Included with his letter were four affidavits of three retired longtime tax commission auditors and one manager. Huntley writes that they “clearly demonstrate that the public interest, including taxpayer/citizen confidence in the integrity and fairness of tax assessment and collection, requires investigation.”

In the proposal, Huntley asks for a panel with the following five members: a neutral chairperson, appointed by the governor from the University of Idaho Law School or business schools of Idaho universities; a certified public accountant nominated by Wasden; a CPA nominated by Ringo; Wasden or a deputy attorney general of his choosing; and Huntley.

Under the proposal, the panel could be appointed by the governor or Legislature and would prepare a report by July 1, 2011.

“Since an attorney from each side of the litigation is a member of the Panel, it is likely that the result of the investigation will be that the case may be dismissed,” Huntley wrote.

Bob Cooper, spokesman for Wasden, said the letter is under review and no response has been given yet.

Ben Botkin may be reached at bbotkin@magicvalley.com or 735-3238.