Brett Gantt, candidate for town council in Apex, NC
Six candidates are competing for three seats on the Apex Town Council
And there is guaranteed to be at least one newcomer who joins the board. Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Dozier is not running for re-election.
Incumbents Brett Gantt and Audra Killingsworth are both looking to keep their seats and are joined by newcomers: Ed Gray, Christine Hale, Tim Powell and Gordon Williford.
Early voting in the Nov. 2 election begins Oct. 14 and runs through Oct. 30.
To find polling places and full details on early voting, visit wakevotesearly.com or contact the Board of Elections at 919-404-4040 or voter@wakegov.com
Name: Brett Gantt
Age: 37
Residence: 1006 Cuddington Court
Occupation: Statistician
Education: UNC-Chapel Hill (BA,BS); N.C. State University (MS, PhD)
Political or civic experience: Apex Town Council (2017-present); Apex Sunrise Rotary Club
Campaign website: www.ganttforapex.com
In August, Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert decided against ordering a mask mandate like some other Wake County towns. Do you agree with this decision?
No, I believe that the increase in masking (and associated reduction in COVID-19 cases) due to a mandate in Apex is worth the potential difficulties with enforcement.
Do you plan to vote in favor of Apex’s $42 million bond package for street and sidewalk projects?
Yes, due to the rapid growth of Apex in the last 20 years, we have several large street and sidewalk projects that are badly needed. Rather than continuing to delay these projects, this bond will enable Apex to complete these projects in the next few years.
What is Apex doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?
During my first term on the Apex Town Council, the approval rate for new residential developments has slowed since the 2015-16 peak and the quality of those approved developments has improved. These higher-quality developments have better buffers, improved walkability, greater tree preservation, solar/energy efficiency features, and more downstairs master bedrooms to allow occupants to age in place. We’ve also updated our 2045 Land Use Map to encourage development near transit and discourage development near Jordan Lake. We’ve been less successful in working with NCDOT to complete road widening projects on NC 55, US 64, and Ten Ten Road.
A consultant report found racial bias “is deeply entrenched” in the Apex Police Department. What was your reaction to the report and how would you address some of its claims, if elected.
Disappointed and angry, both in the content of the report and the fact that it was meant to be internal but was released to the public. In response to the report, the Apex Police Department released a multi-step Action Plan that I strongly support implementing.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
1) Finalize and begin construction of improvements to Downtown Apex, including increased off-street parking, enhanced alleyways, and wider sidewalks along Salem Street
2) Complete construction of the Apex Senior Center and the first phase of Pleasant Park
3) Begin operation of the GoApex Route 1 local bus circulator
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
As a statistician with a scientific background (Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science), I bring a data-centric perspective to the Apex Town Council. I believe that this helps me make objective, fact-based decisions even when the issues are difficult or emotional.
This story was originally published October 14, 2021 at 1:57 PM with the headline "Brett Gantt, candidate for town council in Apex, NC."