2007 Regional Forums: Let’s Talk!

 

All programs will be free and open to the public, Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

in the North Mankato Police Annex Meeting Room, 1001 Belgrade Ave.

 

February 15:  The Potential of Crops as Alternative Energy Sources

Presenter:  Dr. Gregg Marg (Professor & Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato.)

 

March 29:  Are Railroads in Our Future?

Presenters:  Tony Filipovitch (Urban & Regional Studies, MSU Mankato), Pat Hentges (City Manager, Mankato), Mike Spellacy (former Mankato City Councilperson), Lloyd Vollmer (Conservationist & Rail Supporter), & Katy Wortel (Blue Earth County Commissioner)

 

April 26:  Why Eat Locally Grown Foods?

Presenters:  To be announced

 

May 17:  WHAT DOES GREENSPACE MEAN TO YOU?

Presenters: Julie Conrad (Land Use & Natural Resource Planner, Blue Earth County) &  Don Gordon (Pioneer proponent of all thing “green” in our area).

 

June 19:  Review of the 2007 Legislative Session

Presenters:  Rep. Terry Morrow, 23A, Rep. Kathy Brynaert, 23B, Rep. Bob Gunther, 24A, Rep. Tony Cornish, 24B

 

July 17:  The Effects of Immigration and Growth on Education

Presenter:  Ed Waltman, Superintendent ISD77

 

August:   Break (no program)

 

September 20:  Health Care for All

Presenters:  Dr. Glen Peterson, Tenured Associate Professor at MSU Dept. of Rehabilitation Counseling & Dr. Douglas Wood, Cardiologist, Vice Chair of the Dept. of Medicine at Mayo and former CEO of ISJ

 

October 18:  Impeachment and the Constitution

Presenters:  Dr. Chris Gilbert, Professor of Political Science, Gustavus Adolphus College & Dr. Fred Slocum, Professor of Political Science, Minnesota State University Mankato

 

November 15:  Greening of the Valley

Presenters:  To be announced

 

We hope you will attend and take part.  Should you have questions or comments, please include your return address and phone number and mail them to:  Regional Forums, PO Box 724, Mankato  MN  56003

 

 

 

Regional Forums is intended to continue the program called Citizen Forums.  The name has been changed in order to promote a wider participation for interested parties in the larger area that the word region implies.  The Forums are free and open to the public.  Everyone is welcome.

 

The purpose of the Regional Forums shall be to provide an opportunity for individuals, both local and regional, to discuss the various positions that can be taken on important issues of the day.  The subject for discussion may be regional, statewide, national, or worldwide in nature.

 

The presentation shall not be considered by any the presenters(s) as an opportunity to proselytize or to convert others to a single position.  Presenters are requested to state their position on the topic and to explain the processes and ideas that brought them to said position.  The audience shall hold their questions and comments until called for by the moderator!  Following the presentation, audience questions and comments should be addressed at clarifying what the presenters have said, why the presenters hold the view they have, and to raise added related positions that the presenters might address.  The moderator must recognize the member of the audience before they speak.  Please hold questions and comments until recognized.

 

 

The schedule for the coming year is still being developed.  If you are interested in proposing a topic or working on the forums, contact one of the committee members:

  • Dave & Doris Boyce (388-3658)
  • Tom Hagen
  • Sandy & Don Kerkhoff
  • Greg Lessard
  • Lucy Lowry (N. Mankato Public Library, 345-5120)
  • Jim Mason
  • Bill Meyer
  • Donna & Lee Nordgren
  • Rich O’Brien
  • Renato Quijano
  • Kristi Schuck
  • Eunice & Al Simonson
  • Florence Sponberg
  • Ardie Thompson
  • Jeanne & Ted Zwart

 

Don’t Miss One.  Plan Now to Attend!