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The Harold Hill Follies: Monday afternoon update

September 21, 2009

Radio Iowa: Film Office manager fired; another DED official resigns. It quotes from a Governor's Office press release:

Governor Chet Culver announced today the departure of two officials from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED).
The manager of the Iowa Film Office, Thomas Wheeler, has been dismissed from his position effective this afternoon. The Iowa Film Office is a division of IDED. Amy Johnson will serve as the interim manager of the Iowa Film Office.

In addition, the resignation of Vince Lintz as deputy director of IDED has been accepted.

Des Moines Register: Criminal charges possible regarding film tax-credit abuses, official says

WHO's Dave Price blog has the text of a press release, GOVERNOR CULVER REQUESTS ATTORNEY GENERAL, AUDITOR TO ASSIST IN REVIEW OF IOWA’S FILM PROGRAM

Hawkeye Review: DED: Just the Tip of the Iceberg...:

I propose to you that the real story yet to be revealed is the billions in waste, mismanagement and fraud that is built into our state budget and in some cases, cleverly and deceptively hidden deep within the bowels of state government by a combination of incompetent or corrupt department managers.

Again from the Des Moines Register: Culver pledges to work with film companies to sort out tax credits. "Sorting out" isn't always the same as "paying."

Again from Radio Iowa: GOP wants legislative branch to investigate Film Office; they also have a joint statement from the top four legislative Democrats:

"We are encouraged by the steps taken by the Governor and Lt. Governor to ensure additional accountability and scrutiny with regard to the Iowa Film Office.
"It was prudent for the Governor to announce plans today to involve Attorney General Tom Miller and State Auditor David Vaudt to ensure that every fiscal and legal avenue is pursued against anyone who may have abused this program.

"We are also reassured by their commitment to lift the suspension of the program as soon as it makes sense for responsible projects."

Both parties are good at closing the barn door now that the horses are all outside.

The Bean Walker is doing a nice job of staying on top of the fast-breaking stories.

Tags: Corporate welfare.Economic development.film credits.Gronstal.harold hill.iowa tax policy.