Brian Hacker, Matthews Board of Commissioners candidate, answers our questions
Name: Brian Hacker
Age: 57
Campaign website or social media page: HackerForMatthews.com
Occupation: High school English teacher
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University, Post-baccalaureate teacher license program at California State University Los Angeles
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
While new to civic involvement, I have spoken at several commissioners meetings. The items I addressed were decided in a way I was advocating for.
What are the most important issues facing Matthews, and how would you address them?
Affordability - Housing needs to stay affordable. Local businesses need to see a good flow of customers.
Safety - We need to support our first responders in Matthews, i.e., fire, police and MEDIC. Also, the safety of our drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists is of utmost importance.
Inclusivity - We need to bring those outside the power structure (LGBTQ+, people of color, women, those below the median socioeconomic level and the disabled) into the fold of decision-making.
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?
Matthews is a destination town and needs to support thoughtfully planned development. Residential developments need to offer something for everyone. That may mean thinking outside the traditional box. There are commercial developments already in the works; those need to be supported. Rather than going to another town and giving them our tax dollars, we should have those offerings here. Industrial development means business.
Matthews is in the process of hiring a new town manager. What qualities should town leaders look for in candidates for the position?
The candidate should have experience in a town/city of Matthews’ size and that was in a large metropolitan area. The person should have experience in dealing with varying ideas of appropriate development issues.
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 cannot support the referendum for two reasons:
1) The Town of Matthews had the funding opportunity for a light rail line removed in favor of other areas. The light rail line was enthusiastically supported by Matthews residents.
2) I believe the tax increase will create higher annual costs for the residents of Mecklenburg County. Getting something new is exciting, but at what cost to the community?
It is disappointing that Matthews was denied the opportunity for a light-rail line!
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I genuinely care about the residents, businesses and visitors of Matthews. Every decision I make on the board will be to keep Matthews moving forward. I believe the current board has made some good decisions, and I will make sure those stay in place while providing my perspective.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud of what I am currently doing. Running for office has never been a thought until this past year. I want it to show everyone that anyone can run for office, especially younger adults. They are our future and should be encouraged to become politically active.
