The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to host monthly Issues & Ideas Luncheons in Lansing. These luncheons, which feature experts on a diverse array of subjects, offer a forum that enhances and broadens the policy debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals—and suggestions for achieving them.

Legislative staff, policy specialists, and other interested friends are cordially invited to our

OCTOBER ISSUES & IDEAS LUNCHEON

“Pre-Election Prognostications”

DATE:	Tuesday, October 26, 2004
TIME:	12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	The Mackinac Room, 5th Floor House Office Building 124 North Capitol, Lansing
COST:	Lunch is provided at no charge, with reservation.

For those involved in Michigan’s political scene, Bill Ballenger is truly a man who needs no introduction. He has been dubbed by The Detroit News as “Michigan’s undisputed Crown Prince of Pundits.”

Born in Flint, Mich., Bill Ballenger is a former state representative, state senator, state racing commissioner, and director of the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulation. Mr. Ballenger also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education & Welfare in the administration of President Gerald R. Ford.

He holds a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Princeton University and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. As a visiting adjunct professor, he has taught at the University of Michigan/Flint; in both Lyman Briggs and Justin Morrill Colleges at Michigan State University; and in the Public Administration Program at Western Michigan University.

Ballenger will be providing his assessment of the Michigan and national political landscapes one week prior to election day. Please make plans to join us.

The luncheon begins promptly at 12:00 noon. Please make reservations for yourself and any guests by 5 PM on October 22, 2004, by calling the Mackinac Center at (989) 631-0900 or send your e-mail to: rsvp@mackinac.org.

The Purpose of the Issues & Ideas Luncheon
The nature of the legislative process is such that public policy debates are often framed by specific constituencies and political pragmatism rather than sound principles. By offering a forum for wide-ranging discussion, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy hopes to broaden the debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals—and how to achieve them. The best interests of Michigan citizens can only be served when legislation incorporates our best understanding of legal, economic, psychological, moral and scientific principles.