Reimagining our Democracy for the 21st Century

Hello, I'm Todd. And I'm on a mission!

A century ago, my great-grandparents arrived in America as immigrants in pursuit of their American Dream.

Today, as a lifelong Democrat and LGBTQ+ small business owner, I see a country where the American Dream is being crushed by a complex set of problems that career politicians are out of touch on, or are simply unwilling to do the hard work to solve.

And I am most definitely not a career politician.

For over twenty years, I've had a career in communications, which is all about listening to folks to understand what they need, and then delivering it to them.

Here in Los Angeles and in Congress, it's time to get serious. What got us here won't get us there.

When I look at Washington, I see a broken establishment that doesn't listen to voters very much at all. An ineffective Congress. Power sits with the rich and the few. Too much big money and not enough voter voices. Timidity to keep seats rather than bold moves that change lives.

The hard truth is the Democratic establishment has presided over the largest loss of power in a generation, and we have to look in the mirror to ask ourselves why. It's time for a little tough love. We can't just be anti-Trump. We must have a new vision for the future that puts the working class front and center. Here's my plan:

First, I’m on a mission to reimagine our democracy so that it works for every generation. I've got plans for everybody: Gen Z looking for a job and worried about AI, Millennials looking to buy a home, Gen X building a nest egg, and Boomers looking to retire with dignity. Here they are.

We must also make sure there is accountability for crimes committed and we must turn old norms into new laws. Working class voters will stand up for democracy not because we ask them to, but only when it works for them.

Second, we must prioritize outcomes over spending. Congress sends a lot of money to Los Angeles for housing, homelessness, and transportation, yet the money seems to vanish without outcomes. That's about to change.

Third, we must return to a culture of service. Politicians forget that the voters are the boss, and should have lots of access to their Representative. In person town halls, live videos, office hours, calls that get answered and emails that get returned: that's what voters will get from me.

It’s time to reimagine the Democratic Party with a new generation of leaders who understand this moment, and who have lots of plans to fix things. I do.

Government is as good as the people we send to it. I believe change is possible. I believe our best days are ahead.

We cannot build a future if we do not change. Let's start dreaming!