This year’s Redwood City election is an especially exciting year for Aragon, as one of the candidates running for office is Aragon alumnus Jason Galisatus, class of 2011. The General Municipal election for three of the vacant seats on the City Council will be held on Nov. 6, as part of the statewide general election.
Galisatus currently works in the Office of Community Relations at Stanford. In his candidate statement, he said winning the election would allow him to give back to the Redwood City community.
“I will represent every resident, neighborhood and generation fairly and equally,” Galisatus said. “I will make commonsense decisions that protect [the Redwood City community’s] quality of life, promote fiscal responsibility and plan effectively for Redwood City’s future, while preserving what makes it a great place to live, work, play and grow up.”
Galisatus said his interest in politics was piqued at Aragon, where he was involved in advocacy.
“I got my political career started at Aragon advocating for the LGBTQ community, and from that a passion was born,” Galisatus said. “I first had an internship in Mayor Gavin Newsom’s office of neighborhood services and saw first-hand the difference you can make through local government and I’ve been involved ever since.”
“I got my political career started at Aragon advocating for the LGBTQ community, and from that a passion was born”
His enthusiasm and zeal for learning new topics was apparent to his teachers.
“Jason was incredibly engaged; he was enthusiastic, intelligent; he helped run a class, and I really mean that,” said Advanced Placement English teacher Jennifer Wei. “I still remember that he was in my second period AP English class, and I think that says a lot. I remember when we discussed “The Scarlet Letter,” he just fell in love with syntax … and understanding the choices that authors make.”
Since starting his campaign Galisatus has been endorsed by various political officials, including both Redwood City Council and California State Assembly members.
“I’m very heartened to see some of our most prominent community leaders working with me and supporting our campaign,” Galisatus said. “It’s an honor to have their faith in my leadership.”
Galisatus’ leadership comes from, as Wei describes, his ability to take risks when others may not.
“His commitment to activism has always been obvious. He’s not the kind of person to just say that he wants to do things,” Wei said. “A lot of students are well-intentioned, but Jason always has action to follow up that intent … Jason was a risk-taker, and risk takers often have this vision. Not everything he did was successful, but I believe he learned from every unsuccessful attempt.”
To those who wish to pursue politics in face of its challenges, Galisatus advises they remain persistent.
“There are plenty of obstacles in politics and you will be disappointed along the way,” Galisatus said. “But remember that change doesn’t happen overnight, and its important that you stick with it and stick to your values.”
