John Urban, Matthews Board of Commissioners candidate, answers our questions
Name: John R Urban
Age: 61
Campaign website or social media page: votejohnurban.com
Occupation: Architect
Education: BA, BArch, MArch
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
Yes, I have been a commissioner for the town of Matthews for 14 years.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Commissioner for 14 years, Board Member Matthews Chamber, Matthews Free Medical Clinic, Matthews Historic Foundation, Economic Development Advisory Board, Appearance & Tree Board Town of Matthews
What are the most important issues facing Matthews, and how would you address them?
Public safety - Continue investment into fire, police, EMS and public works employees. The new public safety training center will be the best catalyst for future employment resources.
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 close to fully built out because of the landlocked nature of the town, so smart growth for the remaining land is paramount. Wouldn’t change the ordinance, just need to be very cognizant of good planning and the affordability conversation.
Matthews is in the process of hiring a new town manager. What qualities should town leaders look for in candidates for the position?
Be forwarded thinking, fiscally confident in budgets, and supportive of staff and loves Matthews.
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?
No, no guarantees any money will cycle back to Matthews, so the immediate impact is a tax increase without any results.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
Experience as a commissioner, long standing engagement with community and have improved the quality of life in Matthews exponentially over the last decade.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
Sportsplex- great place for families, that was originally slated to be a landfill.
