Mayor Jacques Gilbert: From Apex's First Black Police Captain to Mayor

Positivity and politics don't often mix, but today's guest, Mayor Jacques Gilbert of Apex, NC, has mastered this art. In this episode of 'What's Up, Wake,' we delve into Jacques' journey from his early career in the police force to becoming the town's first Black mayor. From founding Blue Lights College to his unique approach to social media, Jacques shares insight into his philosophy of public service. Join us as we explore his roots, his love for Apex, and the role of positivity in leadership.

00:00 Introduction to a Unique Political Leader
01:57 From Police Officer to Mayor: Jacques Gilbert's Journey
04:17 Challenges and Rewards of Public Service
10:54 The Role of Social Media in Modern Politics
14:24 Blue Lights College: Bridging Communities and Law Enforcement
18:10 Blue Lake College Success Stories
19:47 Apex's New Children's Hospital and Veridian Development
22:36 Balancing Growth and Community Needs in Apex
24:04 In the Community: Town Hall Tour Series
25:48 The Story Behind the Gold Shoes
27:38 What's Up, Roundup: Lightning Round Questions
30:44 Conclusion and Social Media Presence

Creators and Guests

Host

Melissa

Host of What's Up, Wake + social media manager + writer + travel editor

What is What’s Up, Wake?

What’s Up, Wake covers the people, places, restaurants, and events of Wake County, North Carolina. Through conversations with local personalities from business owners to town staff and influencers to volunteers, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Wake County an outstanding place to live. Presented by Cherokee Media Group, the publishers of local lifestyle magazines Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad, What’s Up, Wake covers news and happenings in Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and Wake Forest.

29 - What's Up, Wake - Mayor Jacque Gilbert
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[00:00:00] Positivity and politics don't always go hand in hand, but my guest today seems to find a way to genuinely combine the two. This town leader spent the first three decades of his career in the police department, received the Champions of Change Award from President Obama and the White House, and 2015, then became mayor in 2019.

Melissa: I live in [00:01:00] Raleigh, yet I feel like I know this surrounding town's mayor more than my own, perhaps because he's all over the place, whether visiting businesses, cutting ribbons, or sharing his day on social media, I have no idea which political party he's affiliated with. A refreshing change in this climate.

All I know is he loves his town. And for a mayor, that's what's most important here, representing the peak of good living. Our first ever political guest on What's up, wake Mayor of Apex, Jacques Gilbert. Welcome mayor.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Thank you so much for allowing me to be here. I need to record, like I need this recording so you can introduce me all the time.

Absolutely. I'm just gonna play it right before I walk on stage,

Melissa: and I'll tell you, you know this, my introduction for you was actually longer because there's so many things that. I feel like I do know you because you're on social media a lot, which I'm gonna get to the social media part in a minute. I do wanna start out by asking you about [00:02:00] your story.

You're a lifelong Apex resident. You went to Apex High School, you went on to become AP Ex's, first black police captain and the town's first black mayor. So what I wanna know is, did you grow up dreaming of becoming a police officer or a politician?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: There were two things in life that I said I would never do growing up.

One, become a police officer and a second become a politician.

Melissa: Really?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's exactly right.

Melissa: Yep.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And it was, uh, the universe had

Melissa: different plans for you? Most

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: definitely. it's, it's been exciting. It's been. Really surreal to say, wow, look where I'm at today. And I never would've drawn that up when I was a young man.

Uh, I grew up in the projects of Apex. It is Justice Heights, and I grew up at 601st Street and it was subsidized housing and saw a lot of different things, a lot of things that wouldn't be normal for any community. So I did know I wanted to make a difference in my own hometown and go into my community and [00:03:00] change it.

Here we are today.

Melissa: You just didn't know that it was going to look the way that it, it ended up looking, I guess.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's correct.

Melissa: Mm-hmm. So what were your plans after high school? Did you, what did, what did you start out doing and how did you get into the police department?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Well, you know, going back to the projects, and this is kind of a dream for a lot of young African American young men.

Getting outta poverty, doing something great. It's always athletics. So I thought I was gonna become, yeah, the first NBA basketball player, hometown, apex, North Carolina.

Melissa: Okay. And then I got to, there's still time. Technically,

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: it all depends on, you don't look any

Melissa: older than LeBron right now.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I might can take LeBron right now.

I don't know. But yeah, that, that was, that's my story. And, uh, I got cut, um, my, my senior year. It was a final cut of the basketball team and it devastated me. Oh, I bet I thought I was the one.

Melissa: Wow. Yeah.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: It was a, it was a gut check for sure. That's

Melissa: a life moment right there. Most [00:04:00] definitely. That you never forget.

It's a, you know, it's a, life-changing moment.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's right.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yeah. 'cause you think you have it all figured out and, yeah. The coach said, no, sir, you're a great basketball player, but just not good enough for my team.

Melissa: Oh, yikes. Yes.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That was tough.

Melissa: That is, that's a, that's a, a gut punch for sure.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yes.

Melissa: So how did you then transition into being a police officer?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: So, yeah, I was, again, so young and I didn't want to go to a traditional school. Um, I, at the time, wake Tech was an option, but I just wanted to work. I worked during high school. Mm-hmm. I was a school bus driver in school, which that's probably unheard of today.

Melissa: It is unheard of today. But, uh, yeah. I was just telling my kids yesterday about how high school students used to drive the buses. That's right. And they did not believe me.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's right. Mm-hmm. Yeah. It was a thing. And having that work ethic, I worked at Food Line Grocery store. Mm-hmm. So I really love to work.

I think I really got that from my father. Uh, he was extremely good work ethic. So after high school he said, why don't you come to the [00:05:00] town of Cary? And he was the, uh, water operations manager and he said, you can get a job reading water meters. And that's what I did for two years.

Melissa: So water meters to the police department?

Yes. To the mayor desk,

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: yes.

Melissa: Let's, let's transition over to police captain. How did this come to be? And then. How did you decide to become mayor after being in the, because you were at, you were in the police department for 29 years, which is remarkable to me.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yes. It, it was there. Now

Melissa: you're mayor, so it seems like you've got to be count of apexes, longest running employee.

They've been writing you a check for a long time.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yes, they have. Mm-hmm. Not a big check, but they've been writing me a check for sure. Yeah. Yeah. But, uh, you know, it's all about the service and I found out early in life I wanted to be in public service. Having that opportunity to serve as a police officer, it taught me so much.

So much. So I would say that it really prepared me for the Mayor's office. [00:06:00] And what I mean by that is you respond to every call without any bias. You're just going to answer the call and you want to help, you wanna provide a solution, you are the solution as a police officer. So I just simply wanted to transition and take that into the mayor's office and have the same approach with every problem that you know was presented on my desk.

Melissa: Being a mayor, I have heard that being a mayor is a part-time job. I cannot imagine that that is such a thing because it seems to me that you are really all over the town, all over the place. You also seem to really enjoy it. You're always smiling, you're al, you're out meeting people. Like you said, you have a public service heart, so it seems like you enjoy it, but for sure it's not a part-time job.

Maybe part-time pay, but not a part-time job. Definitely

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: part-time pay. Yeah. But I had mentors along the way and my father told me this. He said, whatever you decide to do, make sure [00:07:00] you have fun doing it.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I had fun being a police officer. You probably were aware. I spent seven years as a school resource officer, so I, I found out early, I loved working with youth, but transition to the mayor's office, I said, I have to f make it fun.

And for me it's fun to meet different people every single day and just be accessible and it's, it's a joy to serve. I love it.

Melissa: I would think that there's a lot of parallels between being a police officer and being a mayor. You mentioned that it's public service. Both jobs are public service. What do you find to be the most different between the two positions?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: The most different thing about police and being an elected official. My assignment being mayor, oftentimes you have to navigate around, you said the word earlier, politics. I never want my service to be about an agenda. Or a group [00:08:00] of people specifically, I wanted to be about the entire apex. So it was truly a compli compliment when you introduced me and said, I don't know what is party affiliation is, that's one of no idea.

One, the think biggest, the compliments I've ever received.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: So that's the difference. Responding as a police officer, you're there to serve and people know who you are. You're police, you're gonna treat everyone with equity, fairness, and just be there to make sure they receive the utmost service In law enforcement, it has to be the same.

For an elected official, and I think that's the difference in getting people to understand I'm here for you also. Mm-hmm. No matter what you look like you're part of the affiliation where you live. I'm here to serve

Melissa: and also with a, a police officer job. Generally speaking, you're seeing people on their, at their worst moments, you're coming to help when they are, you know, down and out and they're, something's gone wrong.

but as a mayor, you're going to, you're, you're hugging a lot of babies. Pet a lot of dogs. That's right. Going to a fun event. So I [00:09:00] would think that there's a lot of differences there too, that you're, you're seeing people more on their, the, their, their best days versus their worst days.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And there's, there's some parallels there.

So to a resident, while it may not be what I perceive a worst day based on the circumstance, they're like really experiencing. It may be their worst day.

Melissa: Yeah.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And, and that's how I wanna respond to it. To them. To them, it's a big deal. It's that important.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And that's how we treat it. Everything is different.

I'm here to serve. I want to hear your problem, and I'm gonna help you fix it. I'm the solution. And we have resources available that will help you get to where you're trying to go and solve your problem. And that's what I wanna bring to the office.

Melissa: Now you have been a part of Apex, like you said, your whole life, but in public service for sounds like at least half your life.

I mean, you look really young, I've gotta say that. Oh man. I don't even understand how you've been a police officer for 30 years. Gotta get you gotta pizza to the city. I'll

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: tell you what, you

Melissa: know what? I, I would like to have my own day.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: We gotta work [00:10:00] on that.

Melissa: Yeah, yeah. Um, but you've been in public service so long that I would think that people feel like they know you.

Personally, so do you just walk around and everybody's, you know, hey, and then they just bring it all to you? Their, their, their problems, their wishes, their, their goals and dreams for Apex.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yeah. And you know, that is exciting to me because it should be that way. I agree. Like you should, you, it should be like, this guy can help.

I know who he is. He's our guy.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Or he's our elected, elected official team. Your team. He's our representative. Yes. Yes. Mm-hmm. So I think those grocery store contacts are perfect. The, the basketball games at the high school people approach me and say, Hey, can I share something with you? Absolutely.

This is your time. Tell me what's going on.

Melissa: I love that. And it's so rare. I mean, it, it shouldn't be rare, but it it is, it is unfortunately rare. I touched on the social media aspect already, but I'd like to talk about politics in [00:11:00] a social media world. I know you and I bet many people in and outside of Apex know you because of social media.

How do you incorporate social media with your job? And I'm also assuming it's a double-edged sword because. People are excited to see you on social media, but there is also a lot of negativity on social media. So how, how do you balance this whole picture with your day-to-day life and job?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's a good question.

I want to begin by saying, because if I don't say this, she will be very upset. My daughter, she, she's the one that introduced me to social media, so my course shout out to her. Of

Melissa: course, our kids are the ones that have to teach us all the tech stuff.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's right. That's right. And then I just started having fun with it.

But again, going back to what you see on social media, one of the things that we established together, my daughter and I, we just said we're gonna have our own social media platform and we're not gonna be on every single page community page, because that could really turn you in a different [00:12:00] direction.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Uh. It's a lot of things on there. So I just wanna be able to control my own page and put out positive information, and transparency is very important to me. So if you're hearing from me, it's important and I wanna make those connections. So having that social media presence again allows people to understand me, get a better idea of like, how does he move?

But really I want people to know Jacques.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I'm your friend, I'm your representative. And feel comfortable in bringing any situations or issues you have to me.

Melissa: I think that certainly has been achieved because like I said, I, I've never met you before. I feel like I have because of social media and I think that a lot of people feel like that I, I know somebody who lives up north, not even in our state.

And I, I said, I'm interviewing the mayor of Apex, and she was like the one with the gold shoes, which we're also gonna get to the gold shoes later. I, I've got to get to that, but, um, but you really [00:13:00] have reached more people even beyond your own town.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I didn't know that. Wow.

Melissa: And it's ma but it also makes people jealous.

Come on Jacques. We're, we're kind of jealous. We want, we want a mayor like Jacques Gilbert that's gonna be out in the town and, and you know, spreading the good news and being transparent too, because you are really walking around town filming videos. You'll stand in front of an old house and say, alright, let's talk about this old house.

What should we do with it? You know, and things, it makes people feel like they have a say. What is going on in their town, which is very rare.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yeah. And unfortunately that's been lost. Mm-hmm. One of the things that I've, I can say this has really helped me is being a staff member before. Okay. And then transitioning into the elected official assignment.

And what typically happens, there's this disconnect from the elected office to staff. Staff wants you to support them 100%. And we, and I [00:14:00] will. There comes a time when they have to understand that I serve the people who elected me. Mm-hmm. And it is really what they desire. And I think that's what every elected official needs to understand.

So if you're not hearing from your constituents, if you're not giving them a opportunity to hear from you, I don't think you're representing them in the best way. Mm-hmm. And that's where we are.

Melissa: Now, tell me if I am wrong. I read this just yesterday and I did not know anything about it, but you started a place called Blue Lights College.

Can you tell us about Blue Lights College? It's essentially a prep training school that prepares students for careers in law enforcement. Why did you start this? How did this come to be and is it still a thing today?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: It is still a thing today. Okay. Yeah. It was, uh, started in 2017. We're all problem solvers here on this earth.

Mm-hmm. And this was an op, another opportunity to do that.

Melissa: Well, some of us are problem solve, some of us are [00:15:00] problem creators. That's

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: true. That's true. But we have an opportunity to be problem solvers. Mm-hmm. And Michael Brown, the situation that happened in Missouri. Mm-hmm. You remember that? Then we can even take it to George Floyd as a police captain, I was looking for an opportunity to bridge police and community members, specifically for communities that historically have not had a good relationship with police officers.

And I've been there, and so I wanted to find an opportunity to create this school using athletics, going back to my history.

Melissa: Mm-hmm. I thought

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I was gonna be the guy playing an NBA. Understanding there are young men and women who may not wanna go to a traditional college or university, but maybe they love athletics.

And so I said, why don't we create this basketball team? This police basketball team. We named the school Blue Lights College. We went in and got all the state certifications. And so we started this two year [00:16:00] program and we had young men and women who I thought was gonna be around Wake County that applied for our school and never happened.

They all came from different states.

Melissa: Oh

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: yes.

Melissa: So let's talk about the, the college. Is it something that you've gotta be a high school graduate or like eight 18 minimum?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yep.

Melissa: All of the students' goals are to become a police officer.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I'm glad you asked that question. No, we just want you to come and enjoy our school.

Mm-hmm. So it is criminal justice background, so you do get that education, but. You don't have to come and say, Hey, I wanted to become a police because I never wanted to be a police. We just want you to come and enjoy North Carolina, apex, North Carolina, and if you are undecided, that's great. Come play basketball, come wrestle.

And here's what we were able to accomplish. Those young men and women who had no desire to be police, I'm just coming to play sports, that's fine, [00:17:00] come on. But once they continue to take the classes month after month. By the second year when they graduated, captain Gilbert, I wanna become a police officer, so we're changing the landscape.

They never thought they could do it. They never had the understanding of what policing was.

Melissa: Yeah, yeah. They've only

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: heard from their community members, this is how it is. Or you, maybe you didn't get all the information. This is how you can make impact. It's a great, great career.

Melissa: So at that point then they go into a, the police academy?

That's correct. And they can go beyond Blue Lights College to continue that path.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's it.

Melissa: Okay.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yep.

Melissa: Well, you know, and I, I've got a senior in high school, my oldest child is a senior, and I just love the fact that people are showing our kids that there are more choices than just a four year institution.

Nothing that's right there. There are so many things in [00:18:00] between that, that create paths for us in life. And, and some of us don't know our paths until we're 40. And that's okay too.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: 100%. Mm-hmm. Yes. So there it is. Yeah. That's blue colors. You're, you're

Melissa: just showing these kids that, hey, there's another option.

You don't have to follow the police officer route, but if you do, then we'll lead you that way. That's right. Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And every. Candidate, I'm calling a candidate that has gone through Blue Lake College, a two year program. They have successfully completed the Wake Tech BLET program, basic law enforcement training, police Academy, because we prepared them well and they going to become amazing police officers.

Mm-hmm. They're servant leaders and that's the model we create.

Melissa: And I'm sure they still come back and see you and play basketball.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: They try to play basketball. I told 'em I retired, so that's, oh no, I can't do it. Yeah.

Melissa: It, you know, it gets dangerous to, to keep on playing when, when you get up there in age.

That, that's right. Uh, especially when you're playing against the young ones. Yes. Yeah.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And, and they're younger and [00:19:00] younger every year.

Melissa: My husband is on a over 40 basketball league, so maybe he can recruit you for that, but I'm telling you, it's a little nerve wracking watching them play basketball. Oh my goodness.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yes. Like when is it gonna happen? Right. One fall and it's all over. That's it. Yes.

Melissa: They ain't getting back up.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's right.

Melissa: [00:20:00] Okay, so Apex has made news recently with the new Children's Hospital coming to town. It seems like a massive undertaking. It's gonna be a part of the Veridian development, is that correct?

That's correct, yes. So tell us about the, the development. What is Veridian? It seems to me like it's maybe even a bigger Fenton, is that correct? It's a shops, restaurants living space. Yes. All of the above. Yeah. Type of space.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I would say it's, it's a Grand [00:21:00] Fenton and, mm-hmm. This has been on the table for 17 years, 1100 acres in Apex, and it just went through developer to developer.

There was some legal issues that happened along the way, but it was just sitting there ready for someone to take it with the right capital and move the project forward. And then these great people from New York showed up in my office, RXR. Developments.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And, um, Joe Graziosi, he's a, he walked in, that's a

Melissa: New York name if I ever heard one.

Oh. Oh, yeah. And, and

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: they walked in with three cases. There were like 10 of 'em. I was like, what are y'all here for?

Melissa: Mm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: So it, it was amazing. But the interesting thing, when they spoke with me, they had, they did their research. They could tell everything about Jacque Gilbert and what Jock Gilbert loves, what he's all about.

They actually said they had a war room. So they, they really did their research and background on Apex and they were, they convinced me they really wanted to be here.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And really developed this project moving forward. So they did [00:22:00] that. And so as part of that, they have this huge plan. You know, there's retail, wake Tech is coming to Apex as part of that project.

And then of course the children's hospital. So you are looking at 8,000 residential units. By the time it's said and done. So that's a 10 year build out.

Melissa: Mm-hmm. But it's

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: gonna provide many opportunities for our region. So it's exciting.

Melissa: And that's really a big role for a mayor is bringing jobs, bringing businesses and developments into a town.

And I can't imagine a, a bigger catch than. This giant, uh, development that, that's coming.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: It was a, it was a big win for mm-hmm. For Apex. And you said something interesting as a mayor, it's important for whoever serves in that role. They have to really be good with cultivating relationships. Mm-hmm. So that's what this was all about.

And when they came in our office, my [00:23:00] office, they were not 100% on board yet. So I had to really work at it to, to draw them in.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And, uh, that's what good mayors do. They cultivate those relationships and ensure their community thrives through those relationships.

Melissa: And I would also think that for a town like Apex, so I read that more than half the town's population has been an apex for less than 10 years.

Let that sink in. Wow. And I, I had to let that sink in. I, because it, that is crazy to show. How much Apex has grown in such a short amount of time. That's right. So as a mayor, you're having to balance meeting the needs of people that have been there forever, like you have. And also meeting the needs and desires of the new people to town and trying to make everybody happy.

That's right. That cannot be an easy, an easy hurdle.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: It's, it's, it's very challenging. Mm-hmm. [00:24:00] But it's, it is, it's easy. Just, we just take 'em downtown and say, Hey, we still have the small town feel.

Melissa: Yeah.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Downtown Apex. Mm-hmm. But yeah, it is. That's the constant battle, you know? And what I will say though, members of our community who've been here past 20 plus years, they're actually cool with the growth.

Melissa: Good.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yeah. They, they wanted to see the change. I mean, growing up here, it was quite boring to have one stoplight. So I like the thriving community of Apex today.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: But we also have to be careful because we wanna protect that small town vibe that we currently have. Yeah. So we're gonna continue to work on that.

Melissa: I'm sure that is, that is certainly a challenge, but you're You're doing it. We're

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: doing it together. So far so good. Knock on

Melissa: wood. Yes. You've recently started something called In the Community, which is a town hall tour series where you schedule time to meet with your neighbors and constituents around town, waffle House, different coffee shops.

What have you tell us about that and what gave you this idea? [00:25:00]

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Well, it is uh, another opportunity to engage with community members, understanding we have to meet them where they are. There was a push, there's still a push to have these stale. I'm gonna say this 'cause I'm very direct and real stale town halls in our building.

No, we go into the community and meet them there, and it provides a level of comfort. You're now in my community and I can really show you what I'm experiencing here.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: So it again, breaks down those walls, which is what I'm into. Pulls us all together. So having fun along the way. Waffle House was just an idea.

Stay tuned for that one because I'm gonna be in an apron and a hat, so We'll, we'll, we'll share more about that later. Oh, nice. Yes, that's gonna be cool. But I just want to go into the community and have these town halls and it's really been successful because people tell me everything and they'll really appreciate me coming to them.

Melissa: Mm-hmm. Well, when they feel like they know you, they're more attuned to, [00:26:00] to really spill it.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's right.

Melissa: Yeah. Mm-hmm. I'm, I,

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I, you know, I'm comfortable. I'm, I'm in my territory. I, yeah, I can, yeah. I feel like I can tell you anything.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yeah. It's a little intimidating coming to town hall for some people.

Melissa: Oh, absolutely. Yeah. You're, you, the spotlight's on you, you have to do public speaking if you want to, to address the, the town council that, that's not comfortable for really nearly anyone.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: That's right.

Melissa: Yeah. Okay. This is the hot topic. Politicians aren't often associated with fashion, but you have come to be known for one particular accessory.

Please tell us about the origin of the gold shoes.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: The gold 30 twos? Yes. Of which you are

Melissa: wearing today. And I am wearing my gold shoes and they look nice. And Your honor, they're not quite as gold as yours. So how did the gold shoes come to be?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: The gold shoes again, when you are. I would say the face of the town, I was looking for a [00:27:00] connection.

I was looking for a way to connect with people and draw their attention. So we've seen cowboy hats, we've seen mm-hmm. Other things, uh, belt buckles. And I was like, what am I going to do? So I was scrolling Instagram, social media, and I see these gold shoes. Like you can get custom made. And I showed these shoes to my daughter.

Melissa: Mm-hmm.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And she said, don't do it.

Melissa: Of

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: course she did. Yes. Yes you did. And so, uh, dad,

Melissa: please don't embarrass me with those shoes. She don't do that. Exactly.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And I said, okay. And then six weeks later they arrived at the house. Of

Melissa: course they did. And I had

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: 32 stitched on 'em, uh, being the 32nd mayor of our town.

Melissa: Oh, okay. So I created a brand. So I did not realize that.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yes.

Melissa: Okay.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: But the goal is symbolic to one thing that. Really explains my journey and how I got here. And I think a lot of people can connect to this. There has been challenges along the way I have to navigate through, and I was able to do that through perseverance.

Mm-hmm. And so when I, when I present, you know, at ribbon cuttings [00:28:00] and special occasions, I, I talk about that because I think that again, is a connection for all of us. So that's what the goal represents. When I show up with the gold on. It's a big deal.

Melissa: Yeah. It's a golden moment. It's a golden moment. Mm-hmm.

You've

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: been paying attention.

Melissa: Nice. Of course I have. That's my job. Okay, it is time for our What's up, Roundup lightning round series of questions. I'm gonna put you on the spot a little bit in terms of some Apex favorites, so hopefully I don't get you in trouble,

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: uhoh,

Melissa: but it's not my fault if you do get in trouble.

I have

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: two years left on my term. This uh, this be interesting.

Melissa: Okay? So. You have two dogs and a parrot. I am gonna put this out there. Jacques was telling me about his, his parrot earlier, and I have asked that he put a, a, a video on social media because apparently the parrot speaks like him and I now, I, I've gotta, I've gotta see this.

As far as your two dogs go, where is your [00:29:00] favorite place to walk your dogs in Apex. Is there a dog park or a trail that you like to go?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I'm going to say Apex Peak Way, which is near my house. Mm-hmm. The sidewalk.

Melissa: Okay. It's just that simple. Okay. Yep. See, this is the politician's coming out. Jacques, you're being very neutral.

Okay. If you can only eat at one Apex restaurant every day for a month. Which one would you choose?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Oh, you really put me on the spot?

Melissa: Mm-hmm. This is where you're getting in trouble. Uh oh.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Okay. Yeah. I'm going to have to go with the Salem Street Pub. That's my go-to.

Melissa: Okay. That's, you know what's a very good answer.

Yeah. Yes. I mean, big menu, you can get it something different every day. That's right.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: And it's downtown

Melissa: and Apex is in the name, so no Salem Street's in the name. Yeah. So at least it's downtown. That's right. If you have a first time visitor coming to Apex, what is one must do [00:30:00] activity that you tell them to do while they're in town?

Can't miss spot or thing to do

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: for me. It's easy. They're going to get a tour of the Rogers Family Skate Plaza.

Melissa: Oh, I'm glad you're mentioning that. Yes. With that. That is something that you helped create and, and envision and bring to life. So, and I, I wish we had more time because I would love to talk about that, but for people who do not know that story, that is how your award from President Obama came to be while you were in the police department.

So that was a great story that I love to read. Thank you. So please, listeners, go out and, and, and find that story. I love it. What is the most unusual or funny request you've ever gotten as mayor?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: If I could show up at a birthday party for a senior and dance?

Melissa: No. Oh,

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: it was not that kind of dancing. It was just dancing. Regular dancing. So, yeah. Yeah. But they [00:31:00] wanted

Melissa: those gold shoes, though. They wanted gold

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: shoes there. Yep.

Melissa: Uhhuh. And I

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: was like, what kind of dance you want me to do? And they said, just figure it out.

Melissa: Oh, goodness. Yeah. Okay. Did you. I

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: tried it.

Melissa: Okay.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: It worked out

Melissa: okay. Alright. I am surprised. I'm surprised that you didn't suddenly have something on your busy calendar. Show up during that party.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Always show up.

Melissa: You really are a mayor of the people

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: I try to be.

Melissa: Thank you so much for being here, fitting it into your quote, part-time gig as mayor, your very busy schedule.

Where can everyone follow you on social media? Is it just Facebook or is it Instagram too? Where are you?

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: It is, um, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok. So your daughter's

Melissa: got you on all of 'em? Well,

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: she retired a year and a half ago. Did she? She, she said she You're on your own. Oh, okay. And so I've been doing all the content myself.

She's

Melissa: taught you the ways she told me Will of the youngins. She did. And now she has led you.

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: Yes.

Melissa: Yes. Okay. She's put put you out to your, to your own making. That's [00:32:00]

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: right. That's right.

Melissa: Thank you so much for being here today. I really appreciate it. Thank

Mayor Jacque Gilbert: you so much. It was great.

Melissa: Absolutely.