Tim comes to Forward with an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Stark State College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Ohio University. He has worked in political organizing and against money-laundering. For the better part of a decade, he has engaged in politics as a campaign manager, candidate, and volunteer. In the fall, he will be starting a Master’s program in Public Administration at Ohio State University.

Tim joined Forward as a local organizer in January 2023. In his current role as Forward Ohio Chair, his goal is to get the Ohio Forward Party to a point where it is self-sustaining, a process he estimates will take no more than three years, after which he plans to return to his preferred activity, running campaigns.  

He brings to his current role a passion for economics, a vision for an independent centrism in the form of a new political party, and a belief in the complexity of human civilization.  

He believes standard political-economic approaches lead to stagnation and that innovation and technology are crucial to a society where people can thrive.  

In answer to the question, “Why are people voting for populist candidates?” he says, 

“Voters have free will.  They go with what they like.  We need to offer something better.”   

In order to do that, he believes that the Complexity approach to policy-making, devolving decision-making to lower levels, being flexible and adaptive, and being open to dialogue is the right approach.  He believes we need to “break out of the negative path of tribalistic left versus right and Democratic versus Republican politics” in order to rebuild social trust.  In doing so, he believes Forward can represent the middle 60-70% of Americans. 

Forward Ohio’s plans for 2024 include a convention, in person and online, which will allow Forward members to adopt bylaws, hold elections for the executive committee, adopt a platform (beliefs, goals, and priorities), vote on candidates to endorse, and initiate actions to grow the party over the next few years, achieving official party status in Ohio in 2026.  

Daniel comes to Forward with an economics degree from Kent State University, and a diverse work background including a stint with Apple and a stint as a mental health specialist for a behavioral school.  He is currently an entrepreneur interested in operations, tech and branding.

Daniel first heard about Forward through happenstance while scrolling through his phone.  He signed up and Sue Miller, Forward recruiter, is who he credits for inspiring him to join.  As a result of that conversation, Daniel reflected, “Forward spoke to something that I always thought about.  Economics is broken.  When you look at the system, it’s driven by profits in general – health and prisons, for example. It’s time to be a little bit more balanced.  All the media is run by people that benefit from the chaos.  There needs to be a big shift.  We need to do it through healing and not through fire.  I like to use words outside of the political language of conservative and liberal. Anything that invokes fear or hate, indicates a wrong direction.”  

His current role as Forward Ohio Operations Director involves internal systems organization and training documentation, leading to engaging social media content, on-demand merchandising, and professional fundraising events.   

His operational philosophy sees a system of internal accountability as crucial to the success of a mostly volunteer organization such as Ohio Forward.  Volunteers are most likely to be motivated and effective when they have clear guidelines and expectations.  Job assignments in such an organization need to be based on volunteer skills and experience.  Job descriptions will be rolled out this month, with opportunities for volunteers to apply.  

What We’re Reading

Mike Gonzalez caught the Civil War bug after finishing Manhunt on AppleTV. He’s slowly making his way through Reveille in Washington: 1860-1865 by Margaret Leech. The book paints a picture of how, as Southern sympathizers fled Washington DC as the war started, the District shifted from a rustic Southern town to a bustling Northern city in only five years.

Ruth McLatchie is reading Laboratories for Autocracy by Ohioan David Pepper.  It starts with a brief history of voter suppression attempts in Ohio, and moves on to why this is expanding to other states and is dangerous for small d democracy.  Deep ideas, but written in a conversational way that is easy to read, with practical ideas for concerned citizens.  

What Can I Do?

• Attend a local meetup. 

• We are opening the endorsement process for the 2024 elections.

• We have Volunteer opportunities in Organizing, Communications, and Research and Policy. Volunteer here.

• We have begun a slow rollout of our Minor Party Formation petitions.

• Volunteers and supporters can sign the petition and are encouraged to collect signatures from their friends, family, and neighbors. Contact here.

• Participate in opinion polls (see below).

• If you don’t have the time, we’d always appreciate a donation. Donate here. (Please note that donations are not tax deductible.)