planned Tuesday night

By MICHELLE WILSON

Staff Writer

Published Sept. 26, 1999

The Troy chapter of the American Association of University Women will sponsor a Lottery Forum Tuesday at the Pike County Courthouse.

The event, which is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m., will include discussion by a neutral moderator, a lottery supporter and an anti-lottery speaker.

Gov. Don Siegelman’s proposed Alabama Lottery would fund college scholarships, pre-kindergarten programs and technology in schools. A referendum that would provide for the lottery will be on the ballot statewide Oct. 12.

"The goal of this forum is to inform and educate the public about issues surrounding the lottery," said Paula Copeland, AAUW publicity chairwoman. "Everyone gains when people vote in a knowledgeable way.

"Whatever voters decide about the lottery will impact each person in the state in a profound manner because it involves education."

Nancy Werley, a former state president of AAUW, will be the moderator. Josh Hayes, a spokesman from Gov. Siegelman’s office, and Bill Jones, a representative of Alabama Family Alliance, will discuss the lottery.

AAUW members hope the forum will clearly understand the pros and cons of the lottery issue, enabling voters to make well-informed decisions, Copeland said.

The Troy forum is one of many public meeting chapters of the American Association of University Women are sponsoring this month across the state, she said. The organization is neutral on the issue.

Historically, AAUW supports women’s rights and education, Copeland said. It also encourages women to seek political office so they can have a stronger voice in government.

All of the group’s members are college-educated women.