Ex-mayor runs in primary for Pontiac mayor amid federal probe of misspending

A federal investigation is hanging over the primary election to narrow the field for Pontiac mayor, which includes a controversial former mayor who is part of the probe, current and former City Council members, a Genesee County official and a law enforcement officer.

Eight candidates are vying for the post that was left open by Mayor Tim Greimel, who is running as a Democrat for Michigan's 10th Congressional District, a seat that's held by U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, who said he is running for governor.

The top two vote-getters in the Aug. 5 primary will compete to take over a city that is confronting questions about potential corruption, attracting and retaining jobs, creating resources for youth and addressing financial woes. The city is 47% Black, 27% White and nearly 22% Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The mayor's primary race is coming to a head six months after The Detroit News reported the FBI was probing several public officials for their financial dealings. Part of the probe is looking at former Mayor Deirdre Waterman, who was accused in a 2022 forensic audit of misspending $1.6 million in public money and is running for mayor again. No one has been charged with wrongdoing.





https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/19/plethora-of-hopefuls-emerge-for-pontiac-mayor-including-controversial-ex-mayor/85237812007/