TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Michael Moore is the kind of guy people tend to love or despise.
But in Traverse City, the Oscar-winning filmmaker's image is more complex. Since moving to the Lake Michigan community six years ago, he's become a local arts benefactor.
Moore helped establish a summer film festival and headed the rescue of a deserted downtown movie house. It's now one of the nation's top-grossing theaters. Both projects have boosted tourism and the downtown economy.
The community leans Republican, and many local civic and business leaders say they don't like Moore's politics. But they appreciate what he's done for the area.
Moore says his friendships with Republicans in Traverse City illustrate how people with differing views can get along.
© 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
