On August 31, 2021, Brian Beihl, Deputy Director of Open Democracy, attended the Grand Monadnock Rotary club meeting to discuss how business & civic leaders can play a role in a vital democracy without being partisan, and at the same time encourage younger workers to stay, keep employees engaged at work but also engaged in the community, and make sure our election system works for everyone.
A poster for 'A Healthy Democracy is Good Business' states, "When everyone can participate in our electoral process, and they are properly and fairly represented, our government and economy work better for all." Civic and business leaders play a critical role in helping to defend our freedoms, and by doing so, can help keep our democracy and economy strong.
The nonpartisan Open Democracy, founded by Dublin's Doris "Granny D" Haddock, advocates for "an equal voice for all," whether that is equalizing the voice of the voter with that of special interests, making sure voting districts are created with a fair, nonpartisan & transparent process, or by making sure that everyone has the freedom to vote.
Brian also leads the six Open Democracy Teams around the state as they engage with local, state and federal governments on democracy issues. He recently moved to Alton Bay, NH, but was a 35-year resident of Antrim, where he was a business and community leader for many years, and citizen of the year in 2013. He also was a Scoutmaster, chair of the Mt Monadnock District of Scouts BSA, and served on the Daniel Webster Council, among many community roles.