Carl Pierce, interim director of the Baker Center, discussed town hall meetings and applications of Sen. Baker's civility principles to this new feature of political life Wednesday night at the Baker Center.

The discussion began with a video outlining four principles of political civility created by the Baker Center Civility Task Force. The video concluded with the statement that the media has become more of a barrier between the candidates and the voters rather than a bridge connecting them.

"Are town hall meetings something that we should encourage? Do they contribute anything or are they more of a detriment to a good public policy process?" Pierce asked.

One of the audience members said town hall meetings should be encouraged because society is becoming more isolated.

Pierce said effective participation is crucial in town hall meetings and questioned what kind of training the Baker Center might develop for elected officials as to how to conduct town hall meetings or what kind of materials can be developed to help citizens be more effective presenters of their viewpoints.

UT student Natalya Malenko said she came to the event because the issue of incivility needs to be taken care of now.

"It is important for both citizens and politicians to learn how to deal with their emotions during town hall meetings," she said.

Pierce said Sen. Baker believes opponents go for it with respect and conscientiousness of patriotism even though they have not been able to agree and public policy may not have been changed.

Nissa Dahlin-Brown, the associate director of the Baker Center, agreed that Sen. Baker was known for working across party lines when working on difficult legislation.

"At all times he was respectful of other opinions and the need for those with different opinions to be heard," she said. "Only then could intelligent discussion on the issues begin and solutions discovered."