Your Congressman's Calling

Elected officials often search for ways to deal directly with a wider number of taxpayers, so U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. grabbed the chance to talk live with thousands in his East Tennessee district while sitting at his desk in the nation's capital.  The past 18 years he has given many speeches, he said. But he does not recall an opportunity before where he could talk to 2,600 people in one hour and answer questions or hear comments. 

- Knoxville News Sentinel Newspaper May 8, 2006

Town Halls Now Can Be Phoned In

"I think people like the personal touch," said Congressman Tom Feeney.  Feeney suggests the person-to-person contact is more effective than the traditional postage-free fliers that members of Congress send their constituents touting their accomplishments.
- Miami Herald Newspaper, July 3, 2006

OPINION: Legislative Connection

If your phone rings this evening, pick it up.  It could be your congressman.  That is, if you live the 26th District... The District is represented by David Dreier who has found a new way to stay in touch with the folks back home while he's in Washington.  Dreier held his first telephone town hall meeting last week...  We approve.
- Editorial San Gabriel Valley Tribune Newspaper, March 7, 2006

Florez Lead's 'Tele-Town Hall'

If your phone rang you may have been one of thousands of Kern County residents invited to participate in a "tele-town hall meeting" with state Senator Dean Florez, Democrat from Shafter.  Some political analysts are suggesting that this teleconference technology will replace live town hall meetings. 
- Bakersfield Californian Newspaper, April 1, 2006

Telephonic Town Hall

Ed Rossier of Citrus Heights had just finished dinner Wednesday and was settling in to watching the television news when Rep. Dan Lungren called to find out if he had any questions.  "I was surprised," said Rossier... "This is really great, your forum here," John Taylor of Citrus Heights told the Congressman before asking a question.  For Lungren, it's an easy way to stay in touch."
- Sacramento Bee Newspaper, November 21, 2005

Lawmaker's Call Brings Town Hall to You

"These are the best town hall meetings I've ever had," said Congressman Lewis.  Wayne McPherson from Owensboro said he was "shocked" to be called and thought the experience was "pretty neat.  I thought it was nice that anyone would care to ask (for our opinions)," he said.
- Courier-Journal Newspaper Louisville, KY, July 16, 2006

Phone Home

With a conference call system, participants are required to call in at a specific time.  Tele-Town Hall sort of reverses the idea... One of the most obvious applications of this technology is a legislator who wants to communicate directly with constituents without managing the expense and planning of a physical town hall meeting.
- Government Technology magazine, March 1, 2006