On Monday, Nov. 10, John Gillooly was sworn in as mayor of the City of Grosse Pointe Farms. After receiving 69 percent of the votes against his competitor, Joe Ricci, Gillooly is ready to begin his new role. Ten years prior, the Grosse Pointe native and former attorney was asked to fill a vacancy in city council, a role he maintained until the recent election. In that position, he worked closely with prosecutors and judges from across the state of Michigan. After already being so intimately involved in the local government, he decided to continue to give back to the Grosse Pointe Farms community, and run for mayor.
Gillooly cited two main projects that are already well underway in the Farms, one of which is the construction of new infrastructure at the Pier Park. This will include two new pools and a new bathhouse. Construction is set to begin in the Spring. Along with the Pier Park plans, a new sewer project is in progress, which will help eliminate basement flooding.
“These projects will further increase the property values in Grosse Pointe Farms by having a wonderful park that all of our residents can enjoy,” Gillooly said. “It’s going to be an absolutely fantastic place to spend time.”
Outside of his busy work life, Gillooly enjoys spending time with his kids and playing tennis. He also enjoys downhill skiing. Gillooly is a proud graduate of Grosse Pointe South. During his high school career, he was Student Association President, a role that allowed him exposure to many challenging projects.
“When I was Student Association President, the projects we worked on helped the community and underprivileged people in our community and beyond,” Gillooly said.
Given his past experience in student government, Gillooly understands the value of connecting students with the political world. He plans on implementing a program which entails the appointment of an honorary student mayor at all city council meetings. Gillooly believes it is important to have a young member of the community participating in these meetings to allow them to see how local government works.
“Local government is the most interactive and important piece of government that all of our residents will come in contact with,” Gillooly said. “I really want to give students a first-hand experience as to what happens at city council meetings.”
John Gillooly expresses a clear commitment to his community and its residents, both young and old. Gillooly promises to maintain his campaign’s message that he will do his best to improve the Grosse Pointe Farms community, with the help of his extensive experience and knowledge of local government.
“I will continue to benefit the entire community,” Gillooly said. “Continuing to make Grosse Pointe Farms a great place to live, raise the family and do business.”
