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RANTOUL \u2014 Braver Angels, an organization that aims to bring people together across political divides, will host a first-ever Illinois event tonight in Rantoul.<\/p>\n
The incumbents: state Rep. Mike Marron, R-Fithian, and state Sen. Paul Faraci, D-Champaign.<\/p>\n
The bipartisan Constituent Conversation, scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rantoul Township High School, will be an opportunity for constituents to discuss how to work together despite today’s divisive politics.<\/p>\n
Braver Angels Illinois co-coordinator Matt Hausman says the organization sees this as a first step in this state.<\/p>\n
“The idea is to show that elected officials can work together and be respectful,” Hausman said. “We want to give it back to the people who want to have these conversations.”<\/p>\n
Anyone interested in attending can fill out an online interest form, but the conversation will be aimed primarily at Rantoul area residents with a prominent theme of workforce development in that area.<\/p>\n
This topic was proposed by Marron and Faraci, who had already planned to collaborate on the topic.<\/p>\n
The plan for the evening is for attendees to split into groups of four or five to dine together and start discussions on topics chosen by the event organizers.<\/p>\n
State legislators will observe and listen during the first segment, then hear from their constituents in an organized fashion.<\/p>\n
The goal is for attendees to not only have the opportunity to voice their concerns with elected officials, but to discuss local politics with their peers.<\/p>\n
So far, about 25 area residents have signed up for the event along with 15 Braver Angels members.<\/p>\n