Telephone Town Hall Draws Over 4,500 Participants

August 1, 2008

Park Ridge, IL – State Representatives Rosemary Mulligan (R – Des Plaines) and Michael McAuliffe (R – Chicago) hosted a telephone town hall meeting on July 29. More than 4,500 residents participated.

“Even during the busy summer months, thousands of people took the time out to hear about what is going on in state government,” Mulligan said. “Folks are frustrated with the lack of leadership and results. They want answers. I am excited that we were able to use this new way of communicating. The more residents know about what is happening with the state government, the better.”

Rep. Mulligan answered many questions on the failure of the one-party Democratic government in Springfield and she stressed the need to craft a responsible state budget. Both representatives answered questions on a variety of issues including jobs, infrastructure, the weakening Illinois economy and higher education.

Callers from across the 20th and 65th House Districts shared their views and concerns with the representatives and were able to ask questions directly to their elected officials. Some of the questions were very direct, with many residents upset about the direction of state government. Despite any concerns that constituents presented, the overall tone of the conference call was positive, with many expressing excitement over the opportunity to engage their elected representatives.

"The tele-town hall meeting was a great way for us to talk to residents while they are in the comfort of their own homes,” McAuliffe said. “It is important to keep residents informed about what is going on in Springfield with not only the state budget, but also new laws that will directly affect them.”

House Republicans will continue to make constituent contact a priority, and will host these telephone town hall meetings in the future as a useful tool to reach out to residents.