David Esrati

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>David Esrati completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Esrati's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-404842-2026-02-18\" id=\"heading-bio-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-404842-2026-02-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-404842-2026-02-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDavid Esrati is a Dayton-based veteran, small-business owner, and citizen journalist who has spent decades challenging corruption and rebuilding civic systems from the ground up. Born in Celina and raised in Cleveland Heights, he served in the U.S. Army (1981–1987), then earned a B.S.B. in Marketing from Wright State University (1988).\r\n<p>Esrati founded The Next Wave Marketing • Innovation, a veteran-owned advertising and strategy firm, and has taught at the University of Dayton. Since 2005, he has published thousands of pieces of local reporting and analysis at Esrati.com—using public records, meetings, and court filings and his video skills to hold government accountable when traditional oversight fails.\r\n</p><p>He also founded www.ModernPolicy.org and www.ReconstructingDayton.org to advocate for structural reforms that make government simpler, more transparent, and less captive to insiders—ideas like consolidating duplicative jurisdictions, modernizing elections and records systems, and designing tools that let citizens see where money goes and who benefits.\r\n</p><p>Esrati has served his community through neighborhood and civic organizations, and he’s known for doing the unglamorous work: showing up, documenting facts, and pushing for reforms that protect taxpayers and restore trust.\r\n</p>\nHe loves dogs, riding things with 2 wheels, jazz and funk (he played sax growing up), good brisket and playing ice hockey.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-404842-2026-02-18\" id=\"heading-key-message-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-404842-2026-02-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-404842-2026-02-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Small business first: cut the rigged fees + fix healthcare.\r\nI’m for national healthcare so employers aren’t HR departments for insurance companies. And I’ll cap credit-card interest rates at the same level credit unions are capped 17.9% —so Main Street isn’t doomed to fund Wall Street. No more “economic development” shell games: if it’s corporate welfare, we call it that and stop it.</li><li>Sunlight + enforcement: transparency, antitrust, and no more Glomar games.\r\nI’ll push open-records rules that end “Glomar” stonewalling and stop hiding misconduct by public officials behind fake privacy rules. You break the law in public office, you get exposed. I've spent almost 5 years attempting to get the tapes of Nan Whaley that were played to the grand jury in the \"Culture of Corruption\" investigation – and I'm not done. Real antitrust reform: break up monopoly power that squeezes suppliers, workers, and consumers—and end sweetheart contracting that locks governments into proprietary vendor traps for public data.</li><li>Democracy that talks back: OKDemocracy + digital dividends + actual access. https://esrati.com/democracy-really-needs-a-dating-app/21866\r\nI answer people. I’ll hold regular town halls, publish schedules, and respond—because representation is a service job. I’m building OKDemocracy: an open-source voter info “dating app” + donor registration so you can see who’s funding whom. And I’ll fight for a digital dividend: if you’re a data-producing “sharecropper,” you deserve a cut of the ad revenue.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-404842-2026-02-18\" id=\"heading1-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-404842-2026-02-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-404842-2026-02-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m passionate about fixing systems that keep regular people powerless: anti-corruption &amp; transparency (real public records, no “Glomar” excuses; economic fairness for small business and families (national health care, capping credit-card interest rates, ending “economic development” corporate welfare, and enforcing real antitrust regs; modernizing democracy (open-source government software, donor registration, and tools like OKDemocracy so voters can be informed). I’m also deeply committed to education and opportunity—including free child care—plus veterans care and a VA that actually delivers (I’ve seen it fail people up close). And I want laws written in clear English—so citizens can understand what government is doing in their name.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-404842-2026-02-18\" id=\"heading2-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-404842-2026-02-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-404842-2026-02-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-404842-2026-02-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNone yet: in the past, Mom's demand action and Patients over profits.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>David Esrati completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Esrati's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading-bio-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDavid Esrati is the guy you call when everything else has failed, or the powers that be have overstepped their boundaries. He's been involved in local Dayton politics as an outsider since he first ran for Mayor in 1993.\r\n<p>That was the year Mike Turner surprised everyone by beating Richard Clay Dixon by 400 votes.\r\nIt probably wouldn't have happened, had Esrati not been on the campaign trail- asking the hard questions- like where did the money come from for Dixon's campaign.\r\nTurner had Esrati arrested in 1996 for a silent protest. Turner and the city lost in 5 different courts.\r\nSince 2005, Esrati has been doing citizen journalism in Dayton on his blog, esrati.com He's exposed the dirty little underside that the FBI called the \"Culture of Corruption\" in Dayton.\r\nHe owns The Next Wave Marketing Innovation, an award winning ad agency. His 2 non-profits focus on fixing our broken political system: see reconstructingdayton.org focused on uni-gov and modernpolicy.org focused on open transparent voting via Ranked Choice- and having a true voter information system.\r\nHe's a US Army Veteran, a bad hockey player and the maker of great buttermilk pancakes (come to a fund raiser).\r\nHe graduated from WSU with a degree in Marketing, and has taught at the collegiate level at UD.\r\nHis involvement in Historic South Park over the years has helped his neighborhood become one of the hottest places to live in Dayton. He's rehabbed 5 properties.\r\n</p>\n</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading-key-message-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>You should have the same health care your congressman has. National Security means you should be safe to go to the doctor, without worrying about bankruptcy. Go fund me is not a substitute for national health care.</li><li>Money in politics has warped the system. Why is it that you don't need a background check to run for Congress (George Santos) and that we have to register to vote- but no one has to register to donate? I want to require all donors to register, with reports in real time of donations, and eliminate the self-reporting by campaigns. It's time to end Citizens United if we ever want Congress to work for us again.</li><li>It's time to put an age limit on public service. At 70, you're done. Supreme Court, the Federal Bench, Congress- all of it. Make room for younger people, and new ideas.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading1-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe need absolute transparency in all levels of government. It's time to build systems for government that work- like campaign finance reporting which isn't self-reported to software for meeting agendas and votes taken for local government. We are wasting trillions on unnecessary overhead by re-inventing the wheel in every community.<br/>\n<p>Anything from the clerk of courts, to who's in jail, to when is your trash going to be picked up- or where the school bus is- needs to be improved upon.<br/>\r\nSame goes for paying taxes. Why should a small business have to pay for software to pay it's employees taxes? Why? Because the system is too complicated and convoluted. This is effectively a tax on paying taxes.<br/>\r\nBesides efficiency in government, we need to figure out what being an American means?<br/>\r\nI believe in a mandatory year of public service for all upon graduating high school (and everyone needs to do that). You can go in the military, or serve in child or elder care, or be in a conservation corps, or work for the National Parks- do something that involves giving back to the community and learning what it means to be of service to your nation. <br/>\r\nThen- in exchange, your career training is paid for. Be it becoming a doctor- or a plumber- we invest in people, not in corporations.<br/>\n</p>\nIt's time to stop doing \"economic development\" where poor people subsidize rich companies. We also need to rethink the way we are tracked and monetized online. You should get a cut of the ad dollars spent to sell you\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading2-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThere are several answers to this question- I've watched President Eisenhower's farewell address many times- where he warns us of the dangers of the military industrial complex. As a retired general, he knew, and we didn't listen.<br/>\n<p>I appreciate the fortitude of Steve Jobs, who had a vision of the computer as a bicycle for the mind. I love that analogy. I would love to be able to ask him what he thinks of AI, but he was taken from us too soon. He was, as Ross Perot once said, \"A monomaniac on a mission.\" He changed the world with his introduction of the iPhone- and our access to the internet in our pocket.<br/>\r\nMy father will always be a guidepost for me- he believed that journalism was essential for democracy to work, and he also believed that government could serve the interest of the people- if there were the correct checks and balances in place.<br/>\n</p>\nThe last person, was a friends father. I knew he was smart when I was growing up, he taught bio-chem at Case Western Reserve University- but, I didn't know till he died, that he had discovered mRNA and his work had been cited by 3 Nobel Laureates who later discovered DNA. His name was Lazarus Astrachan- and his humility was awe inspiring. I was lucky to have known him- and eaten at his kitchen table many times.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading3-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI read a lot. My favorite book of all time is \"Cats Cradle\" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.<br/>\n<p>I've already mentioned Eisenhower's farewell address, and you can add Roosevelt's \"The Man in the Arena\" speech.<br/>\r\nI think \"13th\" on Netflix and Youtube in it's examination of the U.S. prison system and how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America was powerful.<br/>\r\nBut so is Spike Lee's \"Do the Right Thing\" <br/>\r\nBoth \"1984\" and \"Animal Farm\" opened my eyes.<br/>\r\nBut so did James Baldwin and Dick Gregory.<br/>\n</p>\nI was lucky to take a Black Lit class in High School.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading4-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo serve all the people in my district.<br/>\n<p>I read \"Animal Farm\" in High School. I'm wearing a t-shirt right now that says \"Make Orwell Fiction Again.\"<br/>\r\nI do not believe that there is room for \"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.\"<br/>\r\nWe have a system that is now rigged for the 1% - and it's destroying the fabric of our country.<br/>\r\nI believe in leveling the playing fields and making sure that basic rights include a right to an education, health care, safe housing, an honest days pay for an honest days work, and help for those who are less fortunate.<br/>\n</p>\nMost importantly, my integrity is non-negotiable.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading5-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI listen well.<br/>\n<p>I'm a good mediator.<br/>\r\nI'm honest to a fault.<br/>\r\nI'm not motivated by money.<br/>\n</p>\nI can bring creative solutions to the table- and make people think about things in a different way.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading6-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo listen and be accessible to the people in my district- and to make sure that their voices are heard and amplified to the best of my ability.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading7-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThat we no longer have the best politicians money can buy.<br/>\r\nThat the rich aren't entitled to more of the pie- unless they make the pie bigger for everyone.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading8-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember my father lifting me up to look out our apartment window to see the fires in the Hough and Glenville riots. He took a photo of it- that ended up on the cover the Cleveland Plain Dealer Magazine where he worked as a copy editor. We had the National Guard standing outside our apartment building- with a jeep with a machine gun mounted on it.<br/>\r\nI was 4 or 5.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading9-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked in a small stereo store- \"Coventry Audio\" starting when I was 12- washing windows, dusting, vacuuming and hooking up equipment. I ended up running the store in the summer when I was 16.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading10-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\"Cats Cradle\" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. He takes the basic structure of the Bible- and rewrites it in an approachable way. It shows how man creates his own framework for living- based on some pretty silly scenarios.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading11-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTony Stark/Iron Man- he had the best toys and technology.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading12-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tGood Day- by Nappy Roots. I was researching it for a video- and earworm.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading13-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHolding my tongue when I hear someone say something incredibly stupid.<br/>\n<p>I don't tolerate stupidity well.<br/>\n</p>\nIt is curable.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading14-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tRight now- \"qualities\" is not a word I'd associate with the US House.<br/>\n<p>We have people in office that questioned the validity of the very election that put them there.<br/>\r\nWe have representatives who refuse to meet with the public.<br/>\r\nWe have representatives who actively make excuses for a former president who incited a rebellion.<br/>\n</p>\nSomething has to change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading15-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely not. There are many ways to be involved in politics and leadership - without having been elected, or working in government.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading16-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIf we don't come together as a nation, we won't have a nation.<br/>\n<p>The division between the parties, between rich and poor, between races, between minorities, etc has to stop.<br/>\n</p>\nAnd, we have to wake up to climate change, and that we're destroying our planet at a record pace.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading17-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely. I just believe we need to take the million dollar price tag off each race.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading18-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe elections should serve as term limits. But, not the kind of auctions for office we hold now.<br/>\n<p>I'd like to move to ranked choice voting, and national same day primaries.<br/>\n</p>\nWhat I would like to implement is mandatory retirement from public service at 70- from Presidents to Supreme Court Justices to the Federal Bench.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading19-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo, because there's never been a representative from the advertising business. Typically, creative people don't run for Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading20-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI could tell you some really long ones, but my experience serving as Power of Attorney for a mentally ill veteran who had been denied his rightful benefits for 20 years is pretty powerful. You can read a story written by Dayton Daily News sportswriter Tom Archdeacon here: https://electesrati.com/tom-archdeacon-writes-about-the-veteran-im-honored-to-take-care-of/\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading21-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI can't- it's not fit for publication. <br/>\r\nMy grandmother told it to me- and, well, it's based on a universal truth about the power balance between men and women.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading22-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely. But, it's not just compromise- it's also bringing creative, out of the box solutions to the table.<br/>\r\nWe can't keep shutting down the government because someone is having a temper tantrum.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading23-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe need to reel in the holding of the budget hostage by special interests. <br/>\n<p>It's time to have full transparency in the income of our members of Congress- and stop their insider trading.<br/>\r\nWe need a donor registration system to make sure you can find out who bought your congressman on every vote.<br/>\n</p>\nWe really need to get the money out of politics.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading24-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTo make sure that the government isn't breaking the law.<br/>\n<p>I've got a lawsuit in it's 3rd year to get the tapes that were played to the Grand Jury of former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley from the \"Culture of Corruption\" investigation.<br/>\r\nThe fact that the FBI and the DOJ caught Commissioner Joey D. Williams accepting bribes in office- and not only failed to prosecute him for 3 years, but then allowed him to stand for re-election with an agreement to resign if he won- was criminal.<br/>\n</p>\nThat they are using the GloMar response, \"We can neither confirm or deny the existence of those records\" is criminal- this isn't a matter of national security, it's a matter of legitimate government and elections.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-214242-2023-12-18\" id=\"heading25-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-214242-2023-12-18\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-214242-2023-12-18\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-214242-2023-12-18\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWorking on the 2024 endorsements\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nDavid Esrati completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Esrati's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. David Esrati is a Dayton-based veteran, small-business owner, and citizen journalist who has spent decades challenging corruption and rebuilding civic systems from the ground up. Born in Celina and raised in Cleveland Heights, he served in the U.S. Army (1981–1987), then earned a B.S.B. in Marketing from Wright State University (1988). Esrati founded The Next Wave Marketing • Innovation, a veteran-owned advertising and strategy firm, and has taught at the University of Dayton. Since 2005, he has published thousands of pieces of local reporting and analysis at Esrati.com—using public records, meetings, and court filings and his video skills to hold government accountable when traditional oversight fails. He also founded www.ModernPolicy.org and www.ReconstructingDayton.org to advocate for structural reforms that make government simpler, more transparent, and less captive to insiders—ideas like consolidating duplicative jurisdictions, modernizing elections and records systems, and designing tools that let citizens see where money goes and who benefits. Esrati has served his community through neighborhood and civic organizations, and he’s known for doing the unglamorous work: showing up, documenting facts, and pushing for reforms that protect taxpayers and restore trust. He loves dogs, riding things with 2 wheels, jazz and funk (he played sax growing up), good brisket and playing ice hockey. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Small business first: cut the rigged fees + fix healthcare.\r\nI’m for national healthcare so employers aren’t HR departments for insurance companies. And I’ll cap credit-card interest rates at the same level credit unions are capped 17.9% —so Main Street isn’t doomed to fund Wall Street. No more “economic development” shell games: if it’s corporate welfare, we call it that and stop it. Sunlight + enforcement: transparency, antitrust, and no more Glomar games.\r\nI’ll push open-records rules that end “Glomar” stonewalling and stop hiding misconduct by public officials behind fake privacy rules. You break the law in public office, you get exposed. I've spent almost 5 years attempting to get the tapes of Nan Whaley that were played to the grand jury in the \"Culture of Corruption\" investigation – and I'm not done. Real antitrust reform: break up monopoly power that squeezes suppliers, workers, and consumers—and end sweetheart contracting that locks governments into proprietary vendor traps for public data. Democracy that talks back: OKDemocracy + digital dividends + actual access. https://esrati.com/democracy-really-needs-a-dating-app/21866\r\nI answer people. I’ll hold regular town halls, publish schedules, and respond—because representation is a service job. I’m building OKDemocracy: an open-source voter info “dating app” + donor registration so you can see who’s funding whom. And I’ll fight for a digital dividend: if you’re a data-producing “sharecropper,” you deserve a cut of the ad revenue. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about fixing systems that keep regular people powerless: anti-corruption & transparency (real public records, no “Glomar” excuses; economic fairness for small business and families (national health care, capping credit-card interest rates, ending “economic development” corporate welfare, and enforcing real antitrust regs; modernizing democracy (open-source government software, donor registration, and tools like OKDemocracy so voters can be informed). I’m also deeply committed to education and opportunity—including free child care—plus veterans care and a VA that actually delivers (I’ve seen it fail people up close). And I want laws written in clear English—so citizens can understand what government is doing in their name. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? None yet: in the past, Mom's demand action and Patients over profits.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\n\n\nDavid Esrati completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Esrati's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. David Esrati is the guy you call when everything else has failed, or the powers that be have overstepped their boundaries. He's been involved in local Dayton politics as an outsider since he first ran for Mayor in 1993. That was the year Mike Turner surprised everyone by beating Richard Clay Dixon by 400 votes.\r\nIt probably wouldn't have happened, had Esrati not been on the campaign trail- asking the hard questions- like where did the money come from for Dixon's campaign.\r\nTurner had Esrati arrested in 1996 for a silent protest. Turner and the city lost in 5 different courts.\r\nSince 2005, Esrati has been doing citizen journalism in Dayton on his blog, esrati.com He's exposed the dirty little underside that the FBI called the \"Culture of Corruption\" in Dayton.\r\nHe owns The Next Wave Marketing Innovation, an award winning ad agency. His 2 non-profits focus on fixing our broken political system: see reconstructingdayton.org focused on uni-gov and modernpolicy.org focused on open transparent voting via Ranked Choice- and having a true voter information system.\r\nHe's a US Army Veteran, a bad hockey player and the maker of great buttermilk pancakes (come to a fund raiser).\r\nHe graduated from WSU with a degree in Marketing, and has taught at the collegiate level at UD.\r\nHis involvement in Historic South Park over the years has helped his neighborhood become one of the hottest places to live in Dayton. He's rehabbed 5 properties. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? You should have the same health care your congressman has. National Security means you should be safe to go to the doctor, without worrying about bankruptcy. Go fund me is not a substitute for national health care. Money in politics has warped the system. Why is it that you don't need a background check to run for Congress (George Santos) and that we have to register to vote- but no one has to register to donate? I want to require all donors to register, with reports in real time of donations, and eliminate the self-reporting by campaigns. It's time to end Citizens United if we ever want Congress to work for us again. It's time to put an age limit on public service. At 70, you're done. Supreme Court, the Federal Bench, Congress- all of it. Make room for younger people, and new ideas. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? We need absolute transparency in all levels of government. It's time to build systems for government that work- like campaign finance reporting which isn't self-reported to software for meeting agendas and votes taken for local government. We are wasting trillions on unnecessary overhead by re-inventing the wheel in every community. Anything from the clerk of courts, to who's in jail, to when is your trash going to be picked up- or where the school bus is- needs to be improved upon. Same goes for paying taxes. Why should a small business have to pay for software to pay it's employees taxes? Why? Because the system is too complicated and convoluted. This is effectively a tax on paying taxes. Besides efficiency in government, we need to figure out what being an American means? I believe in a mandatory year of public service for all upon graduating high school (and everyone needs to do that). You can go in the military, or serve in child or elder care, or be in a conservation corps, or work for the National Parks- do something that involves giving back to the community and learning what it means to be of service to your nation. Then- in exchange, your career training is paid for. Be it becoming a doctor- or a plumber- we invest in people, not in corporations. It's time to stop doing \"economic development\" where poor people subsidize rich companies. We also need to rethink the way we are tracked and monetized online. You should get a cut of the ad dollars spent to sell you Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? There are several answers to this question- I've watched President Eisenhower's farewell address many times- where he warns us of the dangers of the military industrial complex. As a retired general, he knew, and we didn't listen. I appreciate the fortitude of Steve Jobs, who had a vision of the computer as a bicycle for the mind. I love that analogy. I would love to be able to ask him what he thinks of AI, but he was taken from us too soon. He was, as Ross Perot once said, \"A monomaniac on a mission.\" He changed the world with his introduction of the iPhone- and our access to the internet in our pocket. My father will always be a guidepost for me- he believed that journalism was essential for democracy to work, and he also believed that government could serve the interest of the people- if there were the correct checks and balances in place. The last person, was a friends father. I knew he was smart when I was growing up, he taught bio-chem at Case Western Reserve University- but, I didn't know till he died, that he had discovered mRNA and his work had been cited by 3 Nobel Laureates who later discovered DNA. His name was Lazarus Astrachan- and his humility was awe inspiring. I was lucky to have known him- and eaten at his kitchen table many times. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? I read a lot. My favorite book of all time is \"Cats Cradle\" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. I've already mentioned Eisenhower's farewell address, and you can add Roosevelt's \"The Man in the Arena\" speech. I think \"13th\" on Netflix and Youtube in it's examination of the U.S. prison system and how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America was powerful. But so is Spike Lee's \"Do the Right Thing\" Both \"1984\" and \"Animal Farm\" opened my eyes. But so did James Baldwin and Dick Gregory. I was lucky to take a Black Lit class in High School. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? To serve all the people in my district. I read \"Animal Farm\" in High School. I'm wearing a t-shirt right now that says \"Make Orwell Fiction Again.\" I do not believe that there is room for \"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.\" We have a system that is now rigged for the 1% - and it's destroying the fabric of our country. I believe in leveling the playing fields and making sure that basic rights include a right to an education, health care, safe housing, an honest days pay for an honest days work, and help for those who are less fortunate. Most importantly, my integrity is non-negotiable. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I listen well. I'm a good mediator. I'm honest to a fault. I'm not motivated by money. I can bring creative solutions to the table- and make people think about things in a different way. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? To listen and be accessible to the people in my district- and to make sure that their voices are heard and amplified to the best of my ability. What legacy would you like to leave? That we no longer have the best politicians money can buy. That the rich aren't entitled to more of the pie- unless they make the pie bigger for everyone. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I remember my father lifting me up to look out our apartment window to see the fires in the Hough and Glenville riots. He took a photo of it- that ended up on the cover the Cleveland Plain Dealer Magazine where he worked as a copy editor. We had the National Guard standing outside our apartment building- with a jeep with a machine gun mounted on it. I was 4 or 5. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked in a small stereo store- \"Coventry Audio\" starting when I was 12- washing windows, dusting, vacuuming and hooking up equipment. I ended up running the store in the summer when I was 16. What is your favorite book? Why? \"Cats Cradle\" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. He takes the basic structure of the Bible- and rewrites it in an approachable way. It shows how man creates his own framework for living- based on some pretty silly scenarios. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Tony Stark/Iron Man- he had the best toys and technology. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Good Day- by Nappy Roots. I was researching it for a video- and earworm. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Holding my tongue when I hear someone say something incredibly stupid. I don't tolerate stupidity well. It is curable. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? Right now- \"qualities\" is not a word I'd associate with the US House. We have people in office that questioned the validity of the very election that put them there. We have representatives who refuse to meet with the public. We have representatives who actively make excuses for a former president who incited a rebellion. Something has to change. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Absolutely not. There are many ways to be involved in politics and leadership - without having been elected, or working in government. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? If we don't come together as a nation, we won't have a nation. The division between the parties, between rich and poor, between races, between minorities, etc has to stop. And, we have to wake up to climate change, and that we're destroying our planet at a record pace. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Absolutely. I just believe we need to take the million dollar price tag off each race. What are your thoughts on term limits? I believe elections should serve as term limits. But, not the kind of auctions for office we hold now. I'd like to move to ranked choice voting, and national same day primaries. What I would like to implement is mandatory retirement from public service at 70- from Presidents to Supreme Court Justices to the Federal Bench. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? No, because there's never been a representative from the advertising business. Typically, creative people don't run for Congress. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I could tell you some really long ones, but my experience serving as Power of Attorney for a mentally ill veteran who had been denied his rightful benefits for 20 years is pretty powerful. You can read a story written by Dayton Daily News sportswriter Tom Archdeacon here: https://electesrati.com/tom-archdeacon-writes-about-the-veteran-im-honored-to-take-care-of/ Tell us your favorite joke. I can't- it's not fit for publication. My grandmother told it to me- and, well, it's based on a universal truth about the power balance between men and women. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Absolutely. But, it's not just compromise- it's also bringing creative, out of the box solutions to the table. We can't keep shutting down the government because someone is having a temper tantrum. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? We need to reel in the holding of the budget hostage by special interests. It's time to have full transparency in the income of our members of Congress- and stop their insider trading. We need a donor registration system to make sure you can find out who bought your congressman on every vote. We really need to get the money out of politics. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? To make sure that the government isn't breaking the law. I've got a lawsuit in it's 3rd year to get the tapes that were played to the Grand Jury of former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley from the \"Culture of Corruption\" investigation. The fact that the FBI and the DOJ caught Commissioner Joey D. Williams accepting bribes in office- and not only failed to prosecute him for 3 years, but then allowed him to stand for re-election with an agreement to resign if he won- was criminal. That they are using the GloMar response, \"We can neither confirm or deny the existence of those records\" is criminal- this isn't a matter of national security, it's a matter of legitimate government and elections. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? Working on the 2024 endorsements\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Video for Ballotpedia", "answer_html": "<div style=\"float:left\">\n<table cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"wikitable\" width=\"205\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td><div class=\"thumb embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"width: 258px;\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideowrap youtube\" style=\"width: 250px\"><iframe allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"141\" loading=\"lazy\" modestbranding=\"1\" src=\"//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/WRdOH_rznHE\" width=\"250\"></iframe></div><!--\n--></div><!--\n--></div><span style=\"font-size:80%\">Video submitted to Ballotpedia<br/>Released September 22, 2022</span>\n</td></tr></tbody></table></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>David Esrati completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Esrati's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-115750-2022-08-04\" id=\"heading-bio-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-115750-2022-08-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-115750-2022-08-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDavid Esrati was born in Celina, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1987. He earned a bachelor's degree from Wright State University in 1988. He owns the advertising agency \"The Next Wave\" Founded VOB108 a veterans business group. Esrati has been affiliated with the Disabled American Veterans, Historic South Park Inc., the American Advertising Federation, the Montgomery County Democratic Party, the Artists Guild, and founded the non-profits: Modern Policy Institute and Reconstructing Dayton.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-115750-2022-08-04\" id=\"heading-key-message-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-115750-2022-08-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-115750-2022-08-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Esrati works for you, not the base.</li><li>Pro choice, pro women, pro doctors, pro children.</li><li>None of the mass shooters were part of a \"well regulated militia\"- it's time to restrict semi-automatic weapons to the militias.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-115750-2022-08-04\" id=\"heading1-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-115750-2022-08-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-115750-2022-08-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tLeveling the playing field for small businesses. It's time we made it easier for small businesses to deal with government regulation- by starting with a government provided payroll system that's free to use. There shouldn't be a vig on paying taxes.<br/>\n<p>We have voter registration systems- I believe in donor registration systems that provide verified, real time records of all political donations. American's should be able to see who is buying their leaders.<br/>\r\nHealth care shouldn't be chosen by your employer. The pandemic proved the government can pay for health care for all- isn't it time to stop victimizing sick people in our country by sticking them with huge bills when they get cancer or the like? Go fund me isn't the answer. Single payer is. If Congress has government health care- so should you.<br/>\r\nInvest in public projects, infrastructure, mass transit, lead water pipe elimination, rural internet, high speed rail- not building chip plants for the tech giants. Public money shouldn't subsidize private business.<br/>\r\nIncome inequality- no one is worth 300x what their median employees pay is- and stock buy backs is theft from the shareholders. Unless you are a founder, and retained ownership, and pay dividends- you didn't get to earn billions by yourself. Time to make sure the US Taxpayers aren't subsidizing your sub-living wages (Walmart - I'm talking to you).<br/>\n</p>\nTransparency in government. It's time we built open source systems for running every level of government. Meeting agendas etc\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-115750-2022-08-04\" id=\"heading2-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-115750-2022-08-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-115750-2022-08-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI take a little bit of a lot of people to establish my role models. Steve Jobs and his single focus on ease of use and a standardized interface had a big impact on my professional life. Muhammad Ali and the costs he bore in saying “I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong.\" Famous ad man Bill Bernbach said \"It's not a principle until it costs you money\" and I've had to put my money where my mouth is multiple times when it comes to open meetings and transparency. I believe that Rosa Parks showed the power of a protest of one- and for that, I thank her. It gave me hope when Mike Turner arrested me for a symbolic protest in the Dayton City Commission meeting on Feb 28, 1995. There are no perfect role models- I had a Nike poster hanging in my kitchen for a long time with Charles Barkley saying \"I am not a role model\" and some of the reasons why. <br/>\n<p>I look up to Phil Jackson, a coach who could get the best out of difficult players. I think of Eisenhower's final speech to the American people- warning them of the dangers of the Military Industrial Complex, of FDR asking the country to work together to make it through the great depression.<br/>\r\nI had a 2x Medal of Honor recipient for my CO in Phase 1 of Special Forces School- he believed in leading by example and not having his trainees do anything he wouldn't. Maj Howard had multiple Purple Hearts but could still ruck march 12 miles. <br/>\n</p>\nI don't have one example because no one is perfect. I try to take the best of each of them- and do things in a way that my parents would be proud.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-115750-2022-08-04\" id=\"heading3-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-115750-2022-08-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-115750-2022-08-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember Bobby Kennedy being shot. I was 5. I also remember watching Hough and Glenville burn during the riots in Cleveland- my father, a journalist took a photo out of our window of the skyline on fire that appeared on the cover of the Sunday Plain Dealer Magazine.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-115750-2022-08-04\" id=\"heading4-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-115750-2022-08-04\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-115750-2022-08-04\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-115750-2022-08-04\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI started working at Coventry Audio in Cleveland Heights when I was 12 years old. At first I washed windows, cleaned, and hooked up equipment and kept the stockroom in order, but soon, I was helping customers and eventually by the time I was 15- I was running the store in the summer.<br/>\n<p>I learned that the biggest problem wasn't selling the equipment, it was getting people to come in and see what we have. This began my journey into advertising.<br/>\n</p>\nI was there for 3 years- and then went to work for my bosses friend Barry, at Mayfield Music until I graduated High School.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Esrati submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on August 4, 2022.</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"text-center\" style=\"margin-top: 30px\"><button class=\"btn btn-default showResponses text-center\">Show past responses</button><button class=\"btn btn-default hideResponses text-center\">Hide past responses</button></div>\n<div class=\"pastResponses\" style=\"display: none\"><p class=\"large-date\">\tMarch 14 submission</p><div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading-bio-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tVeteran, community activist, citizen journalist, ad man. Committed to open transparent government, I've challenged the City of Dayton, The Dayton Public School Board, The Dayton Metro Library and even the Feds in court to make sure the public has access to public records. I've been involved in the Transformation of the South Park Historic district since 1986.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading-key-message-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Small businesses shouldn't have to pay a payroll processor tax just to pay their employees.</li><li>Economic development incentives have to be available to all- not just big business, and the poor need to stop financing the wealthy (Intel's move to Ohio).</li><li>We have to create a real time, verified reporting system for all campaign donations to know how we get the best politicians money can buy.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading1-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tSmall business policy- since they create a healthy majority of all jobs.<br/>\n<p>Reigning in the obscene wealth gap caused by the Wizards of Wall Street.<br/>\r\nUniversal health care options to put small business on an equal footing with large businesses.<br/>\r\nTransparency in government and accountability for elected officials.<br/>\n</p>\nVeterans.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading2-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tI read a lot. I write a lot. I also try to meet people who I admire or respect.<br/>\n<p>Kurt Vonnegut Jr changed my life with \"Cat's Cradle\"- and Tom Peters changed my life with \"In Search of Excellence.\" I met Tom- drove him from Books and Company down to the Dayton Mall for a talk he gave.<br/>\r\nSteve Jobs- who understood the power of a computer for everyone. I once called him when he'd started Next- and had a short conversation where I tried to talk him into hiring me. The personal computer and the iPhone have changed the world faster than any other inventions.<br/>\r\nThere are people in advertising that I respect- and have met. Sally Hogshead who is one of the best writers I know- wrote a book \"Radical Careering\" which I felt should be given to all school systems as a motivational tool.<br/>\r\nAlex Bogusky- who set the world on fire with ad campaign after campaign from 2000-2010- by being provocative and smart. The anti-smoking Truth Campaign was part of his legacy. <br/>\r\nBut, for the most part, I've followed my fathers advice - he even wrote me a book called \"Dear Son, do you really want to be an American\" which is available for free on my blog- esrati.com<br/>\r\nHe wrote it around 1969-70 when we were living in Canada- because he was afraid of what Nixon would do to our country (that GWB did later). He'd served in the Army- he wasn't a draft dodger- but, the book was for when I turned 18- and I'd have to decide what county I would choose.<br/>\n</p>\nRead it. It's short. It will tell you more than anything I've wrote about what makes me tick.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading3-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tRead \"Cat's Cradle\" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. <br/>\n<p>Watch \"The Best Years of our Lives\"<br/>\n</p>\nGo volunteer in your neighborhood to improve it- build a playground, clean up trash, help a neighbor.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading4-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tHonesty, integrity, altruism.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading5-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tI'm confident and able to endure personal attacks.<br/>\n<p>I read everything I can get my hands on- and think about the implications of actions- both in the short and long term.<br/>\r\nI am a good listener.<br/>\r\nI believe in the oath of office- and the oath I took when I joined the Army.<br/>\r\nI know our entire system is based on trust and truth- and will fight to make sure both are at the forefront.<br/>\n</p>\nI know how to adapt and improvise.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading6-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tTo represent those who aren't heard. The poor, the sick, the old, the young.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading7-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tHe made people think.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading8-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tThe burning of Collinwood - we could see the whole skyline on fire from our apartment. My father took a photo of it that was on the cover of the Sunday Plain Dealer Magazine (he worked at the paper).<br/>\r\nI also remember Bobby Kennedy getting shot.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading9-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tI started working at Coventry Audio in Cleveland Heights when I was 12 years old. By the time I was 16, I was running the store in the summer.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading10-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\t\"Cat's Cradle\" - From the net- \"Vonnegut uses Cat's Cradle to satire the ideas society holds about progress and how it is achieved through the pursuit of truth; the pursuit of knowledge gained through science and experimentation. Society seems to believe that it can better itself through obtaining empirical, scientific data about the world around us.\"\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading11-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tIron Man. Tony Stark didn't have to put on the suit to fight for mankind- but, he put his money where his mouth was.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading12-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tWorking with people who weren't in an elite Army unit- where trust and \"get it done\" weren't ever questioned.<br/>\r\nI expect everyone to work toward goals with a veracity and commitment as if their lives were on the line. It doesn't happen.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading13-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tIt's one of the only places where politicians get to choose their voters. It's currently not representative of anything but money in politics.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading14-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tI believe that there are plenty of ways to get experience in government or politics- via participation in the process. I do think you need to have a vocabulary and understanding of how our nation works. I'm all in favor of candidates taking tests to run- including their positions on issues.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading15-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tThe wealth gap, our failure to invest in our social capital, be it universal health care, affordable higher ed, or public transit and affordable housing.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading16-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tIf you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tSmall business, Veterans affairs,\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading17-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tYes.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading18-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tElections are the ultimate term limits- however we have to take the money out. I advocate for a complete \"Voter Information System\" that will tell voters exactly what they need to know- and implement via Ranked Choice Voting.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading19-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tMorris Udall\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading20-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tI'm involved with a veteran who went without services for 20 years, until I became his POA. He now has 100% disability from the VA, his SS doesn't get stopped, he was homeless, car-less, phone less 6 years ago when I started with him.<br/>\n<p>He now owns 2 homes, a car, a phone- and has managed to stay out of the hospital or jail - a lot more in the last 3 years than he had for the past 23. <br/>\n</p>\nOur ability to look after the less fortunate is how we are to be judged.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading21-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tDonald Trump. He's not my favorite- but he was an incredibly bad joke.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading22-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tCompromise is what you do to make other people believe that your way is better. Otherwise known as Statesmanship. It's long gone here.<br/>\r\nWe need to bring it back.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-115750-2022-03-14\" id=\"heading23-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-115750-2022-03-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-115750-2022-03-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-115750-2022-03-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tI believe strongly in tax reform- simplification for the majority of us, and less loopholes and provisions for the top 1%.<br/>\r\nWe need to spend more on domestic programs- be they education, health care or public infrastructure- and less on defense.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p><p><i><b>Note:</b> Esrati submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on March 14, 2022.</i></p></div></div>", "answer_text": "Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released September 22, 2022\n\n\nDavid Esrati completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Esrati's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. David Esrati was born in Celina, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1987. He earned a bachelor's degree from Wright State University in 1988. He owns the advertising agency \"The Next Wave\" Founded VOB108 a veterans business group. Esrati has been affiliated with the Disabled American Veterans, Historic South Park Inc., the American Advertising Federation, the Montgomery County Democratic Party, the Artists Guild, and founded the non-profits: Modern Policy Institute and Reconstructing Dayton. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Esrati works for you, not the base. Pro choice, pro women, pro doctors, pro children. None of the mass shooters were part of a \"well regulated militia\"- it's time to restrict semi-automatic weapons to the militias. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Leveling the playing field for small businesses. It's time we made it easier for small businesses to deal with government regulation- by starting with a government provided payroll system that's free to use. There shouldn't be a vig on paying taxes. We have voter registration systems- I believe in donor registration systems that provide verified, real time records of all political donations. American's should be able to see who is buying their leaders. Health care shouldn't be chosen by your employer. The pandemic proved the government can pay for health care for all- isn't it time to stop victimizing sick people in our country by sticking them with huge bills when they get cancer or the like? Go fund me isn't the answer. Single payer is. If Congress has government health care- so should you. Invest in public projects, infrastructure, mass transit, lead water pipe elimination, rural internet, high speed rail- not building chip plants for the tech giants. Public money shouldn't subsidize private business. Income inequality- no one is worth 300x what their median employees pay is- and stock buy backs is theft from the shareholders. Unless you are a founder, and retained ownership, and pay dividends- you didn't get to earn billions by yourself. Time to make sure the US Taxpayers aren't subsidizing your sub-living wages (Walmart - I'm talking to you). Transparency in government. It's time we built open source systems for running every level of government. Meeting agendas etc Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I take a little bit of a lot of people to establish my role models. Steve Jobs and his single focus on ease of use and a standardized interface had a big impact on my professional life. Muhammad Ali and the costs he bore in saying “I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong.\" Famous ad man Bill Bernbach said \"It's not a principle until it costs you money\" and I've had to put my money where my mouth is multiple times when it comes to open meetings and transparency. I believe that Rosa Parks showed the power of a protest of one- and for that, I thank her. It gave me hope when Mike Turner arrested me for a symbolic protest in the Dayton City Commission meeting on Feb 28, 1995. There are no perfect role models- I had a Nike poster hanging in my kitchen for a long time with Charles Barkley saying \"I am not a role model\" and some of the reasons why. I look up to Phil Jackson, a coach who could get the best out of difficult players. I think of Eisenhower's final speech to the American people- warning them of the dangers of the Military Industrial Complex, of FDR asking the country to work together to make it through the great depression. I had a 2x Medal of Honor recipient for my CO in Phase 1 of Special Forces School- he believed in leading by example and not having his trainees do anything he wouldn't. Maj Howard had multiple Purple Hearts but could still ruck march 12 miles. I don't have one example because no one is perfect. I try to take the best of each of them- and do things in a way that my parents would be proud. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I remember Bobby Kennedy being shot. I was 5. I also remember watching Hough and Glenville burn during the riots in Cleveland- my father, a journalist took a photo out of our window of the skyline on fire that appeared on the cover of the Sunday Plain Dealer Magazine. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I started working at Coventry Audio in Cleveland Heights when I was 12 years old. At first I washed windows, cleaned, and hooked up equipment and kept the stockroom in order, but soon, I was helping customers and eventually by the time I was 15- I was running the store in the summer. I learned that the biggest problem wasn't selling the equipment, it was getting people to come in and see what we have. This began my journey into advertising. I was there for 3 years- and then went to work for my bosses friend Barry, at Mayfield Music until I graduated High School.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\nNote: Esrati submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on August 4, 2022.\nShow past responses Hide past responses\nMarch 14 submission Who are you? Tell us about yourself. Veteran, community activist, citizen journalist, ad man. Committed to open transparent government, I've challenged the City of Dayton, The Dayton Public School Board, The Dayton Metro Library and even the Feds in court to make sure the public has access to public records. I've been involved in the Transformation of the South Park Historic district since 1986. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Small businesses shouldn't have to pay a payroll processor tax just to pay their employees. Economic development incentives have to be available to all- not just big business, and the poor need to stop financing the wealthy (Intel's move to Ohio). We have to create a real time, verified reporting system for all campaign donations to know how we get the best politicians money can buy. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Small business policy- since they create a healthy majority of all jobs. Reigning in the obscene wealth gap caused by the Wizards of Wall Street. Universal health care options to put small business on an equal footing with large businesses. Transparency in government and accountability for elected officials. Veterans. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I read a lot. I write a lot. I also try to meet people who I admire or respect. Kurt Vonnegut Jr changed my life with \"Cat's Cradle\"- and Tom Peters changed my life with \"In Search of Excellence.\" I met Tom- drove him from Books and Company down to the Dayton Mall for a talk he gave. Steve Jobs- who understood the power of a computer for everyone. I once called him when he'd started Next- and had a short conversation where I tried to talk him into hiring me. The personal computer and the iPhone have changed the world faster than any other inventions. There are people in advertising that I respect- and have met. Sally Hogshead who is one of the best writers I know- wrote a book \"Radical Careering\" which I felt should be given to all school systems as a motivational tool. Alex Bogusky- who set the world on fire with ad campaign after campaign from 2000-2010- by being provocative and smart. The anti-smoking Truth Campaign was part of his legacy. But, for the most part, I've followed my fathers advice - he even wrote me a book called \"Dear Son, do you really want to be an American\" which is available for free on my blog- esrati.com He wrote it around 1969-70 when we were living in Canada- because he was afraid of what Nixon would do to our country (that GWB did later). He'd served in the Army- he wasn't a draft dodger- but, the book was for when I turned 18- and I'd have to decide what county I would choose. Read it. It's short. It will tell you more than anything I've wrote about what makes me tick. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Read \"Cat's Cradle\" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Watch \"The Best Years of our Lives\" Go volunteer in your neighborhood to improve it- build a playground, clean up trash, help a neighbor. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty, integrity, altruism. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I'm confident and able to endure personal attacks. I read everything I can get my hands on- and think about the implications of actions- both in the short and long term. I am a good listener. I believe in the oath of office- and the oath I took when I joined the Army. I know our entire system is based on trust and truth- and will fight to make sure both are at the forefront. I know how to adapt and improvise. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? To represent those who aren't heard. The poor, the sick, the old, the young. What legacy would you like to leave? He made people think. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The burning of Collinwood - we could see the whole skyline on fire from our apartment. My father took a photo of it that was on the cover of the Sunday Plain Dealer Magazine (he worked at the paper). I also remember Bobby Kennedy getting shot. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I started working at Coventry Audio in Cleveland Heights when I was 12 years old. By the time I was 16, I was running the store in the summer. What is your favorite book? Why? \"Cat's Cradle\" - From the net- \"Vonnegut uses Cat's Cradle to satire the ideas society holds about progress and how it is achieved through the pursuit of truth; the pursuit of knowledge gained through science and experimentation. Society seems to believe that it can better itself through obtaining empirical, scientific data about the world around us.\" If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Iron Man. Tony Stark didn't have to put on the suit to fight for mankind- but, he put his money where his mouth was. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Working with people who weren't in an elite Army unit- where trust and \"get it done\" weren't ever questioned. I expect everyone to work toward goals with a veracity and commitment as if their lives were on the line. It doesn't happen. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? It's one of the only places where politicians get to choose their voters. It's currently not representative of anything but money in politics. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? I believe that there are plenty of ways to get experience in government or politics- via participation in the process. I do think you need to have a vocabulary and understanding of how our nation works. I'm all in favor of candidates taking tests to run- including their positions on issues. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? The wealth gap, our failure to invest in our social capital, be it universal health care, affordable higher ed, or public transit and affordable housing. If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of? Small business, Veterans affairs, Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. What are your thoughts on term limits? Elections are the ultimate term limits- however we have to take the money out. I advocate for a complete \"Voter Information System\" that will tell voters exactly what they need to know- and implement via Ranked Choice Voting. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Morris Udall Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I'm involved with a veteran who went without services for 20 years, until I became his POA. He now has 100% disability from the VA, his SS doesn't get stopped, he was homeless, car-less, phone less 6 years ago when I started with him. He now owns 2 homes, a car, a phone- and has managed to stay out of the hospital or jail - a lot more in the last 3 years than he had for the past 23. Our ability to look after the less fortunate is how we are to be judged. Tell us your favorite joke. Donald Trump. He's not my favorite- but he was an incredibly bad joke. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is what you do to make other people believe that your way is better. Otherwise known as Statesmanship. It's long gone here. We need to bring it back. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? I believe strongly in tax reform- simplification for the majority of us, and less loopholes and provisions for the top 1%. We need to spend more on domestic programs- be they education, health care or public infrastructure- and less on defense. Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it. Note: Esrati submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on March 14, 2022."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Esrati's campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><i><b>I AM NOT MIKE TURNER.</b></i>\n</p><p>I am running to be your REPRESENTATIVE to the House of Representatives. That means I will meet with you, your groups, be involved in the community and report back to you daily on what I’ve been doing. I’ve been livestreaming daily M-F at 4pm EST as part of the campaign, where you can interact with me. https://tinyurl.com/esratilive I plan to continue the livestreams once in Congress, to tell you what happened each day- and what I did for you, and to get your feedback,\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>CHOICE AND HEALTH CARE</b></i>\n</p><p>I believe in the right to choose what to do with your body – this isn’t just abortion rights, it also means that your health care isn’t controlled by anyone other than you and your doctor. I believe in health care, not health insurance. Note, this doesn’t apply fully to vaccines. We vaccinate to protect all of us. This is how Mumps and Polio and at least 12 others went away. There are somethings we do for each other as Americans, not for ourselves.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS</b></i>\n</p><p>Small businesses create more jobs and a more diverse and stable economy. Anything that the government requires a small business to do- such as managing payroll tax collection to competing for Federal projects, must be on a playing field where size doesn’t give the bigger company an instant advantage. I’m a small businessman, and I know the pains government inflicts on us.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>OPEN RECORDS- SUNSHINE AT EVERY LEVEL</b></i>\n</p><p>Government should provide open records except in very limited cases related to national security. Government officials—including law enforcement—should not be allowed to lie or keep secrets from citizens.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>PRIVACY IS VALUABLE AND A BASIC RIGHT</b></i>\n</p><p>Privacy is a right and should be treated as such. If a social media or advertising company cannot stay in business without violating the privacy of users, then they should not be in business. If they profit from your information, you should share in their proceeds.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>DONOR REGISTRATION SYSTEM</b></i>\n</p><p>We have voter registration to stop people from voting, but we don’t have donor registration to make sure we know who is buying our leaders.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>PROTECTING YOUR HOME</b></i>\n</p><p>Your home should never be treated like a share of stock by a bank. An American has the right to own their home, without being taxed out of it, or thrown out of it by the sheriff. We need foreclosure reform in addition to lending reform.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP</b></i>\n</p><p>I believe in the first part of the 2nd amendment “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State”. And I’m going to be an “originalist” and say “Constitutional carry” applies to flintlock pistols and muzzle loaders. Anything else- it’s single shot, single action or you better be fighting a war as part of that “Well regulated militia”. Note, I believe legal gun ownership, should only be provided to those who have served in the military, and undergone the extensive training and evaluation that comes with it. Weapons of war are for the military, not for hobbyists or “self-defense.” Safe gun storage is in an armory. Note, these are my personal beliefs, and I doubt they would ever be legislated. My goal is to level the playing field for small business- not waste time trying to pry weapons out of gun nuts hands. However in light of the recent shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, I issued a real proposal for Constitutional Gun Control- and how to implement it using the 14th Amendment. See the link GunControl\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM</b></i>\n</p><p>Being rich and white will no longer be a get out of jail free card. I can’t believe that our entire prison system is full of poor people and the mentally ill by anything other than our disdain for equality. We jail too many people for trying to survive- instead of for crimes against the community. Former Dayton City Commissioner Joey Williams violated our public trust accepting bribes while in public office- he got 3 months in prison. $130M went missing from Wright State and no one was charged.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS</b></i>\n</p><p>There should be a mandatory age of retirement for members of congress. I believe elections should serve as term limits, but if someone good comes along, it should be up to the voters. But, since we are entrusting our future to politicians, they shouldn’t be over 70.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>I BELONG TO THE PEOPLE OF OH-10</b></i>\n</p><p>I will not be owned by lobbyists, corporations, defense contractors, or tolerate insurrectionists who don’t believe our elections are valid.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>NEW PROTECTIONS FOR THE GIG ECONOMY</b></i>\n</p><p>If we are indeed a gig economy, I guarantee that no worker who is told what to do, when to be there, and how to do it, is anything but an employee and should be treated as such.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>OPEN GOVERNMENT (OPEN SOURCE + TRANSPARENCY)</b></i>\n</p><p>The government should be open. It should use open-source software solutions so as not to be beholden to the titans of the digital world. This includes everything from electronic medical records systems, to the tools of government (elections software, agenda tools for public bodies) and even accounting tools to help manage small business.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>WHEN YOU ARE THE PRODUCT</b></i>\n</p><p>If you are the product, as in your data, the content you generate, the ads you watch on their platform, you should get paid for your creations like Youtube does. Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram etc would be nothing without you- and you should get a share of a majority of the profits (at least 51% and have voting power). Social platforms should be owned by the community, not the censors.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>MANDATORY PUBLIC SERVICE</b></i>\n</p><p>Every American must do a year to 18 months of public service at 18- be it in the military, or in a civilian conservation corps, or caring for our elderly, or providing childcare. Being an American requires time spent in the service of our freedoms. In exchange for a job well done, 2 years of college will be paid for.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION</b></i>\n</p><p>College should be affordable and not a debt sentence. We can make sure that a public education is available to all, with the first 2 years paid for in exchange for public service and the 2nd two years with interest free loans, repayable based on your income level after graduation.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>HEALTH CARE FOR ALL</b></i>\n</p><p>No American should have to choose between health care and bankruptcy. Insulin shouldn’t cost 15x more than in any other country. I believe in single payer, and as an interim step, allow small businesses to buy into medicare to balance the playing field as we begin the giant undertaking of retraining the entire medical insurance industry into health care providers instead of deniers and unnecessary overhead.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT</b></i>\n</p><p>The environment matters. I believe in clean energy, emission free vehicles, free public transit, recycling, electric high-speed rail, ending sprawl, and locally grown organic food. We have to fight climate change now.\n</p><p><br/>\n<i><b>EQUAL RIGHTS</b></i>\n</p><p>LBGQT+ rights is summed up pretty well except the use of the word “Man” in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [people] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”\n</p><p>But, I don’t just support LBGQT+ equal rights, we need to make sure that women and minorities are also given protections for equal pay for an equal days work. We’re not there yet.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_5-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-5\">[5]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—David Esrati's campaign website (2022)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-6\"><a href=\"#cite_note-6\">[6]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Esrati's campaign website stated the following:\n“ I AM NOT MIKE TURNER. I am running to be your REPRESENTATIVE to the House of Representatives. That means I will meet with you, your groups, be involved in the community and report back to you daily on what I’ve been doing. I’ve been livestreaming daily M-F at 4pm EST as part of the campaign, where you can interact with me. https://tinyurl.com/esratilive I plan to continue the livestreams once in Congress, to tell you what happened each day- and what I did for you, and to get your feedback, CHOICE AND HEALTH CARE I believe in the right to choose what to do with your body – this isn’t just abortion rights, it also means that your health care isn’t controlled by anyone other than you and your doctor. I believe in health care, not health insurance. Note, this doesn’t apply fully to vaccines. We vaccinate to protect all of us. This is how Mumps and Polio and at least 12 others went away. There are somethings we do for each other as Americans, not for ourselves. SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS Small businesses create more jobs and a more diverse and stable economy. Anything that the government requires a small business to do- such as managing payroll tax collection to competing for Federal projects, must be on a playing field where size doesn’t give the bigger company an instant advantage. I’m a small businessman, and I know the pains government inflicts on us. OPEN RECORDS- SUNSHINE AT EVERY LEVEL Government should provide open records except in very limited cases related to national security. Government officials—including law enforcement—should not be allowed to lie or keep secrets from citizens. PRIVACY IS VALUABLE AND A BASIC RIGHT Privacy is a right and should be treated as such. If a social media or advertising company cannot stay in business without violating the privacy of users, then they should not be in business. If they profit from your information, you should share in their proceeds. DONOR REGISTRATION SYSTEM We have voter registration to stop people from voting, but we don’t have donor registration to make sure we know who is buying our leaders. PROTECTING YOUR HOME Your home should never be treated like a share of stock by a bank. An American has the right to own their home, without being taxed out of it, or thrown out of it by the sheriff. We need foreclosure reform in addition to lending reform. RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP I believe in the first part of the 2nd amendment “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State”. And I’m going to be an “originalist” and say “Constitutional carry” applies to flintlock pistols and muzzle loaders. Anything else- it’s single shot, single action or you better be fighting a war as part of that “Well regulated militia”. Note, I believe legal gun ownership, should only be provided to those who have served in the military, and undergone the extensive training and evaluation that comes with it. Weapons of war are for the military, not for hobbyists or “self-defense.” Safe gun storage is in an armory. Note, these are my personal beliefs, and I doubt they would ever be legislated. My goal is to level the playing field for small business- not waste time trying to pry weapons out of gun nuts hands. However in light of the recent shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, I issued a real proposal for Constitutional Gun Control- and how to implement it using the 14th Amendment. See the link GunControl CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM Being rich and white will no longer be a get out of jail free card. I can’t believe that our entire prison system is full of poor people and the mentally ill by anything other than our disdain for equality. We jail too many people for trying to survive- instead of for crimes against the community. Former Dayton City Commissioner Joey Williams violated our public trust accepting bribes while in public office- he got 3 months in prison. $130M went missing from Wright State and no one was charged. A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS There should be a mandatory age of retirement for members of congress. I believe elections should serve as term limits, but if someone good comes along, it should be up to the voters. But, since we are entrusting our future to politicians, they shouldn’t be over 70. I BELONG TO THE PEOPLE OF OH-10 I will not be owned by lobbyists, corporations, defense contractors, or tolerate insurrectionists who don’t believe our elections are valid. NEW PROTECTIONS FOR THE GIG ECONOMY If we are indeed a gig economy, I guarantee that no worker who is told what to do, when to be there, and how to do it, is anything but an employee and should be treated as such. OPEN GOVERNMENT (OPEN SOURCE + TRANSPARENCY) The government should be open. It should use open-source software solutions so as not to be beholden to the titans of the digital world. This includes everything from electronic medical records systems, to the tools of government (elections software, agenda tools for public bodies) and even accounting tools to help manage small business. WHEN YOU ARE THE PRODUCT If you are the product, as in your data, the content you generate, the ads you watch on their platform, you should get paid for your creations like Youtube does. Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram etc would be nothing without you- and you should get a share of a majority of the profits (at least 51% and have voting power). Social platforms should be owned by the community, not the censors. MANDATORY PUBLIC SERVICE Every American must do a year to 18 months of public service at 18- be it in the military, or in a civilian conservation corps, or caring for our elderly, or providing childcare. Being an American requires time spent in the service of our freedoms. In exchange for a job well done, 2 years of college will be paid for. AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION College should be affordable and not a debt sentence. We can make sure that a public education is available to all, with the first 2 years paid for in exchange for public service and the 2nd two years with interest free loans, repayable based on your income level after graduation. HEALTH CARE FOR ALL No American should have to choose between health care and bankruptcy. Insulin shouldn’t cost 15x more than in any other country. I believe in single payer, and as an interim step, allow small businesses to buy into medicare to balance the playing field as we begin the giant undertaking of retraining the entire medical insurance industry into health care providers instead of deniers and unnecessary overhead. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT The environment matters. I believe in clean energy, emission free vehicles, free public transit, recycling, electric high-speed rail, ending sprawl, and locally grown organic food. We have to fight climate change now. EQUAL RIGHTS LBGQT+ rights is summed up pretty well except the use of the word “Man” in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [people] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But, I don’t just support LBGQT+ equal rights, we need to make sure that women and minorities are also given protections for equal pay for an equal days work. We’re not there yet. [5] ” —David Esrati's campaign website (2022) [6]"}]