FIRST AMERICAN TOWN MEETING: A SUCCESS
By all measures, the first Town Meeting sponsored by the American Embassy for Norwegian-based Americans was an impressive success. Over 270 US citizens joined the get-together, which had to be moved from the Embassy to the Bristol Hotel in central Oslo due to strong interest from the American-Norwegian community.
For the more than 270 Oslo-based Americans, it was an evening of networking and renewing country ties. US Ambassador Barry White hosted this First Town Meeting which was designed to orient Americans living in Norway on Embassy activities and the diplomatic support it could provide.
The Embassy was represented by Cherrie Daniels (Head of Political and Economics Section), Colonel Don Keply (Defense Attaché), Eric Carlson (Regional Security Officer, US Department of State), Hester Kerlick (Vice Counsel), and Kelji Turner (discussing the new American Embassy). Rodger Deuerlein (Head of the US Embassy Consular section) served as MC for the event.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP. TAX CHALLENGES. NEW EMBASSY – AND MORE
In the more than an hour of presentations, Embassy personnel and a range of organizations supporting Americans in Norway informed Town Hall attendees on a wide range of issues. Everything from security in Norway and dual citizenship issues, to insurance for permanent residents and the increasing sophistication of the Norwegian view of American politics. And from financing aspects of education abroad and tax-related challenges to drivers license renewal and plans for the building of the new US Embassy.
The formal part of the meeting was followed by a stimulating Q&A session that lasted for nearly 40 minutes. For a more detailed summary of the Town meeting, read the Town_Hall_Meeting_Minutes_12/05/2010.
DEMOCRATS ABROAD WAS THERE
“The event was also an opportunity for those of us at Democrats Abroad to let people know about our activities to get out the vote,” said Lisa Cooper, Chairperson for Democrats Abroad in Norway (DAN) and one of the members of the panel of American organizations that supported the Embassy at the Town Meeting.
“We also talked about our other activities to help connect Americans here – and keep them up-to-date on political issues where they can have some impact,” she added.
Other organizations represented were Chrys Hellum, President of the American Coordinating Council of Norway (ACCN); Jason Turflinger, Managing Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Norway (AmCham); Sarah Øverland, President of the American Womens’ Club (AWC); and Ken Burton, Chairperson for Republicans Abroad Norway (RAN).