A new season of Civic Cocktail kicks off 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3 with an in-depth look at three key initiatives on the November statewide ballot. Host Joni Balter will lead panel discussions to debate a gun-regulation measure (I-1639), delve into an initiative prohibiting new local taxes on groceries and beverages (I-1634), and discuss a proposed carbon fee (I-1631).
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at Palace Ballroom, 2100 Fifth Ave. Advance tickets to Civic Cocktail are $25. Register via Seattle CityClub.
Zach Silk, co-founder of the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, and Dave Workman, senior editor TheGunMag.com and Liberty Park Press, will weigh in on Initiative 1639 (Changes to Gun Ownership and Purchase Requirements Measure), which would raise the age to buy a semi-automatic rifle to 21, increase background checks, and include safe-storage accountability.
Next, State Sen. Reuven Carlyle (D-36th) and educator Brandon Hersey will debate Initiative 1634 (Prohibit Local Taxes on Groceries Measure). Nicknamed “Yes! To Affordable Groceries,” the measure, funded primarily by soda companies, is a pre-emptive move to bar local governments from placing new taxes on groceries and beverages.
Then, Brady Walkinshaw, CEO of Grist, and Dana Bieber, campaign spokesperson for NO on 1631, will discuss the pros and cons of Initiative 1631 (Carbon Emissions Fee Measure), which takes aim at climate change with a new fee on carbon pollution. If approved, Washington would become the first state to pass a carbon fee proposal through the initiative process.
Featured journalists Essex Porter, of KIRO 7, and Natalie Brand, of KING 5, will join the conversation.
Civic Cocktail will premiere on Seattle Channel (cable 21) 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4 and will also be available online.
Civic Cocktail — presented in partnership with Seattle CityClub — offers a lively look at issues facing the Puget Sound region and connects community leaders with residents in engaging conversation. The event offers a night of networking, Tom Douglas appetizers and a no-host bar. Thanks to media sponsor KUOW.
