Rainy But Successful, A Good Capitol Visit Today

Jay Villwock picked me up and we parked behind the Iowa Historical Building, not exactly a short walk to the Capitol Building, a walk in a steady rain. It didn't take long for us to find Representative Peter Cownie, who discussed the entity that will replace the scandal-ridden IDED. This new entity is the IPEP, the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress. Peter's wife, Mary, is the new director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, where we thought the revamped Iowa Film Office would be housed, but after speaking with the very friendly and kind David Roederer, Director of the Iowa Department Management, we sensed that the IFO may be destined to exist within IPEP, which would consist of both private and public directors, and be run like a business and with more flexibility, maybe something like a non-profit organization. From my research I know that some states already have this public-private organization running, such as in Ohio and Indiana, something Mr. Roederer touched upon in our conversation. We also spoke with Speaker of the House, Craig Paulsen, who believes the IPEP plan will move forward. And we spoke with Senator Matt McCoy, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and member of the Ways and Means Committee. I believe Senator McCoy suggested that the chances of IPEP passing may require some give and take, such as the matter of a desired two per cent increase in appropriatations for education. In addition, we also spoke with Senator Bill Dotzler, Jr., but just a warm hello. We popped in on the governor's office manager, Leo Hough, just to briefly bring him up-to-date and exchange a couple of fun stories. When we are at the Iowa Capitol Building we also speak with lobbyists. Today we met lobbyist Jim Kersten, who said he would be eager for us to meet with him again and to keep him updated on the film office situation. It was a good day, despite the gloomy weather outside. The long and cold walk back to Jay's car didn't seem so bad because we were still glowing with the satisfaction of connecting with several key people today.