***For Immediate Release***

Statement regarding resignation of City of Harper Woods Mayor Kenneth Poynter

The City of Harper Woods has just received the resignation of its long time Mayor Kenneth Poynter.

Over the course of more than two decades, former Mayor Poynter has provided the residents of the City of Harper Woods with effective and efficient leadership.  His love for the City is unquestioned.  His organization of and participation in city events has gone well above the call of duty.

Unfortunately, recent comments made by former Mayor Poynter did not and do not reflect the values and beliefs of City Administration, business leaders and residents of the City of Harper Woods.

This change of leadership will allow the City of Harper Woods to maintain and enhance fundamental civil liberties and rights owed to each and every person who comes within the boundaries of the City of Harper Woods whether it be to live, work or play.

7/31/2020

 ***For Immediate Release***
 

Regarding Planned Protests and Death of Priscilla Slater
 

From:
John J. Gillooly, Senior Partner
Garan Lucow Miller
1155 Brewery Park Blvd., Suite 200
Detroit, MI 48207
313.446.5501
313.418.4995 (cell)
 

The City of Harper Woods is a diverse community. It is proud of its diversity. Its residents are diverse in their ethnic backgrounds, their sexual orientation and in their religious practices.
 

Those who come to visit, work and enjoy the great City of Harper Woods are also diverse in their ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation and in their religious practices.
 

As such, the City of Harper Woods remains committed to protecting,preserving and enhancing the fundamental liberties and civil rights owed to each and every person who comes within the boundaries of the City to insure that they are entitled to fundamental fairness and due process of law.
 

Ms. Priscilla Slater is no exception.
 

The City of Harper Woods remains saddened by her passing.
 

The Slater matter remains under investigation by the Michigan Department of State Police. As such, there have been absolutely no additional details available to officials at the City of Harper Woods as to the findings of the Michigan Department of State Police including, but not limited to, the manner and/or cause of death of Ms. Slater.
 

While the City of Harper Woods respects the ability of people of all backgrounds to peacefully express their concerns by way of non-violent protests, we also caution people from jumping to conclusions regarding alleged wrongdoing on the part of our employees when matters are still under investigation by state officials.
 

Just as Ms. Slater and her family are entitled to a thorough and complete investigation regarding her passing, so are the employees of the City of Harper Woods who many have already tried to convict in the court of public opinion as having been a part of some type of wrongdoing even though an investigation still continues.
 

Justice for some is not justice for all. Every person involved in the arrest and detention of Ms. Slater is entitled to a full and fair investigation.
 

The City of Harper Woods remains committed to cooperating with the Michigan Department of State Police and to ensuring that each and every person who travels within its City boundaries receives the benefit of due process and fair process each and every day.
 

#1515627        7/24/20