Politics & Government
Kristy Pagan Announces Bid for State Representative
Kristy Pagan will campaign to replace term-limited State Rep. Dian Slavens in the 21st State House District.
A Canton woman announced on Saturday her plans to run for the 21st House District seat, replacing Rep. Dian Slavens (D-Canton) who is serving her third term.
31-year-old Kristy Pagan made her announcement at a community barbecue in Heritage Park saying that the district needs a leader who will listen to neighbors and be a strong voice in Lansing.
The 21st House District includes Canton, Belleville and Van Buren Township.
Pagan is running as a Democrat focused on providing educational opportunities for our children, keeping young people in Michigan, and offering services and support to our American veterans.
“I believe we must continue the great work of Democrats in Michigan to improve and support our public schools and to create jobs to keep our young people in Michigan," Pagan said. in a news release. "We also need to ensure those who take the biggest risk and make the largest sacrifice for our country, our United States veterans, have what they need to lead happy, healthy lives."
A graduate of Salem High School’s Class of 2000, Pagan was born in Belleville and raised in the Plymouth-Canton community. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University and her master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University. She currently works at Wayne State University in Detroit.
Canton resident Darrin Silvester, who is also Pagan's former government teacher from Salem HIgh School joined Pagan during her announcement to voice support.
“Kristy Pagan is the education candidate this community needs," Silvester said. "As a former student of mine, Kristy knows what it is like to learn in Plymouth-Canton schools and will be a strong advocate for students, parents and teachers alike. We need Kristy in Lansing. She will get the job done."
Pagan’s many leadership roles include serving Sen. Debbie Stabenow as a legislative aide and acting as Chairwoman of Women’s Information Network, a forum for developing and supporting professional women. She is also a successful local business owner, building a company in Canton that helped elect Democrats to state and local office in 2012.
Pagan also serves on the Canton Community Foundation Board of Directors and on the advisory team for Youth Leadership Canton. She also volunteers for the STEM Academy in Canton High School, with Alternatives for Girls in downtown Detroit and is a member of the Plymouth-Canton Jaycees.
She serves on both the Plymouth and Canton Democratic Club board of directors, is Vice Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party Youth Caucus, is Chair of the Outreach Committee with 11th Congressional District Democrats, is co-founder of Young Democrats of Canton, and was an elected Michigan Delegate for the 2012 National Democratic Convention inCharlotte, North Carolina.
Pagan has launched a public “action line” for neighbors and community members to voice their comments and concerns and can be reached directly at 734-224-8623.
“I am honored and humbled by the outpour of support and the enthusiastic response I have received all across the district," she said. "I am eager to hear from every voter on how we can work together to get things done for families and our neighbors in Canton, Belleville and Van Buren Township.”
Source: news release
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