Constitutional convention debate

Are Michigan’s problems so severe that voters should approve a constitutional convention in November? The issue will be debated at an event sponsored by Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies and Fountain Street Church.

John H. Logie and Robert LaBrant will debate the issue during “Fresh Start: A Constitutional Convention for Michigan?” The event takes place Tuesday, October 12, at 7 p.m. at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. SE, Grand Rapids.

John H. Logie is currently an attorney with Warner, Norcross, and Judd L.L.P. in Grand Rapids, where he has been practicing law since 1969. From 1991-2003, Logie served as the mayor of Grand Rapids. During his tenure, he advocated that the mayor’s position transition from a part-time to full-time position. At Grand Valley State University, Logie helped facilitate the John Logie Fellows Program, giving students the opportunity to apply for paid internships in Grand Rapids city government. Logie has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree from George Washington University and a juris doctor from the University of Michigan Law School.

Robert LaBrant has been on the staff of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce since 1977 as the manager for political action programs. In addition to directing the Michigan Chamber PAC, LaBrant serves as the chamber’s lobbyist on campaign finance, lobby law and redistricting legislation. In 2008, he led the successful effort to block the highly partisan petition drive that would have rewritten Michigan’s Constitution (Reform Michigan Government Now!). LaBrant earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a master’s degree from the American University in Washington, D.C., and a juris doctor, cum laude, from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

For more information, contact the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at (616) 331-2770 or visit www.allpresidents.org.