Local attorney Bob Smart will lead a discussion about the Citizens United decision and campaign finance law in the year's first Needham Lyceum event, to be held at First Parish in Needham at 9:15 am on Sunday, October 14. The discussion will touch on public financing, limits on campaign and other expenditures, broadcast time for candidates, and other alternatives. The event is free and the public is invited.
Smart runs a law practice in Needham, where he has been involved in local politics as a town meeting member and former elected Planning Board member. He has participated in a number of national and state political campaigns, and has had a lifelong interest in politics.
The Needham Town Meeting recently adopted a resolution supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would return to Congress power to regulate so-called “independent expenditures”. This power was taken away by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case. Town Meeting's action was in response to a citizens petition presented by Smart and others.
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First Parish is fully accessible and located just off the town square at 23 Dedham Ave (route 135). Please enter through the Lincoln Street doors and follow signs to the Lyceum. There is ample parking in the town lot off of Lincoln Street. For more information, go to www.uuneedham.org or call the Parish office at 781-444-0823.