J Douglas Hollie was born and raised in Highland Park, Michigan—a city he has always been proud to call home. He grew up during a time when Highland Park was known across the nation for its innovation and greatness. It was the home of the historic Model T Ford Plant, proudly known as the "City of Trees," home to one of Michigan's most advanced municipal water systems, and the birthplace of America's first modern urban freeway. More importantly, it was a city that believed in its people, and a city that believed in him.
After graduating from Highland Park High School, Mr. Hollie pursued his dream of playing professional football, while earning his BA in criminal justice, by trade and Master's in criminal psychology, His determination and work ethic earned him a career with the Detroit Lions and later the Seattle Seahawks.
While building his career, he also became a young father. During that time, the Highland Park community, along with the Boys & Girls Club, helped care for and mentor his son. Mr. Hollie has never forgotten the love and support his hometown gave his family.
For decades, he has dedicated his life to giving back. Known by many as the "Quiet Storm of Highland Park," Mr. Hollie has never waited for a title to serve. When residents need help, he answers. He has helped families replace furnaces during the winter, assisted homeowners facing hardship, fed families in need, funded scholarships for students, helped maintain the Highland Park Public Library, donated machinery for city improvement projects, and organized monthly activities and outreach for senior citizens. His service has always been driven by one belief: when your community needs you, you show up.
When asked why he is running for Mayor, Mr. Hollie recalls attending a City Council meeting where residents shared their concerns. As the meeting ended, one senior citizen stood and quietly said, "I just want to be safe while I'm here." Those words stayed with him. They reminded him that every resident deserves to feel safe, respected, and proud of where they live. That moment became his call to serve.
Mr. Hollie's plan begins with restoring public safety by strengthening the police department, rebuilding trust between law enforcement and residents, and bringing streetlights back to every neighborhood. He believes a clean city is a safe city. Illegal dumping, neglected properties, and blight must be addressed through fair but firm code enforcement. As he often says, "We can't invite someone into our home if it's not clean."
His second phase focuses on transparency, accountability, and restoring trust in city government. Every resident deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, fairness, and reliable city services, including clean, consistent, and affordable water. Mr. Hollie also plans to attract responsible businesses that create good-paying jobs, strengthen the local economy, and invest in Highland Park families.
Believing that "our children are our future," Mr. Hollie is committed to expanding educational opportunities, youth programs, arts, recreation, and workforce development. His long-term vision includes restoring the city's historic assets, expanding medical services, preserving Highland Park's history, and building a future where families choose to live, work, and invest.
The lessons Mr. Hollie learned as an NFL player taught him that no one succeeds alone. A strong team solves problems together. His education, leadership experience, and years of mentoring others have shown him that servant leadership is the foundation of lasting change. He also believes the mistakes he has overcome have made him a better leader—someone who can help others avoid the same obstacles and create new opportunities for future generations.
J Douglas Hollie isn't running for Mayor because he wants a title. He's running because he loves Highland Park, believes in its people, and knows its best days are still ahead.
Write -in : Vote J Douglas Hollie for Mayor.
One Voice. One Body. One Tea
