State of the State
Tick-Tock
Did you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at the annual State of the State message in Lansing. Me either, but last Tuesday I had a seat on the fringes.
The final preparations for the 7 p.m. event begin early on the morning of the big event. Some of the preparations may well have changed little since Gov. Kim Sigler delivered his State of the State in 1947 and even earlier. The cast of characters may change, but the order of arrival of the dignitaries probably has remained pretty static.
The advent of television coverage opened up the State of the State to more people in Michigan. It also added more items to the list of hurdles to be negotiated by the people scurrying around in the background.
Within the last few years the Internet has made its contribution to the event by making it much easier for the press and the people at home to access the text of the Governor's address.
From the windows of the Romney Building we can watch the arrival of the various dignitaries. Because of the sinking temperatures and brutal winds, all of the visitors to the Capitol arrived looking pretty much alike. The uniform of the evening is definitely best business attire covered by a long black overcoat.
Once the timeline, entitled Tick-Tock, begins to wind down, there are still a few last minute details that need attention. When the final draft of the State of the State Address popped up on the computer screen, it is formatted and scheduled for upload. A live feed in a conference room where staff members gathere prompts quick cell phone calls across the street. "His tie is crooked," one staffer informs her counterpart across the street.
As the results of Tick-Tock's careful planning unfold, more and more staff members join the others already assembled. As the State of the State message progresses, staff members respond in much the same fashion as the Legislators and guests across the street. Although no one seems to leap to his feet, applause greets many of the Governor's remarks.
Following the close of the Address across the street, the Governor and her party return to her house for one last event, a reception for honored guests. Staffers chat quietly for a few minutes and head back to their offices before making their way home. On the way to the car we enjoy the sight of the Capitol Building lighted from lawn to dome in the cold, black night. We leave the Romney building with all deliberate speed because the all lights turn off automatically at 9 p.m. This measure was instituted several years ago as a cost-saving measure. We wondered idly if the Capitol itself will suddenly go dark at 9 p.m. too, but it is too cold to stand around and ponder imponderables on this night.
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