Hi. I am Mike Klinefelt.
After serious consideration, I decided to run for Mayor this year and I am seeking your support.
My family moved to Eastpointe when I was five years old and I’ve lived in this city for the past 30 years. The relationships I’ve developed here are irreplaceable. Eastpointe isn’t defined by our borders; it’s defined by the decent and caring people that make us a community. Eastpointe is my home and my neighbors are my family.
I learned the importance of civil service from my parents. My father is a veteran that served in Saudi-Arabia. My mother joined the school board 25 years ago and has continued to fight for this community ever since. They taught me that each of us has a responsibility to care for and protect our neighbors.
I began volunteering when I was a student at East Detroit High School. I co-chaired “Blanket Days” which was a collection drive for coats, blankets and gloves for those in need. As a member of student government, I chaired the Senior Citizens Committee. I created a snow shoveling program with the Senior Center so seniors could call in when they needed help clearing their sidewalk and driveway. I also started fundraising and attending meetings at the senior center to ask what they would like the money spent on. They asked for a new parking lot. After some negotiations, we settled on a new coffee cart.
My career path has continued in the vein of public service. In law school, I served on the Board of Directors of the Free Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC). FLAC is a non-profit organization that provides legal services to low-income seniors and victims of domestic violence. I subsequently worked as a Legislative Aide at the state level. I am now an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Wayne County. It’s a tough job, but there is nothing more rewarding than advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves.
In Eastpointe, I’ve been involved with the Civil Service Commission, Arts & Cultural Diversity Commission, Housing Commission, 8 Mile Kelly Homeowners Association, Tax Reversion Committee, and Ethics Ordinance Committee. I am currently serving as a board member on the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe. I also participate in the litter clean-up events through the Beautification Commission and continue to maintain the flowerbed I adopted at 10 Mile and Gratiot.
I am now running for Eastpointe Mayor. It was my privilege to serve as Mayor Pro Tem on city council from 2015 to 2019. I know the job because I took the time to learn it. I am proud of our city, but there is more to be accomplished. I remain committed to investing in infrastructure, ensuring efficient and transparent spending, and strengthening the bonds that make us a community. I promise to maintain respect and work with others to meet our goals. I know we can build a bright future if we work together.