COEUR d'ALENE - State legislators, and representatives from both North Idaho businesses and chambers of commerce gathered Thursday to talk about the job picture and local business climate.

"I'm glad to see the emphasis is on creating jobs," said state Rep. Frank Henderson, following the North Idaho Legislative Policy Summit at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn. "That will be a legislative priority."

He said he strongly backs assisting companies already in Idaho.

"If we start thinking a bit more short term about how we can help (existing companies), but maintain our long-term ambitions we'll be OK," Henderson said. "That would be a step forward this year."

Another priority for him, again, will be finding a way to reduce the corporate income tax, to make Idaho more competitive with neighboring states.

Michelle Richter, of LA Aluminum, a Hayden manufacturer, told summit attendees that the company has seen rapid growth in sales and employees.

"We've got the opportunities, we need the people," Richter said. She said the company, a permanent mold aluminum foundry and machine shop, desperately needs trained machinists.

She said the company has been "onshoring" jobs.

"It's all coming back" to the U.S., she said. "Nobody can manufacture like we do."

Mike Towne, of Frontier Communications, said his company also has demand for workers, who are highly motivated and talented.

"We're looking for the best athlete," he said. "We want people who will live and work in rural communities."

Aside from the jobs topic, chamber representatives are seeking a return of local option taxing authority, but legislators in attendance said a return isn't likely.

"A lot of the community seemed to like it," said state Rep. Bob Nonini.

Kootenai County used local option taxing authority to build a jail, as did Nez Perce County, which includes Lewiston. The taxing authority expired a few years ago.

Nonini said chamber representatives like the idea as a way to enable some infrastructure growth to help local economies. The authority would be at the county or city level for a number of projects, instead of for just building jails.

"That's where I think it would have a hard sell in the Legislature," Nonini said. "I'm not sure I'm a supporter of it."

Henderson said, "Practically, it's going to be very difficult to get passed."

State Sen. Jim Hammond said, "I think it is a nonstarter."

Adding new taxes in the current economic environment "doesn't serve anyone's interests."

Not raising taxes is part of what the state is doing to stimulate job growth and recruit businesses, he said.

"A lot of what we're not doing is what we are doing," Hammond said.