Governor To Tackle State’S Image Problem

Gov. Dirk Kempthorne will announce a new effort to erase Idaho’s image as a haven for bigots when he gives his State of the State speech Monday, Idaho’s commerce director said Friday.

The “perception that we have a lack of respect for human rights” hurts Idaho economically, Commerce Director Gary Mahn said.

“That makes it hard for us to recruit and retain a diverse work force, and it also hurts our tourism industry, particularly in North Idaho,” he said. “I look at it as a business person, and say if the public out there doesn’t have a correct perception of my business, then I’ve got to do something to change it.”

“This is a big issue for the state of Idaho,” said Mahn, who spoke to a joint legislative committee that’s holding hearings about Idaho’s economy.

Mahn said the state is working with two advertising agencies on image questions, and the governor will address the issue when he lays out his legislative agenda on Monday.

“What we’ve got to do is get the word out that we are a progressive state, we’re tolerant, and we’re a beautiful place to do business,” Mahn said.