Pontiac

Kermit Williams has spent over two decades serving Pontiac with integrity and vision, fighting for equity and opportunity for all residents. A former City Council president, he helped resolve the Phoenix Center lawsuit, saving the city millions while protecting Pontiac’s budget and ensuring accountability from developers.

Williams co-authored the youth recreation millage, restoring $9 million in programming and securing $3.5 million for a new Youth Recreation Center. He has also fought for retirees—restoring benefits cut under emergency management and ensuring monthly healthcare stipends.

With Oakland Forward, Williams championed the largest transportation millage in Oakland County history, expanding regional transit access, and worked to eliminate over $10 million in Pontiac School District debt. A plaintiff in the lawsuit against Michigan’s emergency manager law, Kermit continues to stand up against state takeovers and for local democracy. Guided by faith and community, Williams is committed to moving Pontiac forward together.

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Mike McGuinness, lifelong Pontiac resident and current City Council president, is running for mayor to bring accountability, equity, and a clear vision for the city’s future. As Council president, he has fought to protect $37 million in federal recovery funds from mismanagement, ensured balanced budgets, and expanded transparency through community meetings and responsive leadership.

McGuinness previously served as Pontiac School Board president, eliminating a $51 million deficit and passing the first school bond in decades to repair buildings and invest in students. He has a proven record in economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and protecting city finances.

As mayor, he will prioritize safe, clean neighborhoods, expanded youth and senior services, and city operations that work for all residents. He believes in restoring pride in Pontiac by investing in people, supporting small businesses, and making sure residents’ voices shape the city’s future.

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Adrian Austin is a lifelong Pontiac resident, union leader, and second-term precinct delegate running for City Council at-large with a bold progressive vision. As UAW Local 2500 chairperson, he has fought for working families, fair contracts, and political engagement.

Austin is committed to uplifting youth by creating a citywide Youth Council, expanding opportunities through workforce development hubs, and building apprenticeships for students and residents. He will champion affordable housing, stronger senior services, and major infrastructure repairs while ensuring transparency and community voice in city government. Austin stands for equity, accountability, and an inclusive Pontiac that works for everyone.

Adrian Austin is the most progressive candidate in this race.

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Sennel K. Threlkeld is running for Pontiac City Council at-large. He brings generations of dedication to Pontiac, with seven generations of family history rooted in the city. A lifelong resident, parent, and grandparent, he believes in strengthening Pontiac through safe neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and accountable leadership.

His priorities include expanding community policing, addressing blight, supporting small businesses, and ensuring transparency in government spending. While other candidates push bold progressive agendas, Threlkeld seeks to offer what he considers a balanced, commonsense approach focused on practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and empowering families. He is committed to preserving Pontiac’s traditions while building a safer, stronger, and more inclusive future for all residents.

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Chris Jackson is running to represent Pontiac’s 1st District. He is the policy director at Honor Community Health and a lifelong advocate for equity, accountability, and opportunity. With experience leading the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and shaping statewide health equity policies, Chris has a proven record of advancing progressive change.

As chairman of the National Cannabis Industry Association, he has fought for social equity in cannabis and economic opportunities for underrepresented communities. In Pontiac, Chris prioritizes affordable housing, revitalizing vacant spaces, supporting small businesses, and ensuring transparent, accountable government. Progressive and action-driven, Chris is committed to building a thriving, inclusive future for every resident of District 1.

Chris Jackson is the most progressive candidate in this race.

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Melanie Rutherford is a lifelong Pontiac resident, small business owner, and community advocate running for City Council in District 1. With experience on the Pontiac Public Library Board, the Housing Commission, and work with United Way, Rutherford has spent years addressing housing, senior services, and youth programming.

She emphasizes practical solutions like affordable housing expansion, a 10-year plan for senior centers, and building a youth center with strong programming and reliable transportation. While not the most progressive candidate in the race, Melanie offers steady, community-driven leadership rooted in service, accountability, and a deep love for Pontiac.

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Dean Bevacqua is a small business owner and community leader with decades of experience in public service and municipal governance. As a Pontiac resident, he chairs the Zoning Board of Appeals and serves on the Housing Commission, advocating for fair housing and stronger neighborhoods. A former Rochester City Councilmember and Mayor Pro-Tem, Bevacqua brings proven experience in fiscal responsibility, infrastructure planning, and community engagement. He is committed to holding landlords accountable, reducing blight, expanding youth recreation, and improving city services. Bevacqua believes in transparency, equity, and building a Pontiac where residents have access to safe housing, strong services, and opportunity.

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Milanna K. Jones is a committed progressive leader for Pontiac’s District 2, focused on public safety, civic engagement, and community beautification. As president of The Pioneer Highlands Civic Association, she has championed inclusive policies, safe neighborhoods, and welcoming public spaces.

Jones works to amplify resident voices, foster collaboration, and ensure equitable outcomes. Her innovative mindset, professional experience, and dedication to service equip her to drive progressive change, unite the community, and enhance quality of life in Pontiac. She is committed to creating a thriving, vibrant, and inclusive city that benefits all residents.

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Mikal Goodman is a write-in candidate for Pontiac City Council representing the 3rd District. A lifelong resident, community organizer, and councilor, he champions tenant rights, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and inclusive city services.

Goodman prioritizes proactive public safety, youth empowerment, accessible healthcare, and government transparency. He supports small businesses, union career pathways, and equitable economic development. With a focus on climate resilience, social justice, and community-led solutions, Mikal works to build a safe, thriving, and welcoming Pontiac where every resident, youth, senior, and marginalized community member can succeed and feel at home.

Mikal Goodman is the most progressive choice in this race.

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This candidate does not currently have a campaign website or local news profile piece with additional information.

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This candidate does not currently have a campaign website or local news profile piece with additional information.

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