I am pleased to announce two exciting initiatives kicking off this fall. The first is the 40th district’s first annual There Ought to Be a Law essay contest. Now underway, this contest focuses on how laws are developed and asks students (grades 6–12) who live in the district to write an essay about what they believe “ought to be a law.”

Essays will be judged by a diverse panel of community members. In February, one high school student and one middle school student will be selected as the winner. His or her idea will be introduced the following spring as a legislative proposal.

Please visit my Website to learn more about the contest.

The second is the fall segment of my bi-annual community advisory meetings, taking place Tuesdays in late October and the first Tuesday of November. The advisory panels give community members an opportunity to share a dialogue with me about their concerns and solutions for issues facing the state.

The community advisory meetings will take place on the following dates (location, to be announced):
October 20, 2009, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Environment
Economic Development
Transportation

October 27, 2009, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Transparency
Human Services (including housing and seniors)
Crime and Safety

November 3, 2009, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Education
Public Health
Human Rights
As your representative, it is important for me to have your insight so I can best represent your point of view in Springfield. These panel findings help me shape my legislative agenda and plan community outreach events.

Please RSVP to deb@debmell.org (SUBJECT: 2009 Fall CAM) no later than October 15, 2009 to secure your space. I hope you will join me.

I encourage all community members to participate in both of these efforts. Your perspective is essential as I work to address the challenges facing our state.

Sincerely,
Deborah