McLeod for Tomorrow sets third forum

McLeod for Tomorrow's third forum for elected and appointed officials from throughout McLeod County will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 29, in the commissioner’s boardroom, in the lower level of the McLeod County Courthouse, 830 11th St. E., Glencoe.

Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

McLeod for Tomorrow is a group of citizen leaders who have been meeting regularly to discuss ways to develop a greater awareness of the "countywide community."

The forum will provide an update on the legislative session followed by a discussion of two issues identified as top countywide priorities at previous forums.

Topics and panel members include:

· Highlights (and lowlights) of the 2007-2008 legislative session, by District 18 Sen. Steve Dille and District 18A Rep. Ron Shimanski.

· The Complexity of K-12 Funding — Why Do Schools Keep Asking Taxpayers for More? Speakers will include Chris Sonju, superintendent at Glencoe-Silver Lake Schools, and Daron VanderHeiden, superintendent Hutchinson School District 423.

· Creating a Countywide Economic Development Authority — Would It Really Benefit Everyone? Speakers include Suzanne Hedtke, Meeker County EDA; Miles Seppelt, Hutchinson EDA; Dan Ehrke, Chamber of Commerce Glencoe; Kerry Venier, Silver Lake clerk and treasurer; Brent Mareck, Winsted city administrator; and Bill Schaeve, McLeod County Township Association.

For more information, call program coordinator Mary Jo Wiesele at (320)864-1320, or e-mail her at maryjo.wieseler@co.mcleod.mn.us.