The event is called "Capital For a Day," part of a project started by the previous governor, who thought it was smart to get out among the people, find out what they think, and what their challenges are.
On Friday Governor Otter drove in with 21 of his cabinet members. They filed in and sat on the stage at desks, each with his own microphone.
The Sugar-Salem superintendent gave Governor Otter a gift (an embroidered blanket) and offered a prayer. The audience, including middle school and high school students, and residents from southern Idaho and a few from farther out, stood and recited the pledge of allegiance. A high school choir of about 5 girls and 5 boys walked down the aisle to the front and sang the "Star Bangled Banner."
The Governor then stood and spoke for 15 minutes. His message was, "you are the government and this is your day." He told a story about Benjamin Franklin, and prayer. According to the Governor, Benjamin Franklin once spoke up in a meeting with other founding fathers, quoting Matthew in the Bible, saying, "If a sparrow cannot fall without [God's] knowing, how can a nation be built up without him?" Prayers were offered in meetings from then on. Governor Otter has started his meetings with a prayer since a personal experience with that story. The Governor is Catholic.
After his remarks, the 21 cabinet members stood one by one and introduced their department and offered their contact information.
The event was very open and sincere. The Governor and his agency officials presented themselves in a gentle and open way. The event continued with questions and answers concerning the top issues of the area, was interrupted with a lunch and visit with each other, and then continued with another question and answer period.
Sugar City has 1500 residents. Two developments will triple it's size. Maybe, in the not so distant future, Sugar City won't qualify (because it won't be small enough), to be proclaimed the "Capital for a Day."
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