In episode 16 of George Washington Slept Here, host Jason Raia sits down with Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of Committee of Seventy. We delve deep into the heart of American democracy and civic participation as we explore topics like open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and the complex art of drawing electoral maps. With Lauren's wealth of knowledge and experience, we uncover the true significance of civic engagement, responsible governance, and the transformative power of respectful dialogue.

Quotes

"Our mission is to ensure efficient and effective representation within our democracy, empowering citizens to hold their government accountable." –Lauren Cristella

"I strongly believe in the importance of a thriving opposition party. It is in the presence of such a party that the government operates at its best." – Lauren Cristella

Featured in this Episode

Lauren Cristella
President & CEO at the Committee of 70
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencristella/

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction
09:29 - Empowering Citizens in Every Election
10:59 - Sourcing Candidates: A Historical Perspective
11:28 - Educated Voters and Unchanged Party Control
12:25 - Committee of 70: Power in City Politics
15:57 - Committee of 70: Better Government, Fair Elections
21:32 - Understanding the Power of Your Vote
22:44 - Local Government and Citizen Responsibility
23:52 - The Role of a Free and Fair Press in Democracy
25:34 - Researching Candidates and Bar Associations' Endorsements
35:23 - Ranked Choice Voting Eliminates Runoffs
39:56 - Local Experiments Shape Election Policies
43:36 - Geographic Boundaries and Political Districts in Pennsylvania
50:31 - Equipping Teachers for Controversial Discussions
52:35 - Ironic Compromises in Our Country's Founding
55:01 - Creating Safe Conditions for Vulnerable Dialogue
58:52 - Conclusion

Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com