Otter says goodbye to Idaho Falls after in 12 years in office

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has embarked on his farewell tour as he wraps up 12 years as governor. The included a stop in Idaho Falls on Wednesday.

During his speech, hosted by the Idaho Falls City Club, he talked about his time in office.

He opened up about how he came into office during the great recession, but was able to improve the state’s economy during his time in office.

He also cited an improvement in education among his accomplishments.

“Ben Franklin said it best, that a well educated-citizenry is our first line of defense over any form of tyranny,” said Otter. “If you can’t enslave the mind, you can’t enslave the body. Education will keep up us free and keep us productive. Folks just focus on the importance of education in Idaho and our lives and in the world.”

First lady Lori Otter also took some time during the speech to talk about her time and accomplishments.

To wrap up the assembly, Mayor Rebecca Casper took questions, asked by those in attendance, to ask the pair.