Cambridge resident Jonathan Janik is a thoughtful individual who is passionate about local politics. Through his experience as a communications director to a Massachusetts state senator and as a former producer on the news program “The David Brudnoy Show”, Jonathan has developed impressive political credentials.

Jonathan was born and raised in a blue-collar household in America's "snow capital" Buffalo, NY. The youngest of four children, Jonathan grew up with role models who taught him the importance of hard work, advised him on life, and instilled in him an appreciation for education and higher learning. Through their experiences and life's work, Jonathan's family has been a driving force and inspiration in his life. Jonathan's grandfathers were a WWII vet and a steel factory laborer. Jonathan's mother grew up in public housing and now works at a university. His father owns a small business with Jonathan's brother. One of Jonathan's sisters performs HIV/AIDS research, while the other serves on the conservation board in her town. Jonathan's brother-in-law is an engineer and sister-in-law a substance abuse social worker. Collectively, all of their experiences have helped to define Jonathan's views and have helped to shape his outlook on public policy.

Jonathan’s family also played a significant role in his choice for higher learning. Jonathan attended a small state college just ninety minutes from his hometown and with encouragement from his family studied communications. He excelled in his studies and received the Arthur R. Maytum Scholarship after having been nominated by his professors. After graduation, Jonathan explored different career options but felt the pull of the east coast, initially moving to Boston before settling in Cambridge. Soon after, Jonathan decided to make Cambridge his home because he felt the city’s sense of community, cultural enrichment, and unwavering acceptance of people from varied backgrounds were important qualities he wanted in a place he was going to call home.

Since moving to Cambridge, Jonathan has been an active member of the community and has taken great pride in his civic involvement. It is through this involvement that Jonathan has shaped his views on what he thinks are important issues for his community. Knowing that he wanted to become more involved in Massachusetts politics, Jonathan took a position as a communications director on Beacon Hill.

In his role as communications director, Jonathan has performed significant constituent affairs work; facilitating daycare vouchers for single moms, mediating problems between drivers and the registry of motor vehicles, and resolving conflicts between consumers and corporate entities. Also, Jonathan has played a role advocating policy and conducting legislative research on a range of issues including government accountability, park protection, drunk driving reform, and clean energy. Jonathan has also managed public outreach programs on stem cell research, global warming, and environmental protection.

Prior to his role on Beacon Hill, Jonathan had the honor of working with one of WBZ radio's preeminent broadcasters, David Brudnoy. As an onsite producer for Mr. Brudnoy's show, Jonathan honed his thinking and perspective to understand conflicting sides of an issue. This ability sets Jonathan apart, as he reserves judgment in people and ideas until knowing all of the facts. Jonathan is a truly open to new concepts and opinions.

Currently, Jonathan lives in mid-Cambridge and continues his civic activity. He is excited to pursue his campaign for Cambridge City Council for the opportunity to represent his adopted home and the city's constituents.