Traverse City Record-Eagle

Election 2007

November 6, 2007

Estes turns out Smyka in mayoral vote

By Melissa Domsic

TRAVERSE CITY — Michael Estes' supporters jammed into InsideOut Gallery downtown and burst into cheers, applause and hand shakes.

Their candidate, a 57-year-old businessman, ousted incumbent Mayor Linda Smyka to join an overhauled city commission that includes newcomers Barbara Budros and Jim Carruthers.

"We had a very clear message that we can do things," Estes said of his promise to run the city more efficiently and cut taxes. "The commission said, 'No you can't,' (but) the citizens believe we can do things."

A much smaller, somber group lingered a few blocks away at the Blue Tractor Cook Shop where Smyka gathered with family and friends.

"I served the city with integrity and honesty," Smyka said between hugs of condolence. "If the city is moving in a different direction, I hope it's successful."

Estes collected 65 percent of the votes to beat Smyka for a two-year mayor term. The unofficial tally was 2,801 to 1,536. About 39 percent of registered voters turned in ballots.

Estes' campaign motto was "He listens," something he said Smyka and the commission didn't do when it came to a hotly contested public parking project on West Front Street.

Voters overwhelmingly defeated an August 2006 city bond proposal to spend up to $16 million on public parking after the mayor and other city commissioners supported the project.

Estes was angry the commission didn't drop talks with Federated for public parking after the August 2006 election.

"As far as I'm concerned, the project is dead," he said. "It was just a bad, bad deal."

He said Federated can construct a building at 145 W. Front St., but he doesn't want developers to use any brownfield funds or taxpayer money.

City resident Terry Zelenka's didn't think Smyka and the previous commission asked enough questions when it came to issues like development. His vote went to Estes.

"I was motivated in large part by the parking deck," he said. "It does seem to me business does always get the lean."

Estes has been involved with several community boards and organizations and currently serves on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

He owns Estes Enterprises Inc., a private investment company, and Estes Tree Farms in Antrim County. He worked for Ford Motor Co.'s finance staff and previously was a state auditor and an accountant.

Smyka, 58, served on the commission for 10 years and had a long history of involvement with local groups, including the planning commission.

The two have different views on leadership styles "” Smyka touted her "facilitative, consensus-building approach" while Estes said the commission needs stronger direction from the mayor.

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