Art Bettge, a member of Moscow City Council, is no stranger to the Palouse.
A resident of the area for 38 years, Bettge graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife resources in 1976 and obtained a master’s degree in food science from Washington State University in 1992.
Bettge said he joined the Peace Corps after graduation and spent a few years on commercial tuna fishing boats, ensuring there wasn’t unnecessary slaughter.
“After three of those four-month long trips, being hated — reviled — on boats, I said to myself ‘I’m taking the next job that comes my way,’” Bettge said. “It turned out to be a job at the (U.S. Department of Agriculture) lab over in WSU, so I jumped on it. So, I’ve been here continuously since 1980.”
Bettge said the scenery and unique structure of Moscow kept him around for almost four decades.
“You’ve got the mountains, low humidity, the summers are tolerable, there is a lot of outdoor recreation available,” Bettge said. “That, and Moscow is a neat little funky place that agrees with my personality.”
Art Bettge
Bettge said he decided to become active in city politics in 2003, when he joined the Moscow Planning and Zoning Commission.
“I was not really convinced I liked the way the city was going at the moment,” Bettge said. “So, I went and talked to the mayor — who was Marshall Comstock — and asked to be put on Planning and Zoning because they’re the ones who have a lot of statutory authority over a lot of land use decisions that happen in town.”
After working for the Planning and Zoning Commission for 10 years, seven of which he spent as the chair, Bettge said he wanted a change in pace. He said he felt himself becoming stagnant and wanted to take the next step in improving the city.
Bill Lambert, the mayor of Moscow, praised Bettge’s intellect as a council member.
“Art is very level-headed,” Lambert said. “He’s an incredibly bright guy. The man is unbelievably smart. He’s a great guy to have on city council. I am grateful that he’s been on, this is his fifth year and he’s done a good job.”
Lambert also praised Bettge’s dedication to the citizens of Moscow.
“Art is a long-term resident of the city of Moscow. He graduated from WSU. He’s been a local resource for decades. He’s very interested, in my view, of getting things accomplished here in Moscow that are for the betterment of the whole citizenry, not just a certain few,” Lambert said.
Lambert said even when a subject being addressed is polarizing to the community, Bettge always looks for the best solution possible.
“Whatever decisions are made at the council level, sometimes things are going to be popular and some things will not be popular,” Lambert said. “So, you’ve got to be able to get through that and do what’s right for the community at large, and I think Art does exceptionally well at that.”
Bill Belknap, the community development director for Moscow, echoed many of the sentiments held by the mayor. Belknap said Bettge has always been a dedicated public servant and has always advocated for the best interest of the public.
“He’s always trying to strengthen and diversify the local economy,” Belknap said. “He’s always been appreciated for his intelligence and his wit.
Bettge said one of the biggest objectives in his position is broadening Moscow’s economic base. He said he feels Moscow’s economy hinges too much on UI for its success.
“We’re kind of a one-lung town where it all depends on the U of I,” Bettge said. “It would be nice to diversify the economy, broaden it and introduce new businesses. Not necessarily things like food service or retail, but some more fundamental, structural production facilities to facilitate another level of economy to support the town.”
Bettge said one of the biggest misconceptions people have about city council members is the idea that they possess more decision-making power than they really do.
“We can’t wave our magic wand and do whatever we please,” Bettge said. “People like to think things like ‘well why don’t you just fix it.’ Well, we can’t. Part of it is Idaho’s legislature keeps a pretty heavy thumb on what the cities can do, especially when it comes to raising revenue.”
Bettge said working to resolve the issues held by Moscow’s citizens, and observing the growth of the city is his favorite part of the job.
“I really like working on the aspects of how the city grows, and how to obtain a good balance for all the needs the people Moscow have,” Bettge said.
Bettge advocated for students to vote in local elections, and to pay attention to local politics.
“Get out there and vote for heavens sakes,” Bettge said. “There is a lot that happens in this town that has a direct impact on student lives — make the city work for you.”
Andrew Ward can be reached at [email protected]