Bringing Boise to Boundary County

BONNERS FERRY — Citizens of Moyie Springs and surrounding areas came together March 16 for Idaho Gov. Butch Otter’s arrival during the 100th Capital for a Day event.

Throughout his term as governor, Otter has implemented the Capital for a Day program to bring the state’s government to rural communities around the state. The idea is to communicate with Idahoans directly so community members and government officials can discuss issues, open the lines of communication and solve problems.

“It is our job in state government to ensure people in communities all over Idaho have a real say in determining their own future. It shouldn’t be the case that folks in Boise have a greater role in contributing their civic virtue to our statewide discussions than people in Moyie Springs or Malad, Ferdinand or Firth, Wallace or Wendell,” Otter said. “That’s why I bring ‘Capital for a Day’ to a different rural town every month — to listen, learn, and solve some problems if we can.”

On March 15, Lt. Gov. Brad Little attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting at Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill, where attendees discussed several issues that concerned them.

After traveling from Washington, D.C., that morning, Little spoke about education standards and the progression of the economy as well as several other topics.

“I am passionate about literacy and putting the schools and education system first,” said Little.

“Idaho is going to lead the nation in bringing the cost of healthcare down,” said Little, speaking about the plans to create a separate health insurance market that follows the state’s rules prior to the Obamacare act.

“In the last two years, Idaho’s revenue has gone up about $340 million dollars,” said Little. He went on to discuss Idaho’s economy and how the rise positively affects Idahoans.

“I am really excited to visit Moyie Springs tomorrow,” said Little. “It’s the only Idaho Forest Group facility that I haven’t toured.”

The Moyie Springs Capital for a Day started off with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an introduction of Otter, performed by Moyie Springs Mayor Chad Farrens. Otter then introduced the attending cabinet members and agency representatives, followed by questions and discussions from the audience. In the morning session, roads, sewers, water, and speed limits were some of the topics addressed.

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Following an hour lunch break at the Moyie City Hall, Otter signed and presented the Capital for a Day Proclamation to Farrens. Then there was another opportunity for the attendees to ask questions and discuss issues such as the cell tower, plans for community growth, high speed internet services, and transportation issues such as traffic safety at the intersection at Hwy 2 and N. Division. There were issues brought to the cabinet’s attention that had not been previously known about, and they assured the citizens of Moyie Springs that they will implement plans to address those topics and provide solutions.

In regards to community growth, Otter said, “We have a 3 percent unemployment rate in Idaho, which means we have about 25,000 out of work. Match that against the 24,000 jobs that we can’t fill because we don’t have the talent.”

To amend this issue, over the past 11 years, there have been two community colleges built. When the College of Western Idaho was opened in 2009, there was an attendance of about 1,500, which has since grown to about 23,000.

“The community colleges are probably the best and earliest threshold for a lot of people to get those skills,” said Otter. He then proceeded to talk about the affordability and convenience of community colleges and why they are attractive to those who may have a family, or full time job, in the fact that many classes can be completed remotely instead of in the classroom.

Concluding the visit, Otter and other council members visited the Moyie Springs Mill for a tour.

After various discussions, jokes, laughter, and community bonding, the visiting party departed the area and headed back to Boise.

“I thought it was a great idea for people to meet him, because a lot of people don’t,” said attendee Kathy Leonard about what she and her husband Dave thought of the experience.