Kerry Lamson, Matthews Board of Commissioners candidate, answers our questions
Name: Kerry Lamson
Age: 73
Campaign website or social media page: electkerrylamson.org
Occupation: Retired business executive
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
I’ve spent years working to strengthen Matthews: 5 years on the Planning Board guiding responsible growth; chaired the Affordable Housing Committee tackling housing costs and availability for families, seniors and essential workers; co-founded the Matthews Housing Alliance; served on the Silver Line Task Force to bring light rail to Matthews; and as HOA Treasurer. I bring real, community driven leadership to solving issues that matter to people’s daily lives..
What are the most important issues facing Matthews, and how would you address them?
Housing That Works for Everyone: I support housing solutions that balance affordability, design and neighborhood fit.
Growth with a Plan: I support smart, sustainable development that aligns with timely improvements for better roads, accessible parks and transit that works.
Smart Spending, Real Results: Ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely with transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Strong Support for Families and Businesses: I’ll push for a Matthews where all residents can thrive.
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?
Growth in Matthews is happening now. As a candidate for commissioner, I’ll evaluate each rezoning petition through the lens of long-term planning, community input and responsible development. I’ll prioritize alignment with our land use plan, infrastructure capacity, real housing needs, good design, fiscal impact and timing. Thoughtful zoning is key to preserving what makes Matthews special while planning for the future we all want.
Matthews is in the process of hiring a new town manager. What qualities should town leaders look for in candidates for the position?
Choosing the right town manager is vital to Matthews’ future. We need a leader with vision, integrity and a deep respect for our small-town character — someone who can manage growth, guide infrastructure and build community trust. They must be fiscally responsible, equity-minded and experienced in public service. Above all, they should care about Matthews not just as a job, but as a home worth protecting and improving for everyone.
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?
Matthews residents can vote Yes on the November referendum to secure $5–6M/year for local roads without raising property taxes. The sales tax funds transit and infrastructure region-wide, helping ease congestion. But Matthews won’t get light rail, and lower-income households bear more of the cost. If you value long-term mobility and road investment, vote Yes. If the cost outweighs the benefit for your household, vote No. Make an informed choice that fits your priorities.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
What sets me apart is my real experience in planning, years of service on town boards and focus on balanced, intentional growth. I’ve helped shape decisions on zoning, infrastructure and housing that directly impact Matthews families. I bring a collaborative, no-drama approach rooted in listening, data and results — not slogans. I’m running to deliver safer roads, more attainable housing and a better quality of life for everyone in Matthews
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of helping lead the Planning Board’s work to update Matthews’ land use and zoning policies to better reflect community values. I helped guide thoughtful decisions on growth, housing affordability and transportation that balanced development pressures with what residents want to preserve. That work gave me a clear understanding of how policy impacts people’s daily lives — and how to make it work better for everyone.
