Mike McGuinness is a smart, experienced leader who makes good things happen for Pontiac. As our next Pontiac City Councilman he can hit the ground running. He’s a Pontiac homeowner who has lived on our side of town for over a decade — he wants our neighborhoods to get the attention and city services we need.

Pontiac School Board Trustee

With five years serving on our Pontiac School Board, including a term as School Board President, Mike has played an active role in improving our Pontiac school district. The finances are stabilized, the structural deficit has been eliminated, a substantial schools bond was passed, our aging school buildings are being upgraded, all teachers and staff members have received pay increases, and our School Board works together to make important decisions.

As a Pontiac School Board Trustee I focused on a plan to eliminate the $51 million deficit, stabilize enrollment, raise academic achievement and create a safe environment for Pontiac Youth. We’re not done but we’re on the right track.

Oakland County’s Historical Society Executive Director

As Executive Director of Oakland County’s Historical Society, Mike has brought the Pontiac community together to learn from and save our community’s history. On Cesar Chavez in Pontiac, he runs the Governor Wisner House and History Center. Mike is a popular researcher and public speaker on many Pontiac history topics, including the Clinton Valley state hospital that was closed and torn down decades ago. Mike even collaborated with the Pontiac Central Class of 1968 to successfully restore the Chief Pontiac statue that proudly stood in Pontiac Central for decades.

Legislative Staff for Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence

Mike’s strong career experience includes working for the United States House of Representatives. As a past legislative staff member and campaign manager for our Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, and a past legislative staff member in the Michigan legislature, he has a deep understanding of how our government can work collaboratively from the federal, state, and local perspectives. His experience will be a strong benefit to our city and our neighborhoods.

I’m answering their call to serve so we can improve our city together. Just as I have done on our Pontiac School Board, I’ll be a friendly and hardworking problem-solver that can work well with others.

Giving Back To The Community

When Mike was Chairman of the Pontiac Arts Commission from 2015 to 2019, he brought the Pontiac community together to celebrate our arts and culture. He started the Pontiac Arts Crawl in downtown Pontiac, which was a big success in 2018 and 2019. Working alongside Pontiac High School students, he painted the school spirit mural at the high school. And he did it all as a volunteer. Mike has worked hard for the city he calls home, the city he loves.