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Dear Governor Whitmer of Michigan, let's get creative.
How’s it going, Governor? I’m fine, but many of my creative friends are not, it seems. I've lost a few to suicide in the last couple of years, and most in just the last couple of months. It’s a tough time for all in Michigan, but especially artists.
I’ve lived in the Lansing area for 30 years now, after attending MSU and graduating with a degree in Telecommunications. I’m now in Dimondale. I’ve worked every kind of TV job there is and still do. I’ve dabbled into film as a writer and actor as well. I’ve wanted to do much much more than “dabble” though, for a very, very long time.
I doubt you remember me, but we met once. I took the time to come to one of your committee meetings chaired by Sen. Cassis. I had a thoughtful one-page statement in support of the film incentives, but she shut down my right to oral public comment stating the incentives were “not on the agenda.” She, begrudgingly, accepted my written page for the record. Who knows where that ended up though. She treated me, my rights, and frankly anyone with an ounce of creativity, horribly throughout her political career.
After that meeting, you found me outside on my phone. You saw me and took the time to come out and thank me for my time. We also shared our opinions of Ms. Cassis. In that moment I had hope that the film incentives had a…
