An Honorable Profession

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Albany, NY, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who is approaching the end of a 12 year tenure in which she has guided her city out of bankruptcy, spearheaded pivotal redevelopment projects, and cut childhood poverty rates. She reflects on the challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving world to modernize city services and the importance of work that is not initially visible to most residents. Sheehan also shares her approach to integrating new technologies into City Hall to efficiently respond to the needs of community members, the bright economic future of Albany, and how she faced off against her own brother-in-law on a key workforce housing project. Tune in to hear Mayor Sheehan's advice for fellow elected officials and public servants on how to bring a citizen-first approach to policymaking. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:03] Introduction and welcome to Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. • [02:03] Advice for other cities that want to see transformation in a changing world. • [04:34] Getting funding in place to transform the technical and adaptive aspects of Albany’s infrastructure. • [08:20] Tracking concerns and creating accountability through technology. • [09:35] Upgrading and preserving a city that originated in the 1600s. • [14:12] Economic opportunities in Albany and Mayor Sheehan’s predictions for the city’s future. • [18:08] The impact of market-rate housing on the affordable market. • [22:20] How Mayor Kathy’s background has impacted her experience of working in leadership. • [25:50] Her journey to running for office and advice to those who might want to follow suit. • [31:10] Sticking with her plan to prioritize redevelopment despite opposition.

This week, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani, as he navigates his newest role as Vice Chair of the House DOGE Committee. The conversation digs into the contentious election of Texas’s new Speaker of the House and why Democrats backed moderate Representative Dustin Burrows against more conservative options, as well as how Bhojani has successfully navigated the legislature’s political dynamics to pass legislation on religious freedom and higher education funding as a member of the Democratic minority. Bhojani also talks about his work in Texas’s newly formed DOGE Committee, his goal to leverage technology to make government work better, and how he hopes to work with colleagues across the aisle to focus the committee’s work on  government efficiency and creating better policy outcomes in contrast to the arbitrary and  reckless approach on display in Washington. Tune in to hear Representative Bhojani's inspiring path to elected office as the first-ever Muslim and South Asian in the Texas state legislature.   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani describes his work as Vice-Chair of the Texas House DOGE Committee. • [05:40] Electing the new Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives – how it happened. • [08:32] How politics differs from policy – bipartisan efforts in a time of great divisions. • [10:17] The bills/laws Salman has passed and how he’s done it as a minority in a red state. • [13:05] Unpacking the bill that got away and how he prevents future vetoes. • [14:03] The work that the TXH DODGE Committee is prioritizing for the immediate future. • [19:00] Salman’s stance on technology, and whether his colleagues share his optimism. • [22:17] Oversight committees, and how to measure the success of enacted bills. • [25:07] DOGE at the Federal level versus DOGE at the State level. • [26:17] Salman’s path to becoming the first Muslim, South-Asian State Legislature in Texas. • [32:46] Whether Islamophobia is better or worse since Salman took office.

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Newport, RI, City Councilmember Xay Khamsyvoravong. With a background in public finance, Khamsyvoravong talks about the importance of understanding where the money goes in public policy, reflecting on his own successes modernizing utilities, improving school attendance, and strengthening infrastructure at a low cost for residents. The conversation digs into the challenges facing his coastal city, the importance of financial literacy in policymaking, and what it takes for communities to be resilient in the face of economic, environmental, and political uncertainty. The city councilmember also talks about the impact of federal policies on Newport’s immigrant population, the rise of political apathy, and his personal commitment to public service. Tune in to hear Khamsyvoravong’s campaign advice for aspiring politicians.   IN THIS EPISODE:  [0:01:51] What it means for governments to put their money where their mouth is. [0:03:39] Using public finance expertise to modernize utilities and keep costs low. [0:06:00] Why local governments must prepare for potential funding gaps in federal infrastructure investments under the new administration. [0:06:59] Newport’s deep history of religious independence and its modern day diversity. [0:08:41] The importance of listening to all socioeconomic groups in policymaking in such a small city, driven by tourism. [0:09:54] How personal experience and community service led Khamsyvoravong into politics. [0:12:14] Advice for first-time candidates on fundraising and campaign strategy. [0:13:20] The difference between state-level and local government decision-making. [0:14:30] Growing political apathy and the need for sustained community engagement. [0:17:19] Innovative strategies for improving school attendance and academic outcomes. [0:19:49] Supporting Newport’s immigrant population amid national policy shifts. [0:22:53] Personal reflections on the rise of xenophobia in political discourse. [0:24:15] Restructuring city government to prioritize resilience and sustainability. [0:27:55] The role of personal hobbies, like frostbite sailing, in maintaining work-life balance.  

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Lincoln, NE, City Councilmember Tom Beckius. In addition to serving as an elected official, Beckius is a business owner and a housing developer. He talks with Ryan about why it’s important for Democrats to take an aggressive stance in support of small businesses, especially in the face of potentially disastrous economic policies from the Trump Administration. Beckius also explains the current challenges when it comes to building more homes, how tariffs and immigration restrictions from the federal government could worsen conditions, and his suggestion for broadening the definition of “affordable housing” to expand options across price points. He also shares some advice for small business owners who want to get involved in their communities. Tune in to learn more about Beckius' life as a business-owner-turned-politician and what it means to him to serve his hometown.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Background on Lincoln City Council Member and small business owner Tom Beckius. • [02:11] Opportunities and challenges for small business owners in 2025. • [04:27] Initiatives to support small business in Lincoln, Nebraska. • [06:28] Thoughts on the impact of changing laws on immigration and building tariffs may impact the housing crisis. • [08:30] Opportunities to provide affordable housing in Nebraska. • [12:00] The impact of today’s politics on Lincoln’s economy. • [15:30] Innovations in small and starter homes. • [18:06] Advice for shaping local policy when federal policy might be in conflic. • [20:31] Opportunities for Nebraska to move purple or blue in the coming years. • [22:50] Tom’s path to public service through volunteering.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Santa Cruz, CA, City Councilmember and Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson. On the city council, she uses her background in social services and public health to integrate the values of wellbeing, sustainability, and equity into all of Santa Cruz’s policies. Kalantari-Johnson shares her path to service, starting with her early memories of her childhood in Iran, including a pivotal interaction with Iranian “morality police” that prompted her family to move to the United States to pursue brighter futures for her and her sister. Ryan and Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson discuss her policy work, which has included fighting childhood obesity and tooth decay with efforts like a soda tax, and they emphasize the need to remain optimistic through dark times, particularly as the Trump Administration targets the immigrant and refugee communities close to the vice mayor’s heart. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation and how Kalantari-Johnson balances her day job and motherhood with her service in city government.  IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:06] Welcome and introduction to Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson. • [02:25] The experiences that put health front and center of Shebreh’s priorities. • [05:45] Background on the policy and fight around the sugar-sweet beverage tax in Santa Cruz. • [11:41] How City Councilmember Shebreh first arrived in Santa Cruz from Iran. • [15:35] The role of her lived experience in addressing equity and inclusion • [19:38] Her experience as an elected official balancing other responsibilities. • [21:44] Choosing focus points amidst so many other issues. • [25:43] Advice on finding optimism during trying times.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton, who is working alongside Governor Phil Murphy and his legislative colleagues to address the housing crisis. New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in our union, which poses unique challenges and unique opportunities to increase housing. Ryan and Senator Singleton explore misconceptions about what affordable housing is and who it serves, and they discuss why the senator believes it's more effective to market affordable housing as workforce housing. Singleton also talks about New Jersey’s November elections, which along with results in Virginia, will be seen as a barometer of the national mood in the first year of the Trump Administration. Tune in to learn about Singleton’s career path from intern to senator and how he manages his time to ensure he doesn’t get burnt out while serving his neighbors.  IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:03] The foundational role of housing in light of the affordable housing crisis. • [02:23] Senator Troy Singleton’s perspective on the status of affordable housing in New Jersey. • [05:00] Housing initiatives in New Jersey. • [08:24] Challenging dynamics around affordable housing. • [12:38] His journey into working in government. • [16:33] What changed for Senator Troy when he moved into a leadership position. • [18:26] Two tips to manage time and balance responsibilities. • [22:46] How people are feeling in New Jersey following the recent elections. • [25:40] Interests of different demographics.

With a new administration beginning in Washington this week, the importance of pragmatic and effective state and local officials is clearer than ever. That was the message from former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and NewDEAL alum Pete Buttigieg when he spoke at our 2024 Leaders Conference. His remarks are a vital reminder of the key role state and local policymakers play in delivering results and making everyday life better for the American people. After his opening remarks, Buttigieg, who was then appearing in his official capacity as Secretary of Transportation, joined MSNBC's Symone Sanders Townsend to look towards the future, sharing advice for how the country can move forward into a new, brighter future. This conversation is an excellent reminder of the type of leadership the country so desperately needs at this moment.   IN THIS EPISODE:  [01:04] The former secretary’s insights on the importance of pragmatic and effective state and local officials. [01:55] Why our work is not done and some key areas to consider.  [03:10] “The Big Deal” from the Biden-Harris Administration. [06:50] Why former Secretary Buttigieg believes that local leaders are so important for the present moment. [07:30] Staying abreast of the different ways that people get their information. [10:30] Understanding the nature of infrastructure work.  [14:25] Buttigieg’s posture towards his successor.  [17:00] What a new administration might mean for federal infrastructure funds.  [19:27] Insight into former Secretary Buttigieg’s journey to the Department of Transportation.  [22:35] Why a lot of his work in infrastructure and transportation has been nonpartisan in nature. [24:13] The term middle class and why it has become largely meaningless. [29:08] What is most important: making the lives of everyday people better.   

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and Georgia Democratic Caucus Chair Representative Tanya Miller. These three NewDEAL Leaders reflect on their 2024 accomplishments – from lowering prescription costs for Pennsylvania seniors to passing landmark, bipartisan bills addressing Oregon's housing shortage. They then look towards the year ahead and discuss their top priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which include improving government oversight to ensure that states can serve constituents effectively, developing new strategies to better communicate with voters and the press, and focusing on economic issues from jobs to housing to healthcare. Tune in to hear which bills Bowman, McClinton, and Miller think will become laws in 2025 and what issues need policymakers’ attention. IN THIS EPISODE [01:04] Introduction to today’s episode, a preview of what to expect in 2025 state legislative sessions. [02:11] House Speaker Joanna McClinton tells us what things are looking like in Pennsylvania. [04:48] House Majority Leader Ben Bowman shares how he and his team have held onto their majority in Oregon.  [08:08] What’s on Representative Tanya Miller’s mind with Democrats still in the minority this session.  [13:06] Speaker McClinton shares where there are opportunities to bring parties together to drive results.  [16:03] How Representative Bowman is going to follow up on messaging to get tangible results for Oregonians.  [20:11] Representative Miller overviews her strategies for reaching people with Democrat messages.  [24:41] Speaker McClinton discusses aligning with other party members to speak to issues in her state.   [27:27] How Representative Bowman thinks about the relationship between the state legislature and the federal government in the new Trump Administration.  [30:11] Representative Miller talks about ‘playing defense’ and her focus for this term.  [33:54] Our guests speak about their hopes for positives in 2025.

Happy New Year! Our first episode of 2025 features leading political strategist and author Symone Sanders Townsend, now host of MSNBC's The Weekend. Symone speaks with co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty about the importance of citizens being informed and staying engaged in the political arena, even if they feel worn out after the 2024 election. She shares her approach to covering the incoming Trump administration and the current political environment, as well as the nuts and bolts of her life in the political media and what it takes to be ready to go live every Saturday and Sunday on MSNBC. With 2024 being the first year of The Weekend, Symone talks about some of her favorite highlights and her desire to elevate good ideas from state and local policymakers. Tune in to learn more about Symone’s background, what fostered her love of policy and politics, and what motivates her to keep working in her field. IN THIS EPISODE:  The Weekend airs at 8am ET on Saturdays and Sundays on MSNBC. • [01:15] Welcoming today’s guest, Symone D. Sanders Townsend. • [02:47] She tells us about her show The Weekend and what it’s been like for the past year. • [10:12] Symone shares some advice for making sure local news makes more headlines. • [15:34] How they put the show together and decide what to discuss. • [19:06] What motivates Symone to keep talking about politics and stay informed. • [22:30] How Symone got involved in politics and what led her to being a reporter. • [27:21] Why Symone doesn’t think being an elected official is in the cards for her.

This week, we want to take the opportunity to revisit our conversation with Iowa State Representative Megan Srinivas. She and co-host Ryan Coonerty talk about her journey as the child of immigrants in a small Iowa town, to a life changing visit to Kenya, to Harvard, and back to Iowa to represent disadvantaged communities. They discuss her storytelling strategies to create a middle ground on key issues like abortion and why medical professionals are well-positioned to run for office. Srinivas also explains how she embraces the diverse experiences of Iowans to align her messaging on key policy issues with people’s needs. Tune in to learn about her big policy ideas rooted in her unique background and how she balances her medical and legislative duties. Enjoying An Honorable Profession? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great content! https://www.youtube.com/@NewdealleadersOrg/ • [01:06] An introduction to Iowa Representative Dr. Megan Srinivas and what motivates her to work in the legislature while practicing medicine. • [05:30] Her work to improve the Prior Authorization policy in the form of a bipartisan bill. • [07:42] A trip to rural Kenya that transformed how she relates to others. • [09:17] Formative experiences that sparked Dr. Srivas’s interest in global health and policy. • [13:02] Applying global practices to rural Iowa by adopting a broader interpretation of healthcare. • [16:42] Reframing key policies in order to create a middle ground with those who disagree. • [19:38] Iowa’s identity as a Purple State and what it takes to connect with Iowans. • [22:35] Predictions for 2024 and the messaging necessary to move the needle. • [24:45] Advice for healthcare practitioners who might want to run for office. • [26:01] How being a medical professional has helped Dr. Srinivas to build relationships. • [29:23] The dearth of mental health support and facilities in Iowa and what needs to change. • [31:46] Why there is an education crisis in Iowa and how this could be solved. • [33:22] How Dr. Srinivas chooses to focus her energy in order to enact change.