Albert R. Reddick
Date/place of birth: September 7, 1946, in Brunswick County, N.C.
Current occupation: President & CEO, Becoming One Enrichment & Diversity Center, Inc.; Substitute Teacher, Chatham County Public Schools
Campaign website/social media: facebook.com/reddickformayor
Family (names & ages, as of Election Day, of immediate family members): Wife, Sandra Siler Reddick
Party affiliation: Democratic
Current and previous elected offices held or sought & terms of service: None
Campaign manager (if applicable): N/A
Campaign treasurer (if applicable): Jesse Scotton
Why are you seeking this office?: I am running to make Siler City great and prosperous again and to unifying a diverse community.
What is your understanding of the responsibilities of the office you seek, and in one sentence, why do you believe you’re qualified to fill that role?: The mission and vision of Siler City, although noble and virtuous, can only be attained when transformational leadership exists that propels all stake holders toward obtainable success. Albert Reddick is the best candidate because he is not only well-versed in the dynamics of this city’s government and livelihood, but also brings a broad cultural toolkit of diverse experiences.
One of the most important decisions that elected officials make is on the annual budget, which includes spending and tax rates. Do you have a budgeting philosophy? What’s more important to you, spending more to allocate resources to needed programs or cutting spending and keeping the tax rate low?: First, develop a strategy to eliminate the current mayor’s $13 million debt Siler City is struggling under. Being fiducially responsible and using the priorities-based budgeting approach to develop a strategic budget that reflects our community values and ensures that residents continue to receive a high level of city services. Spending more to allocate resources to needed programs and cutting spending and keeping the tax rates low are important priorities for me.
Give us two goals that are specific, measurable and attainable you would have if elected: An off-site retreat with commissioners and department heads to assess the climate of Siler City. Enhance the mutual respect of law enforcement and residents to lower the crime rate and provide positive role models for the children of Siler City.
The Mayor does not vote on any items that come before the town board, but serves as a “chairman of the Board” and figurehead for the town. What are three principles you would carry into that role to deserve it?: Bringing the concerns of the greater community before the town board in every matter. Developing effective working relationships (respect) with all board members. Taking my role seriously but not myself.
Siler City’s median household income is around $27,000, lower than the county median by a significant distance. What role does the mayor play in making that number rise?: As mayor, I would spend 90 percent of my time working with the Chamber of Commerces of Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh and Cary, seeking relationships with major and minor companies to bring quality of jobs and industry to Siler City.
What do you think are Siler City’s three best features?: Its location with residents who are excited about change. Its open undeveloped space. Its undeveloped downtown.
What are three areas where Siler City can improve?: Apart from providing clean water that is affordable and affordable housing and implementing the Master Step Plan, Siler City can improve by strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and residents to lower crime, make it easier for residents to offer smart input and make Siler City great again by using the expertise developed from McKinsey & Company.
If you are not elected, what steps will you take to serve Siler City?: I will continue Becoming One Enrichment & Diversity Center, Inc., work unifying a diverse community and nation.
Biographical Facts
Political/government hero: Nathaniel Lee (born July 28, 1934 in Georgia) is an American politician who served as Mayor of Chapel Hill, N.C. from 1969 to 1975. He was the first African American Mayor elected in Chapel Hill, and the first African American to be elected Mayor of any majority white city in the South. In 1990, he was appointed to N.C. Senate to represent the 16th District. Lee was re-elected in 1992, defeated in 1994, and re-elected in 1996, 1998 and 2000. Lee sponsored the State Schools Act, designed to keep violence out of North Carolina schools.
Favorite book: “Nineteen Eighty Four,” George Orwell, published 1948
Book most recently read: “Things Fall Apart,” Chunia Achebe
Favorite film: “Hidden Figures”
Hobbies: Reading, grilling out/eating out, watching historical documentaries and having quality time with family and friends.
Church/civic involvement: First Missionary Baptist Church, Chatham Literacy
Personal motto or one-line philosophy: “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” - Voltaire
Strongest childhood ambition: To become a business entrepreneur/author.
Most significant life goal you’ve accomplished: Author/earned BA, MA, Juris Doctorate and Doctorate
Goal you haven’t accomplished yet: Establishing a dialogue as a tool to overcoming racism in America.