Discussion Group

Welcomes Special Speaker

The public is invited to a special Discussion Salon at Mocha Coffeehouse, Monday evening, January 25, from 7 to 9, when Kim Hynes of Common Cause in Connecticut will speak.

The Discussion Salon is a weekly meeting open to all, where various current topics are debated. The Discussion Salon was initiated by Sandy Hook businessman Ben Roberts a year ago to fill what he felt was an “unmet need to get out and talk about what’s going on in the world.” The Monday forums have been regularly attended by a diverse group of both men and women of all ages. There is no membership, and all are welcome.

Kim Hynes is the senior organizer for Common Cause in Connecticut, a nonprofit, nonpartisan good government advocacy group. She works with volunteers around the state to advocate for an ethical and transparent state government. Prior to joining Common Cause, Ms Hynes served as scheduler for Ned Lamont in his 2006 bid for Senate, and subsequently as organizer for Connecticut Opposes the War.

Currently, Common Cause in Connecticut is working to preserve the Citizens’ Election Program, Connecticut’s system of public finance for state elections. The program has put Connecticut in the national forefront of campaign finance reform, but is currently facing challenges in court over technical issues. Common Cause in Connecticut is working with coalition partners around the state to protect the Citizens’ Election Program.

In addition, during the 2010 legislative session, Common Cause in Connecticut will be advocating for Election Day Registration, which allows residents to register and vote on election day, potentially boosting turn out by ten percent, and advocating for the National Popular Vote, which will reform the electoral college to allow direct election of the President of the United States.

For more information on past discussions, the format of each evening, or contact information, visit consciousfinancialdirections.com.