The Baldwin County League of Women Voters‚ Annual Luncheon will be held at Westminster Village in the Pete Allen Room at Noon on Saturday, April 28. Each year the League holds open enrollment for new members at this event. If you are old enough to vote, you may become a member. Reservations are necessary to attend, and the luncheon is $16 total, payable at the door. Call Jennie Nelson at 929-2460 or Libby Byars at 990-6047 before April 26.

We are honored to announce our special speakers for this occasion are Dr. Anne Permaloff and Dr. Carl Grafton of Montgomery. Anne Permaloff and Carl Grafton are Professor Emerita and Professor Emeritus, Auburn University Montgomery (AUM) having retired in January 2007 after more than 30 years of service.

Permaloff was named an AUM Distinguished Research Professor (1997-2000) and AUM Alumni Professor (2000-2003). Grafton also served as a Distinguished Research Professor (1995-1998) and spent more than 12 years as director of the Auburn University/Auburn University Montgomery Ph.D. Program in Public Administration and Public Policy.

They are the co-authors of two books on Alabama politics ‘Political Power in Alabama: The More Things Change . . . and Big Mules and Branchheads: James E. Folsom and Political Power in Alabama’ published by the University of Georgia Press. Their journal articles and book chapters (done jointly, singly or with others) number more than 50 and cover a variety of topics including Alabama politics, computer applications in political science, public budgeting, and ideology and policy formulation. Their opinion pieces have appeared in various Alabama newspapers.

Permaloff has served as president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama and president of the League of Women Voters of Montgomery. She was the first public member of the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Permaloff earned her PhD in political science at the University of Minnesota, and Grafton earned his PhD in political science at Purdue University.

Newsltr LWVBC Annual Luncheon WV 4-28 Noon 4-16-07, p. 2.

Their chosen topic is: ‘The Future of Alabama Politics.’ They will answer questions afterwards.

The Annual Membership Meeting precedes the luncheon in the Pete Allen Room starting promptly at 10:30 a.m. Members are reminded to bring the Annual Meeting Agenda and materials with you that were included in last month’s special issue of The Baldwin Voter. Guests arriving early may be seated in the Fireside Lounge; receiving starts at 11:30 A.M.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Single membership is $40 per year, household membership is $60 per year, students may join for $20, and if you want all the benefits of our organization but are not able to participate in our studies and work sessions, we offer a special ‘Guilt-free’ membership for $60. You enjoy the fruits of our labor. Our LWV Education Fund (National) and our LWVAL (State) Education Fund are tax-deductible and support our research and special studies. Learn about us at our web sites: www.lwv.org and www.lwval.org

Submitted by Jeanne Lacey