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 Tami Rey.

Spending her days working with neighbors on the ground to empower advocacy, Tami Rey is seeking election to represent Kalamazoo’s District 1. “I understand that our issues will only be resolved through effective, transparent, and inclusive policy.” In this role, Tami’s top priorities would include expanding affordable housing, addressing flooding, and working to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce for County employees. “My campaign is about inclusive, transparent, and equitable actions. It is my goal to restore the trust between the County Commission and its residents.” Tami also shared with us that her favorite food is a double cheese pepperoni pizza from Bimbo’s, and although she prefers peace and quiet, her go-to music style is neo-soul. Meet Tami Rey.

NAME
Tami Rey

POSITION SEEKING
Kalamazoo County Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
District 1

AFFILIATION
Democrat

EMAIL
friendsoftamirey@gmail.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
I have worked with my neighbors on the ground organizing around the most pressing issues. I spend my days working to empower my community to advocate for themselves and using the power of a collective voice. I understand that our issues will only be resolved through effective, transparent, and inclusive policy.

PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE
My campaign is about inclusive, transparent, and equitable actions. It is my goal to restore the trust between the County Commission and its residents. If elected, my top priorities will be the expansion of affordable housing, addressing the flooding, and working to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce for county employees.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTIONS OF THE OFFICE?
I plan to accomplish these goals by working together with my colleagues as well as with other governmental departments and officials. Interagency collaboration is not only vital to our success, it also demonstrates our commitment to the people we serve. This can also be accomplished through the budget.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?
Investing in and supporting our local economy is a critical component to any great community. If elected, I plan to take a real look at our budget and re-appropriate funds. We, as a community, need to also seriously develop a strategic plan that includes an economic recovery plan.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS
Favorite songs…I am not into music so much; I enjoy peace and quiet. If I had to choose, I would say, “God Favored Me,” “Brown Skin Girl,” anything neo soul, WIN, and Savage remix!

FAVORITE BOOK
Picking one book is an exceedingly difficult task as I absolutely love books! My most recent favorite is “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson!

FAVORITE MOVIE
Drama and comedy, laughing heals the soul! Favorite movie of all time for me is “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”

FAVORITE FOOD
Pizza (Bimbo’s), pepperoni, double cheese!

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