Commissioner Thomas Morgan

[Note: This post was written by an actual living, breathing human using a real-life central nervous system.]

I look at a lot of internal polling and crosstabs for work. Like, a lot. So it's remarkable when — especially these days — there’s a political issue that Republicans, Democrats and independents agree on *and* with nearly matching intensity. That’s what’s happening with the proliferation of AI data centers.

According to a Lake Effect/PPP poll conducted of Michigan voters last month:

• 67% of Michigan Democrats oppose “more data centers being built in Michigan,” including 47% who are “strongly” opposed.

• 54% of Michigan Republicans are in opposition, including 32% who are strongly opposed.

• 58% of independents oppose more data centers, including 40% who are strongly opposed.

• Even when reminded of the temporary construction jobs, only 10% of Michigan voters strongly support building more data centers.

• That includes 0% of Black voters.

• Yes, zero.

Read more: https://progressmichigan.org/2025/12/new-poll-majority-of-michiganders-opposed-to-controversial-data-centers/

I’ve made it no secret how I feel about the proliferation of AI and how we’re careering toward an existential crisis on multiple fronts. One of those fronts is the devastating impact data centers have on our natural resources. To that end, check out my colleague Commissioner Chris Trubac’s resolution that the Ingham County Commission passed last night.

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MSU Extension, 4-H and the Master Gardener program are near and dear to the hearts of many in our community, who’ve shown up and shown out at recent County Commission meetings to urge the county's continued financial support. That's why County Commissioner Mark Polsdofer deserves a huge shout-out for working tirelessly to find a way for Ingham County to continue supporting MSU Extension — despite the county’s budget challenges brought on by federal and state cuts. Thanks to Commissioner Polsdofer’s creative solution, MSU Extension will be able to continue administering 4-H, the Master Gardener program and other key initiatives in Ingham County through 2026.

Tonight at our Finance Committee, I offered an amendment to our 2026 County Recommended Budget to fund 4-H, which is part of MSU Extension.

I was glad that all my colleagues supported my amendment.

Traditionally, we have always supported the efforts of 4-H and MSU Extension in our county, but with the reckless program cutting from the administration in Washington to well-known programs like Head Start and Americorp and the numerous others that affect our budget, along with negative revenue estimates due to self-imposed tariffs and other things, we were faced with making $10m in cuts, and initially, MSU Extension was not going to be able to be funded.

$154,175 to ensure the continued administration of 4H and other community events passed unanimously, along with another $60,716 to support the MSU Extension Master Gardener Program which provides thousands of pounds of produce to local food pantries.

Total funding is $214,891.

It’s been a tragic couple of days at the zoo. The zoo staff pour their hearts into their work, and the this hits them particularly hard.

We are utterly devastated to inform you that Doppsee, our beloved female rhino, passed away yesterday. As many of you know, Doppsee received immediate and around the clock medical treatment by a team of veterinarians and animal care staff led by our Director of Animal Health, Dr. Ronan Eustace over the past month following a sudden decline in her health.

At the onset of Doppsee’s symptoms the veterinary team conducted an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination and they found signs of an obstruction and treatment was initiated. She began eating and defecating and her health appeared to be improving. She later showed symptoms of gastric ulcers and treatment was initiated for this condition. She improved for a period of time and then declined significantly. An endoscopy procedure was done to identify the cause of her continued discomfort and another obstruction was identified. Aggressive treatment was started including a nasal gastric tube for fluids for many days. Following the procedure Doppsee continued to decline and the incredibly difficult decision was made to euthanize her. This decision was only made after the veterinary and animal care teams agreed that further treatment was not feasible or possible and Doppsee’s quality of life was such that euthanasia was the only humane option remaining. She passed away surrounded by those who love and care for her.

A necropsy will be performed and samples will be sent out to histology for detailed evaluation of the cause of her decline. It will take weeks to have the results from those tests.

Doppsee was an incredible ambassador and meant the world to our team and our community. In addition to the tremendous amount of information she provided to benefit her species through multiple research studies, her interaction with zoo guests young and old was an inspiration to all. Her sweet disposition and love for attention touched so many hearts and inspired many to care about the future of black rhinos in the wild. She will never be forgotten.

Thank you to our animal care team for providing her such wonderful care for the past 14 years while she has been at PPZ including monitoring her 24 hours a day for the past month. She was well loved each and every day.

This loss is devastating to so many. While support services are being provided for our team, they would also appreciate hearing how Doppsee impacted your life, feel free to share your memories below or at [email protected].