For years, our members interested in public policy and constitutional issues have enjoyed weekly lunchtime meetings of the CLSA in downtown Boston. A number of you have said that you, too, want to take part in CLSA, but can't come to lunchtime downtown meetings. So, JALSA is bringing CLSA to you.

In addition to our Downtown CLSA:
Next meeting Friday, October 21, JALSA Office, 18 Tremont Street, Suite 320
Bring your lunch and come to discuss pending local, state, and federal public policy issues.
12:30-1:30 pm.

We will now bring CLSA to the suburbs.
First meeting, Thursday, October 27, First Floor Lounge, 1443 Beacon Street, Brookline
(southwest corner of Beacon and Marion Streets, Brookline)
Discussion of the pending ballot issue on redistricting.
7:00-8:30 pm

Supporters of this proposal are now gathering signatures for a ballot initiative (to be on the 2006 election ballot) which would move legislative redistricting from the Massachusetts legislature to an independent redistricting commission.   Arguing support for the measure will be Pam Wilot, Director of Massachusetts Common Cause.  Common Cause is a non-partisan citizen's organization whose goal is to ensure open, honest, accountable and effective government at the federal, state, and local levels. Common Cause has been the initiator of this ballot issue.  Opposing this proposal will be Joe Wice, who served as counsel to the MA State Senate Redistricting Committee in 2001-2003, MA Joint House and Senate Redistricting Committee 1991-1993, and redistricting counsel to the Democratic National Committee in the 1980s, 1990s, and in 2000.. He is the former staff chair, Redistricting Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures. He is an Adjunct Professor of Law, Touro Law School.

Come and listen to the presentations and be prepared to discuss this issue and advise JALSA as to whether JALSA should support or oppose this ballot initiative.

Light supper provided at 6:30 pm.       Presentation and discussion to begin at 7:00 pm.

CLSA is open to all who care about supporting progressive public policy. Come join our weekly gathering of people from a variety of professions (lawyers, doctors, teachers, accountants, environmentalists, health professionals, non-profit administrators, and others) who share their talents and perspectives with JALSA in helping to plan our "law" and "social justice" responses to today's most pressing issues.

It is helpful if you can RSVP for October 27 so that we order sufficient food.  

office@jalsa.org  or call the JALSA office 617-227-3000.