U.S. Representative Tom Allen will hold a public forum on Iraq from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 17th, in the auditorium of Portland High School. The forum will begin with brief remarks by Representative Allen and Frederick D. (Rick) Barton, Senior Adviser for the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a non-profit, bipartisan research institution “dedicated to providing world leaders with strategic insights on – and policy solutions to – current and emerging global issues.”

“Wherever I visit around Maine people want to discuss the situation in Iraq,” Representative Allen said. “I have also received many thoughtful letters and e-mails about America’s commitment to Iraq and the safety and support of our troops. This forum will provide an opportunity for citizens to express their views and share their perspectives on the direction we could take in the future.”

Portland High School is located at 284 Cumberland Avenue, between Elm and Chestnut streets, in downtown Portland. Parking is available for a fee in the Public Market Garage, less than a block from the high school. Because of the Sunday date, on-street parking should also be available in the area. More information about the forum, including directions to Portland High School, is available by calling Representative Allen’s office in Portland (774-5019 or toll free from anywhere in Maine at 1-888-862-6500).