It should be a great evening of discussion: June's Civic Cocktail features Gov. Jay Inslee and one of the region's renowned meteorologists, Cliff Mass.
Come join us at the Tom Douglas Palace Ballroom on June 3 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The event is hosted by Crosscut, Seattle Channel, and Seattle City Club. We’re also excited to team up with the Young Professionals International Network (YPIN) for the pre-event reception at 5 o’clock where you will have a chance to chat with the first cohort of Civic Ambassadors. YPIN hosts local networking and social events with a focus on globalization and collaboration.
The event will feature a one-on-one conversation with Gov. Jay Inslee, as he and veteran political journalist and Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter explore some of the pressing issues facing Washington state. Among other things, the governor will address the protracted legislative sessions, the state budget, education funding and his administration's efforts to cope with the statewide drought. Following this segment, Balter will host climate scientist Cliff Mass of the University of Washington, who will talk about whether or not the state of Washington is in a drought.
Balter will be joined by a panel of journalists that includes Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eli Sanders from The Stranger, Crosscut's state government correspondent John Stang and KUOW’s Ashley Ahern -- and there will be questions from you, the audience!
Tickets are $20 for Crosscut and Seattle City Club members and $25 for the general public. More information and registration is here.
Whether or not you can join us, here's some background reading to make you the class smartypants on the governor and the drought.
Inslee and state government
"Like 'Rashomon,' Olympia's budget truth depends on whom you ask," Crosscut, May 21.
"Commentary: Can the Legislature get more done in overtime?" Crosscut, April 27.
"Missing the point on McCleary," Crosscut, March 25.
"Jay Inslee's future rides on legislative election," Crosscut, Oct. 27.
"Job killer? Or creator? Inslee's carbon plan launches debate," Crosscut, Jan. 27.
(You can also find all John Stang's coverage of state government here.)
Drought
"Superdrought of 2015: Three things Washington must consider," Crosscut, May 18.
"With snow disappearing, state steps up drought preparations," Crosscut, May 17.
"Senate eager to add more money for drought prep," Crosscut, May 26.
"Only we can prevent costly forest fires. So, why don't we?" Crosscut, Oct. 8.
"Washington State is so Screwed" Mother Jones, April 22.
