FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2005

The Illinois State University Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) will hold two press conferences on Thursday, December 1 to call on Governor Rod Blagojevich to not reappoint Jay Bergman to the ISU Board of Trustees. The first press conference will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the Founders Lounge of ISU's Bone Student Center. The second press conference will be held in the press conference room of the Capitol building in Springfield at Noon. Following the press conferences, ISU SEAC representatives will formally deliver over 1,000 signatures to Jill Heyden, Director of the Office of Board and Commissions for the State of Illinois. This office makes recommendations on appointments to the governor.

The petition drive started after Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a 16-count complaint against Jay Bergman and his company, Petco Petroleum, to the Illinois Pollution Control Board citing numerous brine and crude oil spills. Three new spills have occurred at Petco sites, since the Attorney General filed suit a year ago. Although Bergman’s trusteeship expired in January 2005, he continues to sit on the board as the governor has not appointed a replacement.

"The mission statement of ISU states a commitment to serving the citizens of Illinois and beyond," said SEAC member Amy Butterworth. "Having a Trustee on the Board that pollutes the environment and public drinking water is an insult to the University’s mission."

Mr. Bergman caused more controversy with comments in the April 8 Bloomington Pantagraph. Bergman said, "From what I understand, they [SEAC] are so far to the left they make Jane Fonda look like Ronald Reagan…. Their concern is to promote a radical, leftist agenda. I just happen to be their target this semester." Bergman’s comments prompted ISU President Al Bowman to issue a statement criticizing Bergman’s comments and defending SEAC.

"How can a Trustee who attacks students that are civilly engaged in the political process, remain on the Board?" said SEAC President Geoff Ower. "We hope the governor will do what’s right for our university community and replace Jay Bergman with a socially responsible trustee."

Mr. Bergman has donated several thousands of dollars to politicians across Illinois, including $32,000 to Rod Blagojevich's campaign dating from October 2002 through June 2005.

A copy of SEAC’s petition and background information on the case is available at the SEAC website at http://seac.pabn.org

Contact:
Amy Butterworth, 773-960-8064
Geoff Ower, 309-454-9229

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