Former Governor Jim Edgar part of panel discussion on "The Two States of Illinois"

WHAT: Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar will join a panel of distinguished guests to discuss how the economic, social & political differences between Chicago and the rest of the state present challenges for the governance of Illinois.

WHEN: Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library

DETAILS: This panel discussion will explore how the perceived division between Chicago and the rest of Illinois is affecting state leadership and decision making, public perceptions of governmental effectiveness, and political and social operations.

Edgar will be joined by Chicago Sun-Times columnist and Capitol Fax newsletter publisher Rich Miller, UIS Political Science Professor Christopher Mooney, and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Executive Director Randy Blankenhorn.

Edgar, a distinguished fellow with the University of Illinois Institute for Government and Public Affairs (IGPA), was the 38th governor of Illinois. As governor, he made fiscal discipline and children the cornerstones of his two terms. First elected in 1990, Governor Edgar won re-election in 1994 by the largest margin ever for a governor. Four years later Governor Edgar left office with the highest approval rating in state history.

“The Two States of Illinois” presentation is sponsored by the University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series and the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA).

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kimberly Craig at 217/206-6245 or kcrai01s@uis.edu.