Interview with Gregg Taylor a Member of the Forward Party

I wish to apologize to Gregg Taylor and all the readers here, the first nine minutes of the interview with Gregg is missing. I realized that I had forgotten to hit record.  If Gregg is able to furnish his recollection of what occurred in those few minutes I will update the interview.

Update:

Tell me about your self

I have a family that has always been politically attuned and active. Together, Carolina and I have seven children that range in age from 18-35 and we have one grandchild. We have two here in North Las Vegas, three in Florida, and one each in California and Maryland. We have a college freshman, two in recruiting, one in restoration and we have an attorney and a doctor. Two of the above are adults with Special Needs. Some are Democrats and some are Republicans. So, with that type of diversity, you can only imagine the spirited political debates we have.

Tell me about the Forward Party

The Forward Party is co-chaired by a Republican, former Governor of NJ, Christine-Todd Whitman and a Democrat, former presidential candidate Andrew Yang. That is important because some studies show as much as 60% of Americans are seeking an alternative to either of those Party’s. By taking the best of each of the legacy Party’s the Forward Party seeks to focus on local politics and local issues. That means that the platform can be formed by each candidate based on the issues that affect his or her own community versus a platform and loyalty test handed down by Washington, D.C. In fact, some candidates are running as Democratic Forwardists or Republican Forwardists meaning they affiliate with either the Left or the Right but seek common sense solutions.

What prompted you to join the Forward Party

I have been a lifelong Republican. But the GOP left me in 2016 and looks as if it will never return…either to me, or to sanity. So, I began to look elsewhere for a political home, especially now as I begin my move into running for elective office.

What are your top issues

After conducting a listening tour it became apparent to me that the major issues I plan to tackle are Community, Human Trafficking, Affordable Housing, Nurturing Healthcare, Growth in Economics and Education. I hope you and I get to discuss these in detail in the months to come.

Personal Experience with Racism and Media Portrayal of the Republican Party

• • summary: In my life, I’ve been fortunate not to encounter much racism personally. However, I’ve noticed that socio-economic factors influence where people live, and my children have grown up in non-minority neighborhoods. I have concerns about certain individuals within the Republican Party who seem to struggle with understanding racism, leading to the perception that the party itself is racist. Republican events often lack diversity compared to Democratic events, reinforcing this perception. While I hesitate to outright label the party as racist, I believe that addressing these issues and embracing diversity is crucial for the party’s future success.

The Forward Party’s Approach to Working with Different Political Groups

• • summary: The party aims to bring together individuals who are dissatisfied with the current state of the Republican and Democratic parties. On the Republican side, there are both staunch Trump supporters and more moderate Reagan Republicans. The Forward Party seeks to attract the latter group and others who are uncomfortable with the current Republican direction. Similarly, on the Democratic side, there are progressive liberals and more moderate Democrats, and the Forward Party sees an opportunity to appeal to the moderate Democrats. Additionally, the party believes it can attract the growing number of independent voters, who are frustrated with the two-party system but lack a viable alternative. The goal is to create a party that can win elections and make a meaningful impact, opening up new possibilities for people who feel unrepresented by the existing political landscape.

Challenges and Progress of Ballot Access in Nevada

• • summary: Regarding the Forward Party, they are currently working towards gaining ballot access, which requires collecting 20,000 signatures. They are getting close to starting this process and understand the legal and logistical complexities involved in launching a new party. One important aspect is being able to accept funding without violating FEC regulations or compromising the tax status of their political action committee (PAC). It seems they are on the verge of taking this step and focusing their efforts on obtaining the necessary signatures for ballot access in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Addressing Issues in Las Vegas and Embracing Solutions

• • summary: In my opinion, many of the issues I mentioned revolve around economics. For example, the Oakland A’s wanting to relocate and receiving $380 million from the county seems excessive when our education system is struggling. Investing in our students and improving education should take precedence over funding a baseball team owned by billionaires who aren’t even investing in their products. Las Vegas faces unique challenges that we can solve, such as addressing the casino industry’s influence on decisions like blocking the lottery, which could generate funds for our schools. Sometimes, we focus too much on the strip, casinos, and culinary union, and lack a clear vision for tackling our problems and improving the lives of ordinary residents. It’s important to break free from party constraints and consider the future vision for the people who call this place home.

Solutions and Communication

• • summary: From my perspective, living in North Las Vegas, I’ve noticed a long-term lack of communication between the state government and the city. There seems to be a disconnect and no collaborative plan between the two entities. I believe that if smart people from both levels of government come together, they can generate ideas and solutions. One challenge is the distribution of state grants for issues like homelessness, where numerous organizations apply for funds but lack a coordinated approach. Bringing all stakeholders together to create a synergistic plan could make a significant difference. I believe that effective communication is crucial for getting things done, regardless of political affiliations. Most people in the office genuinely care about their communities and want to do the right thing, but the lack of communication and synergy can hinder progress, much like in my business where teamwork is essential for success.

Addressing Homelessness in North Las Vegas

• • summary: Yes, we do have a significant issue with homeless veterans, which is deeply concerning to me. These are the brave individuals who volunteered to protect our freedoms and allow us to live in peace every day. When we hear those jets flying overhead, we don’t fear foreign threats because of our volunteer military. However, when these veterans return, they face numerous challenges, including broken families and mental health issues that often lead to homelessness.To address this problem effectively, I believe it requires a public-private partnership involving multiple groups working together towards a common goal. Many people in our community are interested in finding solutions, but working in silos makes it much more difficult to achieve progress. However, I am optimistic that if we collaborate and pool resources, we can tackle this issue and ensure access to the necessary funding to make a positive impact on the lives of homeless veterans.

Law Enforcement, Police Misconduct – Communication and Community Engagement

• • summary: Being born in Los Angeles, I was taught about constant police misconduct there. However, now that I’m in Las Vegas, I don’t see it as a major problem here. While there may be misunderstandings between citizens and the police, what gives me hope is that law enforcement in Las Vegas actively engages in outreach and connects with the community. They are willing to have conversations and listen to people’s concerns.To address any issues with law enforcement, I believe we need to encourage more community participation in quarterly meetings where officers share their experiences and listen to the community’s concerns. Communication is key, and promoting such interactions could be beneficial. Despite the few individuals who create problems, I generally believe law enforcement across the country consists of good people who are there to protect and serve.I have a deep respect for law enforcement, and in times of danger, I trust them to protect my family and me. While there may be isolated incidents, I think the larger problem lies in the lack of communication and understanding, which can be resolved with open dialogue and a willingness to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.

The 2nd Amendment and Gun Violence – A Delicate Balance

• • summary: I believe that gun violence in America is a deeply challenging problem, and it may seem almost intractable. The frequency of shootings, including mass shootings and those involving children, is alarming, and it’s clear that gun violence is a significant issue in our country. Despite this, I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and its historical significance in the formation of the United States.

Examining Prohibition and Historical Perspectives

• • summary: In my opinion, history has shown that the prohibition of alcohol led to its flow through the black market and the rise of mobsters profiting from it. I recall Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement after 9/11, pointing out that Americans won’t adopt the stringent security measures of airlines like El Al, even though they face significant threats. Americans prioritize convenience and efficiency over stringent security measures, even if it means taking on some risks. It’s a trade-off we seem to accept as a country.

Expanding Congress and Prioritizing Progress

• • summary: In my view, getting 435 people to agree is already challenging, and increasing the number to 6,000 could be even more difficult. However, I do believe that the idea of expanding the number of members in Congress has its merits. Currently, the number of congressional districts remains fixed at 435, which can create imbalances as some states grow while others stay the same.Before considering such expansion, our priority should be electing representatives who can effectively work for the people, not just obstruct progress with party-line divisions. Currently, the country often feels at a standstill due to political gridlock, and we must address this issue first to achieve meaningful progress, regardless of the size of Congress.

Partisanship and Political Gridlock

• • summary: In my view, the rise of intense partisanship in Washington DC seems to have started around the Clinton years. It felt as if the shock of someone from Arkansas, like the Clintons, ascending to such a high level of power triggered a surge in divisive politics. When one party is in power, its focus seems to be more on exerting control over the opposition rather than achieving their own goals.For instance, during the Obama years, Republicans vehemently opposed Obamacare without presenting a clear alternative for seven years. The emphasis was on repealing it rather than finding a replacement. Similarly, with Trump in office and Republicans in control, they struggled to accomplish major policy changes beyond reprisals against the Democrats.Even now, with Democrats holding both houses of Congress and the presidency, there is still significant gridlock, exemplified by the challenges Biden faces in passing immigration reform. It appears that some individuals in office prioritize their own agendas over the needs of the people.Ultimately, Americans have the power to effect change by electing officials with the right intentions, who prioritize the well-being of the country over partisan interests. If we want to see improvements in our government and policies, we must be vigilant and actively participate in shaping the future of our nation.

Final Statement – Embracing Change and Serving the People of North Las Vegas

• • summary: I believe that it’s essential to have open forums for discussions, like the one you’ve created, David. I admire your approach of letting conversations flow without pushing any specific agenda. People must explore different ways of doing things and be open to change.As I thought about the theme of my campaign, the phrase “The Courage To Change” struck a chord with me. Change can be daunting, but I’m willing to embrace it and challenge the status quo. I aim to have open dialogues with people and consider their ideas. If someone else’s idea is better than mine, I’ll gladly champion it to achieve our goals.My primary goal is to focus on the people of North Las Vegas and work together to accomplish something meaningful. Breaking down the gridlock and prioritizing the needs of the community is paramount. I hope to gather enough support from like-minded individuals so that we can make a positive impact and serve the people effectively during my time in office.