The welcoming and good-natured atmosphere gets people to open up. The purpose of the forum is not to advocate or endorse one particular viewpoint or solution over another, but to hear all points of view – to listen, and learn. to give a chance for prospective candidates to present their ideas…and to be asked questions after their 5 minute presentation.” Speeches are (mercifully) limited with the real Q & A happening one on one afterwards. Weaver says, “The concept of the ‘stump’ is great…. There’s always seems to be a ripple of excitement when a candidate gives their “stump speech” which echoes politicians way back in the day traveling from town to town speaking to gathers while perched atop a crate, chair, or stump. Those running for local government, school board, or a state position are allowed to present their case while standing on a two-inch high platform painted to represent a stump. In an election year, a lot of politicians show. As John Hansen told the group a few weeks ago, “We design these meetings with the hope that you leave here feeling better than when you came.” but discussions often continue on afterwards. Discussion is maybe 10 or 15 minutes at the most. No criticizing allowed and attendees are quick to put the kibosh on negative remarks. I like the concept of intelligent discussion for providing information rather than ‘intense promotion’ of a position.”Įach session is meant to be lively, fun, positive and uplifting, and that seems to be achieved each session. John Hansen commented about it so I thought I would go. Retired educator for Dexter Schools, Richard Weaver, has been attending the Forum since its early days and had this to say: “I began attending the Dexter Forum a few months after it started. We haven’t left yet without more insight than when we came.” “The amazing thing has been that in three years, we haven’t been stumped yet,” John says of the questions and discussion. Who can tell us about _?” Left: Karl Fink Right: John Hansen Subjects range widely from state and county concerns such as elections and roads to local matters such roundabout construction and the Michigan Meteor.Įach topic on the agenda is usually introduced with John saying something like, “OK. The agenda is decided by those who show up that particular morning and it usually surrounds questions people have about what’s going on. As a group, they take no positions on issues or candidates they encourage understanding and discourage argument.The Dexter Forum is the collaborative effort of long-time residents John Hansen and Karl Fink who also moderate the relaxed gathering twice a month. Their meeting agenda is typically determined by those present and they also invite candidates to step up on the “Stump” to deliver persuasive campaign speeches. The Forum is organized by former Judge Karl Fink and former State Representative John Hansen – a pair of individuals known to approach solutions from different perspectives. Their purpose is to provide a positive environment for any interested citizen to “Listen and Learn” about current events. They meet on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at the Dexter Wellness Center (currently via Zoom). The Dexter Forum has been in existence since 2015. The event will also be recorded and posted on the District website for later viewing HERE Community members may participate in the Zoom panel by registering in advance HERE:Īfter registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining theĬommunity members may also watch the meeting via live stream on the District website:
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