An Honorable Profession

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Pittsburgh, PA, City Controller Rachael Heisler. Heisler explains the role of the controller, which consists of three core functions: accounting, accounts payable, and auditing. She also discussed her role in making sure that tax dollars are used responsibly and effectively and that they are spent in accordance with legislation that was passed and contracts that were signed. They talk about the challenges of urban budgets as office buildings and downtowns remain empty in the aftermath of the pandemic, as well as how to build trust within your community, fight for what is right, and campaign in swing states. Tune in to learn about Controller Heisler’s approach to her role in government and as a community leader, how she has stood against antisemitism, and why she has so much hope for Pittsburgh’s future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:04] Pittsburgh Controller Rachael Heisler, her role, and why the City Controller is especially important in Pittsburgh.

• [03:08] Navigating the interplay of holding office members accountable while serving in office.

• [05:40] Delivering tricky news in a swing state.

• [08:55] What Controller Heisler would like to see change in Pittsburgh’s working environment.

• [12:14] Her career path up to this point which started in education before she fell in love with public service.

• [16:13] Why running for office is truly the most humbling thing you could do.

• [18:41] Pittsburgh community members attunement with maintaining the city’s fiscal health.

• [19:41] How Controller Heisler experienced moving from a Deputy role to occupying the position of Controller.

• [22:38] Her approach to speaking out against antisemitism in Pittsburgh and why she believes this is important.

• [30:47] Sentiment in Pittsburgh leading up to the elections and the incredible energy on the ground.

Today’s bonus episode kicks off a limited series including interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan to explore what's happening across the country heading into the 2024 Elections. Debbie will be checking in with NewDEALers in swing states about the state of the presidential election, as well traveling to other states to ask about key state legislative races, ballot initiatives, and more. In this episode, Debbie speaks with Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka in New Hampshire – a key presidential swing state, a site for Democratic state legislature gains, and the home to the most competitive gubernatorial race in the country. Tune in to get the inside scoop on how races from the top of the ticket all the way down the ballot will pan out in New Hampshire.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Michigan Senate Assistant Majority Leader Darrin Camilleri, who shares how his upbringing as the son of an immigrant and his early experiences as a teacher shaped his view on policy and public service. He discusses what it takes to make a successful career change into elected office, how he was the only Democrat to flip a seat in 2016, and the lessons Democrats should keep in mind to ensure victory in this year’s election. The Senator also discusses how he is trying to improve school funding policies and his leadership on Michigan’s recently passed voting rights act to expand ballot access and increase protections for voters with disabilities. Tune in to learn more about how Senator Camilleri approaches policy and politics in his swing state.

IN THIS EPISODE

• [01:03] Michigan State Senator Darrin Camilleri details his path to Michigan and public service as the child of an immigrant.

• [03:41] How his background influenced his view on policies and public service. 

• [06:35] What it took to successfully transition from school teacher to state legislature.

• [07:21] What Senator Camilleri’s 2016 campaign can teach us about split tickets in 2024.

• [10:57] Lessons learned from previous elections to aid VP Kamala Harris’ campaign.

• [13:48] Understanding voter concerns ahead of November’s election compared to the worries of previous campaigns. 

• [15:11] What Senator Camilleri and the Senate Democrats are doing to improve voting rights in Michigan.

• [17:03] How the polls are looking in Michigan, and what Americans can do to help the Harris-Walz campaign in the Great Lakes State. 

• [18:23] The differences in roles and policymaking between the House and the Senate.

• [20:04] School funding politics from the senator’s perspective. 

• [22:30] Senator Camilleri’s current policy plans and future goals in his hopes for a better Michigan.

• [24:37] The evolution of the Michigan legislature, and where it could be in the next five years.

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the CEO and Founder of the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, Derek Kaufman. Derek is a thought leader and policy strategist dedicated to advancing equity and sustainability through innovative business practices. The Inclusive Abundance Initiative aims to create inclusive economic systems that foster abundance for all, pushing back against a scarcity mindset with policies that grow economic opportunity and build thriving communities for everyone. Debbie and Derek talk about his definition of abundance that “creates opportunities to overcome limitations in the status quo,” they unpack how a focus on abundance work translates into effective policies, and explore the relationship between abundance and democracy. They discuss why streamlining government functions can restore faith in institutions and how the abundance framework can create better outcomes for all Americans. Tune in to learn about ideas for reshaping  public policy, building inclusive growth, and unlocking new possibilities for all.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [02:40] Background and mission of The Inclusive Abundance Initiative.

• [03:58] He explains the concept of abundance in the context of public policy.

• [06:16] Comparing the impacts of an abundance versus a scarcity mindset on policy.

• [08:30] Examples of how the system is not achieving its inclusive growth goals.

• [10:32] Why Derek is optimistic about The Inclusive Abundance Initiative’s mission.

• [12:38] The challenges faced on the Federal level regarding affordable housing.

• [15:54] Why the Presidential Campaign gives him hope for solving America’s problems.

• [20:24] Hear how the abundance framework will drive bipartisan agreements.

• [24:54] Benefits of applying the abundance framework to a democracy.

• [28:52] Find out how and why he started The Inclusive Abundance Initiative.

• [32:12] Derek’s outlook for the future of the abundance framework in government.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks 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.

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.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Connecticut Representative Kate Farrar. She talks about her continued efforts to move significant legislation to expand access to quality childcare, support local journalism to strengthen democracy, improve biking and pedestrian infrastructure in her community, and support refugees and immigrants who are moving to Connecticut and engaging in the workforce. Ryan and Representative Farrar also discuss what keeps her motivated and her compelling vision for a healthy community and state. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:05] Introducing Representative Kate Farrar and her journey to State Legislature.

• [02:13] Her path into public service and work to encourage more women to follow suit.

• [05:06] How Kamala Harris’s election might impact young and professional women with an interest in political leadership.

• [06:07] Transitioning from training and advocacy to running for office.

• [07:17] Launching her campaign shortly before the pandemic began.

• [10:28] Representative Farrar’s efforts to create a trust fund for more accessible and affordable childcare.

• [11:53] The Tri-share program: a partnership between businesses, families, and the state to jointly fund childcare.

• [12:38] How she foresees the impact of these efforts unfolding for children and their parents.

• [15:32] Efforts that Representative Farrar has made toward biking and pedestrian infrastructure.

• [19:36] Finding hope for the immigrant and refugee community.

• [22:08] Building support among her colleagues for refugee funding.

• [23:53] Representative Farrar’s relationship with legislating around journalism and local press.

• [27:51] Words of advice for women and young people who want to be a part of enacting change.

In this week's episode, producer Rachel Walsh joins co-hosts Ryan Coonery and Debbie Cox Bultan to recap the past few months of this exciting election cycle. They discuss last week's Democratic National Convention, highlighting key themes and standout moments from speakers, including many NewDEAL leaders and alumni. They also reflect on our Road to November 2024 Messaging series, which featured insights from political strategists, policy experts, and state and local elected officials. Ryan, Debbie, and Rachel analyze how to address voters' top concerns and strategies for a strong performance up and down the ballot, and they explore the growing momentum within the Democratic Party, outlining the crucial steps leaders must take to keep this energy through the fall. Tune in to hear their takeaways and better understand the road ahead.

You can listen to our Road to November 2024 Messaging Series in it's entirety, here.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [04:08] What it was like to be on the floor of the DNC this year.

• [09:13] Freedom as a central narrative of the Democratic campaign.

• [12:41] Congresswoman Annie Kuster on the framing of freedom by the Democratic Party.

• [13:39] Ilana Rubel’s insights on how attacks on reproductive rights impact broader freedoms.

• [17:52] Jesse Ferguson on campaigning on the subject of reproductive rights.

• [18:42] Passing the torch to a younger generation within the party; appealing to young voters.

• [20:58] Olivia Julianna’s insights on what young people are most concerned about.

• [23:47] Mike Madrid on reaching Latino voters and the importance of a pro-housing agenda.

• [27:06] Why it’s so important to build a broad coalition from the middle out.

• [29:28] Simon Rosenberg on patriotism as an antidote to MAGA’s nationalism.

• [32:19] Karen Finney’s thoughts on acknowledging the daily anxieties of Americans.

• [35:00] The role of An Honorable Profession and NewDEAL going forward in the key election year.

In this special DNC mini-sode host Debbie Cox Bultan talks with former Florida Senator Loranne Ausley, WelcomePAC Co-Founder Lauren Harper Pope, and Delaware State Senator and Congressional candidate Sarah McBride. They each reflect on the Convention, talk about their favorite speakers, and share what they’re looking forward to on the last night of the DNC.

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Georgia Representative Tanya Miller. Rep. Miller is a prosecutor and civil rights attorney who has consistently worked to ensure justice and defend constitutional rights. She gives us an on-the-ground report about the fight for democracy and the energy presidential candidate Kamala Harris brings to the campaign in Georgia. Miller explains why Kamala Harris is the best pick for America and shares how Democrats can advocate for democracy. She also shares how people are fighting for access to the ballot, the impact the 2016 election had on her decision to enter politics, and how her courtroom experience benefits her political aspirations. Tune in to gain insights into the challenges of gerrymandering tactics by Republicans in Georgia and her focus on engaging with the public.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:14] Introducing today’s guest, Representative Tanya Miller.

• [02:03] Her perspective on the current state of the Presidential race.

• [03:57] What the election administration looks like in Georgia.

• [06:34] Hear about the barriers and restrictions she faced in the legislature.

• [09:42] Representative Miller shares her path to public service.

• [15:45] Ways the courtroom and the legislature differ from each other.

• [19:18] Explore her legislative priorities and approach to politics.

• [24:41] How she is addressing the disadvantages Democrats face in Georgia.

• [27:03] Navigating the demands of public service with her law career.

• [29:09] Why people should consider a career in public service.

In this special DNC-mini sode of An Honorable Profession, host Debbie Cox Bultan catches up with four amazing NewDEAL Leaders in Chicago to talk about their experiences so far. You’ll hear from Cedar Rapids, IA, City Councilmember Ashley Vanorny; Albuquerque, NM, Mayor Tim Keller; Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson; and Texas Representative Salman Bhojani as they reflect on their favorite moments so far and what they hope to hear from speakers tonight.