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. The Forum is co-moderated by Karl Fink and John Hansen.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. The group meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month. The purpose of the Forum is to create an opportunity for interested women and men to gather to discuss important issues facing our community. The Dexter Forum is supported by the Dexter Wellness Coalition as part of the 5 Healthy Towns initiative to “help connect with others in healthy ways”. The next meeting of the Dexter Forum will be on Saturday, November 3 at 8:30 AM at the Dexter Wellness Center. Their political perspectives may differ but it is clear that they are all running for the right reasons. Getting to see the candidates up close and personal helps you realize that we have high quality individuals in all of these races. Lana Theis (R) made her pitch for our state senate seat where she is opposed by Adam Dreher (D). Judge Cedric Simpson asked for our votes as he seeks re-election in a non-partisan election where he is opposed by Tom Bourque. Dick Lundy, Rob Mitzel and Mara Greaterex. We had all three candidates for the Dexter Board of Education. Doug Fuller sat in for Karl Fink who was attending a family reunion.
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