Who knows best, our leaders or us?

6:30pm to 10:00pm, Dyke Center for Family Business, Husson University, Bangor, Maine

In collaboration with the Maine Republican Party, we designed a Make Shift Coffee House to focus on recent “votes of the people” that political leaders have resisted turning into law for various reasons.

This Make Shift Coffee House was inspired by the current changes on the table for the 3% surtax that is in effect from Question 2, the tip credit for minimum wage increase from Question 4, the possible “unconstitutionality” of Ranked Choice Voting from Question 5, and the controversy surrounding how to legalize marijuana from Question 1, among other things.

When do our legislators have the right to go against “the will of the people?” Is it possible for the people to unknowingly “do harm” when they vote? After a law is voted on by the people, can leaders pick and choose what parts of it they want to keep?

These are just some of the questions we discussed at the Dyke Center for Family Business at Husson University.

It was a lively evening of understanding each other!

Here is an audio recording of Craig Freshley talking about the April 7 Make Shift Coffee House on the Maine Currents show of WERU Community Radio, interviewed by Amy Browne. Craig’s interview start at 31 minutes into the 1-hour show.

Live Irish Music!

Format

The Make Shift Coffee House was moderated by Craig Freshley of Good Group Decisions. A professional meeting facilitator, Craig managed a civil exchange of ideas as a neutral third party. It’s not about judging right or wrong or good or bad, it’s about understanding each others’ perspectives.

6:30 pm      Live Music. Coffee, tea, snacks. Chit chat.

7:30 pm      Group Conversation

9:00 pm      Live music. Coffee, tea, snacks. Chit chat.

10:00 pm    End