QUINN TEAMS UP WITH TECHNOLOGY TO HEAR ILLINOIS' RESIDENTS FAR AND WIDE

AURORA, IL - Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn held a "Cyber Town Hall Meeting" today on Illinois' energy policy at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) in Aurora.

During the "Cyber Town Hall Meeting," Quinn held an open discussion regarding Illinois' existing energy infrastructure with IMSA students and engaged in a question and answer session.  Illinois residents - far and wide - could participate online via the Internet.

"IMSA students have built a reputation as hard working, talented students with resourceful ideas to share," Quinn said. "I valued hearing their ideas and opinions on revamping Illinois' energy infrastructure."

The innovative cyber meeting focused on analyzing that state's existing energy infrastructure; examining Illinois nuclear power plant safety; exploring ways to relieve pressure on the grid by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy; and seeking ways to prevent blackouts, such as the catastrophic power outage that hit the East Coast earlier this year.

"This town hall meeting allowed me to respond to the questions and concerns from those in the most remote and distant regions of Illinois." Quinn stated. "Our use of technology broke down communication barriers and brought  the vast state of Illinois together to discuss an issue that involves all of us."

All Illinois citizens across the state were welcomed to participate from their own computer by logging on to www.BlackoutSolutions.org in order to "attend" the meeting.  Quinn received their questions via America Online (AOL) Instant Messenger to username "ltgovquinn." 

Participants needed Real Player and AOL Instant Messenger installed on their computer - both of which could be downloaded immediately and at no cost

            Quinn serves as Chairman of the "Special Task Force on the Condition and Future of the Illinois Energy Infrastructure."

IMSA is an internationally recognized pioneering educational institution created by the state to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology.