Name: Nick Gallardo
Office you are running for: Mayor of Siler City
Home telephone and/or Work Telephone: 919 377 9665
Best daytime number: 919 377 9665
E-mail: gallardo4silercity@gmail.com
Cell phone: 919 377 9665
Date/place of birth: Austin, Texas on 01/22/1999
Current occupation: Director of Client Services
Campaign website/social media: gallardo4silercity.com
Family (names & ages, as of Election Day, of immediate family members): I have no children and am single
Current and previous elected offices held or sought & terms of service: N/A
Campaign manager (if applicable): Self
Campaign treasurer (if applicable): Self
Why are you seeking this office?: Representation matters in a town where the majority is made up of minorities, but yet we still suffer as if we were in the minority. We get taken advantage of where our businesses get overlooked for consultation for economic growth. We live in fear of a police force that we should have control over, fear of putting food on the table and being targeted and our families being separated. The town as a whole has suffered under the reign of a board that does not represent the diversity that is Siler City. The wants and needs of the minority and who they represent don’t ever align with the true representation of Siler City — from jobs to healthcare and education. I’m running because I have the connections to bring about real and good change for the oppressed.
What is your understanding of the responsibilities of the office you seek, and in 100 words or less, why do you believe you’re qualified to fill that role?: My understanding of the duties of mayor are to be a champion of the under-resourced, the overlooked and the community as a whole. Whereas I don’t have an actual vote on the board —unless a tie comes up — my ear will always be available to the citizens so my voice will echo the chambers of city hall. To help uplift every citizen no matter their nationality and to bring every need to the table, whether it is serious as in a lack of clean water access or excessive noise that impedes your right to peace and enjoyment of your domicile. I’m qualified to fill this role because of the experience I have gained in the world through networking and making connections that would be valuable to help unify this town and the onslaught of development that is going to happen. I’ve educated myself on how to help provide homeowners and renters and the citizens of Siler with affordable housing and more homes, as well as high paying jobs. I want to be held accountable to the promise of bringing 1000 new jobs in the next year that pay no less than $40,000 a year. Through my world travels, I have connections at the Governor’s Mansion and being an advocate for my community on a state and international level, the partnerships I can bring will protect the citizens of Siler City.
Give us three goals that are specific, measurable and attainable you would have if elected.: I would hope to lead this town through what I call ‘trust through transparency.’ The three goals I believe to be obtainable would be bringing in more high paying, quality jobs for Siler City residents, tackling the drug crisis plaguing our community and families and lastly, ensuring that our quality of water and services to the community are improved.
What are the biggest challenges in Siler City right now and how would you address them?: Our biggest challenge: we are living in 2022, but it still feels like — for a lot of people — we are still living in the 50s and 60s. We are being drug through national media for the oppression that is still present. If there is work to be done through home warranties or insurance, the fact that hard working small business owners in Siler City don’t get those contracts and are outsourced is an example of how certain groups of people are being held back. As mayor, I intend to insure and work diligently to lead Siler City to where everyone has the ability to flourish economically, mentally and emotionally. On state and international levels, I have learned the skills to negotiate major deals with big companies that are transferable to a role of a mayor leading this city. It is those partnerships and skills that will help bring in jobs, reduce the crime rate and tackle preserving our environment and historical landmarks while still growing as a town.
What’s your overall view of the role of municipal government? Is it fulfilling its mission at present? If not, what needs to change?: My understanding of the role is to serve and protect the people. Has it done that? No, it has not done that through not properly starting the resources to ensure everyone has the proper access to healthcare, quality jobs and has failed to put the needs of our children and their futures first. What needs to change is our approach to development while protecting the heritage that is Siler City and our environment. What needs to change is the people that hold office and looking out for the people they know as opposed to being out in the community. This is a job you serve all of the people.
What differentiates you from the other candidates?: My temperament and my skill set differentiate me from my opponents. I have respect for my opponents, but in this season of growth and hardships, we need a leader that can hold a steady hand without being easily rattled. We need a leader with experience in negotiating the deals that are needed to ensure that our community gets opportunities to grow and prosper; to enter into a new season of safety and joy.
Political/government hero: I don’t really have a political hero — I don’t idolize politicians. My hero is my sister, Miranda, who has down syndrome and manages to make her way in a world that is often cruel. She is my inspiration for joy.
Favorite book: The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo
Book most recently read: An African American and Latinx History by Paul Ortiz
Favorite film: The Passion of the Christ
Hobbies: Traveling and spending time with family
Church/civic involvement: St. Michael’s
Personal motto or one-line philosophy: Community first
Strongest childhood ambition: Shine a light on discrimination and to advocate for the down syndrome community
Most significant life goal you’ve accomplished: Helping build community in the 3rd world
Goal you haven’t accomplished yet: Establishing a place where a community can thrive and my sister can be an impact in.