'); } -->
Gov. Butch Otter says he'll discuss the tourism industry next week when he holds his latest "Capitol for a Day" event in Lava Hot Springs.
The Bannock County city of 500 is home to the state-run Lava Hot Springs Foundation, which operates a complex of hot pools year-round and an Olympic pool with diving platforms in summer. Warm spring dips also are featured in private lodgings, which draw tourists from Idaho and across the West.
“Tourism is a big part of Idaho’s economy, and I’m sure that will be a major topic at our Capital for a Day," Otter said in a news release. "But we’ll be ready to talk about anything on the minds of southeastern Idaho residents on November 20th — from the economy and energy to agriculture and our water and wildlife resources. I look forward to a great turnout.”
Otter plans to bring about 20 high-ranking state officials along, who will join the governor in answering questions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the community building across from the Olympic pool. Among the officials expected are Don Dietrich, director of the Idaho Department of Commerce, who oversees tourism development; Mark Lowe, executive director of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation; Keith Petersen of the Idaho State Historical Society; and State Board of Education member Richard Westerberg.
Otter has made Capitol for a Day a trademark of his first three years in office, visiting small communities across the state in an effort to give Idahoans direct access to him and other top officials.
Story Comments
We welcome comments but ask that you remain on topic. Some comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. Comments that are profane, personal attacks or otherwise inappropriate or are off topic are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Do not flag comments merely because you disagree with the comment.