Meet the mother and son who are both elected officials

Meet the mother and son who are both elected officials 

Pictured: Matthew Smith (left) and Wendy Wolcott (right).

GENESEE COUNTY, MI- As they always say, there is no bond like a Mother and son. For Wendy Wolcott and Matthew Smith of Davison Township: that bond includes politics and serving the community they love.

It all started when Matthew Smith became the youngest elected official in his town when he was elected to the Davison School Board right after graduating Davison High School. A title that was once held by New York Filmmaker Michael Moore when he held Smith’s seat nearly fifty years ago.

Paving a new chapter of history, Smith was voted in by the community to the School Board by running against two incumbents and securing a six year term. His number one supporter on the campaign trail? His Mother, Wendy Wolcott. Wendy was front and center every step of the way in her son’s political career by attending his oath of office, campaign rallies and countless meetings.

The two would always hint the idea of a possible run for his mom as she is a Genesee County Court Officer working with youth in the court system.

“Aside from her own profession, Mom has witnessed my board in action, and by doing so has come up with her own ideas to better our educational system. She definitely has a mind of her own and is an independent thinker”, Smith said.

Outside of the courtroom, Wendy is also involved in the Genesee County Sheriff’s office G.H.O.S.T program, Big Brother/ Big Sister of greater Flint, and Voices for Children.

Nearly four years later, that proud Mother ran for the Mott Community College Board of Trustees.

The Mott Community College Board of Trustees is a step higher than the Davison School Board as it is a multi-county wide election. The Mott district covers all of Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Oakland and surrounding counties.

Similar to her son, Wendy faced two longtime incumbents and managed to secure first place with 71,657 votes.

The election results were as follows:

Wendy Wolcott: 71,657

Art Reyes (I): 56,696

Anne Figeroua (I): 55,845

Art Marden: 29,668

(I=Incumbent)

Both Mother and Son will now represent students, staff and taxpayers from two different elected capacities.

Smith says that although the elected roles are different, they are related in some respects.

“I have the opportunity to fight for our students kindergarten through 12th grade, and then Mom takes it from there with higher education at the college level”, Smith said.

Smith added that in most cases, they have the opportunity to impact the same groups of students for the betterment of their future.

Wolcott says she is very blessed to have been elected at such a pivotal time for the college.

“Mott Community College hits its 100th year anniversary next year. It is amazing that I will be instrumental in setting the course for the next century. I will fight everyday to make Mott the best place to go to college and get a local education”, Wolcott said.

As for Smith and Wolcott, they both have their own filing cabinets at home for their respective boards.

Just like Smith’s term, Wolcott will serve six years on the Mott College Board of Trustees.

Since winning her election, Wendy has joined many more charity organizations to help with the holiday season.

Both mother and son are anxious to roll up their sleeves and get down to the business their constituents Elected them to do.

Matthew Smith (pictured left), holds the Bible that he was sworn in on for his mother Wendy Wolcott (pictured right).

Judge Duncan M. Beagle issues the oath of office for Wendy Wolcott to the Mott College Board of Trustees.

Matthew Smith takes the oath of office for the Davison School Board with his mom present.