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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

Otter Challenges Allred HBO Claim

Jon Hanian (pictured), spokesman for Gov. Butch Otter, contacted Huckleberries Online this morning to challenge this statement by Democrat Keith Allred from our online interview Tuesday: "“On Highway 12, he talked only to Imperial Exxon and Port of Lewiston, which had vested interests, and didn’t talk to all the folks upstream who will bear most of the burden and see little of the benefits.” E-mails Hanian: "That claim simply does not comport with the facts. The fact is we consulted and had discussions with: ITD, Bureau of Home Land Security, Division of Environmental Quality, Idaho State Police.  Inside state government, and outside state government we consulted with: USDA Forest Service, US Geological Survey, Northwest Passage Scenic By-ways, Advisory Team, Nez Perce Tribal Executive Council, Nez Perce Tribal Employment Rights Office.  Additionally,  three public meetings were conducted in Moscow, Lewiston, and Kooskia about the proposal. The Governor also hosted a Capital for a Day in Pierce where this issue was discussed as well.  As the Governor would say Mr. Allred is entitled to his opinions, but he is not entitled to his own facts."

Question: Are you satisfied that Gov. Butch Otter did his home work before supporting the ConocoPhillips permit request to move massive refinery equipment on Highway 12?



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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