Tim Greimel Announces Run for Mayor of Pontiac
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 28, 2021)
Pontiac, MI – Former State Representative Tim Greimel announced today, in a press conference at Elam Barber Shop, that he is running for Mayor of Pontiac.
Greimel served as State Representative from 2012-2018, serving as the Democratic leader of the Michigan House of Representatives for four of those years.  Prior to that he was County Commissioner from 2007-2012. Before that he was a civil rights attorney, focusing on representing employees who were discriminated against and retaliated against in the workplace.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science, a master’s degree in public policy, and a law degree, all from the University of Michigan.
In a press release, Greimel touted that as a County Commissioner he “worked to diversify our economy by attracting new businesses to Pontiac and led efforts to provide health insurance for our most vulnerable citizens, “established an innovative micro-loan program to help small businesses start up and grow, and “worked with members of both parties to balance the county budget without raising taxes.”
“As a State Representative and the House Democratic Leader, Tim worked across party lines to establish Healthy Michigan, providing affordable access to health insurance to over 650,000 Michiganders. In a Republican-led legislature, he passed two laws to raise Michigan’s minimum wage and index it to inflation,” the release stated.
He was introduced at the Press Conference by former County Commissioner Mattie Hatchett, and joined by the owner of Elam’s Barber Shop Roland Elam as well as Derrick McDonald of Prospect Missionary Baptist.  Current County Commissioner Angela Powell was also on hand to show her support.
Greimel cited Pontiac’s proud history, and compared it current circumstances with crumbling roads and the lack of a community center or proper grocery store.  “When we work together, anything is possible,” he said.
His priorities include:
~Strengthening neighborhoods and improving roads and public safety.
~Expanding economic opportunity by bringing jobs to Pontiac that are filled by Pontiac residents and by supporting local small businesses.
~Modernizing the city’s senior centers and partnering with the school district, churches, and non-profits to locate youth recreational programs throughout the city within walking distance of young people.
~Bolstering good governance by collaborating with the city council, residents, community groups, and local small businesses, by making city hall more customer friendly for residents and businesses, and by conducting a forensic audit.
Learn more about Greimel’s campaign at https://greimelforpontiac.com/.