An Honorable Profession

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.

Happy holidays! While our team is off enjoying a well-deserved break, we're revisiting an episode with New York Assemblymember Alex Bores, co-chair of the NewDEAL Forum AI Task Force. As one of the few state legislators in the country with a computer science background, Bores explains how artificial intelligence can change our elections, economy, and everyday lives. He also shares his thoughts on how the government should adjust to the rapid development of AI technology, including about how New York integrates AI into government services, the state economy, and the education system. In addition, the episode dives into the biggest stories from New York’s most recent legislative session, and what to watch for in this year’s elections in the Empire State. Tune in to learn about Bores’s first campaign, why he left the world of tech startups to serve in elected office, and the support he received from his family and friends.  Enjoying An Honorable Profession? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great content! https://www.youtube.com/@NewdealleadersOrg/ IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Introducing AI expert and New York Assembly Member Alex Bores. • [02:07] An overview of how his most recent session: protection bills, expanding the number of judges, and more. • [04:27] Approaching the problem and potential of AI in elections. • [07:50] How States are using AI in the election process and what setting a Federal standard would mean. • [10:35] New York’s approach to integrating AI and why it will never replace government workers. • [13:32] His strategy to introduce AI to those who might be reluctant. • [16:00] What has motivated Assembly Member Bores to leave startups to work in the legislature. • [19:09] His first campaign and how his family forms part of the journey of running for office. • [21:26] Advice for anyone who wants to run for office in the future. • [24:30] Insights on where the Democratic Party is in terms of embracing the new generation and the future. • [26:34] How Assembly Member Bores intends to continue to have an impact in office.  

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Phoenix, AZ, City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington. She shares her approach to leadership and her commitment to creating opportunities for more people in her community. The conversation delves into her journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Valley of the Sun and how this ultimately led her down the path of politics and on to the City Council. She shares how she balances immediate neighborhood needs with long-term policy goals, and talks about  ensuring big investments create broad-based economic opportunities, her plan to plant 27,000 trees in her city, and guaranteeing people facing eviction the right to legal counsel. Tune in to learn how local leaders can make tangible differences.   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [02:04] Kesha's journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to serving on the City Council. • [05:24] Her experience working in public service and what she finds most rewarding. • [06:04] Advocating for the right to counsel to address Phoenix’s growing eviction crisis. • [08:10] Hear about the challenges of providing legal counsel to combat the eviction crisis. • [09:03] Growing a balanced economy and leading Phoenix’s $500 million bond initiative. • [10:46] Navigating national discourse in a local context and lessons from the last election. • [14:07] Building climate change resilient cities and incorporating sustainable city planning. • [16:39] What the next Trump administration will look like and her plans for small businesses. • [18:51] Discover how public service can be a pathway to create meaningful change.