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. 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.

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. 

Past Presenters and Information

July 16, 2019 David Hart of the Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey on groundwater and Fish, Crystal, & Mud Lakes. July 16, 2019 Presentation			August 20, 2019 Greg Kaminski of Columbia Counties Recycling & Waste Processing on broad challenges, local roles & some history. Columbia County Recycling & Solid Waste website	September 17, 2019 Jim Welsh of Groundswell Conservancy on protecting special places using Land Trusts and conservation easements.