Jim Dedmon, Matthews Board of Commissioners candidate, answers our questions
Name: Jim Dedmon
Age: 65
Campaign website or social media page: dedmonformatthews.com
Occupation: Retired (Capt., Charlotte Fire Dept.)
Education: BA History/Political Science UNCC
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Career Captain for the Charlotte Fire Department, Volunteer firefighter with Carmel VFD, Volunteer rescue technician Charlotte Lifesaving Crew.
What are the most important issues facing Matthews, and how would you address them?
Managing growth, limiting high density development, transportation, better relationship with NCDOT, budget, look for ways to trim the budget and save taxpayers dollars.
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?
Examine the Planning Department, and its obvious bias pro high density, despite citizens outcry for it to stop. Look over current membership of advisory boards and question members with multiple leadership positions and length of service, set possible limits.
Matthews is in the process of hiring a new town manager. What qualities should town leaders look for in candidates for the position?
Ability to manage growth in a manner that reflects the reasons people find Matthews attractive, create a budget that is thorough and efficient, ability to work with citizens and town leaders to maintain Matthews’ sense of self.
The General Assembly has given Mecklenburg County permission to put a referendum on the ballot to raise the county’s sales tax to fund road, rail and bus projects. Will you vote in favor of the referendum? Why or why not?
I would vote against this tax, this seems to be a money grab by city of Charlotte to provide rail service for itself with area towns helping to flip the bill. While the money would be of use to Matthews for road improvements, any new tax should be questioned as to what extent it will truly help Matthews citizens. Considering the tax burdens already on seniors, additional taxes from bonds that have been passed already, this puts a tremendous strain on those with fixed incomes.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I have a long career working in the city of Charlotte, a long career working in the community in EMS and fire services which gives me a better understanding of the needs of public safety.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
My career as a firefighter and serving others on what usually was the worst day of their lives. Seeing my efforts allow someone might live another day, or comfort a family after losing their home.
