Untitled Document

Building dedication, tribute to Gov. Phil Batt
also becomes platform for increased transportation investment

'No matter the issue, Phil understood innately how to turn problems into challenges, and challenges into solutions. Naming the ITD Headquarters in his honor is a fitting tribute to his exemplary leadership.'

— Gov. C.L "Butch" Otter

Freedom Idaho” flowed from a well-used clarinet played by a well-practiced musician Thursday morning. They obviously were old friends – the instrument and master. Words and music captured a love of Idaho, its rugged geography and rich history.

It also underscored Gov. Phil Batt’s commitment to the place he calls home. Songwriter. Musician. Orator. Statesman. A fiscal conservative, Gov. Batt also is pragmatic and practical. He knows without adequate funding, Idaho’s transportation system is vulnerable.

When given a platform, Gov. Batt didn’t waste the opportunity to appeal for additional transportation revenue. The stage was his, and clearly he commanded the attention of more than 200 people assembled to honor him.

Moments before he addressed the august crowd, a 16-foot banner slowly revealed a new addition to the Idaho Transportation Department Headquarters building: the title: “Philip E. Batt Building.”

“This building is over 50 years old. It doesn’t look it. It’s a grand building,” said Batt, Idaho’s 29th governor who served a single term from 1995 to 1999. “They’ve been hunting for the oldest person to name it after. I’m 86. They found me.

“Of course, I’m highly honored. There are many more deserving people than I. I have only one thing to say to them. Tough luck. It’s mine.”

Vintage Gov. Batt.

Strong and direct, with a little well-placed, poignant humor to drive his message home.

A generation of “Who’s Who in Idaho Politics,” assembled under blue skies to pay homage to the onion farmer from Wilder. Gov. Batt served the state he loved for three decades as a self-described “skinflint and tightwad.”

Throughout that career, he was reluctant to spend hard-earned taxpayer money without a compelling reason. His budgets were austere and his expectations high. Government needs to serve the people, and when absolutely necessary, commit the citizens’ money to services.

Including transportation.

He reminisced with little fondness about harrowing trips on Idaho 55's Horseshoe Bend Hill and U.S. 95 to visit family in eastern Washington. He remembered nail-biting climbs up White Bird Hill where you meet yourself coming while going on the serpentine route. He understood why predecessor Gov. Cecil Andrus called it a “goat trail.”

Together, and with continued support by successors, the highway has been transformed into a model, safe highway, Gov. Batt said. That also was made possible through the foresight of state leaders and a long-term commitment by the Idaho Transportation Department.

On one of his grandest days, the octogenarian called for today’s leaders to continue that commitment – to perpetuate a legacy of safe highways and secure transportation. Borrowing against future federal funds has transformed the Interstate 84 route from Caldwell to Boise, Gov. Batt said.

But …

“We’re broke. Our credit card is maxed out.” He called for reinvesting in the state’s transportation system for all Idahoans in all regions of the state.

And with an abruptness that marked his years of service, he ended the “lecture,” saying he was “humbled and highly honored” to have the headquarters building named in his honor.

“Phil Batt is the embodiment of public service at its best. He was decisive, fair and principled, and he always reflected an Idaho citizen’s perspective on government,” said Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.

“No matter the issue, Phil understood innately how to turn problems into challenges, and challenges into solutions. Naming the ITD Headquarters in his honor is a fitting tribute to his exemplary leadership.”

Gov. Otter said he “couldn't remember a time when he didn’t know Phil Batt,” as a farmer, legislator and a friend. He always gave great advice and support, the sitting governor said.

He wrapped those sentiments into a comprehensive proclamation that Secretary of State Ben Ysursa signed on his back in the parking lot moments before the ceremony began. The list of “whereas-es” included:

“Philip E Batt served with distinction as a member of the Idaho Transportation Board from 1988 to 1991, and was the board’s vice chairman”

“Philip E. Batt was the 29th Governor of Idaho, from 1995 to 1999”

“Philip E. Batt consistently championed the responsible, cost-effective maintenance and improvement of Idaho’s transportation system throughout his years of public service and beyond”

“Philip E. Batt’s record of leadership, service, commitment and love for Idaho and its people is one to which all public officials can proudly aspire”

“It is right and appropriate to recognize Philip E. Batt’s many contributions to the safety, wellbeing, advancement and prosperity of the people of Idaho throughout his close connection to a necessary and proper role of government …

“Now, therefore, I, C.L. “Butch” Otter, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby dedicate and name the Idaho Transportation Department’s headquarters building for Philip E. Batt.”

Presentation of the proclamation followed words of high praise for Gov. Batt, delivered by Idaho Transportation Board member and former legislator Jim Kempton; State Sen. Patti Anne Lodge; the Hon. Judge Randy Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and John Hoehne, chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, representing all four members of Idaho’s Congressional delegation.

Gen. Darrell Manning – himself a longtime public servant, legislator and former chairman of the transportation board – served as program emcee. Despite weekly meetings on the greens with his colleague, Gen. Manning said he still hasn’t unraveled the mystery that is known as Gov. Batt golf scoring.

A rendition of Gov. Batt’s “Freedom Idaho” by Marguerite Lawrence and two West Junior High School students was among the highlights of the hour-long dedication and tribute. Gov. Batt made the trio a quartet with his clarinet accompaniment and a brief solo.

Perhaps the chorus captured Gov. Batt’s sentiments best:

“There is freedom in the sky, and I’ll live here till I die … Idaho, Idaho, Idaho.”