[Gabriel]

That does seem a little strange. Usually with a big event if the Governor declines an invitation he or she will send a representative like the Lieutenant Governor or at least write some sort of letter. However, MI is a big state and people do get busy. Also, remember that she didn't accept the invitation and not show up, she simply declined it which is her right. I once asked Woodie Flowers to come and give a talk at my college to help promote our FIRST team, he declined, that doesn't mean he's a phony or that he doesn't care about FIRST.

Having said that asking an elected official "why she was too busy to support her own goals" isn't the best way of going about it. Its partisan, accusatory and somewhat rude and I doubt it will get you results. I would strongly suggest describing FIRST, talking about how FIRST has effected your life, talking about how FIRST and its role in Michigan match what the Governor is interested in, expressing your disappointment that she didn't attend the regional and inviting her to the next one.