Steven Hill, Director of the Political Reform Program at the New America Foundation, will speak at 7 p.m. April 24 at the Durham Community Church, 17 Main Street, on the topic, “Ten Steps to Repair American Democracy: A Citizens’ Owner’s Manual.” The lecture is free and open to the public.

Mr. Hill, who has lectured widely in the United States and Europe and whose articles appear frequently in newspapers around the country, is the author of two books, Ten Steps to Repair American Democracy and Fixing Elections: The Failure of America’s Winner Take All Politics. He is also the co-author of Whose Vote Counts. He was formerly senior analyst for the Center for Voting and Democracy. Most recently, in a Washington Post article on the eve of the “Super Tuesday” primaries, he criticized the presidential nomination processes of both major parties.

The title for his April lecture is based on that of his most recent book, in which he calls for national election standards, an overhaul of voting equipment, non-partisan voting officials, and an election day holiday, among other reforms. Mr. Hill will be the second speaker in the Seacoast Memorial Fund Lecture Series sponsored by the Active Retirement Association (ARA). The book formed the basis of an A.R.A. discussion group program in the fall of 2007.

The New America Foundation is a Washington-based non-profit think tank aimed at finding political solutions transcending conventional party lines. It seeks to identify the best opportunities for political reform, educate the public about electoral alternatives, and encourage the formation of a broad-based coalition for reform. Its directors and fellows encompass a broad range of political persuasions and its scholars specialize in many different areas of public policy and methodologies.

Mr. Hill will answer questions following the lecture. Copies of his books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Sponsored by the Active Retirement Association's Seacoast Memorial Lecture Series. For more information contact Judy Gardner at . For directions to the Durham Community Church, see http://www.durhamcommunitychurch.org/id2.html.

For more information on Steven Hill, his most recent book, the ARA, and this event, go to:
www.newamerica.net/people/steven_hill
www.newamerica.net/publications/books/10_steps_to_repair_american_democracy
www.unh.edu/ara