Issues, Campaigns and Election 2010 forum set for Oct. 8

By Katie Land, news editor

As a new election year rolls around, it is important for students and citizens to understand and learn about the various issues and candidates that hope to soon be shaping Michigan’s future.

To assist with this process, Oakland University’s Office of Government Relations is sponsoring a forum and candidate reception for Issues, Campaigns and Election 2010. The event is set for 1 – 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, in the Oakland Center.

Events such as this are a crucial step for creating an informed voter base, according to Rochelle Black, vice president for Government Relations at OU.

“This half day session will feature a rare opportunity for students to listen to external experts in areas such as the election process, state budget crisis, higher education in Michigan, and an analysis of the political landscape, including the outcome of the August primary and predictions on the upcoming November general election,” said Black. “I encourage all members of the university community and the general public to attend.”

The forum takes place from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Banquet Rooms, and will showcase a variety of issues including voting preparations, the state budget crisis, higher education concerns, and campaign politics.

Speakers include Ruth Johnson, Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds; Mitch Bean, director of the Michigan House Fiscal Agency; Dr. Michael A. Boulus, executive director of the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan; and Bill Ballenger, editor of Inside Michigan Politics.

The candidates’ open house reception will run from 4 – 6 p.m. in Gold Room C. The reception will feature candidates running for statewide offices or open legislative seats in Oakland and Macomb counties in breakout sessions, offering a chance for prospective voters and community members to meet and discuss their policies and views.

Light refreshments will be served and the event is open to the OU community and the general public. For more information, download the flyer.

Other election themed events at OU include a General Election forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. It will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10, in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. Candidates in attendance will include Republican Rocky Raczkowski, Democrat Gary Peters, Green Party Douglas Campbell, Libertarian Adam Goodman and more.

For more information about events and programs through Oakland’s Office of Government Relations, view the website.