Jefferson Educational Society to host U.S. Senate Democratic Candidates’ Forum, Pennsylvania Cable Network to air program live on cable and online
Erie, Pa. (March 29, 2016) – The Jefferson Educational Society, Erie’s think tank for community progress located at 3207 State St., will host Mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania John Fetterman and former U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral Joe Sestak on Thursday, April 7. The event, which will begin at 7 p.m., will also be livestreamed on the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel as well as online at PCN.com.
Fetterman and Sestak are amongst the democratic candidates campaigning to face incumbent Junior U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania Pat Toomey, who is seeking reelection for his seat. Invitations to the event were sent to Fetterman and Sestak, as well as former Chief-of-Staff for PA Governor Tom Wolf, Katie McGinty, who declined to participate in the event, citing a scheduling conflict. The Fetterman-Sestak forum will focus on the candidates’ foreign policy platforms, and is part of The Jefferson Educational Society’s Spring Term 2016 programming.
The event, which is free and open to the public is in advance of Pennsylvania’s Primary Election, scheduled for Tuesday, April 26.
Other Special Programs at The Jefferson include: a cocktail reception, dinner, and lecture by Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Professor of Physics and Technology Dr. Karim Hossain in partnership with Erie Torch Club; an interactive presentation of the Civil Rights Movement; and an examination of the City of Erie’s comprehensive plan, led by planner Peter Lombardi of czbLLC, the urban planning and neighborhood development consulting firm hired by the City to produce the plan.
Continuing its Distinguished Visiting Speakers Series, The Jefferson Educational Society will welcome leading researcher and authority on microplastics in the Great Lakes Watershed, Dr. Sherri A. Mason, to Erie on Thursday, April 14. Mason’s team of researchers conducted the first-ever survey for plastic pollution on the Great Lakes, and will soon release updated research. The Jefferson will also host Dana D. Nelson, Ph.D., the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of English and American Studies and Department Chair at Vanderbilt University on Monday, April 15. The author of four books, including Bad for Democracy: How the Presidency Undermines the Power of the People and Commons Democracy: Reading the Politics of Participation in the Early United States, Dr. Nelson will address the grand expectations the American people have of the U.S. commander-in-chief and what it means for the future of the U.S. presidency. Speaking on climate change and addressing Pennsylvania’s ranking as the third-largest producer of carbon emissions, President and CEO of PennFuture Larry Schweiger will discuss the future of Pennsylvania and its role in a global crisis Wednesday, May 18.
Other lecture topics include: a recounting of the tragic tale of Erie Mayor Tom Flatley, a discussion of the remarkable life of Barbara Jordan, an analysis of Erie’s economy, an exploration of Erie’s marine sanctuary designation, an examination of a proposed connection between Presque Isle and Erie’s east side, a survey of the impact of social class between the Perry-Elliot Battle of Lake Erie controversy, a review of domestic Islamic terrorism, a debate of new nationwide patient safe risks, an assessment of the cultural renaissance of Alexander Hamilton in light of the recent Broadway smash hit, a look at the science between the Star Warsfranchise, and a conversation of evolving Russian and Ukrainian relations. More than one-third of JES Programming is free of charge, and all programs are open to the public.
Those seeking more information, including how to register in advance for events or become a member of The Jefferson Educational Society, should visit www.JESErie.org or call The Jefferson at 814.459.8000.
