ABOUT

MEET gary

Hello, Union County neighbors! I’m Gary Sides, and I’m running for the Union County Board of Commissioners. I’d like to share a bit about myself, my journey, and my vision for our beloved county.

Back in 2001, I started an insurance firm right in my spare bedroom. It was a humble beginning, but with hard work and determination, I grew it into a successful business with multiple locations, achieving over $7 million in sales before selling it in June 2023. This experience taught me the value of resilience and the impact of thoughtful leadership.

Since 2014, I’ve had the honor of serving on the Union County Board of Education. My journey there started with a resounding victory, as I was first elected with over 60% of the vote against the incumbent board chairman. During my tenure, I’ve served as Vice Chair, and on the Finance, Curriculum, Policy, Special Projects, and Facilities committees. I’ve faced several trials by fire, including settling a lawsuit, hiring a new superintendent, navigating the Covid crisis with a focus on student well-being and education continuity, and advocating for educational excellence free from divisive ideologies.

My resume also includes chairing the UC Education Foundation, being a member of the UC Consolidated Human Services Board, and serving on the Stallings Town Council. My wife and I have been licensed therapeutic foster parents, and we’ve adopted three children, including one from Union County DSS. Our oldest is proudly serving in the US Army, and our youngest attends UCPS. My roots in finance from the University of Illinois and my residence in Union County since 1991 further solidify my commitment to our community.

As your County Commissioner, I promise to prioritize our first responders, advocate for increased funding for our public schools, and champion sensible growth and economic development that lessens the tax burden on homeowners. Preserving our rural setting and improving our roads and intersections are also key to maintaining the quality of life in Union County

I’m passionate about making Union County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I ask for your support in my campaign for the Union County Board of Commissioners. Together, we can build a brighter future for our county. Please vote for me, Gary Sides, and spread the word about our shared vision for Union County. Let’s make a difference together!

Highlights

Formed an insurance firm in 2001 in a spare bedroom. Grew the business to multiple locations and over $7 million in sales. Sold the business in June 2023.
2014-present- elected member Union County Board of Education. First elected in 2014 with over 60% of the vote against the incumbent board chairman. Re-elected in 2018 and 2022. Has served as Vice Chair, chair of Finance committee and Curriculum committee and served on the Policy, Special Projects and the Facilities committees.

4 Trials By Fire While Serving Union County on its Board of Education:

Helped settle the school board vs. County Commission lawsuit soon after joining the board.
Hired a new superintendent after the retirement of the former superintendent after allegations of misconduct. Our current superintendent has been with UCPS for 8+ years now.
Navigating the Covid crisis. UCPS was the largest district in NC to maintain a mask optional stance, I offered the motion for optional in person graduation in 2021. I offered the motion to return students to the classroom 5 days a week once the restrictions were lifted.
Fighting back against CRT & DEI. I developed and offered the motion to establish a process for the of review objectionable books in school libraries.

Resume

2013-14 Chairman, UC Education Foundation
2013-14 member UC Consolidated Human Services Board
2006-2012 Licensed therapeutic foster parents. My wife and I adopted 3 children including one from Union County DSS. My oldest is serving in the US Army. My youngest attends UCPS.
2004-5 Appointed member Stallings, NC Town Council. Would be the only one on the BOCC with municipal experience.
BS in Finance from the University of Illinois
Resident of UC since 1991

About

MEET gary

Highlights

4 Trials By Fire While Serving Union County on its Board of Education:

Resume

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