Public Agenda - Anti-war vets speak

Veterans for Peace and the Georgia Tech Chapter of Amnesty International are holding a forum Fri., Nov. 18, to give voice to Iraq veterans who have turned against the war. Speakers include Michael Hoffman, who cofounded the veterans’ anti-war movement; Camilo Mejia, a veteran turned conscientious objector who was imprisoned for refusing to return to combat; and Evelyn Allen, a Georgian whose son was killed a year ago in Iraq. Other veterans who no longer support the war will be in attendance as panelists. After an introduction and brief speech by each panelist, there will be a question-and-answer session for the public.

The event will be at 8 p.m. at the Georgia Tech Stamps Student Center, 350 Ferst Drive. For more info, call 770-855-6163 or e-mail dclark@anitwar.com.

· Atlanta City Council Atlanta City Council discusses regular business, city planning and other issues affecting Atlanta and the metro area. Third Monday of every month, 1 p.m. Council Chambers at Atlanta City Hall, 68 Mitchell St. www.atlantaga.gov. 404-330-6030.

· Atlanta Urban Design Commission The commission works to protect buildings and areas of Atlanta that have historic value. The public is encouraged to attend and voice opinions. Second Wednesday of every month, 4 p.m.; fourth Wednesday of every month, 4 p.m. Council Chambers at Atlanta City Hall, 68 Mitchell St. www.atlantaga.gov. 404-330-6200.

· Castleberry Hill Neighbors The general meeting of the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association is open to all residents. Third Monday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Granite Room, 211 Peters St. www.castleberryhill.org. 404-228-2078.

· College Park City Council Residents are encouraged to discuss matters pertaining to College Park. Third Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m.; first Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m. City Hall, 3667 Main St., College Park. www.collegeparkga.com. 404 -669-3754.

· Decatur City Council The Council meets twice every month to discuss local government issues and address community endeavors and concerns. Third Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m.; first Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m. Temporary City Hall, 233 E. Trinity Place, Decatur. www.decaturga.com. 404-371-8386.

· DeKalb Commissioners Come in person to the commission meeting, or watch the live broadcast on Channel 23, which is replayed throughout the week. Second Tuesday of every month, 9 a.m.; fourth Tuesday of every month, 9 a.m. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. www.co.dekalb.ga.us. 404-371-2082.

· southwest fulton residents Fulton County Commissioner William Edwards will hold a quarterly community listening session. His district includes south and southwest Fulton County. Thurs., Nov. 17, 7 p.m. South Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park. 404-730-8230.

· Drinking Liberally Democrats get together to discuss politics and whatever else comes up after a few drinks. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Thinking Man Tavern, 537 W. Howard Ave., Decatur. www.drinkingliberally.org. 404-370-1717.

· East Point City Council Local government, upcoming community endeavors, and city planning will be discussed. Third Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m.; first Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 2777 East Point St., East Point. www.eastpointcity.org. 404-765-1000.

· georgians for democracy This is an opportunity to discuss progressive issues and activities and socialize with politically interested people in metro Atlanta. Third Monday of every month, 7-8:30 p.m. Park Tavern, 500 10th St. www.georgiafordemocracy.org. 404-249-0001.

· Neighborhood Planning Unit The city’s Neighborhood Planning Units are citizen-run councils which advise the mayor and Atlanta City Council. Each NPU meets on a monthly basis to solicit community concerns. Membership is open to anyone 18 years or older whose primary residence is within the NPU, or any business within the NPU. Dates and times vary. To find out which NPU you belong to and when it meets, visit www.atlantaga.gov. 404-330-6899.

· Young Dems The Young Democrats of Atlanta meet monthly to socialize talk politics, and figure out ways to get young people involved in campaigns. First Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave. 404-525-3447.

· Young Republicans The Buckhead Young Republicans hold socials on a monthly basis. Drinks, political discussion, and networking are all on the menu, as well as free appetizers. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8 p.m. Location varies monthly. www.buckheadyr.org. 770-265-5268.

· CL events:

· Political Party Join CL Editor Ken Edelstein and a panel of local politicos and players at the next Political Party on Wed., Dec. 14. The event, which is open to the public and encourages discussion of issues facing metro Atlanta, is held the second Wednesday of every month, 7:30 p.m., at Dad’s Garage Theater, 280 Elizabeth St. atlanta.creativeloafing.com/politicalparty.

· Air Loaf Hear CL’s writers and critics discuss their stories on Air Loaf at 1690 AM Air Atlanta. Discussions of various stories are aired just after the news on weekdays at 7 a.m., noon, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. A two-hour show, on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon, features local topics and well-known guests.

· Sugg’s News Hour Find out the news behind the news on CL Senior Editor John Sugg’s “Progressive News Hour” every Thursday at noon on WRFG 89.3.

· Want to publicize a political or civic event? E-mail publicagenda@creativeloafing.com.