Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment to Hold Public Meetings

CHICAGO -- The Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment has announced the first of several meetings to obtain public input into its study of the Capital Punishment system in Illinois. The Commission, appointed by Governor Ryan in March of this year, has been charged by the Governor with reviewing the capital punishment system in Illinois. The Commission would like to provide the public with the opportunity to express its views while the Commission's work is still in its investigative phase to insure that as much information as possible is available to the Commission.

This initial public meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2000 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting will be structured to allow as many participants as possible to briefly express their views to the Commission. The meeting will be held in the Assembly Hall Auditorium, Concourse Level, James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago.

Those wishing to present a brief statement at the public hearing must register in advance. In order to accommodate as many members of the public as possible, those making statements are requested to limit comments to between 3 and 5 minutes. The Commission will also accept written statements of position.

Advance registration to present a statement at the public hearing must be completed by Monday, July 31. Registration to present a statement at the session may be completed in any of the following ways:

1. Send an e-mail to the Commission's web site by Monday, July 31. The web site for the Commission on Capital Punishment may be accessed through the internet at http//www.idoc.state.il.us/ccp. It will be helpful for scheduling if you indicate the nature of your comments.

2. Send a letter requesting the opportunity to present a statement to Matt Bettenhausen, Deputy Governor, James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Suite 16-100, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Written requests must be post-marked no later than Friday, July 28. Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number and organizational affiliation, if any.

3. Call Pat Sheerin at 312/814-6317 by Monday, July 31. Request that your name be added to the registration list for the public hearing on August 2. Be prepared to furnish your name, address, phone number, and organizational affiliation, if any.

   During the session, the Commission will accommodate as many speakers as possible. The Commission expects to hold additional public sessions as its work progresses.

   Members of the public wishing to provide the Commission with a written statement of their views should mail their comments to: Matt Bettenhausen, Deputy Governor, James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Suite 16-100, Chicago, Illinois 60601.