Michael Guido
Michael A. Guido (July 3, 1954 – December 5, 2006) was an American politician who served as the 5th mayor of Dearborn, Michigan from 1986 until his death in 2006. He also was appointed to serve as the 64th President of the United States Conference of Mayors for the 2006 to 2007 term, but due to his death John B. O'Reilly Jr. finished Guido's term.[1]
Mayor Michael Guido | |
---|---|
5th Mayor of Dearborn | |
In office 1986 – December 5, 2006 | |
Preceded by | John O'Reilly Sr. |
Succeeded by | John B. O'Reilly Jr. |
64th President of the United States Conference of Mayors | |
In office 2006–2006 | |
Preceded by | Beverly O'Neill |
Succeeded by | Douglas Palmer |
Dearborn City Councilmen | |
In office 1978–1986 | |
Personal details | |
Born | July 3, 1954 |
Died | December 5, 2006 52) Dearborn, Michigan | (aged
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Kari Guido |
Children | 2 |
Occupation | Mayor |
Career
Dearborn City Council
Guido's political career started in 1978 when he was elected to the Dearborn city council as a Republican. At the age of 23 he was the youngest ever person elected to the city council. He was re-elected to a second term, and resigned from the council following his election as mayor in 1986.[2]
Mayor of Dearborn
Michael Guido was elected the 5th, and youngest, mayor of Dearborn in 1986 in a close and contentious election against Democrat president of the city council Marge Powell. He ran for re-election 6 times, winning all of them and even ran unopposed for twice. His last election was in 2005.[3] As mayor Guido is best known for his early clashes with the community leaders of the city's growing Arab American population, with almost all the challengers in his mayoral campaigns being Arab-Americans. However, following the September 11 attacks, Guido reconciled with his longtime adversaries stating that "We Stand United Against Terror".[4][5] His crowning achievement as mayor was redevelopment, part of which included building the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, the largest municipally owned Performing Arts Center in the nation. He also was known for his jovial and outgoing nature, earning him the nickname "mayor friendly."[2]
United States Conference of Mayors
Guido was selected to serve as the 64th President of the United States Conference of Mayors for its 2006 to 2007 term. He embarked on a goodwill tour to numerous cities in the conference. However, his tenure was cut short due to his cancer diagnoses.[2]
Death
After serving as mayor for 21 years, Guido was diagnosed with cancer, and he eventually succumbed to the disease during his 7th term on December 5, 2006.[6][7] Following his death John D. Dingell extended condolences to his family on behalf of Congress.[8]
Personal life
Michael Guido was the child of Italian immigrants and a lifelong Roman Catholic. He was married to Kari Guido, and had two sons Michael and Anthony.[7]
References
- "Dearborn mayor who tackled Arab-American issues dies". www.chron.com. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- "Lasting legacy : Dearborn remembers longtime mayor 10 years after his death". www.pressandguide.com. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- "Dearborn Historical Museum". thedhm.org. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- Warikoo, Niraj. "On Sept. 11, a historic run for Dearborn mayor that impacted Arab Americans". www.freep.com/. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- "Michael A. Guido". www.defense.gov/. Department of Defense. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- Ankey, Robert. "Dearborn's Mayor Michael Guido dead at 52". www.crainsdetroit.com. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- "Guido 'lived, died as he wanted to'". www.pressandguide.com. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
- DINGELL, JOHN. "HONORING THE LIFE OF DEARBORN, MICHIGAN MAYOR MICHAEL A. GUIDO". www.govinfo.gov. United States Congress. Retrieved October 27, 2022.