Page 4 - BFAAM Fall/Winter 2023

BFAAM LEGISLATIVE SPOTLIGHT
Q&A WITH REP. JOE ARAGONA
Rep. Joe Aragona was elected state representative in Novem- ber 2022. He represents the 60th District, which encom- passes the northern part of Clinton Township and the ma- jority of Macomb Township.
Aragona serves as the Repub- lican vice chair on the House Housing subcommittee. He also serves as a member on the Energy, Communications, and Technology; Insurance and Fi-
nancial Services; and Regulatory Reform committees for the 2023- 24 legislative term.
Aragona graduated from Lutheran High School North in 2006. He earned an undergraduate degree at Oakland University in Bio- medical Diagnostics and an MBA from Michigan State University this past April.
Aragona grew up in Macomb County and worked at his family’s small business, Aragona Family Jewelers. He served as a former Clinton Township trustee from 2016-2020. He also worked for State Farm at an Agency in Utica, often leading the agency in monthly sales. Aragona is a Kiwanian, helping a diversity of char- ities throughout Macomb County. He also participates in the Goodfellows organization whose mission is “No Child without a Christmas.” In addition, Aragona is a board member of the Hu- mane Society of Macomb. Aragona most recently served as the Deputy Supervisor in Harrison Township before being elected to the State House of Representatives.
WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER ONE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY?
One of my biggest priorities is reducing regulation on business- es. That is why I asked to be on the Regulation Reform Commit- tee. Alleviating burdensome regulation will help promote a busi- ness-friendly environment in Macomb County and throughout Michigan. Its frustrating when you hear from business owners that “it feels like they want me to fail” when talking about the govern- ment.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
Learning. No legislator can be an expert on every subject, which provides for an opportunity to learn. I enjoy learning about a vari- ety of industries and departments. The more knowledge, the bet- ter decisions you can make. The House votes on hundreds of bills on a variety of subjects every year. It’s exciting to be able to learn, and (at least attempt) to make the best decision.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST HIDDEN GEM IN YOUR DISTRICT?
Goldies Saloon. One of the best dive bars in Michigan. Great burg- ers. Great fish and chips (or onion rings). A lot of cheap beer. All at low prices. It also has an old school jukebox.
WHO’S YOUR MODERN-DAY HERO?
My Dad. He was my mentor, teacher, and coach. He was always willing to go out of his way to help people. And he truly enjoyed doing it. He was a business owner, a leader, a motorcycle rider, a jeweler, a hitchhiker, a wine connoisseur, a brother, a father, a husband, a friend, and so much more. When he found out he had stage four cancer, he saw it as an opportunity to share his faith in God. He wasn’t scared of death. He had a personal peace that passed understanding, and he wanted to share that with every- one...Dad left big shoes to fill.
4 BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN