Elections

What’s the background of Charlotte mayoral candidates Lyles and Smith?

Staff reports
Mayor Pro Tem Vi Lyles, a Democrat, and council member Kenny Smith, a Republican, at the WBTV/Observer primary mayoral debate.
Mayor Pro Tem Vi Lyles, a Democrat, and council member Kenny Smith, a Republican, at the WBTV/Observer primary mayoral debate. Jeff Siner jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

Viola “Vi” Alexander Lyles

Age: 64

Education: Master’s of Public Administration, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; Bachelor of Arts Political Science, Queens University

Professional experience: Flynn Heath Holt Consulting; Director of Lee Institute; City of Charlotte Assistant City Manager, Budget Director, Budget Analyst

Previous public offices held (if any): Current Mayor Pro Tem Charlotte City Council; elected 2013 and 2015 City Council At Large

Family: Two adult children and two grandchildren

Website: vilyles.com

Kenny Smith

Age: 44

Education: B.A. Communications Studies University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Professional experience: Commercial Real Estate Broker New South Properties of the Carolinas, LLC

Previous public offices held (if any): Current Council Member D6. Myers Park High School Student Body President

Family: Wife- Bridget, 8.5 year boy/girl twins Robert and Anne Gordon Son Kenny “mini Kenny”

Website: www.electkennysmith.com

This story was originally published September 12, 2017 at 11:28 PM with the headline "What’s the background of Charlotte mayoral candidates Lyles and Smith?."

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