Emmett/Gem County Community Review Report Summary

developed and re-invigorate the sense of the old west. Family members of Chinese
and Irish immigrants who mined local gold claims and were part of the region’s
history can be contacted in their homeland through regional records and the internet
or by mail and encouraged to walk in the land once inhabited by their ancestors.
• Involve the growing Hispanic community in a substantive way. Secure bi-lingual
interpreters for community sessions and spread the word on Spanish-speaking radio
stations and through well-connected communicators so that members of the
Hispanic community are represented in the planning and decision-making process.
Such dual-interpretation sessions will take additional time but be well worth the
effort when all community members are on the same page. This will also allow the
community to increase its awareness of issues that the Hispanic community is
concerned about, such as equal representation through voting, immigration, bilingual
education, and equity in employment, healthcare, and housing. Remember
that engaging under-represented groups who are not part of the existing power
structure takes time, commitment, and more than a ‘Y’all come to our meeting’
invitation. Empowerment is challenging. Be mindful that Hispanics who have
encountered or been preyed upon by corrupt government officials in Latin American
countries may initially have dramatically different or suspicious views in their
assessment of those who participate in public service in the U.S. Some Latinos have
indicated that volunteerism is also not traditional to Latino culture, and must be
introduced and fostered with small successes to build credibility.
Project Starfish undertook this inclusive effort to represent
Emmett’s diverse community members on bi-lingual banners
• Beautification of all entryways and creating a sense of personal pride and
responsibility on commercial and residential property is another excellent place to
begin. Follow through on the tree-planting program referenced in the
comprehensive plan and continue improvements to the fantastic Island Park
complex while eliminating blight, graffiti, and litter. Develop a considerate and
respectful method of code enforcement that transitions effectively between city and
county, supports rather than berates, and does not come across as heavy-handed.
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