Forums focus on public dialogue

ANNISTON (AP) — The Calhoun County Community Foundation forum set for Tuesday will discuss the area’s economic future as part of a new campaign that embraces “the core principles of democracy,” a spokesman said.

Foundation spokesman Wayne Carmello-Harper said the forum is part of a nationwide effort called the National Issues Forums that encourage not only open debate but also learning more about other views.

“As opposed to opinion polls or sound bytes, people understand the issue better, and the end product is taking ownership and making the hard choices around it,” Carmello-Harper told The Anniston Star.

The forums also allow residents to offer solutions, rather than have elected officials frame the discussion.

“We don’t necessarily want to just talk about the national trends,” he said. “We want to see how residents in Calhoun County are affected and what they want to see happen.”

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