Priest River hailed 'capital for a day'

PRIEST RIVER — Priest River might not look like Boise, but on Tuesday it was proclaimed to be Idaho’s capital for a day.

Gov. Butch Otter and his entourage spent the day in the small timber community to present the official proclamation and to listen to citizen concerns.

First Lady Lori Otter greeted a large crowd in the historic Beardmore building in the heart of Priest River before the opening remarks and the floor opened up for questions from the public.

Priest River Mayor Jim Martin welcomed the state officials and thanked them for the honor of being the 14th city honored as capital for a day. Bonners Ferry was the last one.

“Priest River is a rich and diverse city. Though we only have 1,800 people, it’s still takes a lot to govern our citizens because any decision we make really does affect our neighbors,” he said. “We thank you for taking the time to come visit us today. Sometimes we feel disconnected from Southern Idaho and appreciate that you are dedicated to listening to us today.”

Otter said he was to be in Priest River.

“In Bonners, we discussed 64 issues and dealt with 60 that day and took action on the other four within a week. Now it’s Priest River’s turn,” he said.

Issues addressed varied from dealing with the wolf issue and pending lawsuits to funding for schools. One by one, problems were brought to the forefront and addressed by the appropriate department heads.

A lunch break had the group traveling to the Ranch Club Restaurant and Golf Course just West of Priest River. Before mingling and dining on a casual fare of pizza and salad, Otter presented Mayor Martin with the official proclamation naming Priest River as Idaho’s Capital for a day on this date, Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

“During my term, I plan to visit and conduct business in every corner of the state,” Otter said.