Pontiac Officials Swear In, Share Successes and Aspirations

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan 7, 2026)

Pontiac, MI – The auditorium of Pontiac High School was full of optimistic faces as the community came together to swear in Pontiac’s next mayor and city council on Jan. 1.

Former City Council President Mike McGuinness was elected to serve as Mayor. The city also welcomed council members in newly drawn districts, as well as at-large position, and members of the library board.

Judge Cynthia Walker of the 50th District Court gave the oath of office, starting with Library Board members Angela Allen, Dorian Burkett, Carlton Jones, Yvette Brinker Marion, Rosie Lance Richardson, and Carol Turpin.

Newly appointed councilperson Chris Jackson swore in to serve District 1, saying thank you to the seniors of Pontiac for “being the life blood of our community.” He also pledged support of the youth, saying “Our young people deserve access to opportunities and options.”

Milanna Jones was appointed to City Council just 15 months ago, and won her race in District 2 to retain her seat. Among her concerns are the roadways of Pontiac. “I am focused on infrastructure,” Jones said. “We’re going to comb through our major and sub-major corridors” to make the city a place people are proud to visit.

In District 3, Mikail Goodman was reelected after first winning a seat on Council at the age of just 21 four years ago. “I came in with a mission to improve housing and housing quality,” he said, promising to keep the focus on ways to make life better for everyone in Pontiac.

Kathalee James continues her service to the community, representing District 4. “If I could think of one word to describe our community, it is unstoppable,” James said.

Returning to District 5, William Carrington urged residents and City Council to “dream big and boldly.”

“The last four years we gave the city results, and we’ll continue to do that,” he said.

Regina Campbell swore in to represent District 6, and Adrian Austin swore in as Pontiac’s first At-Large Councilperson. Each thanked their family, friends, and supporters.

Freshly sworn in as Mayor of Pontiac, Mike McGuinness shared accomplishments of the previous four years, as well as what’s next on the City’s agenda.

“Your city is in the most stable and strong financial position it’s been in decades, with a AA bond rating and $67 million in fund reserves,” McGuinness said.

“The Phoenix Center… that matter is resolved. The County demolished it on their dime, $5 million debt that was on our backs was eliminated with the State of Michigan’s support. We now have a new day, a new chapter for Downtown’s South Side,” he said.

Mayor McGuinness also touted improvements in code enforcement, Master planning, and benefits for retirees. A new youth center is under construction. Community Development Block Grant funding administration is being handled by the city, including a $14 million investment in rebuilding the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge, with construction underway.

A new community investments ordinance means businesses must bring value to the table with development proposals. And the City has purchased the former Pontiac Central Building to give the Department of Public Works a proper facility to operate out of.

Moving forward, Pontiac officials will be focusing on seven things. First is reorganizing City Hall to build up what Mayor McGuinness calls “an operation of excellence.” This includes the welcoming of the city’s new Deputy Mayor Richard T. Seay, who brings a lifelong history of involvement in the community to the position.

City leaders will work to put Federal Rescue Plan dollars to work. They will work to communicate more effectively with all residents. They will work on re-imagining youth recreation. They will focus on rebuilding neighborhood services and improving neighborhoods, as well as encouraging housing growth.

And lastly, McGuinness said, they will be “activating the creative class,” to make Pontiac “the artistic and creative capital of the entire state of Michigan.”

The ceremony attracted residents of all ages and backgrounds in Pontiac, as well as officials who represent Pontiac at the County and State level, and those from neighboring communities.

To learn more about the City of Pontiac visit their website at https://www.pontiac.mi.us/. And for more Pontiac news stories check out the Pontiac News Page of Oakland County Times.

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