1957

The first Tuesday in November is Election Day. Year after year fewer than half of us go to the polls. The turnout is often especially low in a non-presidential election year such as 2006.

Arizona has a new creative approach called Voter Reward, which is well worth watching and evaluating. The proposal on its November ballot will, if approved, award $1 million in every general election to one lucky resident chosen by lottery from those who vote (no matter for whom). While the idea originated with a political gadfly named Mark Osterloh, two of the driving forces have been Herb Roskind and his wife, Laura. The whole idea is to increase voter turnout.

Herb and Laura hosted a '57 mini-reunion in June at their beautiful waterfront home in Marthas Vineyard. A dozen of us enjoyed bird watching, walking the beach and a traditional New England clambake. There was time for good fellowship and what we do so well—good discussion. Herb held forth on the Arizona Voter Re- ward initiative. Herb tells a story that is indicative. During airline travel he met a well-spoken, professional couple from Arizona. After ranging over several topics he asked them when they last voted and they said, "Oh, we never have." So Herb asked them if they would be more inclined to vote if it put them in the running for a $1 million lottery. They said they would.Arecentpoll agrees: 62 percent more inclined, 38 percent not more inclined. Is this controversial? Of course. Are the right people coming out to vote? Are they voting for the right reason? As Sherlock Holmes once said, "These are murky waters." Keep your eye on Arizona on Election Day.

News councils are independent nonprofits whose mission is to promote fair, vigorous and trusted journalism. Gary Gilson directs one in Minnesota. Others are in Hawaii and Washington state, and now a Knight Foundation grant will create councils in Southern California and New England. Councils conduct a public hearing on an unresolved complaint from a person who was named in a news story and who waives the right to sue in order to seek vindication. Twelve journalists and 12 non-journalists listen to the two parties and then vote to uphold or deny the complaint. Half the complaints heard since 1971 have been upheld, half denied. The outcome is widely reported in the news media and tends to raise standards of fairness. Avery worthwhile enterprise.

We are going to have a glorious 50th reunion next June. You will see people whom you have forgotten. It will take you five minutes before you again become friends.

Last call to send in a story about yourself or anything you wish to share (plus a photo) to be included in the 50th reunion yearbook. Send to Tom Schwarz, 315 East 68th St., #2K, New York, NY 10021-5692 or toms@schwarzexecutivesearch.com.

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