E-mails Show Iowa Gov.'s Interest In Film Office

MIKE GLOVER

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Chet Culver's office took a close interest in the state's film promotion efforts long before questions about spending and bookkeeping prompted the governor to freeze the program, e-mails obtained by The Associated Press indicate.

The 224 e-mails between the Department of Economic Development and governor's office from mid-2007 to fall 2009 show Culver's office was kept fully abreast of the Iowa Film Office's efforts to lure moviemakers to the state by offering them big tax breaks. The AP requested the communication through the state's open records law.

None of the e-mails were sent directly to Culver.

The governor's oversight of the film office has become an issue since allegations surfaced in September of inappropriate tax credits and sloppy bookkeeping. Culver fired the film office manager, Thomas Wheeler. Department of Economic Development director Michael Tramontina and a deputy director abruptly resigned.

Among the e-mails was a June 3 message to Culver aide Cindy Jones from film producer Doug James, noting the governor's availability to speak with him.