Election '08

Congressional Town Halls

AGENDA

The agenda below was used for the Las Cruces and Albuquerque events. The Rio Rancho town hall was shorter, running from 2:30-8 pm.

Time Activity
1:00 p.m. Registration
1:15 p.m.

Welcome: New Mexico First Board Member

 

Town Hall Overview: Heather Balas, New Mexico First President

  • Event goals
  • Agenda preview
  • Event ground rules
1:35 p.m.

Big Issues

Full Group: Identify the four biggest issue topics to voters in your congressional district.

Facilitator: Heather Balas

2:00 p.m. Move to small group break-out rooms.
2:10 p.m.

Small Group Discussion: Topics 1 and 2

  • Welcome, small group ground rules and introductions

Topic 1:

  • What is one thing about topic 1-- in NM and the nation-- that concerns you?
  • What is one thing about topic 1 that you think is going well and should not be changed?
  • What specific questions about topic 1 would you like to have your candidates for Congress answer?

Topic 2

  • Repeat sequence from above.
3:15 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m.

Small Group Discussion: Topics 3 and 4

Topic 3:

  • Repeat sequence from above.

Topic 4:

  • Repeat sequence from above.
4:15 p.m.

Small Group Discussion: Open Topic

  • What is one thing we haven't already addressed that concerns you?
  • What specific questions would you like th ecandidates to answer about these issues?

Select Spokespeople

  • Each group selects up to four people to ask questions of the candidates during the televised forum.  The group should attempt to select a diversitifed mix of people in terms of politics, age, race, gender, etc.
5:00 p.m.

Full Group Discussion

  • Review all questions to ensure they adhere to the criteria.
  • Prioritize one top question in each category (time permitting).
5:30 p.m. Town Hall group dinner.
6:15 p.m. Leave for studio.
6:30 p.m. Arrive at studio and be seated.
6:45 p.m. Audience ground rules and acknowledgment of sponsors.
7:00 p.m. Live televised forum begins and airs on PBS. NM newsman Mark Bentley moderates.
8:00 p.m. Forum concludes.