Bidding a fond adieu to Pocatello
Having recently married a feisty woman and moved to Coeur d'Alene, another beautiful spot in Idaho (I will never leave Idaho), I find myself reflecting on what it is that makes Pocatello so special to me and one of Idaho's best kept secrets.
Pocatello is the town where I was born. It is the place where most of my joyous births have occurred as well as my share of death and pain. This eclectic spot on the edge of the high desert will always be in my soul. The friends, the memories, the ups and downs of my journey with this city have marked me, and I plan to frequently return to her like a determined salmon coursing up the River of No Return.
The diverse mix of people contributes greatly to what is good about Pocatello. From its Shoshone-Bannock, Mormon and railroads ethnic heritage, the development of the I.N.E.L. site, the growth of Idaho State University, the Hispanic influx, and many other forces, a complex mix of people have settled in her protective valley. Coupled with the healing thermal waters and Thai food of nearby Lava, this swirl of history makes for a vibrant, spicy brew of ethnic food and humanity. With the added fact there are reputedly more Ph.D.s per capita in Bonneville and Bannock County than anywhere else in the country, one finds plenty of smart, interesting people to engage with, and engaging is my passion.
For the past decade I focused my efforts on promoting public art in Pocatello. Through the efforts of many volunteers and many causes, the artistic face of Pocatello has been dramatically improved. Pocatello is the only city in Idaho with an authentic Japanese Garden (for now). It was the first city in the country to contain a private donor art collection in its Federal Courthouse (Coeur d'Alene copied us years later). The Marshall library holds artwork which could grace the Smithsonian and/or the major galleries of the world, and everywhere one looks, striking sculptures adorn the landscape.
The volunteer spirit which created this artwork and other public improvements, more often than governmental energy, has been the driving force for positive change in Pocatello. In the future, Pocatello's government should be more active in the initiation and implementation of beautification and artistic projects. Landscaping and public art help make Pocatello and all cities in Idaho attractive, interesting places where people will want to move or invest in a business.
From afar, I will continue to maintain a hand in the artistic development of Pocatello and Southeast Idaho. As a recent appointee to the Bistline Foundation, replacing the late Beverly Bistline, I, along with Bruce Bistline and Alan Van Orden, will encourage artistic development through the awarding of meritorious grants. Between the IFFT Foundation, the Bistline Foundation, Valley Pride, and the spirit of many other organizations and volunteers in Southeast Idaho, there will be continuous artistic development and improvement of the area. Write grants - it's simple to do online at www.idcomfndn.org; propose creative projects, and these Foundations and others will strive to help you further enhance Pocatello and Southeast Idaho.
In spite of these wonderful forces in Southeast Idaho, there is a part of Pocatello that has troubled me for several years. My concerns began forming shortly after Arthur Vailas, assumed the presidency at Idaho State University. Conflicts began not long after the president's arrival. As a former ISU Program Board Chairman, ISU Student Body President, Managing Editor of the Bengal, ISU Alumni Chair, past Chairman of the I Love ISU campaign, and frequent donor to the university, it is reasonable to conclude that I have a vested interest in the state of ISU that compels me to speak about her future which affects all of Idaho.
President Vailas: You are perceived by the vast majority of Pocatello residents as a tyrannical president running ISU through fear and intimidation. Your handling of the "Hitchcock" incident, in which you had an articulate, semi-retired, volunteer, critic (he was paid a small stipend after some years of working as a volunteer at the university library), terminated by your henchman, and your continuing maneuvering to deprive faculty of a meaningful voice in the management of ISU are typical examples of actions which have rightfully cost you the respect of the majority of people in Pocatello and the ISU community which exists throughout the entire State of Idaho and elsewhere.
A university is not a corporation, but you run ISU as though it were with the aplomb and ego of a Donald Trump C.E.O. Your actions have had a disastrous effect upon the morale of a great institution. The majority of faculty at ISU lack confidence in you as a leader, as do many in your administration. After numerous conversations statewide with rational, intelligent ISU employees, administrators, alumni, and local community members confirming these facts and perceptions, this loyal alumnus is convinced it's time for you to step down.
The public sees through the laudatory press releases (propaganda) and your administration's attempts to rehabilitate a reputation that is sullied beyond repair. Do ISU and Southeast Idaho a favor, and resign before you and your henchmen do more damage. Let the state Board of Education find someone who is better suited to run and maintain one of Idaho's premier universities, as your talents lay elsewhere.
In closing, dear Pocatello, I bid you a fond adieu. May you continue to shine and prosper as a cut diamond being polished towards glowing perfection in our beloved "Gem" State. I plan to frequently visit Idaho's best kept secret to reconnect with friends, to continue my work as a mediator and consultant helping people resolve insurance claims, and to monitor the artistic state of Pocatello and the health of ISU, matters all dear to my heart. It is impossible for me to stay away.
Jesse C. Robison is a graduate of Idaho State University and the University of Idaho. He is a writer, attorney, mediator and insurance claim consultant with a state-wide consulting practice now based in Coeur d'Alene. He can be reached at ace-one-consulting@live.com.