OROFINO, Idaho -- There is a debate raging again over a popular high school mascot, the Orofino Maniacs.
The city is also home to a state mental hospital. A recent newspaper editorial called the mascot and a proposal to put it on custom license plates offensive.
A state lawmaker is proposing to make a custom license plate featuring the Maniacs logo and proceeds would go to support the school district.
The Lewiston Tribune's editorial editor called the proposal offensive. The editorial also cited the state's lack of spending for mental health programs.
The Mayor of Orofino fought back against the statement.
"After the article came out on Thursday, we had Maniac Friday, and everybody in town was encouraged to wear their maniac gear," said Mayor Ryan Smathers.
Smathers said the nickname was given to the school's basketball team in the 1920's by an announcer describing their appearance and play. He said the state mental hospital and the nickname are not related and it is a coincidence.
"We've never thought that the two were associated with each other. I really think it would be highly inappropriate to go in to the state hospital and call any of their patients a maniac," said Smathers.
Smathers and others said they will continue to proudly spread Maniac pride.
The license plate proposal is set to be presented to the legislature sometime during the 2015 session.
