To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet Jen Aniano.

Currently serving as a commissioner, Jen Aniano is running for reelection as Kalamazoo County Commissioner to represent District 6. “I want to continue to bridge gaps between community services and public schools. I also want to continue to propel the county forward with a progressive policy that helps everyone.” If re-elected, Jen’s goals would include putting forth a millage to support veterans, continuing to push policy to reform policing and criminal justice in the County, continuing to bridge gaps between County community services and schools so that partnerships may better serve students in Kalamazoo County, and continuing her commitment to making the County government a place of employment committed to equity and diversity. Along with the policy-related questions, Jen also shared that her favorite books are the “Harry Potter” series and that she loves all music. Meet Jen Aniano.

NAME
Jen Aniano

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
District 6

AFFILIATION
Democrat

EMAIL
missaniano@gmail.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
I am currently serving as the Commissioner. I want to continue to bridge gaps between community services and public schools. I also want to continue to propel the county forward with a progressive policy that helps everyone.

PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE.
My goal for 2021, if given the opportunity, will be to put forth a millage to support veterans, continue to push policy to reform policing and criminal justice in the county, continue to bridge gaps between County community services and schools so that our partnerships may better serve our students in Kalamazoo County, and to continue my commitment to making the county government a place of employment committed to equity and diversity.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE OFFICE?
All of my goals fit within the purview of my position.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?
I work hard to advocate for union labor on our big building projects like the upcoming justice complex. I believe when workers have access to unions that they are paid a fair wage. Those fair wages are then used to buy food, goods, and services. This is one way a County Commission board deeply impacts the economy.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS
I love all music!

FAVORITE BOOK
“Harry Potter.”

FAVORITE MOVIE
“Hook.”

FAVORITE FOOD
Pizza.

The Primary will be held on August 4. The General Election will be held on November 3. Jen Aniano is seeking this seat as a Democrat.