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Nicholas Vesely
Registered Voter Party:
Unaffiliated
Incumbent:
No
Previous experience in elected office:
None
Age:
~33
Occupation:
Engineer
Description:
Vesely served on the planning and zoning board since 2019 and says he brings “practical insight and a creative approach to finding cost-efficient solutions.” He wants to help the business community with “high-quality development that strengthens our city.” He wants to support the redevelopment of the Wilkinson Corridor. He describes himself as a “technical expert” and said in a forum hosted by the Gaston Business Association that he is the only candidate who regularly works with the N.C. Department of Transportation. He believes that there are smaller, less costly fixes (e.g. traffic lights, syncing traffic lights) which could improve the quality of Belmont life cost effectively.
Other personal:
Vesely has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Buffalo and is registered as an unaffiliated voter. He is the father of three young children.
The Gaston Business Association Questionnaire
Please provide a short introduction (50 words or less) highlighting your background and achievements.
I’m Nic Vesely, a professional engineer with expertise in transportation and infrastructure. Since 2019, I’ve served on Belmont’s Planning & Zoning Board, applying practical solutions for our community. I now seek to bring this experience to the City Council to deliver smart, effective, and efficient results.
What inspired you to run for city/town council, and what specific qualities or experiences make you well-suited for this role?
Serving on Belmont’s Planning & Zoning Board has been incredibly rewarding, but as my term comes to an end, I feel there’s more I can contribute. As a professional engineer with expertise in transportation and infrastructure, I bring practical insight and a creative approach to finding cost-efficient solutions that maximize impact within a limited city budget. I’m motivated to bring this experience to City Council, ensuring thoughtful decisions, smart investments, and solutions that make a tangible difference for our neighbors.
What are your top priorities for your city/town (specifically pertaining to the business community), and how do you plan to address them if elected?
My top priorities for Belmont’s business community focus on fostering thoughtful, high-quality development that strengthens our city while preserving its unique character. Belmont’s vision to promote an entrepreneurial spirit aligns with my approach: small businesses that invest in the community become long-term partners who support sustainable growth. Through my experience working with developers on Planning & Zoning and as a professional design consultant, I understand the challenges of navigating ordinance requirements and practical limitations to development; traffic congestion and utility access, for example. If elected, I plan to negotiate "win-win" solutions—helping developers and small business owners overcome reasonable obstacles while ensuring projects deliver greater value to the community, enhance Belmont’s distinct neighborhoods, and create spaces that serve residents and local businesses alike.
Please select one of the following local issues, and provide a brief description of your stance on the topic: Economic Development, Public Safety, Transportation & Infrastructure, or Education.
Many of these issues are interconnected. I’ve addressed Economic Development, Transportation, and Infrastructure elsewhere, so I want to focus on Public Safety. Safety often focuses on police, fire, EMS, and emergency services—reactive responses that are critical—but we must also prioritize proactive measures. Redevelopment and investment in underutilized areas can discourage illicit activity and improve community safety. Specifically, along the Wilkinson Corridor, Belmont faces challenges from transient traffic passing through a deteriorated highway district. By promoting redevelopment, we can transform the corridor, attract high-quality commerce, and create a safer, more vibrant environment for residents and businesses alike.