Public invited to participate in live Telephone Town Hall discussion with state schools chief candidate Jason Williams

http://www.williamsforarizona.com/

Phoenix, Ariz. - July 26, 2010 - After a successful first Telephone Town Hall discussion with parents, educators and the general public Thursday, Democratic candidate for state superintendent of public instruction Jason Williams announced he will be hosting two additional conference-call/radio-talk-show-style question and answer sessions this week.

Nearly 2,500 callers participated in the first Telephone Town Hall, moderated by Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board President Amy Kobeta. That call highlighted critical education-related issues, such as reforming the state accountability system, attracting and retaining excellent teachers in every classroom, and restoring funding to Arizona schools.

The Telephone Town Hall technology is relatively new to Arizona. Williams is one of a handful of candidates and elected officials who have used the tool to reach out to constituents and voters. Williams said his use of the Telephone Town Hall format during this campaign cycle is symbolic of the type of statewide outreach he will engage in as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

"To effectively address the needs of our schools and our students, the state superintendent must connect with all stakeholders across the state, including parents, teachers, students, administrators and community members," said Williams. "I have consistently made a commitment to give voters direct access to the state superintendent, and through the use of innovative tools like the Telephone Town Hall, I am pleased that I will be able to hear the views and opinions of people all over Arizona."

In addition to the use of innovative technology to hear from parents and educators when elected, Williams has committed to reach stakeholders in their communities by working at least one day each week outside of Maricopa County.


His weekly visits will include in-person town hall forums in communities across the state, as well as meetings with key stakeholders in every county.

Volunteer

Also, much like he does with his campaign's famed yellow school bus, Williams plans to tour the state in a mobile office, giving teachers and administrators direct access to Department of Education services in their own communities.

The next two Telephone Town Halls will take place Tuesday, July 27th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 1st from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Anybody interested in participating in the forum can sign up by contacting the Williams For Arizona Campaign Headquarters at HelpKids@WilliamsForArizona.com or (602) 795-4734.

To learn more about Jason Williams, visit his website here.