Jacques Gilbert, mayor of Apex, runs unopposed for another term

Residents will vote for the mayor and two Town Council members in Apex this year.

Mayor Jacques Gilbert, elected in 2019, is running unopposed, while incumbents Terry Mahaffey and Arno Zegerman face challengers Tayon Williams Dancy, Dylan Hale and Gregory Lyon.

Early voting for the Nov. 7 election began Oct. 19 and runs until Nov. 4.

For information about voting, Election Day, and precincts, residents can visit the state Board of Elections, ncsbe.gov, or the Wake County Board of Elections, wake.gov.

Name: Jacques K. Gilbert

Age: 54

Residence: 1224 Shackleton Road

Occupation/Employer: Retired Police Captain

Education: FBI National Academy 220th Session

Political or civic experience: Mayor 2019-Current Town of Apex Employee- 29 years of Police Service – Retired at the rank of Captain Apex Police Department, April 2019 North Carolina Justice Education and Training Standards Commissioner, 2022 – present Executive Board Member of NC CAMPO (North Carolina Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization), 2019 – present SAFEchild NC Board Member, 2023 – present Apex High School Hall of Fame Committee Member, 2020 – present Wake County Mayors Association Member, 2019 – present At-Large Executive Committee Member – NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, 2021 – present

Campaign website: Gilbertformayor.com

Tell us why you’re running to serve Apex. Why should voters trust you in this position?

In 2019, I envisioned a new journey to pursue the office of the people of Apex. Thanks to our residents and stakeholders, the vision became a reality, and I jumped into my new assignment as mayor of our amazing community. Serving my hometown for the last 3.5 years as mayor in addition to serving as a police officer at Apex Police Department for 29 years, has provided me with endless opportunities to implement problem-based solutions through building solid community relationships and navigating through some unprecedented challenges. Through it all, we pressed forward together, believing in the best for Apex, and never giving up on each other.

We continued to build on our success. We must engage even more community members — ultimately gaining more insight, ideas, and experiences to ensure the Apex of tomorrow is even better than the Apex of today. I believe we can continue to enhance the quality of life for our fellow Apex citizens with compassion while focusing on community, communication, and commerce.

What is the town of Apex doing right to manage growth? What could be improved?

As a native of Apex, I have a unique perspective on history of our town and the rapid growth we are experiencing as a community and the impact on maintaining our small-town character. It will take all of us working together as a community and neighboring regional partners for successful outcomes. Since my time as mayor, joint Council meetings with the Town of Cary and the Town of Holly Springs have taken place to enhance regional collaboration in problem-solving for opportunities in growth demands.

One of our biggest achievements that established the vision and goals of our town for years to come was completed in 2020. The first-ever Town of Apex Strategic Plan was completed in 2020 and connected to all departments in 2021. Special thanks to the collaboration of residents, community stakeholders, staff, and council colleagues for their contribution. This plan, with five strategic goals, serves as a guide in decisions forward. One of our established goals of Responsible Development is at the forefront in our response to unprecedented growth.

It’s paramount that we bring all involved in the development process to the table consistently to ensure our shared values and expectations remain the focus with all who are committed to ensuring Apex remains at its peak to live, work, and play.

If elected, how would you approach an existing or new issue differently from your fellow council members?

My 29 years in local government, as a police officer, provided me opportunities to work with diverse individuals throughout the organization and community. There are many challenges, concerns, and innovation such as Affordable Housing, economic vitality, and other priorities for the Town of Apex.. In these plans I strive to keep my decisions people centered. I’m passionate about communicating with our residents and engaging with our community. I continue to discover how these matters impact people differently. This leads my decision making while being mindful of fiscal responsibility and sustainability, ensuring people and families can thrive in Apex is my priority.

How do you plan to make local government in Apex more inclusive and equitable for all residents in the town who feel their voices are underrepresented?

We are a community unified in the stewardship of our small-town character, and natural environment “for a future where all succeed.“ This is the vision established by the mayor and Town Council during the process (2020) of establishing our first-ever strategic plan. One of the five established strategic goals, Welcoming Community, is a priority for our community. We have established new cultural events as this fosters an opportunity for our residents to perhaps gain a better understanding of cultures and community groups that allow our town to thrive. Additionally, we established a Diversity Equity & Inclusion department (2022). Continuing our efforts with engagement surveys and intentional conversations with our community members to gain perspective and insight on how we can best serve all residents.

Adopting our Affordable Housing Plan in February 2021 was truly amazing. One of the five goals of the plan is to welcome, attract, and retain a diverse population. This plan will continue to strengthen our efforts, ensuring that all people have the opportunity to thrive.

Increasing the number of representatives to serve on committees and boards has afforded more opportunities to welcome perspectives from diverse communities. In 2021, I established the Mayor’s Internship Program to allow a diverse group of youth to experience local government in a unique way. This has let me hear the passion and concerns of the next generation of leaders who represent their community.

I enjoy my weekly visits to residents, as this allows me to receive constructive feedback to share with our staff to enhance our opportunities in service delivery. Compassionate service and meeting people where they are provides the best opportunity to best serve our community. Communicating with residents and stakeholders through social media and other creative engagement is a priority for me. We will continue to build on this for years to come.

Please list any endorsements you’ve received.

HBA of Raleigh-Wake County

• I received an email that they endorsed me, but it has not been published on their website. They have the slate from last year still listed.

If there is anything you would like to add, please do so here.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue to create unique and authentic ways to connect with community members and hear your concerns — my commitment to represent your voice to develop the best plan forward for Apex remains a priority. My door is always open. Your connection is our best opportunity to maintain small-town character and a positive experience for all. There is nothing we can’t accomplish when we work together. This is Apex.