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Kerry Lamson earned a bachelor's degree in finance and economics from Penn State University. He has lived in Matthews for 15 years with his wife Jeannie. He is a founding member of the Matthews Housing Alliance. 

Kerry Lamson, Matthews Board of Commissioners candidate, answers our questions

Kerry's run for Matthews Town Commissioner is his entry into elected politics. He served in appointed roles as vice chair of the Matthews Planning Board and chair of the Affordable Housing Committee. 

Kerry is a retired business executive. He held a variety of executive roles at different companies, including CEO of eBiz Perspectives and Open Network for Commerce Exchange. 

Supports performance-based grants that return a portion of new tax revenue to businesses creating jobs and investing in Matthews.

Supports expanding facade improvement grants to areas beyond downtown, like Monroe Road or Hwy 51, to incentivize private investment in underdeveloped retail strips.

Supports using tourism grants to fund events and marketing that boost downtown foot traffic, and believes these grants could be paired with small business incentives to activate storefronts and adjacent areas.

Supports fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term cost reduction through a 10-year capital improvement plan, aggressive grant-seeking, and energy savings performance contracts.

- Supports performance-based grants that return a portion of new tax revenue to businesses creating jobs and investing in Matthews.
- Supports expanding facade improvement grants to areas beyond downtown, like Monroe Road or Hwy 51, to incentivize private investment in underdeveloped retail strips.
- Supports using tourism grants to fund events and marketing that boost downtown foot traffic, and believes these grants could be paired with small business incentives to activate storefronts and adjacent areas.
- Supports fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term cost reduction through a 10-year capital improvement plan, aggressive grant-seeking, and energy savings performance contracts.

Economy

Believes choosing the right town manager is vital to Matthews’ future, saying "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."

- Believes choosing the right town manager is vital to Matthews’ future, saying "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."

Public Services

Supports housing that balances "affordability, design and neighborhood fit."

Supports "smart, sustainable development" that aligns with timely improvements for roads, parks, and transit.

Supports creating workforce and senior housing, mixed-income options, and projects that offer "real affordability."

- Supports housing that balances "affordability, design and neighborhood fit."
- Supports "smart, sustainable development" that aligns with timely improvements for roads, parks, and transit.
- Supports creating workforce and senior housing, mixed-income options, and projects that offer "real affordability."

Housing & Urban Development

Believes in investing in local public safety personnel and addressing issues like housing, workload, recruitment, wellness, and community connection to maintain Matthews as a desirable place for public safety professionals to serve.

- Believes in investing in local public safety personnel and addressing issues like housing, workload, recruitment, wellness, and community connection to maintain Matthews as a desirable place for public safety professionals to serve.

Public Safety

Supports mandating Traffic Impact Analyses (TIAs) for all projects affecting roads.

Plans to request crosswalks, signal adjustments, and speed studies on state roads with high crash rates.

- Supports mandating Traffic Impact Analyses (TIAs) for all projects affecting roads.
- Plans to request crosswalks, signal adjustments, and speed studies on state roads with high crash rates.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As of September 4, 2025, Kerry Lamson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

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Kerry Lamson

- Supports performance-based grants that return a portion of new tax revenue to businesses creating jobs and investing in Matthews.
- Supports expanding facade improvement grants to areas beyond downtown, like Monroe Road or Hwy 51, to incentivize private investment in underdeveloped retail strips.
- Supports using tourism grants to fund events and marketing that boost downtown foot traffic, and believes these grants could be paired with small business incentives to activate storefronts and adjacent areas.

Kerry is a technology and finance executive. He has worked at major companies like PeopleSoft and Oracle, helped build a successful small business from the ground up, and led a nonprofit global organization.

Kerry Lamson's campaign for Matthews Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

Supports publishing a clear 10-year capital improvement plan, aggressively expanding grant-seeking, and implementing energy savings performance contracts to modernize facilities and reduce long-term costs.

Supports partnering with nonprofits, incentivizing developers to include affordable units, and redeveloping aging commercial centers into mixed-use housing that serves seniors, families, and workers.

Supports updating the Unified Development Ordinance to implement the new Crestdale Neighborhood Plan, which aims to guide housing and development goals for the historic community of Matthews by making zoning recommendations mandatory, allowing increased density, and revising land-use regulations to facilitate affordable development.

Supports a Town-sponsored Essential Worker Homebuyer Assistance Program to offer down payment support or favorable loan terms to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, nurses, and teachers.

Supports hiring more civilian staff, using community service officers for non-urgent calls, and offering flexible scheduling to reduce burnout in law enforcement.

Supports partnering with local schools and colleges to develop cadet programs, recruiting from underrepresented communities, and introducing referral bonuses to attract and retain police officers.

Supports providing confidential mental health resources, subsidized gym memberships, and encouraging vacation time for police officers.

Supports state and federal grants to fund new hires, equipment, or retention programs for law enforcement.

Supports investing in affordable housing, improving transit options, protecting tenants, and ensuring infrastructure supports all neighborhoods.

Advocates for expanded school capacity, safe neighborhoods, better parks, and improved roads for working parents.

Linkedin

Kerry Lamson earned a bachelor's degree in finance and economics from Penn State University. 

Zachary Odom

Walter Ley

Brian Hacker moved to North Carolina from California in 2010 and he made the move to Matthews in 2012. He lives there with his wife, Merrill, and they have three adult daughters. 

Brian is a high school English teacher. He previously worked in communications for a healthcare system and a school district.

Hacker to run for Matthews commissioner in 2025 | Mmhweekly ...

Brian's campaign for Matthews Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics. 

As of September 4, 2025, Brian Hacker’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in ensuring diverse representation in town planning and projects.

- Believes in ensuring diverse representation in town planning and projects.

Believes Matthews should ensure growth is steady and manageable.

- Believes Matthews should ensure growth is steady and manageable.

Instagram

Brian Hacker

Brian moved to North Carolina from California in 2010 and he made the move to Matthews in 2012. He is married to Merrill who introduced him to the wonderful Town of Matthews! They have three daughters who are busy with their own lives. Since their daughters are out of the home either married or at school, they have Pluma, a Guatemalan street dog (adopted from Guatemala), and one black cat named Screamer to keep them company.

Brian Hacker's campaign for Matthews Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics. 

As of September 4, 2025, Brian Hacker did not have a website or any information online.

George Young is originally from California. He attended Santa Barbara City College. He has two adult children. 

George is retired after working in corporate accounting. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. 

Election 2025: Matthews & Mint Hill to welcome new faces ...

George has previously served on the Matthews Board and the Matthews Tree and Appearance Committee. 

Promises to "look after your hard earned taxes."

- Promises to "look after your hard earned taxes."

As of September 4, 2025, George Young’s website did not contain information on this issue.

George Young

George Young is from California. He attended Santa Barbara City College. He lives with his two college-aged sons in Matthews.

George Young is a retired financial analyst and corporate accountant. He spent 22 years working in corporate accounting and 8 years as a financial analyst. 

George previously served as a Matthews Commissioner.

As of September 4, 2025, George Young did not have a website or any information online.

George Young's campaign for Matthews Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

George Young previously ran for Matthews Town Commissioner in 2023 but did not win.  

George's campaign for Matthews Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

Board of Commissioners - Matthews NC

Gina Hoover is a lifelong Matthews resident. She lives there with her husband of 39 years. 

Gina is a part-owner of a snack food distribution business.  

Gina is a member of the Matthews Board of Commissioners and is the Mayor Pro Tem. She is in her second term. 

Advocates for stricter spending controls, including cutting staff purchasing cards and establishing event budgets.

- Advocates for stricter spending controls, including cutting staff purchasing cards and establishing event budgets.
- Opposes the one-cent sales tax.

Wants to "bring 'entertainment' back to the Entertainment District."

Wants to "bring 'entertainment' back to the Entertainment District, which she views as too focused on apartments. 

Supports establishing a Financial Committee composed of Matthews citizens with strong financial backgrounds.

Supports releasing closed session minutes on the town's website once confidentiality is no longer justified.

- Wants to "bring 'entertainment' back to the Entertainment District, which she views as too focused on apartments. 
- Supports establishing a Financial Committee composed of Matthews citizens with strong financial backgrounds.
- Supports releasing closed session minutes on the town's website once confidentiality is no longer justified.

Supports "smart growth" that respects infrastructure, protects neighborhoods, and preserves local character, and believes in planning that serves families rather than just developers' interests.

- Supports "smart growth" that respects infrastructure, protects neighborhoods, and preserves local character, and believes in planning that serves families rather than just developers' interests.

Supports restructuring budget raises to prioritize first responders.

- Supports restructuring budget raises to prioritize first responders.

Believes in "smart planning" to balance economic growth with infrastructure capacity, saying, "The constant approval of high-density projects is creating our own problems; traffic has increased dramatically, and our infrastructure is struggling to handle the influx of new vehicles."

Opposes the Silver Line coming into downtown Matthews, believing it would "destroy the character and charm of Matthews."

- Believes in "smart planning" to balance economic growth with infrastructure capacity, saying, "The constant approval of high-density projects is creating our own problems; traffic has increased dramatically, and our infrastructure is struggling to handle the influx of new vehicles."
- Opposes the Silver Line coming into downtown Matthews, believing it would "destroy the character and charm of Matthews."

As of September 4, 2025, Gina Hoover’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Gina Hoover

Gina Hoover is from Matthews, North Carolina. She attended Butler High School and earned a bachelor of arts in history from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She lives with her husband, Ken, in Matthews.

Gina Hoover and her husband, Ken, run a small business.

Gina is currently a commissioner on the Matthews Board of Commissioners. She was first elected in 2021 and is currently serving her second term. She previously served as Mayor Pro Tem for two years.

As of September 4, 2025, Gina Hoover did not have a website or any information online.

As mayor, plans to study the impact of the sales tax increase for transit before making a decision.

Jennefer C. Garrity

Jennefer Cross Garrity earned a bachelor's in philosophy from Wellesley College and a law degree from Wake Forest University. She has lived in Matthews for over 20 years and raised her children in the town. She is the former president of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce.  

Jennefer is attorney who co-founded the wills and estate firm Garrity & Gossage. She previously worked as a civil litigator in North Carolina and Vermont. 

Jennefer Cross Garrity (Matthews Town Council, North Carolina ...

Jennefer's campaign for Matthews Town Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Supports creating a business-friendly environment by securing adequate downtown parking and light rail, carefully analyzing tax rates, and prudently evaluating zoning and development.

Supports "balanced budgets, long-term financial planning, and accountability at every level" to build a stronger future.

- Supports creating a business-friendly environment by securing adequate downtown parking and light rail, carefully analyzing tax rates, and prudently evaluating zoning and development.
- Supports "balanced budgets, long-term financial planning, and accountability at every level" to build a stronger future.

Supports initiatives that help veterans with healthcare, job placement, and housing.

Supports preserving historic buildings and neighborhoods to honor local heritage.

- Supports initiatives that help veterans with healthcare, job placement, and housing.
- Supports preserving historic buildings and neighborhoods to honor local heritage.

As of September 4, 2025, Jennefer Cross Garrity’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports increased funding for the Police Department and Fire & EMS Department.

- Supports increased funding for the Police Department and Fire & EMS Department.

Supports expanding light rail services to reduce traffic congestion, connect communities, and support economic development.

- Supports expanding light rail services to reduce traffic congestion, connect communities, and support economic development.

Jennefer Cross Garrity

As of September 4, 2025, Jennefer Cross Garrity did not have a website or any information online.

Jim Dedmon was born in Canton, Ohio and has lived in the Charlotte area since 1974. He earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science from The University of North Carolina Charlotte. 

Jim has worked as a captain and battalion chief for the Charlotte Fire Department. He has also worked as an EMT. 

Jim's campaign for Matthews Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

As of September 4, 2025, Jim Dedmon’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Promises to end the practice of withholding information from the public.

Promises to properly inform the citizens of all decisions made by the Board of Commissioners. 

- Promises to properly inform the citizens of all decisions made by the Board of Commissioners. 

Believes Matthews should prioritize affordable housing for long-term residents over new housing options for outsiders.

Opposes high-density developments like the Sante project in areas with overwhelmed infrastructure, believing the current board lacks genuine empathy for residents' concerns.

Opposes high-density developments like the Sante project in areas with overwhelmed infrastructure. 

- Believes Matthews should prioritize affordable housing for long-term residents over new housing options for outsiders.
- Opposes high-density developments like the Sante project in areas with overwhelmed infrastructure. 

Wants to work with neighboring mayors and the NCDOT to find solutions for traffic congestion.

- Wants to work with neighboring mayors and the NCDOT to find solutions for traffic congestion.

Jim Dedmon

Jim Dedmon is from Canton, Ohio. He attended Charlotte Catholic High School and earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He lives in Matthews, North Carolina.

As of September 4, 2025, Jim Dedmon did not have a website or any information online.

Jim is an IT product manager. He previously served five years of active duty in the U.S. Army as an armor officer, with postings at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. After relocating to Orlando in 1984, he transferred to the Army Reserves and reached the rank of major.

John Tonello earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. He has been married to his wife, Gina, for nearly 14 years and has two stepchildren. He lives in Matthews, North Carolina.

John currently works as a technology tutor at Matthews Library. 

Candidates enter 2025 election season backed by supporters ...

John previously served as mayor of Elmira, New York, for six years. He currently serves on the Matthews Planning Board and on the town's Economic Development Advisory Committee.

As of September 4, 2025, John Tonello’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in openness and understanding local issues, drawing from diverse work experience in journalism, government, and technology.

- Believes in openness and understanding local issues, drawing from diverse work experience in journalism, government, and technology.

John Tonello

As of September 4, 2025, John Tonello did not have a website or any information online.

James Auchincloss

As mayor, worked with state and local officials to secure grants for urban development, including $4 million for downtown revitalization, $500,000 for fa?ade improvements, and $1.25 million for a train viaduct promenade.

John Urban | Urban Architectural Group PA

John Urban has a bachelor of arts in architecture, a bachelor of architecture, and a master of architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He and his wife, Terry, have four daughters and three grandchildren. They attend Moments of Hope Church. 

John Urban - Ballotpedia

John is Principal of Urban Architectural Group, where he has worked for over 30 years. 

John is currently a member of the Matthews Town Council. He was first elected as a commissioner in 2009 and is serving his seventh term.

As a city council member, promoted local businesses in previously vacant buildings.

As a city commissioner, promoted local businesses in previously vacant buildings.

As a county commissioner, helped develop a 200-acre campus in the City of Green that will host the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which Urban says "will bring clean manufacturing, innovative technology, and high paying jobs."

As a city commissioner, helped develop a 200-acre campus in the City of Green that will host the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which Urban says "will bring clean manufacturing, innovative technology, and high paying jobs."

- As a city commissioner, promoted local businesses in previously vacant buildings.
- As a city commissioner, helped develop a 200-acre campus in the City of Green that will host the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which Urban says "will bring clean manufacturing, innovative technology, and high paying jobs."

Supports expanding and improving the park system, including adding 54 acres of parks and voting for improvements to Matthews Veterans Park.

Supports the partnership between Matthews, Discovery Place, and CMS to build a science museum using tourism-related funds instead of property taxes.

As a city council member, created a policy to preserve old-growth trees and greenspace.

As a city commissioner, created a policy to preserve old-growth trees and greenspace.

- Supports expanding and improving the park system, including adding 54 acres of parks and voting for improvements to Matthews Veterans Park.
- Supports the partnership between Matthews, Discovery Place, and CMS to build a science museum using tourism-related funds instead of property taxes.
- As a city commissioner, created a policy to preserve old-growth trees and greenspace.

Supports affordable housing and has coordinated with Habitat for Humanity.

- Supports affordable housing and has coordinated with Habitat for Humanity.

Supports increasing pay benefits for police, fire, and public works to maintain a strong workforce and reduce staff turnover.

As a town council member, supported the construction of Fire Station #3, which will improve response times and the town's ISO rating for insurance.

As a city commissioner, supported the construction of Fire Station #3, which will improve response times and the town's ISO rating for insurance.

- Supports increasing pay benefits for police, fire, and public works to maintain a strong workforce and reduce staff turnover.
- As a city commissioner, supported the construction of Fire Station #3, which will improve response times and the town's ISO rating for insurance.

As of September 4, 2025, John Urban’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As a town commissioner, secured a replacement elementary school and partnered with Discovery Place and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to build a science museum funded by tourism-related funds instead of property taxes.

As a city commissioner, helped secure a replacement elementary school. 

- As a city commissioner, helped secure a replacement elementary school. 

John Urban

John Urban has a bachelor of arts in architecture, a bachelor of architecture, and a master of architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He and his wife, Terry, have four daughters and three grandchildren. They attend Moments of Hope Church with Pastor David Chadwick.

John is Principal of Urban Architectural Group, where he has worked for over 30 years. He also serves as a Matthews Town Commissioner.

John is currently a member of the Matthews Town Council. He was first elected as a commissioner in 2009 and is currently serving his 12th year in office.

Supports increasing pay benefits for police, fire, and public works employees to maintain a strong workforce and reduce staff turnover.

As a citycommissioner, supported citizen-approved bonds to expand the park system and added 54 acres of parks.

Jonathan Clayton has lived his entire life in the Matthews and east Charlotte areas. He earned his degree at UNC-Charlotte, where he met his wife Sara. They live in Matthews with their two children. 

Jonathan is a GIS Administrator at Comporium Communications, where he has worked for 14 years. 

Jonathan Clayton (Matthews Town Council, North Carolina ...

11/07/2023 official municipal election results - mecklenburg

Jonathan previously ran for Matthews Board of Commissioners in 2023 but did not win. 

Supports fiscal responsibility and believes in being prudent with taxpayer funds.

- Supports fiscal responsibility and believes in being prudent with taxpayer funds.

Supports increased transparency through regular communication with residents about town decisions and initiatives.

- Supports increased transparency through regular communication with residents about town decisions and initiatives.

Believes in "careful, thoughtful planning and less high-density development" to ensure Matthews is built correctly.

- Believes in "careful, thoughtful planning and less high-density development" to ensure Matthews is built correctly.

Hopes to ensure that first responders (police, fire, EMS) are adequately funded, compensated, and equipped to keep the community safe.

- Hopes to ensure that first responders (police, fire, EMS) are adequately funded, compensated, and equipped to keep the community safe.

Wants to prioritize projects that enhance transportation options and reduce traffic congestion.

Said, "I firmly believe we cannot widen our way out of congested roads and must advocate for equitable solutions that literally and figuratively bridge our community."

- Wants to prioritize projects that enhance transportation options and reduce traffic congestion.
- Said, "I firmly believe we cannot widen our way out of congested roads and must advocate for equitable solutions that literally and figuratively bridge our community."

As of September 4, 2025, Jonathan Clayton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jonathan Clayton

A native Charlottean, Jonathan Clayton has lived his entire life in the Matthews and east Charlotte areas. At UNC-Charlotte, he met his wife, Sara, and after graduation, they married and settled in east Charlotte. Wanting to be closer to family and Jonathan’s work, while also finding a safer place to raise their children, Mackenzie and Ezra, they moved back to Matthews.

Jonathan is a GIS Administrator at Comporium Communications, where he has worked for 14 years. He began as a GIS Technician and has since advanced to his current role.

Jonathan's campaign for Matthews Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

As of September 4, 2025, Jonathan Clayton did not have a website or any information online.

Mark Tofano has lived in Matthews for 13 years. He is a father and a grandfather. 

Mark Tofano

- Town commissioners serve as the legislative body for the town government. 
- Town commissioners have the authority to decide the services offered to the town, pass the budget, decide the property tax, acquire property, and enter into agreements with other governments. 
- The town commissioners can create or abolish any offices, positions, departments, etc. to improve the organization of the town. 
- Town commissioners may make investigations into the town or any of its departments or agencies. 
- Most town commissioners in Georgia are elected in odd years to staggered 4 year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 

Legislative body for your town's government. 