This petition is in concern of the lack of visible support of the sale of the Smurfit Stone Mill in Ontonagon. At the January bankruptcy hearing the federal representatives and State of Montana were very proactive, visible and vocal in support of bankruptcy Judge Shannon ordering the Missoula Mill being placed up for sale. It seems the State of Michigan in contrast did not visibly step forward with much support for the mill being sold to the highest bidder. As you are aware the closure of the mill affected well over 400 families in the local area plus many businesses in the Western Upper Peninsula. With education being a high priority in the state this mill closure will have some very drastic financial impacts to the Ontonagon and Ewen schools which are already having financial difficulties. Also if the mill is not sold as a viable facility the financial impact to the community, county and western up will suffer severe economic impacts. With the financial condition of the state and country we cannot afford the loss of even one job let alone the over 400 this has caused. With this letter we are respectfully requesting that the State of Michigan join forces and do all it can to support and influence the sale of the mill to the highest bidder. Also we are requesting the State of Michigan to represent us in a very vigorous manner also to encourage Judge Shannon at the next bankruptcy hearing to order the sale of the mill in a whole viable condition.