Does money influence the political process? Few Americans would answer “No!” Those who invest in candidates, lobbying, or marketing that influences public opinion would surely not argue their investment has no effect.
For the rest of us, it is sometimes difficult to see exactly how much is being spent on political influence, who is spending the money, and what the impact on democracy and critical political decisions really is.
A local forum “Dirty Energy and Dirty Money,” organized by Common Cause (Oregon) to be held on June 23rd at the Rogue Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (87 Fourth St, Ashland) from 7:00 to 8:30 pm will explore these issues. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 pm
The forum offers research, perspectives, and analysis on how money has compromised efforts to fight climate change in Oregon. Specifically, we will detail how the fossil fuels industry and its allies tried to derail a major environmental bill in the Oregon legislature.
The panel of experts will be Daniel Lewkow, Political Director of Common Cause Oregon; David Hyde, Move to Amend (Southern Oregon), Lee Lull, Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, and Representative Peter Buckley, House District 5. The forum will be moderated by Jeff Golden, host of Immense Possibilities (SOPTV)
