Location: Newark, OH
My Story: Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of a retired steel worker I grew up off and on the picket line. That was my first experience into what politics was, and how amazing the people of this state are. I remember the overwhelming community support when my father would be on strike and it gives me great hope and pride in the people of this country to do what is right. I joined the U.S. Air Force upon graduation from high school, where I spent the next 5 years traveling the country and world learning first hand the struggles of an American soldier and the politics surrounding it. The most life changing experience for me while in the Armed services was simply my tour of Bosnia Herzegovina where I served as a member of the N.A.T.O. peace keeping force. It was a wonderful insight into the role our dedicated men and women play on a global scale. After ending my enlistment I was off to Youngstown State University where I studied political science and economics. It was during this period of my life that the political bug really struck. I had the opportunity to volunteer on several campaigns in the Mahoning county area and meet many people that helped shape my future in so many ways. During that time I also went through several personal advancements and surprises. I met my ex-wife and the mother of my amazing son Anthony during this time period. Unfortunately the marriage was short lived and in the interest of my son it was ended. I suddenly found myself a full time student, worker, and single father with full custody of an infant son. The struggle of single parenting is one that I share with so many Americans face in this day and age. My son was an absolute blessing and having him by my side is a constant inspiration. I as all of us with children am truly blessed to be a parent. This is one of the major reasons why I have thrown my hat into the race for congressional district 12. The future of our children depends on change. It is time we as parents or expected parents stand up and begin to initiate the changes needed to provide the youth of this country with a better tomorrow. I am dedicated to making that happen. I will work hard to make sure that the words uninsured and under-insured are a thing of the past. There is no reason that the children of this country should be left without medical coverage, but that is just the first step in the journey to covering every single American in need. I am dedicated to ending this war in Iraq and bringing home our mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters immediately. In 2006 this country made its point it is time we act on that. I am dedicated to making sure that upon return home from Iraq the support structures are in place to provide adequate aid to our veterans. Unfortunately they simply do not exist; the time has come to properly fund Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We must have a strong veterans program in place for those men and women whom honorably served defending our freedom. It is time we take the steps so desperately need to eliminate our dependency on foreign oil. We cannot for the sake of national security continue down our current path it is time we put forth significant efforts to move towards alternate fuel sources. I ask you all to join me in The Call for Change! Help support my campaign for Congress in 2008 www.myspace.com/dagres4congress
Issues: foreign policy / security; smart energy policy; good government / ethics; affordable health care; education
Registered to Vote: Yes
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Political Identification: Moderate