Let’s talk about ... West Point is launching a six part series of lectures/presentations on topics affecting local government. Taking a cue from Frances Moore Lappe we are providing an opportunity for town residents to practice one of the arts of democracy, Public Dialogue. At each Tuesday event, a speaker will talk about a subject, we’ll have a chance to ask questions, then we’ll break for a light snack and beverages and a chance to talk and listen.

July 16, 2019 @ 6:30pm David Hart of the Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey on groundwater and Fish, Crystal & Mud Lakes

August 20, 2019 @ 6:30pm Greg Kaminski of Columbia Counties Recycling & Waste Processing on broad challenges, local roles & some history!.

September 17, 2019 @ 6:30pm Jim Welsh of Groundswell Conservancy on protecting special places using Land Trusts and conservation easements.

Other than voting and the formal work of the town board and its committees and commissions, what opportunities do we have to participate in local governance?  There are issues that we face right here in West Point that need extended dialogue and conversation. 

Given our limited resources coupled with unfunded mandates how do we make the best informed decisions?  How do you know that decisions the town board makes are the best ones that can be made at the time? 

Eric Fromm suggests that a primary tool for decision-making is to put ideas in contact with people.   Welcome to Tuesday Talks.  Let’s get together and talk about some of the ideas that impact us today.  Let’s learn about issues and talk about them.  One of the practices of democratic governance is public dialogue.  Francis Moore Lappé identifies it as an art.  Like all artistic methods, to get good at it, we need to practice. 

Each Tuesday Talk will start at 6:30.  We’ll meet in the main room of the Town Hall, N2114 Rausch Road, Lodi.  Each Speaker/Presenter will have 30 – 45 minutes which will be followed by up to 30 minutes of questions.  Afterwards, stick around for home-baked treats and beverages.  If you want to bring something to share, let Taffy know at 608-592-7059.

David J Hart of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey will start it off talking about groundwater and Crystal, Fish and Mud Lakes on Tuesday July 16 beginning at 6:30pm.

We’ll have additional opportunity for public dialogue on August 20, October 15, and November 19 this year and we’ll finish our series in the winter meeting on January 21, 2020 and again February 18, 2020.  We’ll post the next speaker and topic on July 16!