Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Fairfield chamber plans legislative forums for February, April
FAIRFIELD – The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for another season of legislative forums.
The chamber will put on two forums this year, one on Saturday, Feb. 17 and another on Saturday, April 20. Both forums will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center.
Just like last year, the forum will feature the three Iowa legislators who represent Jefferson County, and those are:
• Iowa State Senator Adrian Dickey of Senate District 44
• Iowa House Representative Jeff Shipley of District 87
• Iowa House Representative Helena Hayes of District 88
Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mendy McAdams said the chamber opted to go with two forums this year instead of four to accommodate the legislators’ busy schedule.
“Every town does these [forums],” McAdams said. “Many of our legislators run their own business, so we really want to tell them how much we appreciate their time. We think we’ll have better turnout, too, if we only have two forums.”
McAdams said that when the chamber used to hold four forums during the legislative session, it was difficult to get all three legislators to attend because of conflicts in their schedule. McAdams said the chamber also looked into moving the time of the forums so they’re not so early on a Saturday, but she found that no other time worked better.
“Their schedules are just packed,” McAdams said of the legislators.
McAdams stated in a news release that the legislative forums will have the following features:
1. Legislative Update: Elected officials will share insights on key legislative issues happening at the capital, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to understand their positions and priorities.
2. Audience Participation: Attendees will have the chance to directly engage with panelists through a Q&A session, allowing for real-time interaction and the exchange of ideas.
3. Networking Opportunities: The forum will offer valuable networking opportunities, bringing together diverse stakeholders to build relationships and strengthen community connections.
McAdams added that, just as it has sought to do in recent years, the chamber wants to steer the discussion toward topics the legislators are working on. This means that questions from the audience should be about those topics. The topics will be announced in the chamber’s weekly newsletter called Chamber Chatter, which goes out every Monday morning. Residents can sign up for it by going to www.fairfieldiowa.com.
Residents who attend the forums are treated to free donuts and coffee courtesy of the forums’ sponsors. McAdams said the event would not be possible without the sponsors, who also provide the opportunity for high school students to attend and learn about the political process.
Sponsors this year are: Morrissey Law Office, Fairfield Community School District, Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, Jefferson County Farmers and Neighbors (JFAN), and Sierra Club.
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
