More news in the Film Office scandal: the governor has fired Film Office manager Tom Wheeler. Wheeler had been placed on administrative leave last week by his (former) boss, Mike Tramontina, the (former) director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The number two person at the DED is now gone, too. Read the governor’s news release below
DES MOINES – 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.
IDED is currently reporting to Richard Oshlo, director of the Department of Management, while new leadership for the department is being considered.
Earlier today, Governor Culver asked the Attorney General, State Auditor and Department of Revenue to assist in a review of the Film, Television and Video Project Promotion Program. On Friday, Governor Culver accepted the resignation of IDED Director Mike Tramontina and asked the Economic Development Board to not approve further film tax credit certificates until questions about the administration of the program are answered.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
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