Who is John Urban, candidate for Matthews Board of Commissioners?
Name: John R Urban
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 59
Campaign website or social media page: VoteJohnUrban.com
Occupation: Architect
Education
B.A. in Architecture, B. Arch. Masters in Architecture
Have you run for elected office before?
Currently serving 6th Term as Commissioner Town of Matthews
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Served as board member for Matthews Free Medical Clinic, board member for Matthews Historical Foundation, chair of Matthews Appearance and Tree Board and economic development advisory board.
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 UDO is a continual work in progress, responding to positive and negative affects that occur during the cycles of Matthews growth. The test is to assure that growth is balanced against green space and tree save to maintain the highest quality of life for individuals to live, work and raise and family in Matthews.
What’s the best feature of the town of Matthews and what’s the most important thing it needs to improve?
The simple yet understated downtown along with the Greenways is the best feature. Transit options would be helpful to create greater opportunities to get around Matthews could use improvement.
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?
Procedures and protocols are being put in place for the monitoring and proper logging of activities, in direct coordination with the police and Town Manager.
What sets you apart from other candidates on the ballot and makes you the best choice?
Experience as a commissioner and a design professional who deals with not only the day to day business decisions, but addressing the smart growth of the community, working to assure the highest quality from zoning petitioners, and a staunch supporter of the Police, Fire and EMS.
