Randall K. Jewell
Executive Director
Citizens for Participatory Democracy



NEWS RELEASE: January 4, 1999		 
CONTACT: Randall Jewell,
301-549-1112


Direct Democracy Forum to be Held in Annapolis
								
Maryland residents are invited to an open forum to discuss direct democracy
and the enactment of the Citizen's Participation Amendment in Maryland on
Tuesday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Montgomery Delegation Room (218)
of the Thomas Hunter Lowe Building, 6 Governor Bladen Boulevard, in
Annapolis. The forum is being organized by a private citizen's group, the
Committee for Participatory Democracy (CPD).

Maryland State Delegate Dana Dembrow will summarize the criticisms and
perceived drawbacks of the initiative process, and former Delegate John
Morgan will present the benefits and need. Randall Jewell, Executive
Director of the CPD, will present the Committee's proposed Citizen
Participation Amendment. There will be time for discussion and interaction
with attendees.

"We are unaffiliated with any political party or organization," said Mr.
Jewell, "we just strongly favor this approach to participation in
government. We'd like our fellow Marylanders to join us to work for this
 change in our state. However, both sides will be presented at the forum."

"No one is making a commitment by coming to the meeting," said organizer
Barbara Humes. "But this is a great way to be involved and help shape the
way democracy functions in the future. We believe this process furthers
the ideal of 'government by the people'."

While not in its final version, according to Mr. Jewell, the essence of the
CPD approach is to create a structured petition process, based on the
First Amendment right, whereby residents can petition a law to consideration
in the Statehouse. Laws that are defeated or not acted on in the Assembly
could then be petitioned to a vote by the people in the next general
election. The process is similar to the "indirect initiative" bill introduced
in the House during the 1998 session (see accompanying summary).

According to Mr. Jewell, "this tool of democracy could bring people back
into government in a meaningful way, without usurping the role of the
legislature or negatively affecting representative democracy. Citizens in
twenty-four states have the right of initiative and we want to join them,
albeit with what we think is a more sensible mechanism."

For more information or to confirm attendance, although that is not
required, call 301-549-1112 or send e-mail to: CPD7476@aol.com.

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