JETS, CANNONS MAKE INAUGURAL A ROARING SUCCESS

Cannons boomed, jets roared overhead and Dirk Kempthorne promised to unify the state.

"North, South and East Idaho are compass points, not separate entities," the new governor declared in his inaugural speech Friday. Two thousand people gathered to see him sworn in amid fanfare on a special stage built over the steps of the state Capitol.

"It's terrific - delightful - well done!" enthused Kootenai County Commissioner Dick Compton, just after the four A-10 Warthog military jets swept from behind the crowd and up and over the Capitol dome. Smoke drifted eastward from a row of three cannons that fired a 19- gun salute. Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, said Kempthorne's comments about uniting the state struck home. "I was really glad to hear that," she said. "He has great things in mind for Idaho, but often in the North we feel left out." Sometimes North Idaho doesn't share in prosperity in other parts of the state. North Idaho's unemployment stands at 8.1 percent, nearly double the statewide rate. Panhandle residents have long felt removed and unable to influence Idaho's center of power in Boise. Keough, who watched the ceremony in bright, chilly sunshine with other legislators seated on the stage, said she's already written to Kempthorne to urge him to address North Idaho problems. "We have a desperate need for jobs and a desperate need for school buildings," she said. "These are goals our folks have, and I hope he'll work with us on them." Alann Krivor, a Coeur d'Alene developer who came to Boise with wife Mali for the inaugural festivities, said he, too, was excited about Kempthorne's comments on state unity. "Wouldn't it be nice to see that?" he asked, as he watched the show from the lawn across from the Capitol. "With the improvements on Highway 95, maybe we'll start to bring 'em a little closer." Mali Krivor was watching her third inauguration, though she never saw one until after she moved from Boise to North Idaho in 1977. "Isn't it funny - all the years I lived here, I didn't bother," she said. "People in Boise get so blase. They're so sure they're at the hub of the universe." The Krivors were planning to attend a gala show in Kempthorne's honor Friday night, along with two inaugural balls this evening in Boise. All the events are open to the public, with ticket prices of $25 or less. "We're going to do it all," Mali Krivor said with a laugh. Kempthorne's 15-minute speech was short on specifics, but sounded a few themes he said are part of his vision for Idaho. He signaled increased attention to children's issues, his wife Patricia's top cause, saying it wouldn't be enough to say this is the Year of the Child - it should be the Generation of the Child. That echoed former Democratic Gov. Cecil Andrus, who declared the Year of the Child in his 1989 State of the State message and a year later said the 1990s would be the Decade of the Child. The new governor drew applause when he paid homage to Idaho's Indian tribes, saying, "Their heritage is a source of pride for this great state of ours." Later, representatives from the state's five tribes performed an honor dance with Kempthorne in his office, escorting him and Patricia around the governor's large, square desk to the beat of pounding drums, accompanied by feather- and bell-bedecked dancers in colorful costumes. "We are very proud of our tribes in Idaho," Kempthorne told the tribal representatives. "I look forward to continuing a wonderful relationship with all of you. You bring a richness to this state." Marjorie Zarate, Coeur d'Alene Tribe representative, was elated. "I think it's just a picture, hopefully, of the good, strong future relationship of all of the peoples in Idaho," she said. "It feels that way. It just feels good." Samuel Penney, Nez Perce Tribal Chairman, said his tribe already met once with Kempthorne before he took office. "I think we're off to a good start." Penney and his wife were among more than 1,200 Idahoans who stood in lines stretching down the Capitol's hallways after the inaugural speech, to file past the new governor and shake his hand. Workers served the crowd cookies and coffee while they waited. The inaugural extravaganza was paid for almost entirely by $75,000 in private donations, said Rep. Debbie Field, R-Boise, who headed the inaugural committee. Taxpayers paid to build the $17,000 stage, similar to one used by former Gov. Cecil Andrus eight years ago. There was a martial atmosphere around the Statehouse even before the ceremony, with dozens of police and military personnel on hand. Some were in dress uniforms and others were armed and wore fatigues. That underscored complaints, including some from legislators, about reported plans to intensify security around the governor. There also were whispers in the Capitol in the days leading up to the inaugural about what appeared to be an imperial air to the new administration. However, Field said, "I just think it's a celebration." Other themes Kempthorne sounded in his inaugural address included states' rights, non-discrimination, respect for elders and children, and his belief in God. "I wanted my administration to begin with a recognition of a Divine Being who can and will guide people, if the people seek His wisdom in prayer," Kempthorne said. "I will."

Copyright 1999 Cowles Publishing Company
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