NEW LENOX— State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) met with a Chinese delegation of faculty from the Zhejiang Institute of Administration earlier this month.  Among the topics of conversation were municipal and state government and the various roles of a State Senator.  

“Taking the time to meet with foreign dignitaries is a way to build bridges between cultures,” Hastings said.  “I am extremely proud to present the south suburbs and the State of Illinois.  Although we may have our challenges at times, I believe our democracy works and should be on display.”  

The Chinese delegation works in partnership with the 21st Century Institute in Chicago.  The delegation will visit Springfield and other historic sites throughout the State of Illinois.  

“We chose to host this delegation in New Lenox, the home of the Proud Americans, because of its beauty and effective municipal government,” Hastings said.  “Mayor Baldermann and the village staff gave presentations and answered numerous questions.  The Chinese were very impressed by what they saw.”