Newsletter - August 2026

In last November's newsletter I began to explore the idea of an alternative approach to congressional redistricting. In May's newsletter, I provided a much more detailed framework for exploring the impact of race-neutral and party-neutral principles on congressional redistricting.

I am very pleased to report that the Problem Solvers Caucus has created a bipartisan gerrymandering reform framework that incorporates many of the principles I envisioned when I first embarked on my "Real Representation" project.

Specifically, the Caucus has endorsed a framework based on the following five principles:

• Stability and predictability in representation;

• Transparency and public confidence in the map-drawing process;

• Fair and consistent application of standards across states;

• Respect for communities and political subdivisions; and

• Reduction of incentives for partisan manipulation.

The framework would continue to leave the actual drawing of congressional maps to the states, while establishing nationwide standards designed to create a more transparent, fair and consistent redistricting process across the country.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is building an impressive coalition of elected officials, election experts, special masters, legal scholars, and stakeholders from across the political spectrum to help guide its work. Over the coming months, the Caucus plans to develop these principles into bipartisan legislation.

Where does "Real Representation" go from here?

My "Real Representation" project is now shifting from developing an alternative redistricting approach to building grassroots support for meaningful bipartisan reform.

I believe local town hall meetings could provide citizens with an opportunity to learn more about both the redistricting process and the Problem Solvers Caucus proposal, while also giving them a meaningful voice in helping to inform the resulting legislation.

I am currently developing a proposal for these town hall meetings that I will be sharing with organizations and individuals who may be able to help turn this idea into action.

I will be taking a break from the newsletter in September, so my next newsletter will be in October. I hope to have much more to share with you then.

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Newsletter - July 2026

Over the past several months, I've written about the importance of strengthening our democracy—not by defeating one another, but by learning how to work together despite our differences.

Last month, it was my privilege to attend the Braver Angels National Convention, joining over eight hundred people from across the political spectrum. Convention attendees included members of Congress, thought leaders, and many with innovative ideas to improve our country and the effectiveness of our government. All who were there share a common belief: our country can do better!

I returned home encouraged—not because I discovered a magic solution to America's challenges, but because I met people who are committed to doing the difficult work of rebuilding trust, one conversation at a time.

All participants were encouraged both to sign the Braver Angels pledge, which was unveiled at the conference, but to also establish a personal pledge or commitment.

My pledge was to "move from witness to participant".

Following the convention, I reflected on those five words.

It's easy to watch. It's easy to criticize. It's easy to become frustrated with politics, the media, or "the other side." It is much harder to step forward, engage respectfully, and become part of the solution.

That idea connects directly to what I've been trying to accomplish through Speak Up for Good Government, my work with Voice of the People, and my involvement with Braver Angels.

Whether we're facilitating conversations about immigration, promoting public consultation, exploring ways to address gerrymandering, or simply encouraging neighbors to listen to one another, the goal is the same:

Move from observing our democracy to helping improve it.

Several themes emerged repeatedly throughout the convention:

First, we often overestimate how divided we really are. While our disagreements are real, most Americans want many of the same things: safe communities, economic opportunity, fairness, and a government that listens to its citizens.

Second, meaningful relationships begin when we challenge our own assumptions. One speaker reminded us that "no one is as simple as they seem." That observation resonated with me because it reflects what I witnessed in our two Northeast Ohio Common Ground Workshops. When people listen with curiosity instead of certainty, common ground becomes much easier to find.

Third, incentives matter. As I continue exploring and promoting gerrymandering reform, I was encouraged by conversations about safe congressional districts, communities of interest, and ways to strengthen accountability between elected officials and the people they represent. The conference reinforced my belief that improving our democratic institutions requires more than electing different people. It requires creating systems that encourage collaboration, responsiveness, and genuine representation.

Perhaps the most hopeful message of the convention was that renewal begins with each of us.

One speaker observed that we have a moral duty to spread joy. Another reminded us that rage and fear have become profitable commodities in today's media environment. If anger can spread, so can hope. If division can be amplified, so can understanding. Every conversation we have, every article we share, and every respectful interaction we model contributes to the kind of civic culture we want to create.

There was also a recurring emphasis on turning conversation into action. Dialogue is essential, but it is only the beginning!

The real challenge is finding practical ways for citizens to influence public policy, strengthen their communities, and continue working together after the conversation ends.

In the weeks ahead, I'll be following up with new partners, continuing our immigration dialogue efforts, advancing gerrymandering reform efforts, and exploring additional opportunities to collaborate with organizations committed to healthier civic engagement.

If there's one lesson I brought home from the Braver Angels National Convention, it's this:

America doesn't need more spectators. It needs more participants.

Our democracy has never depended solely on elected officials. It has always depended on ordinary citizens who choose to stay engaged, listen respectfully, and work together to solve difficult problems.

That's a challenge worth accepting.

Next month I'll provide updates on gerrymandering reform and on some of the organizations I learned about at the Braver Angels Convention.

As always, I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and constructive feedback. The conversation continues—and I hope you'll continue it with me.

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Newsletter - May 2026

In last November's newsletter, I introduced the concept of reforming the Congressional redistricting process by adopting race-neutral and party-neutral redistricting principles. With such an approach, I believe that we can produce fairer and more geographically coherent congressional maps, resulting in Congressional representatives that are more reponsive to their constituents.

To evaluate this concept, I have initiated a project with the following objectives:

1. Assess the feasibility of creating congressional maps that

   1. Allocate equal population across all districts

   2. Minimize splitting of cities and counties

   3. Maximize compactness

   4. Does not consider political party or demographic data.

2. Determine the impact of such districts on demographic and party affiliation

3. Solicit input from a diverse group of Americans

4. Leverage the results of this study to create national legislation that results in a constitutionally neutral redistricting process using only geographic and population critiera

Each of the project objectives are incredibly challenging, with numerous obstacles that could derail this undertaking. It is important to note that I believe this project will take a minimum of two years to complete.

To help guide my work, I have created a "project summary" that includes project scope and objectives, key milestones, and success metrics. Here is a link to the first draft of the project summary. I encourage everyone receiving this newsletter to review it and provide me their input.

I firmly believe that the current gerrymandering "race to the bottom" is a huge disservice to the citizens of this country, and I believe that the framework I am envisioning can produce fairer and more geographically coherent congressional maps that don't favor either party.

Much more to follow in the months ahead...

My next newsletter will be in July. In addition to providing an update on this project, I plan to share highlights from the upcoming Braver Angels national convention, and provide updates on the Citizens Commission on Immigration and the two workshops we recently completed in Northeast Ohio.

Happy Memorial Day, and enjoy the start of your summer!

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