I said at the last meeting that I would leave TCAN if Michael did. I’d like to expand on that a little. 

I feel that I personally owe Michael a debt of gratitude for his having provided this wonderful community enterprise that has enriched my life. Others feel similarly - you all, too, I am sure. 

Not only did he have a vision which was unwavering, but he has been wildly successful in bringing it from a small dream to a full-blown success. And he has done it without compromising his artistic and philosophical principles. If there is another arts center in the U.S. that matches the variety of activities TCAN offers, that is more community-minded, I’d like to hear about it. 

When a man exemplifies the continuing expertise that Michael does, when everything points to ever greater growth, how can he be thought to be expendable? Michael and the Board have had plenty of differences, I know. And I know how difficult, and quixotic he can be. But those faults pale beside the value he brings the MetroWest community. He IS TCAN. We need him. I hope you will support him.

Sheila Thomas