Kenneth A. Poynter, Mayor  (1997 - 2013)

•      Elected November 3, 2009

•      Term expires November 11, 2013

•      Parents moved to Gratiot Township
       (now Harper Woods) in 1940

•      Harper Woods High School Graduate

•      College degrees from Valparaiso University,
       Purdue University, and Wayne State University

•      Harper Woods School Board member, 1982-97
       as President or Vice President

•      Harper Woods Mayor since 1997

•      Retired from public school education (over 40 years)

Quote: "It is an honor and privilege to serve you and our community.  I appreciate the trust and support that you have given me over the years and I hope to always be able to provide you with dedicated, experienced leadership that is approachable, responsible, innovative and accountable."

Contact Mayor Poynter at hwmayor@harperwoodsmi.net

Vivian M. Sawicki

City Councilwoman

Elected November 3, 2009

Term Expires November 11, 2013

Contact Councilwoman Sawicki at vmsawicki@gmail.com  

  Biographical Sketch:

• Married 25 years to Michael, three children

• Harper Woods resident/homeowner since 1987

• Full-time teacher and forensics team coach, Regina High School

• Former girl scout leader at Beacon School and Tyrone School for 9 years

• Substitute teacher Harper Woods School District

• As a City Council member for Harper Woods, Mrs. Sawicki also serves on the Board/Commissions Nominating Committee, Ordinance Committee and the Beautification Commission and was our city representative to the Grosse Pointe-HarperWoods Futuring Committee.

• Mrs. Sawicki is very proud of the work she has been involved in to improve our community, most notably in promoting safe and upgraded playground equipment in our parks; improving the city's infrastructure in roads, sewers and sidewalks; and providing excellent city services in an ever tightening economy.

Quote: "I am honored to serve the City of Harper Woods as a councilwoman.  Thank you for the opportunity and trust you have given to me to carry your concerns to the Council and get things done for this fine community.  I hope to keep your faith and continue to serve the people of Harper Woods as we face the challenges of the future."

Valerie Kindle

City Councilwoman           

Elected September 24, 2012

Term Expires November 11, 2013

Contact Councilwoman Kindle at

Biographical Sketch:

Cheryl A. Costantino

Mayor Pro tem

Elected November 6, 2007

Term Expires November 9, 2015

Contact Councilwoman Costantino at ccostantino08@gmail.com

Biographical Sketch:

• Married/Mother

• U.S. Army Veteran

• Middle School Administrator

• Three terms served as Mayor Pro tem

• Dedicated to serving the residents of Harper Woods

Hugh R. Marshall

City Councilman

Elected: July 16, 2012

Term Expires: November 11, 2013

Conctact Councilmember Marshall

Biographical Sketch:

Charles Flanagan

Council Member

Elected November 8, 2011

Term Expires November 13,  2015

Contact Councilman Flanagan at Charles313@comcast.net

Biographical sketch:

Harper Woods resident for 11 years

Detroit Police Lieutenant, Special Operations - 27 year veteran

Bishop Gallagher High School graduate - 1976

BS - Michigan State University - 1980

MS - Eastern Michigan University - 2007

Graduate of 15th Class of Police Staff and Command - Eastern Michigan University - 2003

Part-time Adjunct Professor in Criminal Justice - Macomb Community College

Divorced father of 2 daughters

"I thank the voters who supported my platform, which includes a public safety concept, increased community involvement and economic development."

Daniel S. Palmer

Council Member

Elected November 3, 2009

Term Expires November 11, 2013

Contact Councilman Palmer at danp313@gmail.com

• City resident/homeowner since 1997

• Married 15 years to Bonnie with four children

• Education: Northwestern University; University of Michigan; Wayne State Law School

• Licensed Attorney since 1990

• Former Cub Scout Leader

• Former Coach - Harper Woods Little League/Parks and Recreation

• Conducted free legal seminars at Harper Woods Library

• Harper Woods City Councilman since 2001

 City Council Agendas

*    Agendas are posted on the Friday prior to a
     City Council meeting on the Public Notices page.

City Council Minutes

*    2013
*    2012
*    2006-11
*    2001-05

City Council Salary

*    City Council's salary is recommended by the
      Local Officers Compensation Commission. 
      For a copy of the minutes where they
      recommend salary levels, click here.

*    Click here to see the ordinance establishing the Local
     Officers Compensation Commission, and their
     responsibilities.

 City Council Links

*    8 Mile Blvd. Association
*    Michigan Municipal League
*    National League of Cities
*    Southeast MI Council of Governments

Resource Information  

• Freedom of Information Act

• Freedom of Information Act Request Form

• Open Meeting Act