Local legislators to visit with constituents at 13 coffee shops on Saturday, July 18

CHICAGO - State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-18th Senate) and State Representative Fran Hurley (D-35th Representative) have held “Coffee and Conversation” events at businesses in their districts monthly since taking office, inviting area residents to meet them informally to discuss issues facing the state while enjoying a cup of their favorite morning beverage. On Saturday, July 18, Cunningham and Hurley are going to need all the caffeine they can stomach as they visit 13 locations in one day during their “Coffee and Conversation Half Marathon.”

The “Half Marathon” route will cover more than 65 miles as it winds throughout their legislative districts, stretching from Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood to Orland Park. Cunningham and Hurley will spend approximately 25 minutes at each of the 13 locations, taking time to listen to the concerns of their constituents and answer questions about state government.

“I feel this is a unique and valuable way for the people we represent to make their voices heard. With the budget negotiations still going on, I expect we will hear a lot from our residents during this event and we will take those concerns and ideas back with us to the Capitol,” Senator Cunningham said.

Representative Hurley came up with the idea for the event while watching runners compete in the annual First Midwest Bank Palos Half Marathon.

“That race has become one of the premiere events in my district. It’s a real showcase for our area that draws thousands of runners and spectators,” Hurley said.  “I thought a “Coffee and Conversation Half Marathon” would be a good tie-in to help make our constituents aware of how accessible we are. I’m not sure if I can run 13.1 miles in a couple of hours, but I know I can make it to 13 coffee shops in one day.

”The “Coffee and Conversation Half Marathon” will visit the following locations (arrival times are approximate): 

8:00 AM
Hardboiled Coffee Co. - 9135 S. Western Ave., Chicago

8:40 AM
Starbucks - 1933 W. 103rd St., Chicago

9:20 AM
Starbucks - 3243 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park

10:00 AM
Starbucks - 7202 W. 119th St., Palos Heights

10:40 AM
Dunkin’ Donuts - 13029 S. La Grange Rd., Palos Park

11:20 AM
Dunkin’ Donuts - 8940 W. 159th St., Orland Park

12:00 PM
Starbucks - 15901 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park

12:40 PM
Blissful Banana Café - 15447 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park

1:20 PM
Dunkin’ Donuts - 14461 S. La Grange Rd. , Orland Park

2:00 PM
Dunkin’ Donuts - 11309 W. 143rd St., Orland Park

2:40 PM
Starbucks - 14209 S. La Grange Rd. in Orland Park

3:20 PM
Dunkin’ Donuts - 10401 S. Western Ave., Chicago

4:00 PM
Horse Thief Hollow - 10426 S. Western Ave., Chicago
 
Those interested in meeting Senator Cunningham and Representative Hurley during the event are advised to check their Facebook pages and Senator Cunningham’s twitter account (@SenatorBillC) for live updates on their location.