More than 3,700 Prince William County residents participated last night in a high-tech town meeting with Congressman Gerry Connolly – from the comfort of their own homes. 

Participants quizzed Connolly on a number of issues including the economic stimulus plan, the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Troubled Assets Recovery Plan, and alternative energy issues.  The vast majority of questions concerned the stimulus package.  Utilizing new technology to hold a “telephone town meeting,” Connolly’s office was able to telephone thousands of county residents in the 11th Congressional District and invite them to stay on the line and join Congressman Connolly live for the hour-long conference call.  Many did.

Eighteen individuals had the opportunity to question Connolly one-on-one during the virtual town meeting and those who had questions but couldn’t ask them before the call ended were given the opportunity to leave a voice mail for the Congressman.  Fifty-nine residents left voice mails and Connolly said he would respond by mail or email to each question.  Many other residents chose not to ask questions, but listen to the discussion.

“It was very exciting to have the opportunity to speak directly to constituents from my Capitol Hill office and give them the opportunity to voice their views and opinions to me on a one-to-one basis,” Connolly said. “I am honored that so many resident opted to participate in the meeting and stay on the telephone with me for much of the hour-long meeting.”

Because of the success of his first telephone town meeting, Congressman Connolly said he would try to do them on a regular basis across the 11th District.  He said now that he and his staff understand how the technology works, future meetings will be publicized through the media so residents can join in the meeting by dialing an 800 number.  “We were a little worried that this first meeting would have some glitches, but it went very well and I am looking forward to doing more telephone town meetings,” Connolly said. “I learned a long time ago that the best way to get the pulse of your constituents is to engage them in open and frank dialogue and this new technology provides that opportunity.”