GET TO KNOW MICHAEL
BACKGROUND & VALUES
Michael Gaitan-Flores grew up in a working-class household in Livonia, Michigan, where he learned the value of hard work, respect, and kindness from a young age. He went on to graduate from Michigan State University’s James Madison College with a double major in International Relations and Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy- a program focused on how democratic institutions are built, challenged, and sustained. Since then, he has worked across sectors including philanthropy, public universities, education, and the private sector, gaining a deep understanding of how systems operate and how communities can be better served. He is currently the Director of Industry Relations at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Michael and his wife, Alex, have called Howell home since 2019, drawn by its central location and small-town charm to raise their family. They live just blocks from downtown and enjoy everything the city has to offer- from concerts on the courthouse lawn to Sunday mornings at the farmers market.
What drives Michael most is people. He’s someone who listens first, values respectful dialogue, and shows up when it counts - whether it’s striking up conversations at local events, checking in on a neighbor, or taking time to understand someone’s perspective face-to-face. He believes that city government should be accessible, honest, and always working in the best interest of the people it serves.
VISION & PLATFORM
Michael is running for Howell City Council with a clear goal: to bring thoughtful, transparent, and community-centered leadership to the table. He believes residents deserve a city government that listens, explains decisions clearly, and involves the public in shaping Howell’s future.
A few of his top priorities include:
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Planning for sustainable, fiscally responsible growth - ensuring Howell’s expansion is thoughtful, inclusive, and well-managed, with a focus on using tax dollars wisely and transparently
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Supporting local small businesses - promoting economic development that strengthens Howell’s downtown and honors the businesses that make this city unique
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Improving city service transparency - helping residents get a clear and timely rationale on city decisions that directly impact them (e.g. sidewalk and tree maintenance)
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Building trust through transparency - making City Council meetings and decisions easier to access and understand (e.g. updating city websites and adopting virtual options for citizens to attend meetings)
Michael’s leadership style is rooted in respect, dialogue, and bridge-building. In a time when politics can be divisive, he is deeply committed to nonpartisan collaboration and practical problem-solving. Whether working with local leaders, small business owners, or neighbors on his street, Michael shows up with integrity and a willingness to listen.
GET TO KNOW ALEX
MEET ALEX
Alex is Michael’s wife and biggest supporter. She works as a speech-language pathologist with Early On in Ingham County, where she has spent over seven years supporting families of young children (birth - three) with developmental delays and disabilities. She also teaches this as an instructor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Alex earned her B.A. in Linguistics from MSU, with additional studies in Spanish, Cognitive Science, and Communication Sciences and Disorders. She completed her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and is currently finishing her Special Education Administrator Certificate through Grand Valley State University.
Alex is passionate about expanding access to early childhood education, empowering parents through coaching and support, and advocating for inclusive environments for children with IEPs. Though she works in a neighboring county, Howell is home- and she cares deeply about helping families in this community thrive.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys walking around Thompson Lake, gardening, traveling, exploring family ancestry, and curling up with a good book or true crime documentary. She loves connecting with people from all backgrounds and values-and is excited to cheer on Michael on his journey to serve Howell.
