Emily Reilly participated in a groundbreaking telephone town hall yesterday, speaking with voters from all over the 27th district about issues ranging from global warming to universal healthcare.

Reilly used the telephone town hall technology to speak with thousands of voters from Boulder Creek, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Santa Cruz and other parts of the district. Throughout the one hour call, 4,081 people participated in the town hall.

Callers were able to hear each other's questions as well as Reilly's answers, providing the open discussion format of a town hall from the convenience of their own homes. The topics discussed included how to increase public transit and rail service in the district, preventing cuts to the education budget and creating alternative sources of energy instead of relying on fossil fuels.

"The telephone town hall is a great way to discuss issues with voters from all over the district," said Reilly. "As a member of the State Assembly, I would use these in addition to in-person town halls as a tool to bring the voices of voters to government."

Reilly is a member of the Santa Cruz City Council, the owner of a local bakery, Emily's Good Things to Eat, and a former two-term Mayor. The Assembly seat is currently held by John Laird, who is termed out in January 2009.