Once again, northern Michigan is left out.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s transition team announced Friday a series of “meet-and-greets” by the governor and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist over the next several weeks.

The events, being called “Whitmer Winter Warmups,” will be held in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint and Marquette.

In addition to residents having the opportunity to meet the state’s new executive team, those attending are asked to bring a new or gently used book to the event — with all the books gathered then being donated to a local charity in that area.

We love the concept and think it is a great idea by the new team.

What we don’t appreciate is the snub northern Michigan yet again is receiving, as if we don’t exist. Mind you, we’re not even asking for a “Warmup” in Northeast Michigan — there isn’t even an event planned for Traverse City, the largest city in northern Michigan.

Conspiracy theorists would point to the fact that most of the northern Michigan legislators are GOP members, perhaps explaining why the region is being forgotten by a Democratic governor.

We choose not to subscribe to that, as the governor has promised to be a “bridge-builder” in the months ahead and work with legislators on both sides of the aisle.

Whatever the reason, we would encourage her transition team to learn a little more state geography. You can’t ignore one-third of the state and expect the meetings to be inclusive for all.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)