Updated: July 13, 2004

Government Leaders Coming to Cal State Fullerton for Summer Series

In a first for the organization, Continuing Learning Experience (CLE) is co-sponsoring a lecture series with the university’s Political Science Department. Open to the public, the “Summer 2004 Political Series,” beginning June 10, will bring government leaders to campus to present issues facing the governments of surrounding cities, Orange County, California and the nation.

All sessions will be held from 10 a.m.-noon in Mackey Auditorium in the Ruby Gerontology Center.

In an introduction to the series, former Massachusetts governor and 1988 presidential candidate Michael Dukakis spoke to an overflow audience of political science students, plus members of CLE, the faculty and general public earlier this year.

“Governor Dukakis was a big hit,” said Dave Musante, CLE vice president of external relations and former mayor of Northampton, Mass. He had campaigned for Dukakis in New Hampshire and Iowa. “The questions from the students were especially great in that they were to the point and tough. He is still very sharp and quick on his feet and had a great message on health care, transportation, education and advice to the students to get involved in the political process.”

On June 10, Sandra Sutphen, professor of political science, moderated the first session, “Issues Confronting Local Government in Orange County,” featuring Fullerton City Council members Don Bankhead (B.A. criminal justice ’75, M.P.A. public administration ’77), Leland Wilson and F. Richard Jones; Placentia City Council members Chris Lowe (B.A. political science ’96) and Judy Dickinson; Brea City Councilman Roy Moore; and Orange council member JoAnne Coontz.

Alan L. Saltzstein, chair and professor of political science, and Musante will host a panel discussion with area city managers June 25 on local governments in Orange County.

“Aging and Education Issues Facing Our State” is the topic for the July 9 session with state Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher (R-Brea). Chris Norby, Orange County supervisor and former Fullerton City Council member, will speak July 22 on “Orange County Government Issues.”

Rounding out the series Aug. 5 will be U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove), who will address “Federal Domestic and Foreign Policy Issues.”

CLE is a self-governing university support group of approximately 750 retired and semiretired individuals dedicated to the pursuit of lifelong learning. Additional information is available from CLE at 657-278-2446.