Legislation Clinic 2006 Conference

The People as Legislators: The Influence of Direct Democracy

March 3, 2006
Ohio Statehouse and Vern Riffe Center
Columbus, Ohio

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Speakers

Elizabeth Garrett, Sydney M. Irmas Professor of Public Interest Law, Legal Ethics, Political Science, and Policy, Planning and Development, and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Southern California, will provide the conference's opening address, "The Promise and Perils of Hybrid Democracy."

In addition, a series of three panels will probe such issues as: When does direct democracy provide a sound mechanism for making public policy, and when does it not? Does direct democracy pose a threat to our legislative institutions, or does it keep our legislatures honest? What reforms to the state processes of direct democracy would strengthen our government?

Other Scheduled Presenters Include:

• Scott Borgemenke, Chief of Staff, Ohio House of Representatives
• Jennie Drage Bowser, Program Principal, Legislative Management Program, National Conference of State Legislatures
• The Honorable Kevin DeWine, Ohio House of Representatives
• Kris W. Kobach, Daniel L. Brenner/UMKC Scholar and Professor of Law, University of Missouri-Kansas City
• Daniel A. Smith, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Florida
• Julie Carr Smyth, Chief Legislative Reporter, (Cleveland) Plain Dealer
• Caroline Tolbert, Associate Professor of Political Science, Kent State University
• Catherine Turcer, Campaign Finance Director, Ohio Citizen Action
• Dana Walch, Former Director of Legislative Affairs (2004-2005), Director of Election Reform (2002-2004), and Director of Elections (1999-2002), Office of the Ohio Secretary of State