Michaelangelo Aranda

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Michaelangelo Aranda

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

June 11, 2024

Personal

Birthplace

Reno, Nev.

Religion

Orthodox Christian

Profession

Human resources professional

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Michaelangelo Aranda ran for election to the Reno City Council to represent Ward 6 in Nevada. He lost in the primary on June 11, 2024.

Aranda completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Michaelangelo Aranda was born in Reno, Nevada. His career experience includes working as a human resources professional and as a paraeducator working with special education children. He has been affiliated with NNHRA, ATD, and the American Red Cross.

Elections

2024

See also: City elections in Reno, Nevada (2024)

General election

General election for Reno City Council Ward 6

Brandi Anderson defeated Tom Heck in the general election for Reno City Council Ward 6 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Brandi Anderson (Nonpartisan)	60.5	14,212
		Tom Heck (Nonpartisan)	39.5	9,262

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 23,474
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Reno City Council Ward 6

The following candidates ran in the primary for Reno City Council Ward 6 on June 11, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Brandi Anderson (Nonpartisan)	43.3	3,161
✔		Tom Heck (Nonpartisan)	14.8	1,079
		Roy Stoltzner (Nonpartisan)	13.3	970
		Michaelangelo Aranda (Nonpartisan)	13.1	956
		William Mantle (Nonpartisan)	10.2	741
		Michael Grimm (Nonpartisan)	4.5	327
	Submit photo	J M Darcey II (Nonpartisan)	0.9	66

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,300
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Mon Bertolucci (Nonpartisan)

Endorsements

Aranda received the following endorsements.

• Nevada Democratic Education Caucus

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Michaelangelo Aranda completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Aranda's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a proud native of Reno with a deep-rooted commitment to serving our community, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Ward 6 City Council. Having dedicated years to various roles within Reno, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of community service and the impact it has on our city. My passion for driving positive change stems from a desire to create a better future for not only my children but also for all future Reno residents. It is my firm belief that by working together and focusing on the well-being of our community, we can build a brighter tomorrow for all Reno-ites. Join me in this journey towards a more prosperous and inclusive Reno.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I am Reno Born and Renoy Ready.
• I believe in a strong community, service and advocate for a voice to better our city.
• Our children are the future of the city - we need to invest in them and set them up for success.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Unhoused, Job/Economic Growth, Access to affordable healthcare, Access to quality education

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my father for his exceptional work ethic and unwavering dedication to providing for our family. His commitment to hard work and perseverance serves as a constant source of inspiration for me.

Professionally, I admire individuals like my doctor, Dr. Krassner, who has devoted his career to serving disadvantaged communities and conducting research to address global health challenges. His commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others motivates me to strive for excellence in my own endeavors.

Politically, I am inspired by moderates such as Brian Sandoval and Barack Obama. Their ability to bridge divides, seek common ground, and work towards pragmatic solutions to complex issues resonates with me. I aspire to emulate their leadership styles, prioritizing collaboration, inclusivity, and effective governance in my own approach to public service.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

While there isn't a specific book, essay, or film that encapsulates my political philosophy, I would recommend exploring a variety of sources to gain a comprehensive understanding. Here are a few recommendations:

1. "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama: This book provides insights into the principles of hope, unity, and progressivism in governance.

2. "The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay: These essays offer foundational insights into the principles of democracy, governance, and the balance of power.

3. "An Inconvenient Truth" (documentary) directed by Davis Guggenheim: This documentary highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the role of responsible governance in addressing global challenges.

By exploring diverse perspectives and engaging with a range of literature, essays, and films, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of my political philosophy, which prioritizes inclusivity, equity, justice, and progress.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics and principles for an elected official include integrity, accountability, transparency, empathy, and a commitment to public service. Integrity ensures that elected officials act ethically and honestly, putting the needs of their constituents above personal gain. Accountability involves being responsive to the concerns and needs of the community and taking responsibility for one's actions. Transparency is essential for fostering trust and ensuring that decisions are made openly and with input from stakeholders. Empathy allows elected officials to understand and empathize with the diverse experiences and perspectives of their constituents, guiding their decision-making process with compassion and fairness. Finally, a strong commitment to public service means prioritizing the well-being of the community and working tirelessly to address its challenges and uplift its members.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

As an elected official in the Reno City Council, I believe the core responsibilities include:

1. Representation: Serving as a voice for the residents of Ward 6 and advocating for their interests and concerns in city government.
2. Policy-making: Participating in the development and implementation of policies and ordinances that promote the well-being and prosperity of the community.
3. Budget oversight: Reviewing and approving the city budget to ensure responsible fiscal management and allocation of resources.
4. Constituent services: Providing assistance and support to constituents, addressing their inquiries, complaints, and needs related to city services.
5. Collaboration: Working collaboratively with fellow council members, city staff, community organizations, and other stakeholders to address challenges and achieve shared goals.
6. Planning and development: Participating in planning and development decisions to guide the growth and sustainability of the city while preserving its unique character and natural resources.
7. Oversight: Conducting oversight of city departments and agencies to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in the delivery of public services.
8. Engagement: Engaging with the community through public meetings, forums, and events to foster transparency, participation, and trust in local government.

Overall, the core responsibilities of an elected official in the Reno City Council revolve around representing constituents, making informed decisions, and working collaboratively to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I possess several qualities that I believe would contribute to my success as an officeholder:

1. Leadership: I have demonstrated leadership abilities through my involvement in community organizations, where I have led initiatives and collaborated with diverse groups to achieve common goals.

2. Communication skills: I am an effective communicator, able to articulate ideas clearly and listen attentively to the concerns of others. This allows me to build rapport with constituents, collaborate with colleagues, and convey complex information in a way that is accessible to all.

3. Empathy: I approach governance with empathy and compassion, seeking to understand the needs and perspectives of all members of our community. This enables me to make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of residents and address their unique challenges.

4. Problem-solving: I am a strategic thinker who is adept at analyzing complex issues and developing practical solutions. I am committed to finding innovative approaches to address the pressing challenges facing our city and to fostering positive change.

5. Integrity: I hold myself to the highest ethical standards and believe in transparency, accountability, and honesty in all aspects of governance. I am committed to serving with integrity and earning the trust of constituents through my actions and decisions.

Overall, I believe that my combination of leadership, communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and integrity positions me well to be a successful officeholder and to effectively represent the interests of our community.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that I remember from my lifetime is September 11th, 2001. I was almost 10 years old at the time, and I vividly recall the shock and confusion surrounding the tragic events of that day. It was a moment that deeply impacted me and shaped my understanding of the world, sparking conversations and reflections that continue to resonate with me to this day.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was in food service, which I held for a few months. However, I consider my first substantial job to be in hospitality, which I started at the age of 16 and lasted for about 3 years. During that time, I gained valuable experience in customer service, teamwork, and time management, which laid the foundation for my future career endeavors.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"It Goes Without Saying: How to Make Sure Your Workplace Rocks" by Clint Pulver is a captivating read that delves into the intricacies of creating an exceptional workplace culture. What sets this book apart is its insightful exploration of the psychology behind mentorship and the profound impact that a mentor who believes in you can have on your personal and professional growth. Pulver's narrative is both engaging and enlightening, offering practical advice and real-world examples that resonate deeply with readers. As someone passionate about fostering positive work environments and nurturing mentorship relationships, I find "It Goes Without Saying" to be an invaluable resource that inspires me to cultivate excellence and empowerment in my own professional endeavors.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could embody any fictional character, I would choose to be Peter Pan. His adventurous spirit, boundless imagination, and eternal youth represent a sense of freedom and whimsy that resonates deeply with me. Peter Pan's ability to defy conventional norms and embrace the magic of childhood inspires me to approach life with a sense of wonder and spontaneity. Additionally, his unwavering loyalty to his friends and his determination to protect the innocence of Neverland reflect values that I hold dear. Overall, the idea of soaring through the skies and embarking on fantastical adventures with Peter Pan fills me with a sense of joy and possibility.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Funkytown"

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One significant struggle in my life has been finding ways to effectively serve my community while maintaining a balance between personal and professional responsibilities. While I've been passionate about contributing to various causes and organizations, I've often found it challenging to allocate time and resources efficiently while juggling other commitments. As a result, I've explored different avenues of community involvement without fully mastering a specific niche or focus area. However, I remain determined to overcome this challenge by prioritizing and optimizing my efforts to make a meaningful impact in areas where I can best serve my community.

Tell us your favorite joke.

"What did the left eye say to the right eye?" "Something in between us smells"

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None at this time.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are essential pillars of effective and responsible governance. Transparency ensures that government actions and decisions are open to public scrutiny, fostering trust and accountability among constituents. It allows residents to understand how taxpayer dollars are being allocated and spent, promoting fiscal responsibility and preventing misuse of public funds.

Government accountability, on the other hand, holds elected officials and public servants accountable for their actions and decisions. It requires elected officials to be responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents, to act in the public interest, and to uphold ethical standards in their conduct. Accountability mechanisms such as regular audits, public hearings, and whistleblower protections are crucial for ensuring that government operates transparently and ethically.

As a candidate for Reno City Council, I am committed to promoting financial transparency and government accountability. If elected, I will advocate for policies and practices that enhance transparency in budgeting and financial reporting, increase access to government information, and strengthen accountability mechanisms to ensure that elected officials are held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, we can build public trust, strengthen democracy, and ensure that government serves the best interests of all residents.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Reno City Council Ward 6

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