TO: CVF-NEWS FROM: Kim Alexander, CVF President DATE: June 20, 2000 RE: CVF-NEWS Round-up
Hi Folks,
In this edition of CVF-NEWS:
* Two initiatives are qualified for CA's November ballot
* CVF welcomes new staff and intern
* CVF President to speak at New Haven festival
* Democracy Online Project's testimonies available on the web
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* Two initiatives are qualified for CA's November ballot
So far two initiatives have qualified for the next ballot. One deals with the use of private contractors in public works projects, and the other would send convicted, nonviolent drug offenders to a drug treatment center instead of prison. A third initiative, sponsored by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Tim Draper, would implement a voucher program for California schools and is also in the process of qualifying for the November ballot. A few more measures are still in circulation that are likely to qualify. We may have a relatively lighter ballot this Fall, unless the legislature places a number of bonds and constitutional amendments on the ballot.
You can find links to initiative web sites, the text of measures in circulation, information on proponents, and recent news articles at the Initiative Watch section of CVF's web site, at www.calvoter.org. The Initiative Watch pages are being constantly updated so be sure to check back frequently if you are monitoring the status of an initiative.
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* CVF welcomes new staff and intern
Please join me in welcoming Debbie Rotenberg to our staff! Debbie has been working on our staff on a part-time basis for since last fall, and we are thrilled that she recently accepted our offer to increase her role and responsibilities with CVF. Debbie just graduated last week from UC Davis, and I hope you will all wish her a warm welcome as our new Program Assistant. You can contact Debbie directly at debbie@calvoter.org.
We are also pleased to introduce Todd Rufo, our summer intern. Todd is also a recent UC Davis graduate, and is interning with CVF this summer. He has been a great help on our Initiative Watch project, and a real pleasure to have in our office.
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* CVF President to speak at New Haven Festival
I'm shipping off to the East Coast this week to speak on a panel with author Graeme Browning at the International Festival of Art and Ideas. Graeme and I will be discussing the Internet and democracy from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Yale University's Linsly-Chittenden Hall, 63 High Street, Room 101. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about this unique Connecticut festival, which combines performance art and cutting edge ideas, visit their web site at www.artidea.org.
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* Democracy Online Project's testimonies available on the web
Last month I traveled to Washington D.C. to address the Democracy Online Project's task force, which is exploring "the future of democracy in a dot com world". I was one of about 25 people who testified before the task force in May. Another testimonial session was held in April, and a third session is planned for Austin, Texas on June 28.
The testimonies for all speakers are now available at the Democracy Online Project's web site; video testimony clips are also available now for the April session. These video and textual testimonies are fascinating to watch and read, and are available at www.democracyonline.org. This project is really helping to facilitate a very meaningful dialogue about the critical issues we face as we move forward with the Internet and democracy, and I thank Mike Cornfield and David Anderson at George Washington University for providing the leadership needed to facilitate this important discussion.
That's all the news for now. Have a great week!
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This page was first published on June 20, 2000 | Last updated on June 20, 2000
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