A Small Town with a Big Heart
How I see Silver City
My Vision for Prosperity, Safety & Civility
As a resident born and raised in beautiful Silver City, and raising my four children as a single Dad here, I’ve witnessed firsthand what makes our community so special. It’s not just the scenic views, the quaint streets, or the friendly faces. It’s the people. The hardworking families, the small business owners, the neighbors who step in when help is needed. And it’s these same people who inspire me to run for city council district two. We are on the verge of something amazing, and I want to ensure we all have the opportunity to thrive in a town that we all love.
My Vision: Prosperity, Safety, and Civility
My vision for Silver City is built on three pillars: prosperity, safety, and civility. These are not just words; they represent the future I believe we can create together.
Prosperity: Supporting Local Growth and Small Businesses
Our small businesses are the heart and soul of this community. They are the local coffee shops where neighbors catch up, the family-owned stores that line downtown, the galleries and workshops that bring unique products to market. However, they need the right support to thrive.
I will advocate for initiatives that make it easier for our businesses to succeed, whether that’s simplifying zoning laws, looking for incentives for new startups, or creating more opportunities for local businesses to collaborate. We need a healthy economy that not only creates jobs but also keeps money circulating right here in Silver City. By boosting local entrepreneurship, we ensure that our town grows sustainably while maintaining the charm and character we all love.
Safety: Building a Secure and Resilient Community
Safety isn’t just about reducing crime; it’s about building trust between our residents and those who serve us. I want to ensure our first responders are well-equipped and that we have the infrastructure needed to respond effectively to emergencies.
I’ll focus on smart investments in public safety, from modernizing our emergency response systems to supporting community policing initiatives that strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents. Working with departments on recruitment and retention. I also believe in the importance of preventative measures like community education programs, improved lighting in public spaces, and maintaining safe, walkable streets.
In addition, I’ll work toward updating our infrastructure ensuring that we’re prepared for the future, no matter what challenges may arise.
Civility: Restoring Respect and Unity
In recent years, we’ve seen a divide. Not just on the national stage, but right here in our town. People are frustrated, and rightfully so. But I believe we can restore civility and respect in our local politics and everyday interactions. We need to remember that we’re all neighbors working toward the same goal: a better, stronger town.
As your city council member, I will work to foster open dialogue between residents, encourage more participation in town meetings, and ensure transparency in all decision-making processes. Civility doesn’t mean we’ll always agree, but it does mean we’ll listen to each other and act in the best interest of everyone.
What’s at Stake:
Our town is at a crossroads. We’re facing challenges constantly, economic pressures, safety concerns, and a sense of division. But these challenges are not insurmountable. With the right leadership, we can turn this town around. We can become a model of how small towns can grow while retaining their unique charm and sense of community.
But to do this, we need leadership that puts people first. Leadership that listens. Leadership that brings us together.
So, how do we make this vision a reality? Here’s how:
1. Prosperity: I will work on creating business incubators, expanding our farmers’ markets, and investigating tax incentives to local businesses that contribute to community development.
2. Safety: I will fight for better emergency preparedness, stronger community policing programs, and safer streets by improving public infrastructure, like lighting and sidewalks and parks free of drug paraphernalia.
3. Civility: I will lead by example, encouraging respectful debate, promoting town-wide events that unite us, and ensuring transparency in all decisions made by the city council.
Join me on this journey.
This is our town. It’s our future. Together, we can create a community that is safe, prosperous, and respectful for all. But I can’t do it alone, I need your support. Let’s make this vision a reality.
Whether it’s voting, volunteering, or just starting a conversation, every action helps. Let’s build a brighter future for Silver City, together.
I’m ready to serve. Are you with me?
-J. Andrew (Andy) Housley
Who is this guy?
I was born here in Silver City New Mexico in 1974 to Jep and Carol Housley. My parents owned and operated a small busisness - Housley Distributing located under the Hudson bridge and were the Texaco Distributors in the area. A business that my grandparents 'Drew' and Sarah Housley took over in 1941.
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Growing up in Silver City attending Jose Barrios, Stout, a few of us remember 32nd street, La Plata Jr. High and graduated SHS in 1992. Getting hair cuts at Manny's Barber shop. Shopping downtown at J.C. Penny's, Smith Music, Blackwells Jewelry and of course Schadel's bakery and many other places unknown today. Being raised in a small business family summer and off time were spent sweeping floors and helping with day to day operations. To be honest, as kid I was probably more of nuisance to my parents and their employees than anything. But the experience taught me lessons that still shape me today. I was very active in the church growing up which had profound influence on my life.
Later I attended WNMU, Wayland Baptist University and graduated from Andersonville Seminary.
I was a youth and music minister for several area church's and later a Pastor in Texas and South Carolina. Life eventually brought me back to Silver City in 2010 along with my four children (a son and three girls) ages 1 to 8 at the time.
I worked for a short time at the golf course in grounds maintenance. Then obtained my Funeral service and Embalmers Intern licenses and worked for Terrazas Funeral Chapel. From there to Chaplain and Administrative assistant with Wanda Hall at Horizon Hospice. In 2017 began working for Little Toad Creek at the Brewery and Distillery, later becoming GM for the Silver City location. From there to Trinity Services Group as Food Director at Grant County Detention Center. Currently I am the Region Coordinator for Trinity covering the East Coast.
Since returning to Silver City in 2010 I have been an active member of the BPO Elks Lodge #413 serving as an Officer, President for 5 years, Hoop Shoot director and founder and still head of the Christmas project that makes Christmas special for 50 to 70 children every year. I have served as the District Deputy for Southwest NM and President of the New Mexico Elks Association and now as an Area Special Representative for the National Organization in Southwest NM.
My life has always centered around listening, caring, and helping people. I have been very privileged in having lifelong friendships and incredible people who have influenced and shaped me. Every step of my life has been to make lives better around me and my greatest hope is that I have raised my children to be the same and that those I've met are inspired to be better and accomplish great things.
This is why I wish to serve on the City Council. To give a voice to our community and see our town become even greater than it already is!