A FORUM ON HOME RULE
What Is Home Rule and Why Should Voters Care?
On Wednesday, May 13,2009, at 7:00pm, in Room 101 of the Stark Learning Center on the campus of Wilkes University, the Pennsylvania Economy League, the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development and Wilkes University are cosponsoring a public forum to help the voters of Luzerne County understand what home rule is and why it is important. The forum will feature a short presentation on the procedures of home rule, followed by a discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.
Participants
Thomas J. Baldino, Professor of Political Science, Wilkes University
Kevin Blaum, assistant director of admissions Wyoming Seminary, and former PA state legislator from the city of Wilkes-Barre
Gerald Cross, Executive Director, Central Region, Pennsylvania Economy League
Teri Ooms, Executive Director, Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development
Robert Seeley, Professor of Economics, Wilkes University
Todd Vonderheid, President and CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Charnber of Commerce
Each panelist brings a distinctive perspective to the program. Teri Ooms, the moderator, brings years of experience working with various types of governmental organuations in several states. Mr. Cross, who will present a Power Point presentation on Home Rule, was a member of the P.E.L. team that served as the consultants to the last home rule study commission in the county from 2001 to 2003. He has also assisted home rule study commissions in Clinton and Lancaster counties. From his years in the state legislature, Representative Blaum understands the advantages and disadvantages that a new home rule charter can bring to the county. Similarly, Mr. Vonderheid, as a former county commission, will bring his knowledge of county government to the discussion. Drs. Baldino and Seeley served as members of the last home rule commission, and will share their experiences and the lessons they learned.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A LHR EVENT