CANTON, OHIO (September 24, 2008) - On Wednesday, October 8, the Canton Forum Luncheon Series will present "Their Message, Your Vote: Three Political Perspectives." This first installment of the Canton Forum 2008-2009 series will feature three area top political experts' diverse look at our nation's politics as this November's election approaches. Gayle Beck, editorial page editor for The Repository, will facilitate as Dr. Stephen C. Brooks, Dr. Peter W. Schramm and Dr. William E. Cunion discuss their respective insights on the political climate and our key issues.
The luncheon is open to the public and will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Canton McKinley Grand Hotel. Lunch is included for the price of $20. Tickets are required to attend the event and registrations must be received by Thursday, October 2.
Season passes are available at a cost of $80 each (four programs per season) and can be purchased online at www.cantonchamber.org or by calling the Chamber at (330) 458-2070.
Since 1995, Canton Forum, sponsored by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Repository, has presented a wide array of distinguished speakers to the Canton community on topics relating to health, education, sports, business, public affairs and the arts. Not only have live Forum audiences enjoyed these presentations, but they have also been seen by thousands throughout Stark County thanks to re-broadcasts of the program on Time Warner Cable Channel 23 and PBS 45/49 (and in streaming video format at www.pbs4549.org).
About the Speakers
Dr. Stephen C. Brooks is the associate director of The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics and associate professor of Political Science at The University of Akron. Dr. Brooks teaches courses on Political Communication, Lobbying and Public Policy and his specific area of expertise is the media's influence on elections and policymaking. Recently, he has explored communication techniques in local elections and the role of new media in politics.
Dr. Peter W. Schramm is the executive director of the John M. Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs and a professor of Political Science at Ashland University. He previously served in the Reagan administration as the director of the Center for International Education in the U.S. Department of Education. He has edited, co-edited and contributed to a number of books, and he writes a regular column for On Principle as well as op-ed columns for The Columbus Dispatch, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and other papers in Ohio.
Dr. William Cunion is the Chair of the Political Science Dept at Mount Union College, where he teaches a variety of courses in American Government. His primary research interest involves the relationship between presidents and the public, and he has written several journal articles and book chapters on the subject, including pieces that focus specifically on Presidents Truman, Kennedy, and Clinton. In addition, he comments often in the local media, in particular on Canton's WHBC and in The Repository.
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