Politics & Government

Poulton Selected as Royal Oak Mayor Pro-Tem, Ginotti Named Commissioner

The Royal Oak City Commission selects Carlo Ginotti, a former city commissioner, to fill vacancy left by the departure of Patricia Capello; Commissioner David Poulton is appointed mayor pro-tem.

David Poulton is the new mayor pro-tem of Royal Oak and Carlo Ginotti will serve to fill a vacant seat on the commission.

Ginotti, 52, a former city commissioner, will serve the rest of Patricia Capello's term at the table. Capello, who served as mayor pro-tem, announced her resignation May 20 to focus her efforts on her family and a move to Texas. 

[Read: Surprise Resignation Shocks Commissioners]

"I am honored to serve and glad I can help out," Ginotti said by phone on Monday. 

Returning from his son's baseball game, Ginotti was caught off guard by text messages from well-wishers. 

"I didn't know it was going to happen so quickly, but I am ready to hit the ground running," he said, adding, "Now I just have to break the news to my wife."

Ginotti is an assistant to Michigan's Attorney General. He served on the Royal Oak City Commission from 2001-2010 and is a former mayor pro-tem.

Ginotti stated he has no interest in serving on the commission beyond November.

Mayor Jim Ellison told commissioners he reached out to Ginotti and two other former commissioners before Monday's meeting to gauge interest. Of the three, only Ginotti expressed enthusiasm, Ellison said.

Poulton told commissioners he, too, had been in contact with former commissioners and that no one he spoke to was interested.

"To have interest, you have to come in here, set aside time with your family, your business, to come and make decisions for the city. We need someone who is willing to do that. We need someone who is willing to make decisions with us," Poulton said, adding, "I have known Carlo. I think he has demonstrated that he is good for the city."

After filling the vacant position, commissioners turned to appointing a new mayor pro-tem. 

Commissioner Peggy Goodwin received unanimous support for her motion to appoint Poulton.

"It's a wise choice," Ellison said. "Mr. Poutlon comes to the top of my list."

As mayor pro-tem, Poulton will fulfill the mayor's duties during temporary absences and disabilities.


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