Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment to Hold Third Public Meeting

CHICAGO -- The Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment has announced the second 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. Public hearings were previously held August 2 and September 6 in Chicago at the James R. Thompson Center.

This public meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2000 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Senate Hearing Room (former Supreme Court Courtroom), Room 212, Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois.

Anyone wishing to present a brief statement at the public hearing must register in advance. Priority will be given to those individuals or groups who have not previously presented their views to the Commission.

The Commission wants to accommodate as many members of the public as possible, therefore, speakers should limit their oral presentations to 3 minutes-statements longer than 3 minutes can be completed or expanded in writing to the Commission.

The Commission also will accept written statements of position from individuals or organizations not attending the public hearings.

Advance registration to present a statement at the public hearing must be completed by Friday, December 8. 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 Friday, December 8. The web site for the Commission on Capital Punishment may be accessed through the internet at 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 Wednesday, December 6. Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number and organizational affiliation, if any.

3. Call Pat Sheerin at 312/814-6317 no later than Friday, December 8. Request that your name be added to the registration list for the public hearing on December 13. 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. Members of the public wishing to provide the Commission with a written statement of their views should mail their comments to: Matt Bettenhausen, James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Suite 16-100, Chicago, Illinois, 60601.