Jennefer Cross Garrity, Matthews Board of Commissioners candidate, answers our questions
Name: Jennefer Cross Garrity
Age: 57
Campaign website or social media page: goforgarrity.com
Occupation: Lawyer
Education: B.A. with honors, Wellesley College, 1990; J.D., Wake Forest School of Law, 1995
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Former President of Board of Directors of Matthews Chamber of Commerce; Former President of Board of Directors of C.O.S. Kids; current member of C.O.S. Kids Board of Directors; former Board member of Matthews’ Economic Development Advisory Committee; current board member of Carolina Family Connections; former board member of Council on Aging
What are the most important issues facing Matthews, and how would you address them?
The most important issues are currently balancing growth and development with adequate transportation and parking. I will advocate for Matthews to be treated more fairly in the light rail plan and, as development and rezoning issues are presented, I will carefully consider the impact of such issues as well as the parties’ positions and will seek compromise whenever possible.
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?
While growth and change are inevitable, responsible leaders must decide what growth best suits Matthews and be willing to plan and respond accordingly.
Matthews is in the process of hiring a new town manager. What qualities should town leaders look for in candidates for the position?
The Board of Commissioners should look for a new town manager who has strong experience in managing many departments and employees; a proven track record in balancing budgets; and the ability to work well within the council-manager government structure. The ideal town manager should be part of a team with the commissioners.
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?
The sales tax will place a large financial burden on Matthews residents to pay for a plan that does not benefit them equitably. I believe that as they research this topic, as I continue to do, the voters in our town will see the inequality that the sales tax imposes.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I have no personal agenda. I have the ability and desire to respectfully listen to all points of view and consider the pros and cons, and I have the willingness to compromise when warranted to best support Matthews.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Co-founding my law firm, Garrity & Gossage, to provide estate planning, probate and elder law to residents in Matthews and the surrounding area.
