OFA holds N. Chas.forum

The Felix Pinckney Community Center in North Charleston was filled with the lively rhetoric of impromptu speeches Tuesday night as Organizing For America opened the floor for public input.

Anton Gunn, state director of OFA, which is gathering input on behalf of the Obama administration, helped organize the night to hear from Charleston area residents. More than a hundred showed up.

"We don't pretend that we have all the answers," Gunn said. "The goal for this session is to go over these questions and for us to find the answers with you."

Most people talked about the Obama campaign and suggested logistical measures to be taken by the Democratic Party in upcoming election seasons. From improved electronic and phone contact lists to further campaigning in barbershops, nearly every speaker had an idea to advance Democratic efforts.

Local resident Paul Hedden said a weak education system was hurting the state's industry and employment rates. "What we need in this state is a change in attitude in the General Assembly and in the executive office," Hedden said. "We've got to stop attracting industry by lowering taxes."

Peter Kfoury, chairman of the Charleston Healthcare Reform Committee, voiced concern that Democrats were actively combating Obama's intended medical system reforms.

"I for one am extremely disappointed with the Democrats that are in the House and in the Senate," Kfoury said. "They're actually battling the president and what he wants to do."