Jordan calls DMV contract a ‘boondoggle,’ Little is ‘frustrated’

Paulette Jordan, Democratic candidate for governor, blasted the “Otter-Little Administration” for the problems with state Division of Motor Vehicles services that forced shutdowns this week and have frustrated county sheriffs and motorists for two years. She called the state’s multimillion-dollar contract for DMV software a “boondoggle that is failing our state.”

Jordan is running against current GOP Lt. Gov. Brad Little; current Gov. Butch Otter isn’t seeking re-election when his third term ends this year.

“I feel for our law enforcement officers and for the citizens of Idaho,” Jordan said in a statement. “Idahoans deserve answers. Law enforcement deserves the support they require at the state level. That’s why our campaign’s message of local control with appropriate support from statewide elected officials and their administrations resonates with so many Idahoans. Our Idaho First values are more than lip service.”

Little’s campaign manager, Zach Hauge, responded, “What happened is completely unacceptable. Lt. Gov. Little is frustrated like many Idahoans across the state. The solution put forward yesterday, with the governor’s office, transportation officials, local sheriffs, and county representatives, should immediately restore service for Idahoans.”

Otter convened an emergency work group on Thursday, including law enforcement, Idaho Transportation Department officials and other stakeholders, and announced an interim fix that allowed DMV offices to reopen Friday, but delays continued. The state has extended most expiring driver’s licenses through Oct. 31 as a result of the problems.

Idaho has a $10.8 million contract with Gemalto, a Dutch firm, for the DMV software; it runs from 2016 to 2021.