What do Democrats and Republicans get wrong about business? And can Arizona's political leaders find common ground despite their differences?
In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Tammy Caputi, former Scottsdale City Councilwoman and Democratic candidate for the Arizona Legislature, for a wide-ranging conversation about small business, public safety, political division, and the challenges of working across party lines.
As the owner of Yale Electric West, Caputi brings firsthand experience to the discussion about the realities of running a small business. She explains what she believes both political parties misunderstand about business owners, the financial pressures entrepreneurs face, and the barriers women continue to encounter in male-dominated industries. She also shares why mentorship and helping the next generation of business leaders succeed have become important parts of her life.
The conversation then turns to her experience on the Scottsdale City Council, where Caputi served as an Independent. She reflects on the importance of compromise, what she learned from Republican and Democratic leaders, and why getting things done often requires finding common ground with people who see issues differently. Paul and Tammy also discuss public safety, the debate over defunding the police, and the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Beyond local government, Paul and Tammy examine how Arizona's partisan election system influences the way candidates campaign and engage with voters. Caputi discusses the differences between running for Scottsdale City Council and the Arizona Legislature, why she makes an effort to speak with voters outside her own party, and how she plans to maintain her independent approach to leadership while running as a Democrat.
The conversation concludes with a more personal discussion about purpose, equal opportunity, and what motivates Caputi to continue serving her community.
Can Arizona's political system make room for leaders who are willing to challenge their own party and work with the other side?
Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:28 - Knocking on More Doors Than Anyone Else
02:31 - What Democrats Get Wrong About Business
05:46 - What Republicans Get Wrong About Business
07:00 - The Hidden Struggles of Owning a Business
09:47 - How Democrats Can Better Connect With Business Owners
12:23 - Women in Business and Overcoming Barriers
14:20 - Why Tammy Caputi Mentors Young Entrepreneurs
15:51 - Lessons From the Scottsdale City Council
21:59 - The Debate Over Defunding the Police
28:13 - How Partisan Elections Change Political Campaigns
33:22 - Can Tammy Stay Independent While Running as a Democrat?
36:15 - Finding Purpose Beyond Politics
41:45 - Final Remarks & Conclusion
