410 Forum — News
Youth Brings Fresh Perspective To Town Government
By Mindy Day
In an era where most young people still turn an apathetic eye toward political news, Isidro Guardado stands out from the crowd as Hudson’s youngest trustee.
A tire shop co-owner by day, Guardado also serves as trustee for Hudson, a small town north of Brighton on I-76. He reads his agenda the Monday before the meetings, held every first and third Wednesday night. Sunday is his “free day,” but he still works on town projects during the afternoon.
Serving as trustee isn’t a high-pressure position, but most 24-year-old men probably would rather be out at the bar than filling a seat in their town government. Guardado puts in a full day’s work at the shop seven days a week. By May, he and his older brother Baldo will have owned the shop for five years. The small, tan garage is surrounded by mountains of tires. He listens to peoples’ complaints as he patches a leak and catches up on the news as he rotates their tires.
His voice is pleasant and puts people at ease. He has a firm handshake, and up close, his thinning hairline and hint of a goatee are more visible. He has an aura of collectedness, as if he is wise beyond his years. Likely, this came from his inclination to respect and learn from his elders.
“I like to talk with and hang around older people because they’ve usually done it and know what to watch out for,” Guardado said. “They do know more because they’ve experienced more.”
To be elected to the House of Representatives, the U.S. Constitution’s age limit is 25. Stan Luger, a UNC political science professor, allowed for the fact that age doesn’t make as much difference as personal qualifications when filling a position in government.
“There are some brilliant young people out there,” Luger said.
It was Baldo who showed him the ad. No one had run for the spot on the board in the last election. It was the second call for a replacement trustee, and he knew he needed to try for it. Out of the four who applied, Guardado’s respectful attitude and responsibility made him the board’s chosen one.
In meetings, Guardado alternately asks questions of his neighboring trustee and leans back in his black leather chair, chin resting on his hand. He doesn’t speak often. When he does, he waits to be recognized by the mayor, who looks grateful for a new perspective. Guardado asks a series of clarifying questions that pauses the discussion and ultimately leads to a resolution of the issue. If he redirected the conversation intentionally, he doesn’t show it. He just reclines again to his contemplative position, pulling one shiny black shoe up to rest on his knee.
“I’m really pleased with some of the questions he asks,” Mayor Neal Pontius said. “He stops and thinks about things, and he reads the agenda. I like that he’s quiet. He thinks and then he speaks, and that’s good.”
He doesn’t look the part of the tire shop owner and worker during meetings. His clean dress shirt sets off his tie and is tucked neatly behind trousers and a belt. Aside from the town’s attorney and administrator, he’s the only one on the board who noticeably dresses up for the occasion. He stands out, but in a professional way. He doesn’t claim to be the best in any of his roles. He’s just grateful for the opportunity to learn as he goes. He keeps his main goal ahead of him always: do what is best for the people of Hudson.
“I enjoy watching out for bad business interests coming into the town,” he said. “I try to look at what’s for the benefit of the town, even if it’s not for my benefit.”
They may never appreciate him for it, but he knew it was a thankless job before he started. He talked to previous mayors of the town about what to expect after taking his seat on the board.
“Some said ‘my condolences.’ I knew it would be more work, and they said it is rare to get thanked, but that’s one of the things that comes with trying to do good,” he said. “But, if you really do good things, then they don’t have so much to complain about either, and I do get some thanks from people.”
He’s not disappointed at the general lack of good feedback. He’s not in it for the praise, anyway. It’s his chance, in this moment, to share the good he’s capable of, and that’s good enough for him.
If you can’t say something nice…
Guardado seems to have charmed the people he works with. No one I spoke to had anything negative to say about him and his work ethic. Here are a couple of the highlights:
• “He seems to know what’s in the agenda. In the past he has always picked his packet up before the meeting started. He asks questions when he doesn’t know, and anytime a trustee asks questions and reads the agenda, I think you’ve got someone who’s taking an interest in the board and what he’s doing — trying to contribute to it.” -- Judy McGill, deputy town clerk.
• “He’s very intelligent and has a lot to offer. He was appointed to the board opening. Nobody else ran for it. He was confirmed in a 5-1 vote, which bode well for him. I’m really pleased with some of the questions he asks. He stops and thinks about it, and reads the agenda. That’s good.” -- Neal Pontius, mayor.
