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Greater Idaho leader tells Lake County commissioners he expects move to Idaho within four years
Summary
Mike McCarter, president of Citizens for Greater Idaho, told the Lake County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 22, 2025, that the movement is pursuing joining Idaho and believes it could be accomplished in roughly four years; attendees asked about turnout, outreach and whether Idaho is receptive.
Mike McCarter, president of Citizens for Greater Idaho, told the Lake County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 22, 2025, that the movement pursuing a transfer of the county into Idaho is focusing outreach on state legislators and expects the effort could be completed in about four years.
The hearing, convened under County Measure 19-35 and called to order at 11:27 a.m. by Chair Mark Albertson, drew 32 members of the public, including 28 Paisley High School students brought by teacher Stu Burgess. McCarter introduced himself and described the movement's background and goals.
In questions from attendees, Paisley High School teacher Stu Burgess noted an asserted level of ballot support in Lake County and asked why turnout at local Greater Idaho meetings had been low relative to that figure. Burgess also asked whether a reported letter to the then President-elect had drawn a response; McCarter said he had not heard from the President but said he was actively reaching out to state legislators.
Burgess asked why the movement had pursued shifting the county into Idaho rather than seeking to form a new state. McCarter said the group favored joining Idaho because of "similar values" and because, in his view, changing borders would be constitutionally easier than creating a new state; he also said the possibility of an autonomous region had been discussed. When asked whether Idaho was receptive, McCarter said Idaho "wanted to talk." Asked by attendee Kinsley Gebauer whether the change could be achieved in five years, McCarter said he believed it could be done in about four years under the current federal administration.
The meeting recessed at 11:50 a.m. so students could return to class and resumed at 11:51 a.m. McCarter told the commissioners he planned to focus on the Oregon Legislature in the coming long session. With no motions or votes recorded, Chair Albertson adjourned the session at 11:55 a.m.
No formal action was taken during the hearing. The presentation and public questions served as information for the commissioners and the public; the record does not show the board directing staff to take follow-up action.
