Pontiac's new leadership faces financial woes

Shawn D. Lewis and Jennifer Chambers / The Detroit News

Pontiac --A new slate of six City Council members and a new mayor face a host of challenges as they prepare to tackle Pontiac's financial problems.

Attorney Leon Jukowski, a former deputy mayor who beat challenger Sandy-Michael McDonald, the city's current Downtown Development Authority head, in a close race for the city's top job Tuesday, said he's ready to make hard decisions when he takes office in January.

The city has a $130 million debt and a $7 million deficit. High unemployment, mounting home foreclosures and empty downtown store fronts also plague Pontiac.

"One of the main reasons I ran is when looking at what's going on in the city, whenever we have a business option, we always make the wrong choice," Jukowski, 52, said. "We could have sold the Silverdome for $20 million, but the city screwed up and now they're ready to auction it and get chump change."

Jukowski, who first became involved with the city in 1992 as outside legal counsel, won by 402 votes.

Even narrower victories occurred among member of the council, including by newcomer Patrice Waterman, who beat W. Charli Yarbro by 22 votes in the race for the 1st District seat.

Along with Waterman, new members include George Williams, Mary Pietila, Randy Carter, Donald Watkins and Kermit Williams. Incumbent Lee Jones ran unopposed.

McDonald said he expects the new mayor to "do everything he can," along with the new council and the city's emergency financial manager, Fred Leeb, to stabilize the city.

"Understanding that finances are the foundation for all that is important," he said.

"Some things must be addressed immediately, such as safety: that Pontiac is safe and clean and a place where you want to raise your child and grow your business," he said.

McDonald said he will focus on his job to reposition the city as a home for families and a destination for visitors and business.

"This can add more vibrancy to the community. We are hoping to work with the new administration on this."

slewis@detnews.com (734) 462-2190