Smiley for Mayor, Man with a Plan

This slightly tongue-in-cheek election ad features family members of Brett Smiley, a candidate for mayor of Providence, RI, in a series of testimonials.

Brett is first pictured as a slightly nerdy boy in 5th grade with a tie and glasses. While children are playing, Brett is completing his written "Plan for recess." Then presented to the principal, he get a handshake and celebration from the class kids.

"I'm the kind of guy who's always finished what I've started." Now in 9th grade, and still wearing glasses and a suit, he presents to his mom a long written report that is just "Part 1." She says in a strong Southern drawl, "Brett planned the best vacation we've ever had."

Jim DeRentis, Bretts husband says, "Brett is the most organized person I've ever met. Who else would present marriage on a PowerPoint presentation?"

"I have plan for public education. Job creation. My plan for public safety taxes hand guns, like we tax cigarettes." As the ad closes, it shows his home from the outside, and he continues with a never ending list of plans that he's sharing with his husband, who says "Good night, Brett" and turns out the light.

This ad for a public office is unlike any other political ad before it -- it is charming and includes his husband in an incidental way.