About Aaron
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Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, specifically District 4, I bought my first home just a half a mile from the house I was brought home to from the hospital where I was born. Growing up in Phoenix, attending St. Gregory’s Elementary, St. Francis and Sunnyslope High School has provided the foundation for the work I want to do as your City Councilman. Although I did take a few detours to study at the International School of Brussels, Guanajuato Mexico, University of Arizona in Tucson and a semester at the University of Chile, I always came back home. Phoenix is home.
I have so many amazing memories growing up in Phoenix. Playing in the neighborhood, running around and riding my bike with friends, climbing trees, learning to swim in Encanto Park and joining the swim team there. That park is such a part of my childhood. Not only did I learn to swim, but I also picked up my first tennis racket and played on those very courts. It’s amazing to be back in the same neighborhood, walking and running the same streets from my childhood. The park continues to be a place I frequent, walking my dogs, running my miles and, of course, it has my favorite tennis courts. My childhood was amazing, I had and have amazing loving parents, who would do anything for me and I for them.
However, no story is all roses and perfection and unfortunately bullying was also a part of my early school years, continuing through high school. I never told anyone because I just felt it was something I had to handle on my own. I didn’t realize that I had people in my life that could help and, believe me, there were. My mother would have and has gone to great lengths to be my biggest advocate and protector. But I just didn’t know and thought that’s part of life. It’s just something you have to take care of yourself. It’s made me who I am today, someone who is a fighter and protector, especially for those who are being picked on or mistreated. I’ve been told I step in when times our toughest, advocating and fighting for the “little guy” because, well, I was the little guy.
Almost from the beginning I have felt a calling to public service. I remember walking neighborhoods with my mother to gather signatures when I was still in grade school. During high school I began my work with youth as a life guard at one of the City pools and also served on the Phoenix Youth and Education Commission. In college I promoted student interests through MECHA and Si Se Puede and also graduated from the César E. Chávez Leadership Institute.
As a professional adult I was drawn to work that was all about improving my community. Working with Arizona PBS Kids I helped develop education and training for early childcare providers, a program to improve pay and conditions for domestic workers and helping low-income families access affordable housing. I developed a keen sense of how city government works through my years of service on the staffs of three different City Council members. More recently I have been able to contribute to our city’s economic strengths through my work with small businesses. Because of this experience I understand what it will take to serve Council District 4 residents.
Volunteering has always been important to me and I have felt a duty to give back. This belief has underpinned the past ten years of my work with the Chavez Youth & Community Foundation, a program that teaches at-risk youth leadership, career and life skills through boxing and fitness. At the neighborhood level I am the Vice President of the Willo Neighborhood Association’s board and also serve on the Encanto Village Planning Committee. All of this helps me understand the challenges of a growing city. I have a lot of faith in our city and the people in it. I want to focus not just on the needs of residents but also on the value they can bring to the table with their own skills and talents.
Reflecting on much of my life, I’ve come to realize I advocate and fight for others because I want them to know they have an ally/friend in me and their voice is stronger than they realize. I want them to know that together we are unstoppable. I want to help everyone live their best lives and know that in our darkest moments we don’t have to do it alone. That’s why I will always be there in your corner. Don’t make the same mistake I did and think you only have yourself to make it happen. Like they say in Toy Story “You’ve Got A Friend In Me.” As your Council member you will have a true ally working to find the best possible outcomes for the best quality of life for all our neighbors.