Susan Smiley (Massachusetts)

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Susan Smiley

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Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 3, 2020

Education

Associate

Anna Maria College, 1995

Bachelor's

Atlantic Union College, 1997

Personal

Birthplace

Devens, Mass.

Religion

Christian

Profession

Material program manager

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

Susan Smiley (Republican Party) ran for election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives to represent the 12th Worcester District. She lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Smiley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Smiley's professional experience includes working as a material program manager at Raytheon Technologies. She earned an associate degree from Anna Maria College in 1995 and a bachelor's degree from Atlantic Union College in 1997.

Smiley has been affiliated with the following organizations:

• Montachusett Regional Trails Committee
• North County Land Trust
• Worcester County Deputy Reserve Sheriff Association
• Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts
• Notary Public
• Toastmasters
• Snow Riders of the Nashaway

Elections

2020

See also: Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2020

General election

General election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 12th Worcester District

Meghan Kilcoyne defeated Susan Smiley and Charlene DiCalogero in the general election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 12th Worcester District on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Meghan Kilcoyne (D)	56.0	13,801
	Submit photo	Susan Smiley (R)	39.4	9,700
		Charlene DiCalogero (Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts)	4.5	1,100
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	45

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 24,646
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 12th Worcester District

Meghan Kilcoyne defeated Ceylan Rowe and Alexandra Turner in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 12th Worcester District on September 1, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Meghan Kilcoyne	51.3	4,412
		Ceylan Rowe	28.4	2,444
	Submit photo	Alexandra Turner	20.2	1,734
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	9

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,599 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 12th Worcester District

Susan Smiley advanced from the Republican primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 12th Worcester District on September 1, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Susan Smiley	98.8	2,001
		Other/Write-in votes	1.2	25

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,026
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts primary election

Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 12th Worcester District

Charlene DiCalogero advanced from the Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts primary for Massachusetts House of Representatives 12th Worcester District on September 1, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Charlene DiCalogero	85.2	23
		Other/Write-in votes	14.8	4

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 27
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Smiley's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Susan Smiley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Smiley's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of this District. My heart and my home have long resided in this district. I am a trusted voice to partner with Republicans, Democrats and Independents to deliver the critical resources to our six (6) towns. I am the only candidate that truly represents the hard-working, diverse and compassionate people of this district. As your State Representative, I will bring more independent representation when I get to work on Beacon Hill and I respectfully ask for your vote Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Getting our District town businesses, schools and facilities opened. We need to get people back to work, providing opportunity to assure safety and health to everyone
• Promoting and Advocating for our Public Safety servants, the Police, Fire, EMT's, Nurses, Teachers and all those that provide services for our residents.
• Protecting, Preserving and Investing in our Natural Resources within the District such as Open Space, Water Supply's, Recreational facilities and especially our valuable Agricultural businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Safety - we need a Representative that will ensure our Police and Fire have adequate funding. We cannot have Political Party follower. We need a strong voice to represent and proponent for our public safety people and their families that sacrifice themselves and their families every day of the week.

Affordable housing is an important need of this District. While Clinton and Northborough have met their quotas and are fully sustained, the other smaller towns are struggling due to resources and funding. We need to have a local solution not a state formula mandate. I will work to make that a priority for the towns in our district.

Infrastructure and Transportation - Our residents need improved public transportation and services so they can be linked to jobs, economic growth and recreation. Both people within our district and those looking to come to our district towns. We need a State Representative that will fight to bring these services to our communities.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I idle no man.

I admire Jesus Christ for the teachings and healing he offered for all of human kind. Second to that I admire Mary Baker Eddy, discoverer and founder of Christian Science. This woman fought adversity, throughout her life and created a modern day religion which promoted the teachings and healings of Jesus Christ. She inspired positive thought and production in our human life existence.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

That would be a rainbow of experience, environment and the great people that I have had the blessings to know through my life. There is no one book or platform that I could cite. A book that I have always relished is "Bringing out the Best in People" by Alan Loy McGinnis.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

To represent ALL the people, to be fair, honest and maintain integrity. To not let power cloud judgement or actions. Making rules for everyone, not only some.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Independent, Honest, Trust-worthy, Leader

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To listen to the people within their district. To represent, advocate and push for services needed.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Being fair and approachable

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My dad flew AWACS missions for USAF and I would go to Hanscom Air Force base and watch him gear up for his flights and get in the aircraft. This is historical in that he was serving his country and flying missions to protect our United States of America, after serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam wars.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first official job was working for ITT Surprenant in Clinton, a Aerospace and Defense Wire & Cable Company where I worked for 10 years as a Junior Buyer. It was a great experience working at a Union company and I gained a great deal of exposure to many different elements of a manufacturing company.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Know when to Speak up and know when to shut up" This teaches the art of Listening, versus talking. It also teaches emotional intelligence.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

at a loss - have no desire to be a fictional character.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Wildflowers, Tom Petty

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Working in a mans world and earning less pay for same job

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

The Legislative body should be bringing the laws and legislation for the people within their District. The Senate body should work to deepen the policies that have been established and promote further representation for the people within their Senatorial districts.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes I do because it can be a maze of relationships and process that has a learning curve to address. Without having understanding of how a local government works (municipal) and/or state government, it is harder to appreciate solutions and innovative methods to promote important funding and/or policy changes for your district taxpayers. I also believe in term limits because I don't think government positions should be full time careers.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Planning for COVID economic recovery and insuring that we are not raising taxes due to unnecessary government spending. I also believe we need to review how heavy the burden is on our towns and cities for taxpayers as relates to public education.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

To have a balance of thoughts and ideas. In Massachusetts we have a very imbalanced representation and the Governor is often forced to make erroneous decisions. There should be both give and take and it should be about what is good for the people in the districts. We need to have healthy discussions and open dialogue to come up with win-win solutions.

I have the endorsement of both the Governor and the Lt Governor.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, absolutely. I have a number of relationships with many folks in the current Legislator and Senate body and we must work together to deliver the critical services to those within our district. NOT take political party positions at the sacrifice of serving those that elected us.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Redistricting is an important process that should be done post our 2020 Census. We should look at it objectively and fairly rather than politically. We need balance in this Commonwealth and not one-party dominance.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Yes, I want to be part of the Pubic Safety Committee and the Environmental, Natural Resources and Agricultural Committee because these are two very important focuses of my campaign platform.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

N/A

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes, I would like to eventually be part of the House Ways and Means.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No, I am my own self and leader. I do not follow.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I like to live in the present and leave my heart and head open always to any possibilities.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes, I met a young lady that was a survivor of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and her story moved me so much that for the last four years I have advocated for this horrible child abuse process to end. I was thrilled when Governor Baker signed it into law just a few short weeks ago. Culture is no excuse for child abuse!

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also

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Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Ronald Mariano

Majority Leader:Michael Moran

Representatives

Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket District

Thomas Moakley (D)

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Chris Flanagan (D)

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Todd Smola (R)

1st Hampshire District

Lindsay Sabadosa (D)

1st Middlesex District

Margaret Scarsdale (D)

1st Norfolk District

Bruce Ayers (D)

1st Plymouth District

Michelle Badger (D)

1st Suffolk District

Adrian Madaro (D)

1st Worcester District

Kimberly Ferguson (R)

2nd Barnstable District

Kip Diggs (D)

2nd Berkshire District

Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D)

2nd Bristol District

James Hawkins (D)

2nd Essex District

Kristin Kassner (D)

2nd Franklin District

Susannah Whipps (U)

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2nd Hampshire District

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2nd Middlesex District

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2nd Norfolk District

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2nd Plymouth District

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2nd Suffolk District

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2nd Worcester District

Jonathan Zlotnik (D)

3rd Barnstable District

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3rd Berkshire District

Leigh Davis (D)

3rd Bristol District

Lisa Field (D)

3rd Essex District

Andy Vargas (D)

3rd Hampden District

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3rd Hampshire District

Mindy Domb (D)

3rd Middlesex District

Kate Hogan (D)

3rd Norfolk District

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3rd Plymouth District

Joan Meschino (D)

3rd Suffolk District

Aaron Michlewitz (D)

3rd Worcester District

Michael Kushmerek (D)

4th Barnstable District

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4th Bristol District

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4th Essex District

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4th Hampden District

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4th Middlesex District

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4th Norfolk District

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4th Plymouth District

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4th Suffolk District

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4th Worcester District

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5th Barnstable District

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5th Bristol District

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5th Essex District

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5th Hampden District

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5th Middlesex District

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5th Norfolk District

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5th Plymouth District

David DeCoste (R)

5th Suffolk District

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5th Worcester District

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6th Bristol District

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6th Essex District

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6th Hampden District

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6th Middlesex District

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6th Norfolk District

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6th Plymouth District

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6th Suffolk District

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6th Worcester District

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7th Bristol District

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7th Essex District

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7th Hampden District

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7th Middlesex District

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7th Norfolk District

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7th Plymouth District

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7th Suffolk District

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7th Worcester District

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8th Bristol District

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8th Essex District

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8th Norfolk District

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8th Plymouth District

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8th Suffolk District

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9th Essex District

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9th Norfolk District

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9th Plymouth District

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9th Suffolk District

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9th Worcester District

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10th Bristol District

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10th Essex District

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10th Norfolk District

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10th Plymouth District

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10th Suffolk District

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11th Essex District

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11th Hampden District

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11th Middlesex District

Amy Sangiolo (D)

11th Norfolk District

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11th Plymouth District

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11th Suffolk District

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11th Worcester District

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12th Essex District

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13th Middlesex District

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13th Suffolk District

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13th Worcester District

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14th Bristol District

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14th Middlesex District

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14th Norfolk District

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14th Suffolk District

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14th Worcester District

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18th Suffolk District

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18th Worcester District

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19th Middlesex District

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20th Middlesex District

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21st Middlesex District

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22nd Middlesex District

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23rd Middlesex District

Sean Garballey (D)

24th Middlesex District

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25th Middlesex District

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26th Middlesex District

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28th Middlesex District

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32nd Middlesex District

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33rd Middlesex District

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35th Middlesex District

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Democratic Party (134)

Republican Party (25)

Unenrolled (1)