As you know we are a non-partisan, political group that encourages citizen participation in government. We never support or oppose a candidate or political party. We do take stands on issues based on league positions reached through member study and consensus.

Some of you here tonight already hold elected or appointed positions in Fremont. Some of you are candidates for elected office. We are heartened by the level of participation shown by your attendance.

The Brown Act plays a large role as part of our continuing monitoring of government. We stand for open government at all levels so that the public can see their government in action. We encourage all elected bodies to either present their meetings live on local cable channels or to tape and re-broadcast them.

In addition to this forum the League is heavily involved in producing forums for all candidates for elected offices in our tri cities. This year that amounts to 55 candidates in 15 separate forums. If you have not yet responded to our request to participate in one of our forums, please do so as soon as possible. Our voter service chair in charge of organizing them, Ellen Culver, is here tonight. You may speak with her after this forum is adjourned.

In an effort to follow up with campaign finance reform on a local level, we are also sponsoring a consolidated mailer for candidates in Fremont area elections. Half of the 44 candidates have signed up to use this service. These candidates will share all costs while the League provides the organizing and mailing of the material. Inclusion in this mailer is strictly voluntary on the part of each candidate.

Finally, the League offers free web space on smartvoter.org for all candidates. Voters can access their ballot by going to smartvoter.org and typing in their address. It is as simple as that.

In conclusion we want to thank the City of Fremont for supporting this educational forum. If you want to know even more about nuances of the Brown Act we have information about a more expensive and expansive look at it Sponsored by the California First Amendment Coalition to be held at San Jose State in October. Just ask us.