I grew up in the bleeding heart of liberal Massachusetts, raised in a family of Soviet immigrants for whom Socialism and Big Government were the ultimate evil. From early on, I became aware of the damage caused by our divisions, and of the senseless conflict mentality that permeated our politics.

I grew up in the bleeding heart of liberal Massachusetts, raised in a family of Soviet immigrants for whom Socialism and Big Government were the ultimate evil. From early on, I became aware of the damage caused by our divisions, and of the senseless conflict mentality that permeated our politics.

Today, I'm an author, strategist, and consultant, focused on making a better kind of politics both more accessible to the common citizen and more viable in the political arena. Having worked with Republicans, Democrats, and a wide range of third-party and Independent players, I've seen what it takes to overcome differences and bridge divides. I know we can do it. I know we can heal.

I'm excited to be making my full-length debut with Common Ground from the Ground Up. It's an invitation to readers all across the ideological spectrum, not to be civil for civility's sake, but to rethink our notions of politics so that they can heal relationships, advocate more effectively for their beliefs, and, if they should so choose, become the problem-solvers our society needs.