November 26, 2012

‘Essential Paul Simon’ book signing is Nov. 28

by Joaquin Norman

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon and John S. Jackson, a visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will be in Springfield later this week to discuss a book that focuses on the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.

Sheila Simon and Jackson will be present for a book signing of “The Essential Paul Simon: Timeless Lessons for Today’s Politics.”

The signing is from 8 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28, at the Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St. in Springfield.

Edited by Jackson, an emeritus professor of political science at SIU Carbondale, and a close friend and colleague of Sen. Simon, the book is intended show Simon’s wisdom and integrity to a new generation.  Former Illinois governors Rod Blagojevich and George Ryan are currently serving prison terms following convictions.

“The bad apples of Illinois politics get all the attention with Blagojevich and Ryan in prison. We wanted to show a better side of politics and to show that everyone here was not corrupt, and that Paul was an outstanding and distinguished public servant,” Jackson said.

For more information on the book signing and to register, contact Matt Baughman, associate director at the Simon Institute, at 618/453-4001, or by email at baughman@siu.edu

.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.