IMSA Hosts Cyber Town Hall Meeting with Lieutenant Governor

Lieutenant Govenor Pat Quinn convened the first "Cyber Town Hall Meeting" on November 24 at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy to discuss Illinois energy policy.

During the “Cyber Town Hall Meeting,” Quinn held an open discussion regarding Illinois' existing energy infrastructure with IMSA students and also had a question and answer session. Illinois residents were encouraged to participate online via the Internet.

The innovative cyber meeting was 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.

All Illinois citizens across the state were able 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.”

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

Located in Aurora , Illinois , the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® 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. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 17,000 teachers and 26,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from services of The Center@IMSA, the Academy unit that provides statewide professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.