In the month since Mayor Mike McGinn announced his eight-point Nightlife Initiative (.pdf) to improve Seattle's nightlife and street safety, only 1,791 people (out of Seattle's 617,000 residents) have completed his online survey calling for public input. That's 0.2 percent of the population—hardly the kind of solid support the state liquor control board needs before they agree to extend the city's liquor service hours, or the city needs to see to seriously invest in taxi stands and other late-night transportation options. Meanwhile, at public meetings, the mayor's heard from residents who say his proposed noise ordinance is worthless and who equate hot dog vendors to street thugs, not the people who celebrate Seattle's nightlife.

So now officials need to hear from you. And everyone knows that civic duties are more palatable when they're accompanied with a shot of whiskey, which is why The Stranger and Washington Bus are throwing a little party—a Nightlife Throwdown, if you will—on September 1, at 8:00 p.m. at the Hunter Gatherer Lodge, featuring Mayor McGinn and State Liquor Control Board policy director Alan Rathbun.

The event is free. We'll have more lovable city leaders with open ears, including Seattle Nightlife and Music Association president Pete Hanning, City Attorney’s office government affairs director Bob Scales, 5 Point owner Dave Meinert, and police, police, police!, with music by J-Justice of SunTzu Sound and DJ Mike Nipper of Emerald City Soul Club.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., forum starts at 8:00 p.m., music before and after the talking. Drink specials are cheap, so come out and support later bar hours! New noise regulations! Better late-night transit!