Many candid questions and more importantly candid answers were exchanged at HYPE’s first Policy and Pint event. The topic was topic was "Running for Public Office." Aptly moderated by Christine Stuart journalist and editor of CT News Junkie, the panel consisted of three democrats and one republican; Lisa Furbush (D - Glastonbury Board of Education), Matt Ritter (D - Hartford City Council), Jason Rojas (D – State Representative, 9th Assembly District), and Sean Williams (R – State Representative, 68th Assembly District). The panelists shared their wisdom on both the pressures and thrills of being a young professional serving in public office. Not your traditional panel, no question was off limits – the panel openly discussed a range of topics from balancing work, family and social life to their personal views and decisions around campaign financing.
The panelists also provided their insights on addressing and solving some of the challenges facing big and small business owners and citizens across Connecticut, and in particular those issues important to young professionals (i.e. job creation, workforce development and entrepreneurship).
When asked about some of the major changes coming down from the federal government regarding important issues such as healthcare and the economy, and their beliefs on how change really happens, some audience members may have been heartened to hear that the prevailing attitude of the panelists was that while the important issue of funding is levied by the federal government real reform and change happens on a local level.
There is a lot more in store for our new Policy and Pint series! Please join us next time and share a pint while exchanging ideas at the next P&P, Federal Healthcare Reform and the Impact on CT on May 25, 2010 hosted by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. Come hear from some of CT's most prominent health care administrators and leaders about the latest healthcare legislation and what it means for CT.