FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2009

Webster University’s Holden Public Policy Forum to Host Series of ‘Pizza and Politics’ Events

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 21, 2009 – Webster University’s Holden Public Policy Forum will hold a series of “Pizza and Politics” events during the fall semester to discuss important issues and topics facing Missouri with key members of the Nixon administration and other state leaders. The schedule for the events, which are free and open to the public, and which include free pizza and beverages for attendees, includes:

Catherine Hanaway, Former U.S. Attorney and Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives
Wednesday, Sept. 9
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
University Center, Sunnen Lounge
175 Edgar Rd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119

At this roundtable discussion, Hanaway will give her take on the current state of Missouri, the nation, and the Republican Party since the November election and what’s in store for the future. Hanaway, who left her post as U.S. Attorney for Eastern Missouri in early 2009 to join former U.S. Attorney General john Ashcroft in building a nationwide law firm, also will share her transition experience from public service to the private sector.

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler
Wednesday, Oct. 28
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
University Center, Sunnen Lounge
175 Edgar Rd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119

Will green technology revolutionize the agriculture industry in Missouri? Where does Missouri stand on a global scale? What policies need to be adopted to help Missouri farmers? Hagler will discuss his and Gov. Nixon’s plans for the future of Missouri agriculture.

The Term Limit Debate: Rep. Chris Kelly and Ed Martin
Wednesday, Nov. 18
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
University Center, Sunnen Lounge
175 Edgar Rd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119

Hear both sides of the issue surrounding term limits in the Missouri House and Senate. Lawmakers are now allowed to serve eight years each in the House and Senate. Rep. Kelly suggests that 12 years in each chamber might be more appropriate, while Martin, who heads the St. Louis-based Term Limits for Missouri organization, counters this position.

Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Linda Martinez
Wednesday, Dec. 2
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
University Center, Sunnen Lounge
175 Edgar Rd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119

Formerly a lawyer with Bryan Cave in St. Louis, Martinez is the first woman named to head the state’s Department of Economic Development. Her legal experience focuses on tax credits, one of the cornerstones of Gov. Nixon’s economic recovery plan. Martinez will tackle these questions: Will Missouri prevail through the economic recession? What policies have she and the Nixon administration enacted to date? Is Missouri witnessing new economic development since she took office?

“Pizza and Politics” is a town hall-style meeting, moderated by Forum founder and former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden, where public policy makers, members of the community and students discuss the political process and key issues of the day.

The Holden Public Policy Forum at Webster University is a bi-partisan speaker series, created by former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden and Webster University, to bring public policy leaders to St. Louis to discuss key national and international issues. For more information about the Holden Public Policy Forum, visit www.webster.edu/holdenppf.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

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