Idahoans will gather next weekend to celebrate the legacy of the state’s longest-serving governor and look ahead to Idaho’s future.

The first Cecil D. Andrus Symposium is 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley. Democratic parties in Idaho’s 10 northern counties organized the event. 

Organizers said the symposium aims to encourage Idahoans to work toward a brighter future for Idaho and the nation — and to give them the tools to help. 

“People are so divided,” said Kathy Dawes, the Region 2 representative for the Idaho Democratic Party. “There’s so much polarization, anger and frustration. We want to have this event to counteract that.” 

Dawes said people of all political affiliations are welcome at the symposium. She noted that Andrus, a Democrat, was popular among Democrats and Republicans alike during his 14 years as governor. 

“It wasn’t that he was a Democrat,” she said. “It was his principles and what he fought for. All of us have common ground. There’s not as much that divides us as we think. I want people from all parties to feel welcome to come and interact with each other and find those commonalities.” 

Kathy Judson, the Region 1 representative for the Idaho Democratic Party, said many Idahoans are concerned about issues like funding for Idaho’s public schools, access to health care, protecting Idaho’s public lands and preserving their personal rights and freedoms. 

“We’re all in the same boat,” Judson said. “We need to paddle in the same direction. Our state has some major problems and we need to stick together to bring change.” 

The symposium will feature speakers including Luke Mayville of Reclaim Idaho, Rep. Monica Church, D-Boise, who is Andrus’ granddaughter, and former Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, the longest serving attorney general in Idaho history. 

The keynote speaker is Kaylee Peterson, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Idaho’s 1st District.

Registration that includes meals must be completed by Friday. Attendees can still register for the symposium after that date, but meals will not be included. 

Info: idahodems.org