The comments - described as critical of local residents and their views - were heard at a gathering in the Outpost Restaurant bar March 2, after the utility's latest meeting in Grant County. In that citizens advisory group meeting, held in Canyon City, officials unveiled the three route alternatives left on the table, including one that would traverse western Grant County.
Kim Randleas, an owner of the Outpost, said about nine Idaho Power representatives gathered in the restaurant bar after the public meeting. She said their comments were "extremely vocal" and could easily be heard by other patrons.
The incident sparked a letter of protest from Shaun Robertson, another family member, to the CEO of Idaho Power. He said the revelers made disparaging comments about local residents and touted their ability to use eminent domain, which would allow Idaho Power to take private land for the transmission line without the owners' consent. . .
Randleas said Idaho Power officials apologized to her and to her parents, Bill and Janet Robertson, later in the week. She said she wasn't the one who needed an apology.
"I told them they needed to apologize to the public and to Grant County," Randleas said.
Vern Porter, the vice president of engineering and operations for Idaho Power, issued a statement last week noting appreciation for the community's efforts in the public advisory process. He said the negative statements described by Robertson's letter were "clearly not acceptable" and were being investigated.
"Integrity and respect are both values of Idaho Power and we expect all of our employees and contractors to exhibit them inside and outside of work settings," he said.
His comments were echoed in an e-mail from Lamont Keen, president and CEO of Idaho Power, who said the "disparaging statements and behavior following the project advisory team meeting ... are clearly not acceptable."
Both men said the incident is being investigated, and they promised "appropriate action" would be taken with those responsible. . .
