Civic Cocktail

Is Seattle moving further left? What's behind the political shift and what are the impacts? Former Seattle mayoral candidate Nikkita Oliver of the Seattle People's Party, The Stranger Publisher Tim Keck and former King County Executive Ron Sims join host Joni Balter for a look at Seattle's changing political tides. Then, as the Trump administration rolls back the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, what are the implications for Washington's young undocumented immigrants? DACA recipient Ray Corona and Solicitor General Noah Purcell of the Washington state attorney general's office weigh in. Can a multi-state lawsuit co-led by Washington prevent the dismantling of DACA?

Despite setbacks, investor Chris Hansen tells host Joni Balter he has a "resolute commitment to stay the course" with his Sodo Arena proposal. But he wasn't alone. Surprise guest and Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson explained why he's teaming up with Hansen and shared a personal story about his love of the Sonics. Then a journalist panel weighs in on the Seattle mayor's race, including the front runners, and the one endorsement that could prove decisive in a crowded field. The panel also talks Trump and discusses the fallout from America's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord.

Glib, insightful, outspoken and funny - that's Lindy West, author, columnist at "The Guardian," and contributor to "This American Life." West opens up to host Joni Balter, revealing the influences that shaped her biting wit, her conviction and compassion. They discuss the personal, politics, body image and a much-publicized spat with her boss! Then we hone in on politics with state Democratic Party Chair Tina Podlodowski and Bill Bryant, former port commissioner who challenged Jay Inslee for governor. Each has an interesting take on the new activism in the age of Donald Trump, and some surprising comments on their respective political parties.  

They're big-city CEO's that share common concerns. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mayor Ed Murray join Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter to discuss homelessness, sanctuary cities, constitutional challenges and the threat of federal funding cuts. Also, John Schoettler, Amazon's head of global real estate, talks about the company's rapidly expanding footprint. He discusses what's ahead, some success stories and Amazon's effort to be a good neighbor. And Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and Premera Blue Cross VP Leonard Sorrin explore the future of Obamacare. What must be done to save it? Is the GOP willing to help? And what are the implications for Washington residents? 

HOST: Joni Balter

JOURNALISTS: Brandi Kruse, Q13 FOX News and Enrique Cerna, KCTS 9 

From the courtroom to campus, Civic Cocktail examines the role of the judicial branch of government and the future of higher education in Washington state. Host Joni Balter talks one-on-one with U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik about the blockage of the Trump travel ban, the limits of presidential powers and the judicial role in the system of checks and balances in government. Then University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce and Washington State University President Kirk Schulz share their views on funding for higher education, free speech on campus, the impact of Trump's immigration order and supporting undocumented "dreamers."

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and leaders in local journalism were the featured guests at the February Civic Cocktail. Ferguson - who this week filed the nation's first lawsuit against Trump's executive order on immigration - talked with host Joni Balter about the state's opposition to the travel ban, his stance on Washington's death penalty, assault weapons and legal marijuana. Then, in an age of "fake news" and "alternative facts," a media panel discussed presenting contrasting points of view, the changing media landscape and the future of the press.

In a special edition of Civic Cocktail, host Joni Balter moderates a panel discussion examining the intersection of policing and race. How are community members and law enforcement tackling the challenges of racial bias and police reform? What about recommendations to change state law on police use of deadly force? How is the state changing its approach to police training?

Panelists Augustine Cita, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle; Sue Rahr, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission; and Andre Taylor, police reform advocate; weigh in.

Journalists Enrique Cerna, of KCTS 9, and Reagan Jackson, of The Seattle Globalist and South Seattle Emerald, join the discussion.

With arena options multiplying, will Mayor Ed Murray bring the Sonics back to Seattle? One year after declaring a homelessness emergency, has the city made progress? And as the city grows, will we get a grip on gridlock? Murray discusses these topics and more with host Joni Balter. Then, journalists Mónica Guzmán and Anika Anand, co-founders of new local media startup The Evergrey, chat about making the most of a changing Seattle and embracing the gray.

HOST:
Joni Balter

JOURNALISTS:
Daniel Beekman, The Seattle Times 
Joshua McNichols, KUOW 

Civic Cocktail opened a new season with an election program featuring mini debates on three big ballot initiatives. Host Joni Balter moderates a wide-ranging discussion on the pros and cons of the Sound Transit 3 light rail package; I-1491, a proposal to limit access to firearms; and I-732, an effort to establish a statewide carbon tax. Hear smart talk from both sides of the issues.

Sound Transit 3
Yes: Dow Constantine (King County Executive), Shefali Ranganathan (Transportation Choices Coalition)
No: Maggie Fimia (People for Smarter Transit), Kevin Wallace (Bellevue City Council)

Initiative 1491, gun safety
Yes: Cheryl Stumbo (The Alliance for Gun Responsibility)
No: David Combs (Know I-1491)

Initiative 732, carbon tax
Yes: Yoram Bauman (Yes on I-732)
No: Rebecca Saldaña (Puget Sound Sage)

 

Presidential politics and the power of philanthropy were the topics of discussion at the final Civic Cocktail of the season. Washington State GOP leaders Susan Hutchison (Chair, Washington State Republican Party) and Rob McKenna (Former state Attorney General) weighed in on the race to the White House. How will Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and other candidates fare in our state? Then, in the midst of the region's growth and prosperity, there are great challenges. How can philanthropy address the widening disparities between the rich and the poor? Seattle Foundation CEO Tony Mestres talks about how to best channel our region's generosity. Host Joni Balter moderates the wide-ranging discussion. Civic Cocktail will return in October.