Moderator John Hansen’s notes:
The election is in three days and we all really need it to be over – especially the candidates who have been working non-stop for months (years). Three candidates were present. Gretchen Driskell, Mara Greatorex, and Jason Maciejewski.
Our very special guest of the day was Adrian Iraola, owner of Chela’s Mexican restaurant. And what a true gentleman he is. Establishing the restaurant has been an uphill battle but opening day is near and we have been invited to be his special guests. This is one of those ‘you had to be present to win’ situations so if you were there you know what to do.
There will be another election soon in the City of Dexter but only 6 people can vote. The resignation of councilman Ray Tell has created a vacancy on the council that will be filled by a vote of the remaining council members. Sixteen individuals have applied for the position. By charter and by rule the Mayor will propose and the council will deliberate. Four votes are needed to confirm the new member. The council has a 60 day operating window from the time of the resignation.
Our final stump speech of the season was given by Gretchen Driskell (D), candidate for the 7th Congressional district.
We learned that there are a couple of more condo projects being proposed for downtown Dexter and this prompted a question about the future of ‘affordable’ housing opportunities in Dexter. Apparently there has been some discussion with Avalon Housing (a major player in the affordable housing arena in the county) but there are no viable plans on the table at this time.
Ed Francis reminded us of the fear that is building in minority communities following the recent string of terrorist attacks on Jews, African-Americans and those perceived as the ‘other’. We have limited power to affect the national scene but we see the Forum as our small step to provide a safe place for locals of all persuasions to come to Listen and Learn.
Dan Smith encouraged us to look ahead a few years and consider the implications of calling a constitutional convention. The current Michigan constitution calls for a vote every 16 (or so) years on whether or not to re-write the document. The last time we did this was in 1963.
The next meeting of the Dexter Forum will be on Saturday, November 17 at 8:30 AM at the Dexter Wellness Center.
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 purpose of the Forum is to create an opportunity for interested women and men to gather to discuss important issues facing our community. All are welcome on a drop-in basis. The group meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
The Forum is co-moderated by Karl Fink and John Hansen.
