Constitution debate
3/20/2007
 

Four diverse panelists will go head to head as they debate Michigan's Constitution at the Spring 2007 Griffin Forum at Central Michigan University.

The "Does Michigan Need a New Constitution?" forum will be held at the Park Library Auditorium April 11 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. A reception will be held prior to the forum in the Park Library Baber Room from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

"Nobody seems to realize that only one question, at this point, is certain to appear on Michigan's statewide ballot in the next two election cycles, and that is, 'Should we convene a new Constitutional Convention?' It's about time we start paying attention to it," said Bill Ballenger, CMU's Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government and editor and publisher of "Inside Michigan Politics."

Ballenger will moderate the forum and discussion topics will include: whether Michigan needs a new Constitutional Convention before 2010; our current state constitution and whether it is outdated and has become bogged down with amendments; the length of our state Constitution compared to the U.S. Constitution; whether the Constitution should contain language relating to issues such as affirmative action, gay marriage and abortion; and the ease with which our state Constitution can be amended.

The panelists are:

* John Axe, attorney and chairman of Citizens for Michigan.
* Emily Broderick, CMU graduate and University of Michigan law school student. Broderick is the first female CMU graduate to ever serve as a panelist at a Griffin Forum.
* Tony Derezinski, former state senator (D-Muskegon) and director of government relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards.
* Bob LaBrant, senior vice president for political affairs and general counsel for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

"When it comes to a good cross section of experts with knowledge and opinions on whether we need a new Constitution, this spring's Griffin Forum should be as good as it gets," said Ballenger.

The Griffin Policy Forums are hosted twice yearly by the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government, the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the political science department at CMU. The forums help raise political awareness and participation among students, faculty and community members, along with preparing political leaders for Michigan's future.