ENDORSEMENTS
I am proud to endorse Michael Calles for Glendale City Council in the Barrel District. As a dedicated public servant with a distinguished career as a Phoenix Police officer, Michael’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities shines through in every action he takes. His selfless dedication to our country, forged through nine years of honorable service in the U.S. Army and Air Force, has instilled in him the leadership and integrity we desperately need at City Hall. I wholeheartedly support his bold vision for Glendale—one that prioritizes robust public safety, drives sustainable economic development, fosters vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods, invests deeply in our youth’s future, and champions unwavering transparency in government. Michael Calles is the principled leader Barrel District deserves; join me in electing him to serve our city with honor and excellence. Michael has my complete and total endorsement. I look forward to serving with him on Glendale City Council
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Dianna Guzman
Councilmember – Yucca District
Glendale City Council
As House Majority Whip for the Arizona House of Representatives, I am proud to endorse Michael Calles, a retired police officer with a distinguished record of service, for Glendale City Council.
Throughout his decades in law enforcement, Michael Calles has exemplified integrity, dedication, and a deep commitment to protecting and strengthening our communities. His firsthand experience in public safety, coupled with his strong sense of civic responsibility, make him uniquely qualified to serve the people of Glendale.
Michael understands the importance of accountability, responsible budgeting, and transparent local government. He has spent his career building trust and partnerships, and I know he will bring that same commitment to collaboration and service to the Glendale City Council.
It is my honor to endorse Michael Calles for Glendale City Council. I encourage voters to join me in supporting a leader who will listen, serve with integrity, and put the needs of Glendale residents first.
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Julie Willoughby
House Majority Whip
Arizona House of Representatives
I am writing to express my support for Michael Calles for the Glendale City Council. I have never publicly jumped into the political arena to support a candidate for anything and honestly don’t feel like I am doing that now. I am simply supporting a tremendous person who has an opportunity to impact more lives than he already has.
I first met Michael when I was the baseball coach at Arizona State University. Our introduction involved a fortuitous situation, but it gave me the opportunity to witness firsthand his professionalism and unwavering commitment “to do the right thing”. I watched him execute the details of his job not only with conviction but also with compassion. This experience solidified my respect for him not only as a detective (at the time), but also as a person.
Michael has dedicated his life to service. He has served our country as member of our armed services, and he has served his community throughout his career in law enforcement. Michael embodies the values we need in our leaders. His unwavering commitment to public safety and community well-being makes him the right choice for this position.
I would be remiss if I did not mention how impressed I was when I found out, given all his other obligations and commitments, that Michael found time to impact our youth by coaching baseball. Most people could only hope to do a fraction of what Michael has done when it comes to servicing others. Let’s hope he gets the opportunity to do even more. Please vote for Michael Calles in the upcoming election.
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Tracy Smith
Head Baseball Coach
University of Michigan
As a retired Police Chief and City Manager for more than 46 years in the Phoenix metropolitan area, I am honored to endorse Michael Calles for a seat on the Glendale City Council.
I first met Michael a few years after he joined the Phoenix Police Department in the mid-1990s as he was beginning his law enforcement career. Despite the fact that I was in a command position and Michael was in the early stages of his career, his eagerness to learn the nuances of police work stood out amongst hundreds of police officers. Michael was passionate about serving others, in both words and actions, and maintained that commitment throughout his career.
Michael excelled as a patrol officer and in a short period of time was selected to become a detective in the Investigations Division. One of the many qualities that has made Michael an outstanding police officer/investigator is his genuine empathy for the victims he serves during what is often one of the worst times of their life. He lets them know he understands what they are going through, and works diligently to achieve justice and closure for victims so that they can eventually move forward with their lives and feel safe again. Even when a case cannot be solved, victims will know he did everything within his power to do so.
When describing what traits make Michael Calles successful in his personal and professional life, the words honor, integrity, honesty, commitment, dedication, compassion, forward thinker, problem solver, and trustworthy stand out amongst many others. To summarize, the phrase “Community Servant” is appropriate. How else would you describe a man who served his country in the military in two different branches for nine years, served his community as a law enforcement officer for 25 years, then returned to the service of his community by becoming a civilian investigator. And despite a demanding career, Michael also has coached youth sports for many years, and has had a direct hand in raising his children and step-children to become valuable members of society.
As someone who worked closely with elected officials for many years as a police executive and city manager, I can say with conviction that Michael Calles would be a pleasure to work with and it would be a relationship that would yield outcomes benefitting his constituents and the city of Glendale.
I enthusiastically endorse Michael Calles for Glendale City Council! Michael will give the concerns of Glendale residents a voice and will work relentlessly to ensure the city is a safe place to live and raise a family, remains financially viable, and is a leader in the region when it comes to economic and business development.
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Michael Frazier
Executive Assistant Police Chief, Phoenix Police Department, 1975-2007 (Retired)
El Mirage Police Chief, 2007-2011
Surprise Police Chief, 2011-2015
Surprise Assistant City Manager, 2015-2018
Surprise City Manager, 2018-2022 (Retired)
Dear Voters,
I was recently scanning through my social media page and saw a picture and post from Michael (Mike) Calles. As I read the post, a large smile came upon my face. To say that I was overjoyed would be a vast understatement.
I have known Michael for over 35 years. He was a high school student at the school where I was then the Director of Guidance and the Boys’ Basketball Coach. Since those years, our paths have crossed many times. I have had the pleasure of watching a young man grow up to be a fantastic father, police officer, coach, mentor and future city Councilmember! Regardless of the role or position, Michael is a man of character and faith. He leads with his heart and always has the best interests of others in mind. This quality is why he is an outstanding candidate to lead your district.
If you know Michael or have ever had a conversation with him, you will know that none of what I am saying is an exaggeration. He is a giver. Michael loves baseball, and of all the places that he could have coached, he chose his former high school in the heart of the inner city in Phoenix. That is where he was needed the most. That is where he could mentor young men and show them the path to success that he walked. He spent over 20 years mentoring young men in this journey.
Career paths often take a turn that are hard to predict. Michael had his career and family, and I was in the education world. After 30 years, we found ourselves working for the same agency. Michael returned to work as a civilian investigator for the city of Phoenix Police Department and I was working at the Training Bureau. That reconnection was very special. Michael was hired in the first round of applicants. We chose 25 civilians to assist with investigations in a pool of over 700 applicants. Once again, he stands out among the masses.
Simply stated, if you live in the Barrel district and care about education, trust, transparency, and have a desire to be represented by a person who shares these values and will give you a voice, your decision is very easy.
I have been in the education world for over 40 years, most of that time serving in leadership roles. During that time, I have had the opportunity to witness young men grow and lead. Michael is certainly one of them. He has done this in every facet of his life and will continue to pursue this for you. That is who he is.
It has been an honor and privilege to know him. With each conversation, I am reminded of his humility and passion. Voting for Michael Calles is an easy choice, and one you will never regret.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Rossi, Ed.D.
CEO, Next Level Leadership
As a former United States Air Force Reserve pilot at Luke Air Force Base and now a Captain with Southwest Airlines, my professional life has been defined by operating in high-pressure environments with outstanding team members.
This background helps me assess an individual’s true capabilities. Mike is that ultimate team member. Mr. Calles embodies a profound dedication to excellence that is truly uncommon. His renowned 110% mentality is not just a claim, it’s a fundamental principle guiding every endeavor he undertakes. I’ve consistently witnessed his relentless pursuit of outstanding results while confronting personal challenges, or spearheading community initiatives. All while excelling at his professional role as a law enforcement officer and Detective for the City of Phoenix.
He represents a leader who will bring not only strategic foresight and a collaborative spirit, but also an unshakable resolve to navigate complex municipal challenges, he possesses the vision and the drive to champion the best interest of its residents, ensuring progress and accountability. I wholeheartedly recommend Michael Calles without hesitation. I am profoundly confident that his proven track record of dedication, integrity and success will translate into positive leadership and exceptional service for the city of Glendale.
Sincerely,
Alan Shawcross
USAF (ret.)