New York

"I support VAV and the Final 5 campaign because the current system doesn’t represent the people. No matter the issue, the solution begins with having our voices heard and represented by those we elect, but in areas where districts consistently elect from the same political party, the real election occurs in the primaries. The problem is that the current closed-primary election system disenfranchises citizens who don’t align with a major political party. Rather than appealing to all their constituents, politicians are fighting for votes within their own party. This gives us more and more extreme candidates moving on to the general elections, and the rest of us get stuck choosing between the lesser of two evils. VAV is working to change that, to give us all a voice in choosing officials who actually represent us, and that is the America I fought for."

"In 2020, I began my political journey as a trustee on my village's board. I was re-elected in 2022 and, this year, was approached by the Democratic Committee to run for the higher office of town council. What's intriguing is that despite being a Republican, they value candidates based on their commitment to responsible governance rather than party affiliation. I am proud to have secured both the Republican and Democratic nominations for the November 2023 town council election. My goal is to encourage people to look past party stereotypes and elect responsible leaders."

"Structure dictates strategy. I agree with VAV that our current political industry has metastasized into a division-driven system which values moats more than bridges. To bring our nation back together, we need to change the status quo, and I believe the political innovations laid out by VAV is the most efficient way to achieve that goal. Veterans for All Voters is in the business of ‘how’, not ‘who’. That’s a conversation worth fighting for."

"The current primary system produces candidates who appeal to the worst parts of the base. Additionally, the parties only allow political insiders and those with funds to secure nominations. The combination of these two factors leads to divisive candidates that do not reflect most of their constituents. I am excited to support an effort to reform a broken system."

"My enthusiasm for volunteering with Veterans for All Voters (VAV) stems from a deep commitment to enhancing our democratic processes, informed by my journey of service and leadership. My enthusiasm for Veterans for All Voters (VAV) springs from a lifelong commitment to public service and democratic engagement, further shaped by my military background and subsequent roles in public policy.

The call to action from VAV resonates deeply with my experiences and aspirations, mainly as I pivot towards a legal career focusing on veterans' rights and public policy. This transition underscores my dedication to advocating for systemic changes that ensure our democracy remains vibrant and inclusive.

Volunteering with VAV is not just an extension of my service; it's a proactive step toward addressing the political dysfunctions that hinder our nation's progress. The organization's commitment to leveraging veterans' unique insights and credibility to advocate for election innovations is particularly compelling. My leadership roles, notably as President of the Student Veterans Organization at Syracuse University, have equipped me with the skills to mobilize and inspire action within communities. What excites me about VAV is the opportunity to apply the leadership and analytical skills honed through my military service and the Bush Veteran Leadership Program towards fostering a more representative democracy. The initiative's focus on bipartisan electoral reforms aligns with my vision for a political landscape where veterans and civilians are motivated to participate in a less polarized, more effective government.

Volunteering with VAV is a critical step in my journey. It offers a platform to advocate for meaningful electoral innovations while continuing to serve the broader community. Joining VAV is an opportunity to further my commitment to service, leveraging my background and aspirations to contribute to a mission that promises a brighter, more inclusive future for all voters."