With a local election for city commissioners in November and a national election just a year away, we ask the following question: How do we evaluate politicians? While the question may first appear to have obvious answers, focusing on a particular form of evaluation can often prove to yield questionable results. Do we focus on character when politicians have proven sufficient in masking their flaws? Or when good people with good intentions can often make terrible policy blunders? To help us wade through these issues we will have four panelists who have both researched this topic or have some practical first-hand experience. But, we are just as interested in hearing from members of the Lawrence community. Please join us for a discussion that promises to raise many questions to consider when it comes time to place your vote!

Panelists:

Matthew Herbert, City Commissioner

Olushola Aromona, Graduate Student in KU's School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Alcides Velasquez, Communication Studies

Abbie Vegter, Graduate Student Political Science