Ed Gray, 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: Ed Gray
Age: 48
Residence: 1004 W. Sterlington Place
Occupation: Attorney
Education: BA Howard University, JD Vanderbilt Law, MO The George Washington University
Political or civic experience: Board of directors, Tammy Lynn Center, Raleigh NC, Board of directors NC Hero’s Fund, American Legion, Retired United States Air Force, former federal prosecutor, NC Air National Guard, Children Homes Society
Campaign website: www.edgray4apex.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, masks have a record of working. I understand that masks can be a very controversial issue, but I prefer to focus on the public safety aspect. The mayor’s concern was that small businesses would have to place their staff into difficult positions of enforcing the restrictions. I understand his concern and can relate to the concerns of the small business owner. However, I also know that small business owners want to be able to maintain safe working environments The faster we can get past this pandemic, the faster we get back to life as normal.
Do you plan to vote in favor of Apex’s $42 million bond package for street and sidewalk projects?
Yes, this is really a bond for safety, the ability to keep kids, seniors, and others from walking on crowded roadways is very important. Apex is growing, and putting in the time and effort now to ensure safety in the future is just smart growth in action.
What is Apex doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?
In the past, the town looked for ways to get bigger; but it was not always done in a way that planned for our needs. We are outpacing our infrastructure (roads, schools, parking, etc.) My goal on the Town Council would be to think about the impact of the zoning and growth on our future generations. The current town council has made a lot of very smart decisions over the last two to three years, that is a credit to the current council make-up and the leadership of Mayor Gilbert. If elected, I will continue the council’s work of managing growth in a smart way.
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.
I feel like the report identified areas that need to be addressed; however, having worked with the Apex Police leadership, I know that they will do the hard work of moving the role from “policing” to “serving” all within the community. My experience working with law enforcement will help as the APD moves toward meeting the needs of the citizens of Apex in a fair way.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
Smart growth. implementing the Downtown Apex plan, and advocating for our town’s needs with the WCPSS and NC DOT
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
Broad experience as a prosecutor, lawyer and advisor of small businesses. As a veteran, I have demonstrated service to the community, state and nation.
This story was originally published October 14, 2021 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Ed Gray, candidate for town council in Apex, NC."