OLYMPIA - Area residents are invited to have coffee with Gov. Mike Lowry on Wednesday (Jan. 31) from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the Governor's Office Conference Room. The gathering is the first of several the governor plans to hold during the current legislative session so that citizens can visit his office and discuss current issues.

The governor said the morning coffee meetings will be a great way for people who rarely get a chance to interact with public officials to do so in a relaxed setting.

"So much of our time during legislative sessions is spent in meetings with elected officials and other people who are on state business," Lowry said. "These gatherings are an opportunity for me to visit with people who have a real interest in government or recent issues, but less chance of getting time to talk."

Due to space limitations, anyone interested in attending must contact the governor's office by noon Tuesday (Jan. 30). Attendance will be limited to the first 50 requests.

For more information or to reserve a space, contact Greg in the Governor's Communications Office by noon Tuesday at 360-753-6790.

Note to reporters: In an effort to accommodate as many people as possible in a limited space, reporters who have an interest in this event are asked to wait in the lobby until after the gathering. Conference room doors will be open throughout the meeting.