Politics & Elections

Aaron Jaehnig announces for Providence City Council, Ward 5

Aaron Jaehnig has officially declared his candidacy for Providence City Council as a Democrat running in Ward 5. Aaron is running for City Council in Ward 5 to bring honest, accessible, accountable leadership to city government. “The status quo isn’t working for many city residents,” Jaehnig said. “Rents are out of control, and too many homeowners are struggling with high

Rhode Island News: Aaron Jaehnig announces for Providence City Council, Ward 5

June 12, 2018, 12:05 pm

By Uprise RI Staff

Aaron Jaehnig has officially declared his candidacy for Providence City Council as a Democrat running in Ward 5. Aaron is running for City Council in Ward 5 to bring honest, accessible, accountable leadership to city government.

“The status quo isn’t working for many city residents,” Jaehnig said. “Rents are out of control, and too many homeowners are struggling with high property taxes, even as the market booms.  People, many of whom are long-term and working class residents, are being displaced.

“Our city’s long-term vision has been in the hands of too few and to the benefit of too few for too long, with a handful of well-connected developers benefiting from decades of tax breaks. It is not working. The rest of us are struggling. The burden is most heavy on those with the least,” Jaehnig continued. “I’m running for City Council to ensure that all voices are heard. The average resident’s input is not valued in decision-making. Public participation is too often seen as a burden by elected officials.  It’s time we start following the lead of the community instead of lobbyists and development profiteers.”

“It is clear, through his work with Sierra Club and other community groups, that Aaron understands the need to uplift the most impacted community voices and build solutions based on that input,” said Monica Huertas, a community activist and member of Providence’s Racial and Environmental Justice Committee. “Environmental Justice, racial justice, worker rights, immigrant rights, access to affordable housing are all connected. Aaron has a proven history of building trust and relationships across communities.  Coupled with the fact that he has children in Providence Public Schools and is coaching kids, Aaron’s perspective will be an extremely valuable addition to our City Council.”

“On the heels of PVDFest, I think it is incredibly important to also recognize the folks that have spent decades fostering Providence’s arts and music community. Aaron is one of this community’s unsung heroes.” said Ward 5 resident, musician, and Providence small business owner Mike Maven. “To prioritize and sustain the local live music scene night after night for 20 years requires a passion for the culture and community that makes this city great and has built its reputation as an art and music destination. To have that experience and understanding of how the city operates at its grassroots, will be a huge asset to City Council.”

Jaehnig is a lifelong Rhode Islander and 19 year resident of Providence. He moved to Elmhurst in 2012 to start a family in the neighborhood his wife Annie’s family has called home for 35 years. They are proud Providence public school parents of Olivia (age 5) and Henry (age 3).  Aaron is a small business owner who co-manages the day-to-day operations of The Parlour. He is also a T-ball coach with Elmhurst Youth Baseball. As a community activist, Aaron volunteers with many organizations. He serves as Executive Committee Chair of the Sierra Club of RI and as a board member of Rhode Island Jobs With Justice.

[From a press release]