It seems that Mike Reynoldson, Micron’s government affairs director, took issue with some of the recent comments about Micron losing favor with Idaho Legislators.

He didn’t name me specifically, but I’m assuming he’s referring to my blog last week about new incentives for the French company Areva where I made my observation about Micron.

From my perspective it appeared that state leaders really weren’t showing any interest in helping Micron through its tough times.

In his widely distributed e-mail that made it to a few of my colleagues and other media outlets via the Governor’s office, Reynoldson wrote at length about how concerned the state is about Micron.

Now I’ll admit, I don’t have the inside track that Reynoldson and other high-powered lobbyists have with our state leaders, so maybe I was mistaken.

Personally I agree with his thoughts in the e-mail on why incentives are important. But I guess the only way we’ll really know about how our state leaders feel about Micron is that if another bill to boost incentives for Micron makes it way to the state house.

Judge for yourself. Here's what Reynoldson had to say:

Friends,

I am dropping you this note today to correct some misinformation showing up in "blogs" and "opinion pages" of reporters who follow Idaho's public policy process. Unfortunately, if you don't stamp out a rumor right away, it tends to grow.

In the wake of some of the economic stimulus proposals being discussed at the Capitol Annex, there have been claims that Micron is being ignored or snubbed by the Governor and State Legislature. There have also been claims that somehow the Legislature and Governor have balked when Micron has asked for help.

For the record there is no truth in these claims.

To expand on this, during the last year, the Governor has personally met - on multiple occasions - with Micron’s leadership. As we have discussed the current economics of our industry, his first reaction has always been, "How can Idaho help?”

I should also clarify that these meetings have occurred due to the Governor reaching out to Micron. He has worked hard to develop an understanding of Micron’s business and our volatile industry. He has learned about our manufacturing processes, our investment decisions, our research and development efforts, our strategic partnerships with other companies, our employee programs --- you name it, he has asked the questions.

In addition, the Idaho Department of Commerce, the Idaho Department of Labor and multiple members of the Governor's staff contact me on a weekly basis to get an update on our business and offer any assistance that we may need.

And the buck doesn't stop at the executive branch. The members of the Idaho State Legislature read the same newspapers and Internet reports that you do. They are fully aware that the semiconductor industry is in a downturn and that Micron has taken necessary steps to cope with these difficult times and remain competitive.

Like the Governor, the overwhelming response from the Legislature is, "How can Idaho help?"

It isn't just one or two Boise-area legislators…. This support has come from legislators throughout the state. They offer encouragement and optimism. They seem to feel a pride of ownership with respect to Micron as so many are aware of our humble beginnings as a small Idaho business.

Personally, I applaud the efforts of the state to provide economic stimulus to employers. They are aware that other states and countries are aggressively trying to lure current and future employers away from Idaho. Instead of giving up, our state government continues to make jobs and a strong economy a priority as they develop public policy.

I started out writing a brief note to dispel a rumor and let a few of my friends know that Micron and Idaho's government officials continue to have a strong partnership. I have probably exceeded the "brief" part, but I hope the message comes through.

Thanks.
Mike