Thursday, February 28, 2013

Our Fourth Year of Capitol Visits!!

Hard to believe, but today's visit to the Iowa Capitol Building marks the fourth year that Jay Villwock and I have gone there to meet with legislators and leading officials in the governor's office. We were able to speak with senators Joe Bolkcom, Bill Dotzler, Jack Hatch, and Brad Zaun. We also met with high-ranking staff members in the governor's office. Bottom line: 1. hundreds and hundreds of applications for the job of Iowa Film Office director have yet to be reviewed; 2. the film office is expected to re-open before July 1, the end of the current fiscal year; 3. it appears likely that the present IFO budget of $200,000 will be increased to $400,000 for the next fiscal year. This slow pace is intended to avoid making even the smallest mistakes, with extreme caution being exercised so another film office disaster will be averted. It was so great to team up with Jay again today. He is well respected at the capitol and is excellent in interacting with legislators and others. Stay tuned. Jay and I plan to make another trip soon. pictured: Gene, Rep. Dan Kelley, Jay Villwock