Ada County treasurer introduces 'John Tater Adams,' outlines 250th‑anniversary events

Ada County Treasurer Miss Benamont introduced a mascot called John Tater Adams at a county meeting and outlined several countywide events to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The plans include lighting the Ada County courthouse in red, white and blue, placing a traveling kiosk in county offices to invite employees to pledge to read the Declaration, a link on the county website to the National Archives text, and a countywide photo event at the new park at Expo Idaho in June.

Miss Benamont described the mascot and the county’s outreach efforts, saying, "as stated on his business card, he is a revolutionary spud created by Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth using Spuddy Buddy, the official mascot of the Idaho Potato Commission." She told the board that a kiosk would arrive next week and "will invite county employees to pledge that they will read the Declaration of Independence," and that it "will travel throughout county offices and departments, giving all county employees the opportunity to sign." She also noted the county website includes a link to the National Archives where employees can read the Declaration.

An unidentified speaker placed the county’s recognition of the document in a historical and religious context, reading passages and asserting that the Declaration asserts rights that "come not from a king of England, not from a government, but from God." The speaker cited multiple references to deity in the Declaration and quoted Alexis de Tocqueville in describing the founding’s character. The meeting record does not include a formal response to that interpretation.

Chairman remarks emphasized the significance of the document in the nation's founding, noting the effort required to separate from Great Britain and that the Declaration listed 26 grievances against the king. The chair thanked the treasurer and staff for bringing the mascot and the commemorative items, noting the county has commemorative hats available.

The treasurer concluded by saying the treasurer's office remains "business as usual" after making the announcements. No motions or votes were recorded on the agenda item.

Next steps noted at the meeting: the kiosk is expected next week; the county plans a group photo in June at the new park at Expo Idaho; and the county website will host a link to the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives for employee review.