Candidate Statement
United States
Education
B.S., Indiana University; M.S., IU Kelley School of Business
Occupational background
Technology Entrepreneur
Political Office(s) Held in the Past
None
We need to make sure the American dream is achievable for all of us.
We’ve had challenges in Indiana as manufacturing jobs have decreased. I want to make sure that folks can afford to live in our district with the wages they earn from quality jobs.
As an entrepreneur and job creator, I know businesses need a stable environment to create more jobs and a workforce that matches their needs.
The best thing the government can do is encourage schools and businesses to build the workforce of tomorrow right here in America.
Congress should support policies that foster economic stability, invest in K-12 programs that ensure students are ready for college and support workforce training for high-wage jobs.
2 - Democracy must remain America’s sacred cause and, like generations before us, we must protect it for our children.
Too many politicians are engaged in divisive, partisan politics. They believe that as long as they win, it doesn’t matter how badly they hurt the nation in the process. Worse yet, we now have candidates casting doubt on the democratic process when they lose.
This recklessness leads directly to the political violence we saw on January 6th at our nation’s Capitol. It can never be allowed to happen again.
We must do everything in our power to protect our democracy and repair the broken trust of our democratic institutions. This includes supporting policies such as independent redistricting and campaign finance reforms.
Our immigration system is broken. We need a bipartisan, comprehensive solution that ensures our borders are safe and secure, keeping out drugs and weapons, while recognizing that those who come here legally, pay taxes and play by the rules are a vital part of the American experiment.
Immigration plays an important role ensuring we have workers needed for a thriving economy and avoiding labor shortages. I would support a robust guest worker program and other pathways for immigrants to work and reside within our country legally.
I also support a pathway to citizenship for children who entered the United States illegally through no fault of their own.
4 - Climate change and extreme weather events that come with it are growing problems that we need to address. We need to take care of our environment in order to preserve it for future generations. Hoosiers want clean air and water.
As a nation, we should invest in economically viable, dependable sources of renewable energy. We should also develop a strategic plan to address issues ranging from human migration to rising insurance costs due to growing loss claims from the increased frequency of extreme weather events.
Racism is part of our history, and racism lives on in the hearts and minds of many. As a society, we must continue to call it out when we see it. Many government-backed or government-designed systems in place today were set up in the name of liberty and justice for all but do not operate that way in reality.
These systems directly and indirectly affect K-12 education, higher education, social services, health care and criminal justice. Lawmakers at the local, state and federal level can and should reform inequitably designed systems to allow access and opportunity for all Americans.
America has historically played a unique role as a world leader deeply committed to democracy with extraordinary military might.
We cannot be the world’s policeman but we can be an international leader, uniting a coalition of countries working together to maintain global peace and security. We must stand with our allies to ensure they stand with us and be willing to hold them accountable when necessary.
Finally, we need to ensure we keep our military strong to ensure our security and standing as a global leader.
The United States has some of the best healthcare in the world but how we pay for it is broken.
Half of Americans can’t afford an unexpected $1,000 bill yet most deductibles are much higher. We must look at how health plans are structured.
We need a national option, such as Medicare for All, that prioritizes low-cost healthcare while maintaining the option of private insurance for those who want it.
Finally, we must look at the things in healthcare that conspire to raise prices. Monopolies have formed and are driving up costs. Hospitals have consolidated and purchase physician practices. Insurers, PBMs and pharmacies are now a single company. Instead of creating savings, patients are charged more for fewer options.
We must take steps to address the growing debt and balance our budgets while keeping our promises and delivering services at a high level.
Hoosier families sit down to budget to make sure they can pay their bills, and the federal government should too.
We need to look for ways to streamline the delivery of government services so that the government operates within its means just like working families across the country.
Finally, we should re-evaluate the way that the Congressional Budget Office scores bills to make it more difficult to hide unpaid-for expenses.
We simply cannot continue to kick the can down the road. It not only harms future generations but it leads to issues like the inflation we have seen over the past few years.
Candidate Statement
My campaign is about protecting and preserving Democracy, fighting for reproductive and personal rights, and advocating for an efficient and effective federal government that honors its commitments to Hoosiers and Americans.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Skidmore College, 1981
Occupational background
I served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a behavioral science specialist with the 55th Medical Detachment, and then as an intelligence analyst with the 21st Support Command in Indianapolis, Indiana. I have always had a deep interest in public policy issues and first worked for a small non-governmental organization, The Center for Integrative Development (CID), after graduating from college. Its mission was to assist developing countries build their educational expertise and capacity with new and renewable sources of energy technologies. Later, I worked at Hudson Institute, a public policy research organization, on their international economic and trade studies. I have managed and overseen large financial assets as a Trustee.
Political Office(s) Held in the Past
None
Campaign Phone (public)
463-328-3972
The top domestic policy challenge is the attack on our democratic institutions by those who swore to protect them. Our U.S. Constitution and government framework help us resolve disputes, find compromise, and develop smart policies. Infrastructure upgrades, responsible implementation and oversight of Artificial Intelligence, environmental degradation, and financial commitments to Seniors, Veterans, Americans and U.S. allies are issues that need fair and just solutions that balance conflicting needs. Too many elected officials defy and abuse this system resulting in the loss of public trust in it. I will honor the U.S. Constitution and work with others within our government framework to solve our challenges.
Our democracy and democratic institutions have been under siege by those in positions of power. I rate our security a 3. This score would be lower if the Democrats had not fought hard to counter this trend. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and 5o years of precedent to roll back women's reproductive rights. They also overturned the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling to uphold Section 3, of the 14th Amendment regarding Mr. Trump. Numerous current, elected public office holders have used their position to amplify and legitimize lies and false information about the 2020 election process and results. These actions violate the U.S. Constitution, sow public mistrust, and reduce support for our democracy and democratic institutions.
There are many legitimate reasons to flee one's home country and seek the sanctuary offered by the United States. But Americans want immigrants to follow the laws when entering their country. Immigration laws need to be reformed, resources need to be committed and more funding secured to handle the huge inflow of immigrants. Immigration reform needs to create a pathway of citizenship for those who have lived here and contributed to our society's well-being. It also needs to account for labor shortages, be responsive to initial strains on local resources and cultural tensions, and put in place incentives that compel people to follow our immigration laws. This is a complex issue with many dimensions requiring clear policies.
I strongly agree with this statement and rate it 5. Environmental degradation, loss of habitat, polluted waterways, frequent flooding events, increased seismic activity are some of the major consequences of industrial activity that are compelling mass migrations and creating instability and hardship for the lives of many. This is one of the most important public policy issues facing communities, businesses, community leaders and legislators. This threat requires the full attention and commitment of many to mitigating its serious consequences and preventing further damage and chaos. In an effort to find solutions to this crisis, all potential repercussions of each new proposal needs to be studied and understood.
Demographic trends show out country becoming an even larger and more diverse society reflecting many cultures, races and ethnicities. We benefit from this trend when there is a common commitment to the principles and values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and these differences are celebrated and reflected in our political system.
The United States should continue its critical leadership role in building global peace and security through its humanitarian outreach and military presence. This role is most effective when the United States works in concert with its European and Asian Pacific allies to counter the military aggression of Russia and China, protect global sea shipping lanes, and coordinate the delivery of aid to people suffering from the ravages of war, famine, and natural disasters. Of vital importance is the steady and reliable presence of U.S. military personnel and State Department officials serving in foreign countries with the intent of allowing democratic institutional structures to develop and take hold in nascent democracies.
Healthcare is a complex public policy issue requiring input from all the stakeholders including the patients, providers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies. An expansive overhaul is needed to streamline services, reduce costs, compel price transparency, encourage research and development, and provide good care without bankrupting Americans. Better care of ourselves and eliminating environmental hazards that impact our health are also important components of an overall healthcare strategy. Legislators need to do the difficult task of setting up and adhering to a budget that supports our goal of a superior healthcare system that serves all Americans. Presently, we are fragmented, overburdened and expensive.
The economy loves stability, continuity and predictability in leadership which has been achieved under the Biden administration. Not yet felt in our communities are the impact of federal dollars designated for infrastructure upgrades, industrial initiatives to build U.S. computing and AI capacity, and investments in energy technologies. The challenge for communities and Indiana is to ensure these federal dollars are spent wisely and citizens have say and control over how these massive projects are built. Preservation of beautiful natural space and conservation of our precious natural resources can not be sacrificed for economic activity that promises jobs and profits but leaves the land depleted for future generations.
