Governor Perry and the First Lady of Texas joined Members of Gen Next to examine and discuss the remarkable economic success Texas has achieved in the last several years.  The Economist Magazine recently did a cover story contrasting downward trends in California with upward trends in Texas.  Governor Perry elaborated on how their state tackled critical challenges and made the state more attractive to business while staying fiscally responsible.

Gen Next Members were thrilled to be in such an intimate setting with the Governor, who was direct and straight forward in answering their questions.   “This was an amazing experience. It was an honor to talk openly with the Governor and hear his perspective on these pressing issues,” said one Member.

Wiretapping and other security measures were the hot topics for Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice John Yoo who recently joined GN SD and OC for a candid discussion.

His discourse was centered on policies that derived from the 9/11 attacks, and his opinion on why it is important to uphold such tactics in times of war. The idea of “warrantless wiretapping” was a recurring theme. He explained how it became immediately apparent that tracking the communication between possible Al Qaeda operatives was not only necessary but also essential. His argument is rooted in the interest of the people.

Some Members forcibly engaged him on legal, privacy and security issues and others agreed. All in all the discussion was stimulating and informative. John Yoo proved to be a true patriot, and a strong voice willing to stand on principle. Yoo has been under constant fire, and it would be easy for him to make apologies to ease critics. We thank him for taking the time to visit Gen Next!

With the recent closure of the Seattle Post Intelligencer the city of Seattle is now left with only one major newspaper publication, the Seattle Times.  Gen Next was proud to host Executive Editor of the Seattle Times David Boardman for a discussion on the viability of the entire newspaper industry.

At the recently opened El Gaucho Steakhouse in Bellevue, Boardman talked about the many papers around the country that are on the verge of bankruptcy including the NY Times and San Francisco Chronicle.  San Francisco might become one of the the first major US city’s not to have a major newspaper publication.

While the Seattle Times is not in danger of shutting its doors Members and guests were left with the impression that the newspaper business is in a state of flux. Newspaper subscriptions are down across the country and the once very profitable classified section has been replaced by the free service of Craigslist. Those in attendance expressed their growing interest in getting news online and as of right now very few newspapers have figured out a way to make online readership profitable.

Summer time vibes were in full force at Café Coyote in Old Town on Wednesday, July 8th as Gen Next Members attended a private reception and discussion with San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne.

In his presentation, Chief Lansdowne explained the fundamental roles of law enforcement officials and the challenges they face when it comes to unions, contract negotiations, pensions, local government and escalating violence in Mexico.

Chief Lansdowne’s analysis of past and present government policy led to an open discussion with Members, where he delved into these critical issues. Gen Next members asked pointed questions on issues ranging from how the overflow of immigrants from Mexico will effect downtown businesses and crime levels to how we can reevaluate the homeless situation. One Member expressed, “He was very candid and open in answering questions; a true straighter shooter on how important it is to be actively involved in working towards positive results”. Thanks to the leadership of Police Chief William Lansdowne, San Diego’s crime rates have dropped, which is the reverse of national trends.

Chief Lansdowne is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has served on a variety of state and national boards, including the Major Cities Chiefs and the Police Executive Research Forum.