Tristan Rader

Tristan Rader was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned an associate degree from Lorain County Community College in 2011, a bachelor's degree from Kent State University in 2013, and a graduate degree from Cleveland State University in 2015. His career experience includes working as a program director.[1] As of 2024, Rader was an at-large council member in Lakewood, Ohio.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Tristan Rader serves his community, focusing on sustainable energy and local well-being. As Ohio Program Director at Solar United Neighbors and a Lakewood City Council member, he champions collective action for positive change. His background, ranging from outreach roles to time at the Cleveland Foodbank, has deepened his understanding of community needs. Tristan's journey into public service began with a belief in policy-driven solutions. His grassroots involvement in campaigns and community activities underscores his commitment to local governance and the voice of the people.

Elected to the Lakewood City Council in 2017, Tristan is a proponent of progressive policies like the city's 100% clean energy commitment, its first climate action plan, and the appointment of Lakewood's inaugural sustainability manager. He consistently prioritizes constituent voices and environmental protection. At Solar United Neighbors, he leads solar initiatives in various Ohio cities and counties and spearheads political efforts to foster a regulatory environment conducive to solar adoption.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Economic JusticeEnvironmental JusticeSocial Justice

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Tristan Rader's policy interests encompass a broad range of areas, reflecting his commitment to progressive values and social justice:

1. Reproductive Rights: Advocating for the protection of constitutional rights to make reproductive decisions, including abortion, especially after the passage of Ohio Issue 1.

2. Environmental Sustainability: Strong emphasis on green initiatives and sustainable environmental policies to address climate change and promote renewable energy.

3. Economic Equity: Focused on reducing income inequality through fair wages and equal economic opportunities.

4. Healthcare Access: Championing universal healthcare to ensure affordable and accessible medical services for all.

5. Education Reform: Committed to improving the public education system, advocating for public school funding and enhanced quality at all levels.

6. Transportation: Advocating for improved public transportation systems, emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and accessibility to enhance connectivity and reduce environmental impact.

7. LGBTQ Rights: Strongly supporting the LGBTQ community, focusing on policies that ensure equality, protection against discrimination, and support for LGBTQ individuals in various aspects of society.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mother. Worked very hard her whole life. Took good care of my brother and I. She’s a respected person in her field and beloved by friends and family.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

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What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

As an elected official, my guiding principles are deeply rooted in integrity, empathy, knowledge, commitment to fairness, and courage. Integrity is the bedrock of my service, ensuring that I conduct myself with the utmost honesty and transparency, crucial for maintaining the trust of my constituents. Empathy and compassion drive me to understand and genuinely care for the people I represent, acknowledging their needs and striving to make a positive impact in their lives. Being well-informed and competent about government operations and the specific issues facing our community is vital for making sound decisions and developing effective policies. I am steadfastly committed to fairness and justice, ensuring that my actions and policies are equitable and serve all, especially those who are marginalized or underrepresented. Lastly, courage is fundamental in my role, as it empowers me to tackle difficult issues, make challenging decisions, and advocate for necessary yet sometimes unpopular causes for the greater good of the community. These principles are not just ideals but are actionable guides that shape my daily efforts in serving the public.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My empathy enables me to deeply understand and address constituent needs, a cornerstone of effective representation. I am an active listener and a skilled policy analyst, which is essential for making informed decisions. My experience in collaborative leadership and problem-solving allows me to work effectively with diverse groups and tackle complex issues. Integrity and ethical commitment underpin my actions, ensuring transparency and trust. As a strong communicator, I clearly articulate policies and am receptive to feedback. Resilient and adaptable, I navigate the political landscape effectively, driven by a passion for public service and a dedication to improving community life. These qualities are fundamental to my ability to serve effectively and positively impact my community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

As an elected official, I firmly embrace a multifaceted set of core responsibilities, central to which is the duty to represent the interests and concerns of my constituents. This involves a deep commitment to understanding and advocating for their needs within the legislative process. A significant part of my role is dedicated to policy development and legislation, where crafting and supporting laws that address community needs is paramount. Equally important is providing constituent services, ensuring that individual concerns are addressed and voices heard. Oversight and accountability also form a crucial aspect of my responsibilities, as it's imperative to monitor the implementation of laws and policies and ensure government transparency and efficiency. Engaging with the community and maintaining open communication lines are key to keeping constituents informed and involved in legislative developments. Above all, my role demands ethical leadership, embodying high standards of integrity, fairness, and a focus on the greater good, which guides all aspects of my public service. This comprehensive approach to my responsibilities is essential for effective governance and positively impacting the community I serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy, though not something I often ponder in terms of personal acclaim, revolves around making substantial, lasting changes for the betterment of society. I aspire to leave the world in a better state than I found it, focusing on key issues like universal healthcare and tuition-free college. My tenure in public service would be fulfilling if we are on the path to achieving these goals, as they represent fundamental steps towards a more equitable and educated society.

For me, it's not about who gets the credit. My primary concern is turning the possibilities for my community, state, and country into realities. I envision a safer world for everyone, a planet that is well-preserved for future generations. I am driven by the desire to create a society where concerns like going bankrupt due to medical emergencies are a thing of the past. My aim is to contribute to a world where the well-being and financial security of families, including my own children and grandchildren, are assured. That would be a legacy I'd be proud to leave behind.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the 1992 Olympics. I was 5 or 6.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at a union grocery store, in produce. I was a member of the United Food & Commercial Workers union while there. I did that for a few years during college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln resonates deeply with me. Doris Kearns Goodwin's portrayal of Lincoln's leadership in uniting a cabinet of former political rivals is a masterclass in political acumen and reconciliation. This approach, blending diverse perspectives for the greater good, reflects my own values in public service. The book's emphasis on collaboration, even amidst stark differences, is a powerful reminder of the potential in collective wisdom. Lincoln's ability to navigate complex political landscapes with integrity and strategic insight is something I strive to emulate in my own career.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Revisiting the Indiana Jones series, I've grown to admire Henry Jones, Sr., portrayed by Sean Connery. As Indy's father, a professor of medieval literature, and a seeker of the Holy Grail, he embodies a blend of humor, wisdom, and scholarly pursuit. His complex relationship with his son, marked by both conflict and deep mutual respect for history and archaeology, is particularly compelling. His character demonstrates that one can possess a rich intellectual life while engaging in adventurous pursuits. This combination of academic brilliance, adventurous spirit, and a nuanced father-son dynamic is something that truly resonates with me.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Blink 182, I Miss You

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Navigating the balance between public life and personal privacy can be a struggle sometimes, especially when running for office. Stepping even more into the public eye brings about change and opens up one's life to scrutiny. While I fully understand and respect that public scrutiny is a fundamental part of running for office and that people have the right to know who they are electing, it can be challenging for someone who values privacy and identifies as an introvert.

Having run for office before, both successfully and unsuccessfully, I am familiar with the demands and expectations that come with being a public figure. My experience over the past 6+ years as a public office holder has taught me a great deal about adapting to these changes. However, embracing this public role while maintaining a sense of personal privacy and space continues to be a challenging aspect of my career.

While I am committed to and capable of meeting these challenges, it's important to acknowledge that they do pose difficulties at times. Balancing my introverted nature with the inherent extroversion of political life is a continuous journey, but one that I navigate with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to my community.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Certainly. As a local-level policymaker, I firmly believe in the importance of compromise. I always start with a high bar of aspirational goals, establishing a strong position from the outset. This approach is crucial because it sets a clear vision and demonstrates a commitment to the principles I stand for. However, I'm also acutely aware of the practicalities of the legislative process. In a field where diverse viewpoints and interests intersect, finding common ground is often a necessary step to make meaningful progress.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

In Ohio, the next decade presents several significant challenges that must be addressed with targeted strategies. Among the most pressing issues is the impact of rising housing costs, which places a burden on many Ohioans. The high average rents in cities like Cleveland, combined with the recent decline in home values, necessitate urgent economic policies focused on housing affordability and stability. Healthcare also demands attention, especially concerning the state's approach to Medicaid payments, the controversy around gender-transition care for minors, and the ongoing debate on abortion rights. These complex healthcare issues require thoughtful policy development and resolution to ensure comprehensive care and respect for individual rights.

Environmental concerns, particularly those highlighted by the 2023 train derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, underscore the need for robust environmental protection policies. In education, challenges like the implementation of science-based reading curricula, the focus on workforce readiness, and high chronic absenteeism rates call for effective educational reforms and strategies. Additionally, local issues in Ohio's largest cities, such as homelessness, public safety, fair elections, infrastructure, and school system challenges, mirror the state's diverse and intricate challenges. My commitment as a policymaker is to address these issues with a multifaceted approach, combining state-level initiatives with local solutions to ensure a prosperous, equitable future for all Ohioans.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Indeed, I firmly believe that having previous experience in government or politics is immensely beneficial for state legislators, and my own career path exemplifies this. My 6+ years as a lawmaker on the Lakewood City Council have been instrumental in preparing me for the responsibilities and challenges of legislative work. During my tenure, I chaired committees and collaborated with a diverse group of stakeholders to shape local policy. This experience has been invaluable in developing a deep understanding of the legislative process, policy development, and the art of building consensus among varying viewpoints.

The skills and insights gained from my time on the Lakewood City Council are directly transferable to my current role. They have equipped me with the ability to quickly grasp complex issues, navigate the intricacies of lawmaking, and engage effectively with colleagues and constituents alike. My experience in local government has also taught me the importance of listening to the community, a skill that is vital for representing and addressing the needs of my constituents at the state level. In a field where time is a critical factor and the learning curve is steep, my background in local politics provides a strong foundation that allows me to contribute meaningfully and efficiently from the very start of my term.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely, building relationships with other legislators is not just beneficial, it's essential for effective lawmaking. In my experience, the ability to collaborate and maintain open channels of communication with fellow legislators is a key factor in achieving legislative success. These relationships facilitate a better understanding of different perspectives and priorities, which is crucial in a diverse and dynamic legislative environment.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

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Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

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Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Certainly. Throughout my time in public service, I've encountered numerous stories from residents, each poignant in its own way. One particularly impactful incident occurred in Lakewood, involving a shooting at a local park. This wasn't just a news report; it was a tragedy that struck at the heart of our community. I remember vividly the conversations I had with the parents of children who were at the park that day and with residents who found bullets lodged in their homes. The fear and anguish in their voices were palpable. This incident was a stark reminder of how a single act of violence can shatter the sense of safety and security in a community.

This experience deeply resonated with me and has been a driving force in my legislative priorities. Here in Ohio, the limitations placed on cities to regulate firearms are a major concern. The fact that law enforcement officers sometimes lack the authority to remove weapons from vehicles, even when found, highlights the urgent need for reform. If I win an election, addressing this issue will be at the forefront of my agenda. I aim to work closely with my colleagues in Columbus to introduce and support common-sense gun reforms. This includes empowering cities with the authority to protect their residents from gun violence. It's not just about enacting laws; it's about safeguarding our communities, preserving peace, and ensuring that such incidents of violence don't repeat themselves. The stories of those affected by the Madison Park shooting are a constant reminder of the real-life implications of our legislative actions and the critical need for responsible gun laws.

Tell us your favorite joke.

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Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

As a legislator, I believe that the legislature should have a role in overseeing and granting the use of emergency powers. Emergency powers are essential tools for responding swiftly and effectively to crises, be they natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other unforeseen events. However, it's equally important to ensure that these powers are exercised responsibly and with proper oversight to maintain the balance of power and protect civil liberties.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely, compromise plays a crucial role in the art of policymaking. Tristan Rader, with his pragmatic approach, understands this well. He begins with aspirational goals, setting a high bar for what he wishes to achieve. This starting point of strength is essential, as it establishes a clear vision and solid footing for negotiations. However, Tristan also recognizes the practicality of the legislative process. In this realm, where diverse viewpoints and interests converge, finding a middle ground is often necessary to move forward.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would refer you to my legislative agenda on my website at TristanRader.com.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

We have been endorsed by several organizations, unions, and community leaders already with more to come, and will make those announcements over the next few weeks.

What committees interest you?

Finance

Energy and Natural Resources

Public Utilities

Government Oversite

Tristan Rader did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.