CSNA Member Meeting Tue. Oct. 28 to Feature Debate on Con-Con

Is an Illinois constitutional convention an historic opportunity or something to fear? Arguments for and against a "Con-Con," a binding referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot, will highlight the Central Street Neighbors Association membership meeting on Tue. evening, Oct. 28, at the Top of the Tracks cafe, atop the Central Street Metra station, 1826 Central St.

We only get an opportunity once every 20 years to vote on this, and if you've been watching, you know that the way the ballot has been worded has been the subject of controversy and lawsuits. Some newspapers, groups, and elected officials (The Chicago Tribune, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, Cook County Commr. Larry Suffredin, the Better Government Ass'n) favor a "con-con." Some (The Evanston Review, former Gov. Edgar, Rep. Julie Hamos, the LWV) oppose it. Come to this meeting and get your questions answered.

Dr. Lora Chamberlain of the Illinois Ballot Integrity Project will present reasons why Illinoisans should vote "yes" to hold a constitutional convention. Dr. Chamberlain, an Evanston resident, is a board-certified family practice physician who had her own progressive radio show, "The American Activist", in Oregon, and has worked in several states for cleaner politics.

Lynda Ancell of the Evanston chapter of the League of Women Voters will present reasons to vote "no" on the ballot question. Ms. Ancell formerly worked in the mortgage industry and has been for a number of years a well-known member of the local financial community with First Bank and Trust of Evanston.

Following presentations by each speaker, the audience will have opportunity for questions.

We will also try to have an update on the status of the numerous potential developments in the Central Street Neighborhood, as well as a presentation on the revised Downtown Plan.

Doors will open at 6:45 for informal socializing and refreshments. The program will begin at 7:30. The meeting is open to the public. The station is wheelchair accessible via the ramp on Poplar, plenty of parking is usually available at that hour, and the 201 bus stops right there.