Gray says he would be a strong voice for people of Shelby on Town Board

Editor:

Town of Shelby residents, please allow me to introduce myself, I am Justin Gray; a husband, a father of two boys, and a very strong Republican.

My current job outside of family is split between being a farmer and in law enforcement. For the past couple months, I have been talking to residents and explaining my intentions on why I decided to run for Town Council. The decision to run for public office comes with great pride but I would be lying if there wasn’t a sense of worry or uncomfortableness.

I am just like many of you. A small-town guy who wants to do better for their family and their future. Unfortunately, I cannot just sit by and let opportunity pass by, it’s not how I was raised.

I understand how important it is to set values like safety, integrity and honesty. As a lifelong resident of Shelby, my roots are deep and connected to our community. I was raised by my grandparents and mother in a house that I now raise my family in.

My grandfather, Mr. Gray, was a bus driver for many years in our community. I began my love of farming at the age of 11 when I went to work on Eick’s farm milking cows. Now 20-some years later, my oldest son Nathan opened his own produce stand! He has his own garden and I love teaching him in the ins-and-outs. These experiences matter because they are true pictures of what we want to accomplish in this world.

When I went into the academy in 2019, it was because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to protect the very fibers of our community for the harshest of dangers while providing my family with the best opportunities available. Nearly four years into my second career, I see the importance of protecting everything you worked for. Every action we do in this world should be based on improving upon what we have. If we are to do that, then our greatness is never limited.

Apparently, those values don’t quite line up with the establishment. They don’t quite gel with the status quo. I get that but, at the same time, I am not backing down.

When certain politicians want to falsely damage my character or lie about my intentions, I look back and say this is exactly what I want to put an end to. This Town deserves a voice, they deserve representatives who will fight for their interests not the politicians’ self-gain.

Without my candidacy, the establishment wanted to deny your voice and have no challenge to their handpicked candidates. We will put an end to the backroom deals, we will shine a light on the darkest corners, and together we will put people first before politics.

I am Justin Gray, a lifelong resident of Shelby, a strong Republican, and the voice you can count on. I would be honored to earn your vote on June 27th.

Justin Gray

Shelby