10 Most Powerful People in Warren

When I worked as a political/business consultant, I often spent my hours following the flow of power in local cities like Warren. As a resident of Warren, the city politics of my home city have always been of special interest to me. The flow of power in Warren often causes impacts in other local cities. Through my experience, these are the most powerful people in Warren. They are listed in alphabetical order since the political power lines often change quickly, but these constants remain.

Patrick Adams, Principal of De La Salle

When the school that you lead was the alma mater of dozens of CEOs, entertainment personalities and local politicians, you are given power. When you answer to an Archdiocese that is one of the most powerful in the country, you are given even more power.

Daniel F. Akerson, Chairman and CEO of General Motors

Akerson is one of only two people on this list that do not work directly, or live, in Warren (Vicari is the other). Warren is the home of the GM Tech Center and many political hours have been spent over the years by Warren officials to get GM whatever it wants in the city no matter what.

County Commissioners

There are three County Commissioners that oversee parts of Warren and they are Toni Moceri, Marvin E. Sauger and Phillip A. DiMaria. Many business owners and residents have found that they can go to the commissioners for assistance.

James Fouts, Mayor of Warren

There are very few cities in which the mayor is the most powerful person. After his many terms on the City Council, "The Politician for the People" learned that to get things done, power must be seized whenever possible and he brought this thought with him to his current office.

James Jacobs, President of Macomb Community College

Tens of thousands of students pass through the doors at the Macomb Community College South Campus each year. This brings money for taxes, dollars to local businesses and potential Warren residents from other communities.

Mary Kamp, City Council President

The Warren City Council has always been a body that performs its own checks and balances so that few councilmembers are ever able to gain a hold on the council. The Council President is often the only spot of true clout and power.

Lark Samouelian, Warren Communications Director

If you control the flow of information, you control can impact politics and commerce. Lark Samouelian oversees TV Warren and all publications of the city. If the residents of Warren need to be convinced of something, Lark is the person to go to.

Eric J. Smith, Macomb County Prosecutor

The Macomb County Prosecutor is able to wield strength in any city where an investigation or prosecution attempt is being overtaken by his office. When Smith came into office, he took the respect of the office and added it to his determination to complete his job.

Joseph P. Vacari, Chairman and CEO Andiamo

Have you ever noticed that Andiamo is in every single publicity video for the City of Warren? It would only make sense that the CEO of the social hub of Warren would wield power in the city. He has made his Warren establishment his most attractive socially and politically.

Paul Wojno, City Clerk

Paul Wojno has been working in Warren politics for years. He is highly respected in the city and has learned which steps to take to get whatever he needs to get done. Wojno's support is often one of the most sought after pieces of the puzzle of getting something done in Warren.

L. Vincent Poupard is a former political/business consultant who specialized in helping businesses gain a foothold in their communities. He is a writer who spends as much free time as possible enjoying all that Michigan has to offer.