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 (was either President or Vice-President for 11 years)
•      Harper Woods Mayor since 1997
•      Currently 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."

John M. Szymanski

Council Member

Elected November 3, 2009

Term Expires November 11, 2013

Contact Councilman Szymanski at jszymanski92953@aol.com

Biographical Sketch:

• Married for over 26 years with two children.
•  City resident for 24 years.
• Fourth term elected Council member, including term as Mayor Pro tem
• Degreed Accountant with certification.   Employed as Dir. of Payroll Operations for Wayne County
• Former P.T.O. school board member who has served on numerous and varied Harper Woods City Boards and Committees.
• Strong on budget and Police issues.

Quote: "I want for Harper Woods residents, a community where they can shop in neighborhood stores, have children play in well-tended parks and attend high-quality neighborhood schools."

Cheryl A. Costantino

Mayor Pro tem

Elected November 6, 2007

Term Expires November 9, 2015

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

Michael P. Monaghan

Council Member

Elected November 6, 2007

Term Expires November 9, 2015

• City Resident / Homeowner since 1989
• Married 28 years to Charlotte - Two sons
• Employed as a banker for 36 years, currently Assistant Vice President
• Fourth term elected Council member, including one term as Mayor Pro tem
• Current Chairperson on the Employees' Retirement Board - Past Vice Chair
• Current Services for Older Citizens Board member
• Current member of the Financial Oversight Committee
• Current PAATS Board member
• Current member of the Boards and Commission Nominating Committee
• Past President - Harper Woods Dad's Club
• Former Grosse Pointes-Clinton Refuse Authority Trustee
• Former Harper Woods Lions Club member
• Former Harper Woods Little League baseball coach
• Former Grosse Pointe Red Baron Little League football coach

Quote:  "My goals are to make sure that the City is fiscally sound now and in the future.  My responsibility is to the residents of the City of Harper Woods."

Contact Councilman Monaghan at admin@harperwoodsmi.net

Charles Flanagan

Council Member

Elected November 8, 2011

Term Expires November 13,  2015

Contact Councilman Flanagan at Charles313@comcast.net

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 Agenda's

*    To obtain copies of City Council Agenda's or subscribe to receiving them, send a request admin@harperwoodsmi.net

City Council Minutes

*    To obtain City Council minutes via e-mail, please request at hwclerk@comcast.net.

 
*    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