Gov. Otter announces naming of ITD's Headquarters
Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter formally dedicated the Idaho Transportation Department Headquarters in Boise today (Thursday, June 13) in honor of Philip E. Batt, Idaho’s 29th governor.
Past governors, legislators, elected officials and friends joined Governor Otter to formally name the building.
“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,” Governor Otter said. “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.”
Governor Batt was characterized as a strong chief executive who understood and supported the role transportation plays in the state’s economy. He was a member of the three-member Idaho Transportation Board from 1988 to 1991 when he resigned to become chairman of the Idaho Republican Party.
He entered public service in 1964 after being elected to the Idaho House of Representatives. He served one term before running successfully for the Idaho Senate where he served three terms (1967-1978).
The native of Wilder was lieutenant governor from 1979 to 1983 under Governor John V. Evans. He was elected governor in 1995 and served from 1996 to 1999. Idaho’s last gasoline-tax increase became effective during his tenure (1996), and he was member of the transportation board when legislators approved the previous increase in 1988.
ITD’s iconic headquarters was designed by noted Idaho architect Charles Hummel of Hummel, Hummel & Jones and is one of the last remaining public buildings representative of the “international style” or modernist design. It was completed in 1961.
General Darrel V Manning, Governor Batt’s longtime friend, public servant and former chairman of the transportation board, served as emcee for the dedication ceremony.
Speakers included:
• Jim Kempton, a former legislator and current member of the transportation board
• State Senator Patti Anne Lodge
• The Honorable Judge Randy Smith
• John Hoehne, Chief of Staff to Senator Mike Crapo
• Governor Otter, and
• Governor Batt
A gifted musician, Governor Batt played a song of his own creation, “Freedom Idaho.” Marguerite Lawrence, a retired music teacher, also led West Junior High School students in performing a song she wrote, “Hometown.”
Photos and video from today's ceremony are available on the department's FTP site at ftp1.idaho.gov. Log on with the user name itdcommu and password W39gy7D2. Segments of the dedication ceremony also are available at ITD's You Tube channel, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9MI_iOBxE4&feature=youtu.be
Published 6-14-13