Kress Query – Matthews Town Council
Candidate Name: Kress Query
E-mail: kress@abtmetals.com
Phone Number:: 704-572-1934
Current Occupation:: President, ABT Metals LLC
Education–Highest Degree:: Associate Mechanical Technology
What office are you running for?: Town Council
Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:: I have served as your commissioner since 1993. Prior to that I was Mayor from 1969 to 1974. My service to Matthews includes: President of the Matthews Fire Department; charter member and past president of the Matthews Historical Society (I acquired the gift of the Nancy Reid House, at no cost to the Town); past president of Matthews United Methodist Kindergarten (15 years); served on the Board of Directors of the Happy Times Club and was instrumental in acquiring the property for the Levine Senior Center.
Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):: Matthews Volunteer Fire Department, President
Matthews Town Council
List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:: I was instrumental in:
Saving the Community Center (Old Matthews School)
Converting the volunteer fire department into a Town/Volunteer Fire Department
Saving the old agriculture building in Matthews
Why are you running for the office of your choice?: To continue serving the citizens of Matthews. It is important we keep services, safety and low taxes while maintaining our small town atmosphere.
What makes you the most qualified candidate?: Because I have lived in and cared about Matthews all my life. I served as Mayor for 5 years during the time period that prepared the Town for orderly growth and have served on the Town Council since 1993 during our growth period.
What regional issue do you believe most affects your municipality (such as crime, roads, schools, etc.) and what role do you believe your municipality can play in improving it?: The construction of the Monroe Bypass and the transit between Charlotte and Matthews are most critical. Both will reduce the number of automobiles commuting through Matthews. We need to continue pressure on MUMPO (Mecklenburg Union metropolitan Planning Organization).
Do you believe there could be better collaboration among the municipalities in Mecklenburg County? If so, what would you suggest to improve it?: I think the small towns in Mecklenburg presently work well together, and I would welcome more discussion with Charlotte when there are issues that affect the small towns.
How can residents get involved in your campaign? Please include campaign manager or volunteer coordinator’s contact information.: Campaign manager: Martha Krauss 704-847-4637
Filed Under: Matthews
Tags: Matthews, nonpartisan
