Your Washtenaw County ballot

Background & approach: “I am a public education advocate of 20 years. I've served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Detroit and Romulus Public Schools.”

Campaign priorities: “Value our educators. Practice principled, transparent spending.”

Background & approach: “My name is Aaron J. Puno and I'm running for Ann Arbor School Board.”

Campaign priorities: “Transparency and Good Government: The underlying problem is that we cannot trust the administration or the current school board majority -- nor are they willing to attempt to gain our trust.”

Policy focus: “I am personally passionate about public transportation and infrastructure -- but my focus both personally and professionally is ensuring that our kids get the world-class education that they deserve.”

Background & approach: “I am a father, public school teacher, union leader, and state policy advisor running for the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Campaign priorities: “I believe in careful, transparent budgeting that protects classrooms first while rebuilding a healthy fund balance.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Policy focus: “I am extremely passionate about education policy. This extends to school finance at both a local and state level, as well as more timely issues such as technology in the classroom, student mental health, and attracting and retaining wonderful educators.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Background & approach: “Canton has been my home for 23 years. It’s where my wife and I chose to raise our family, and where our three children have experienced the full spectrum of this district—from preschool all the way through graduation.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Campaign priorities: “Professional Perspective: In my 24 years at Rocket Mortgage, I’ve learned how to lead in a high-intensity, data-driven, and customer-focused environment.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Background & approach: “My name is Joe Tollefson and I am a parent in the district, youth advocate, and youth workforce development professional with 18 years experience supporting Career and Technical Education, as well as 6 years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate within the foster care system.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Campaign priorities: “I show up - Our kids and educators deserve leaders who will show up to advocate for them. It’s so important to elect constructive and engaged leaders willing to put in the work to support our schools, and not leaders who only show up for their own pet projects or grievances, or only to argue on Facebook.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Policy focus: “Though I spend a lot of time keeping up-to-date on most areas of public policy, my policy passion revolves around ensuring that young people have pathways to fulfilling lives, especially on the fringes of society.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Campaign priorities: “We need to empower student voices. Students must be equal partners in creating system changes to improve their daily school life and ensure future success.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Policy focus: “I'm passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The district has a responsibility to protect and support every staff member and student, including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and immigrant students.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Background & approach: “My commitment to public service stems directly from where I started. I grew up in Jackson, Michigan, navigating a childhood of poverty where my single mother worked tirelessly as a dry cleaner.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Campaign priorities: “Affordable housing is my absolute top priority because Ann Arbor is rapidly pricing out the very people who give this city its soul.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Policy focus: “My public policy interests focus on how municipal frameworks can balance equity, stability, and institutional trust.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Background & approach: “I am a 4th generation Ann Arborite and have lived in the 4th ward for 18 years. I am active in the community, am a small business owner, and work at both the U of M and Washtenaw Community College.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Campaign priorities: “I will pay close attention to the city budget and ferret out waste, and abuse. Some of the excessive spending is hidden in department budgets.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Background & approach: “I have been proud to call this community home for many years, and my commitment to public service is what led me to run for Lodi Township Supervisor.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Campaign priorities: “Bring my experience as a former commercial lender and financial professional to ensure sound financial decisions.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Policy focus: “The area of public policy I am most passionate about is responsible local governance—making sure township government is transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on serving its residents.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Background & approach: “After many years teaching special education and high school English in Canada, I emigrated to the United States to attend the master's program at the University of Arizona in Tucson.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Campaign priorities: “The strongest solutions emerge when diverse voices are heard, respected, and engaged in improving our community.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))

Policy focus: “I think in terms of our community's long-term health rather than isolated issues. I want to strengthen public trust through open communication, responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, and transparent, ethical decision-making that is accessible to all residents.” (Ballotpedia (secondary source))