Art and public service in Michigan . . .
Argh!
Due to the inaction of the Michigan House Judiciary Committee, as of September 11th, the closure of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries became official. That means that the body that funds the arts-when there is money-the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, will be transferred from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries to the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In her infinite wisdom, Governor Granholm placed the state arts council within the MSF because she sees a direct link between strong cultural communities, increased economic development and the jobs created by both agencies. Early this morning, the final conferees were named to the General Government Conference Committee – the bill which will carry the MCACA budget. The conferees include: Senator John Pappageorge (R-Troy) Senator Mark Jansen (R-Grand Rapids) Senator Deborah Cherry (D-Burton) Representative Fred Durhal, Jr. (D-Detroit) Representative George Cushingberry, Jr. (D-Detroit) Representative Bill Rogers (R-Brighton)
I contacted the General Government Conference Committee to urge them to consider the continued support of the MCACA, as it cannot continue to contribute fully to this state’s revitalization if it is paralyzed by severely limited funding.
Apparently, the Chairman of the committee is the only one who realizes the true impact of his position. He sent me a direct and personal reply that he would take my position under advisement. And here is the problem: The other members of the General Government Conference Committee-who actually replied- sent me a response that said: “I put an emphasis on responding to those constituents within [my] district….Should you reside outside of [my] district, I will be happy to refer your correspondence to the proper office.”
or
“please be aware that legislative courtesy requires me to refer individuals from outside my legislative district to the appropriate Representative.”
These guys just don’t get it. The “proper office”? The “appropriate Representative”? The appropriate representative is the person sitting on that Committee who is participating in decisions that are affecting me and everyone else in the state. Whether I had a hand in electing them or not, they are representing me. I wonder if they return any campaign contributions that come from organizations or groups headquartered outside of their district?
As I said, ARGH! I need to go meditate my frustrations away…
