TONIGHT! Government 101: How Local and State Governments Work and How You Can Get Involved

Government 101: How Local and State Governments Work and How You Can Get Involved

Arlington High School, Media Center 7:30-9:00 pm

Do you know the difference between a committee and a commission? How about an ordinance and a law? Understanding how our local and state government work is becoming increasingly important since an educated citizenry is one that can get involved and make a difference. The aim of this evening is to explore the roles of local boards and commissions, municipal government (city council, alderman, open meeting, mayor, town administrator), and the state legislature and executive branch. We will discuss processes to pass local ordinances and budgets, and state laws and ballot initiatives, and talk about how you can get involved. Guest speakers will include local and statewide officials, including Arlington’s Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine and Finance Committee Chair Allan Tosti. Local government is the focus on April 27; State Representative David Rogers will appear with other state government representatives will appear on May 4. Join us to up your knowledge of our government. Panel moderator Robert Gignac was educated in the Lowell Public Schools and at University of Massachusetts at Lowell. He is currently employed as a school business administrator in Cambridge. In 2011, at the age of 21, Gignac was elected as a member of the Lowell School Committee, one of the youngest elected officials in the city’s history. This event is two nights 4/27 and 5/4 $20 at door; be sure to reserve your spot. ArlingtonCommunityEd.org