Jon Bon Jovi named to president’s Council for Community Solutions

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Bon Jovi fans, take heart.

New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi may have missed the boat for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction this time around, but he’s in da club as far as President Obama is concerned.

Bon Jovi is one of 25 people newly tapped by the president for the White House Council for Community Solutions, his initiative that seeks to bring together individuals, nonprofit organizations, businesses and government to identify and address community needs.

Obama selected the rocker to be part of the group because of his work through his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which has helped create affordable housing for low-income families and individuals. In 2008, the singer and songwriter hosted a fundraiser for Obama at his Garden State home during the presidential campaign.

‘These impressive men and women have dedicated their lives and careers to civic engagement and social innovation,” Obama said in a statement the White House issued Tuesday. “I commend them for their outstanding contributions to their communities, and I am confident that they will serve the American people well in their new roles on the White House Council for Community Solutions. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.’

The other council members include educators, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and religious leaders.

-- Randy Lewis