Gov. Otter makes Ponderay Capital for a Day

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff Writer

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter fielded the concerns of North Idaho citizens Thursday, Oct. 19, when Ponderay had its turn as Idaho’s Capital for a Day.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, left, talks to constituents in Ponderay last week with gubernatorial candidate and current Lt. Gov. Brad Little, center, looking on. Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert.

Otter said Capital for a Day is a way to hear “small community” concerns straight from community members. The goal in holding the day-long open meeting at the Holiday Inn Express was to hear questions and issues and then to look for solutions or action plans moving forward. The governor has visited every county in Idaho through Capital for a Day.

“Those local solutions are always best, but sometimes we have to have that interaction (between the state and local governments),” Otter said.

Several state officials joined Otter on his trip north, including representatives from the Office of Species Conservation, Department of Lands, Department of Correction, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Fish and Game and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The Department of Health and Welfare as well as the Department of Parks and Recreation had local representatives on hand.