Charles Smiley is an American politician who served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2010 to 2017.

Charles Smiley
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 50th district
In office
2011–2017
Preceded byJim Slezak[1]
Succeeded byTim Sneller
Personal details
Born1954 (age 69–70)

Career

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For 18 years, Smiley worked at General Motors.[2] From 1978, he worked for the City of Burton, Michigan as a firefighter.[3]

Smiley ran for Burton City Council in 1987 and served until 1991,[2] when he was elected Burton's Mayor, an office he held for 19 years.[1] During his terms, the City votes approved three millages for the police department plus a renewal, and one for the fire department. He also established a volunteer Parks and Recreation Department. While he was publicly accused of bribery and extortion in connection with the federal trial of former public works director Charles Abbey, charges were never filed.[3]

In 2010, he ran for 50th District Michigan State Representative as a Democrat.[1] He ran against Genesee Township Trustee Richard Burrus, U.S. Marine James Cowan, former Richfield Township Supervisor Jeffrey Houston, and Richfield Trustee Gerald Masters in the primary. He won with 33% of the vote.[4] In the November general election, Smiley defeated the Republican Ralph William 53 percent to 47 percent of the vote.[2] The next day, he resigned as Mayor, effective December 31, 2010.[3]

Election Results
Election Year Votes % Opponent's
Votes
% Opponent
2010 13,647 53 12,134 47 William Ralph (R)[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Misjak, Laura (February 15, 2010). "Burton Mayor Charles Smiley announces run for state representative seat". Flint Journal. Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  2. ^ a b c Mossa, Lara (November 3, 2010). "Charles Smiley moves from Burton Mayor to State Rep". The Flint Journal. Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  3. ^ a b c Mossa, Lara (November 4, 2010). "Charles Smiley to step down as Burton Mayor Dec. 31". The Flint Journal. Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  4. ^ Harris, David (August 3, 2010). "Charles Smiley wins 50th State House Democratic seat". Flint Journal. Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  5. ^ Raymer, Marjory (November 3, 2010). "Genesee County election results at a glance". The Flint Journal. Retrieved 14 April 2011.