Who is Leon Threatt, candidate for Matthews Board of Commissioners?
Name: Leon Threatt
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 65
Campaign website or social media page: ThreattForMatthews.com
Occupation: Clergy
Education:
Bachelor’s in theology from International Seminary. Master’s in ministry from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity. Doctorate in practical theology from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity.
Have you run for elected office before?
U.S. Congress in 2014
U.S. Congress in 2016
Won the Republican Nomination for the 12th Congressional District
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Served active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps for 10 years. Served as a CMPD Police Officer for eight and half years. Serve as a senior pastor for 35 years,
How should Matthews handle residential, commercial and industrial development? Should the town change any ordinances or rules to alter how development occurs? If so, what?
The residential, commercial and industrial development must be done with watchful care. The town must have a clear plan for where each best fit. The right managed growth is a must. The community must have input into where each best fit. The development must not be dictated by the developers, but the citizens and their elected officials.
What’s the best feature of the town of Matthews and what’s the most important thing it needs to improve?
Some of the best features of the town of Matthews is that it has historically been maintained as a small family friendly town. Maintaining that is part of my hope as a leader. It has also been a safe community for young growing families, but very accommodating for an growing aging population. Taxes had historically been less than some of the surrounding towns.
An internal investigation found that Matthews Police misrepresented how successful they were at clearing crimes. What can you do, if anything, as a member of the town board to ensure police are accurately reporting internally and to the public what crime looks like in Matthews?
As a former police officer I understand just how challenging it can be to keep a community safe. Leadership and trust between the Board of Commissioners and police leadership must be firmly established and must have a firm trust for one another. That trust will help law enforcement in its transparency. Confidence in accurately reporting crime is a vital part of that mutual trust.
What sets you apart from other candidates on the ballot and makes you the best choice?
I have the highest regard for all of the candidates and genuinely respect them all. What sets me apart and makes me an excellent choice for commissioner is my 45 years of serving our nation, region, and community. My life experiences have graced me with a grounded worldview that helps me to accurately address and help solve the many challenges facing our town.
