CharMeckVotes.org

James P. (Jim) Taylor – Candidate, Mayor of Matthews

Website: www.MayorJimTaylor.com

E-mail: Jim@MayorJimTaylor.com

Phone Number:: 704-845-1864

Twitter name or URL:: http://twitter.com/jamesptaylor

Current Occupation:: Vice President – Finance @ Wachovia

Education–Highest Degree:: BA – University of South Florida

What office are you running for?: Mayor

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography:: Jim Taylor – Current Matthews Mayor Pro-Tem
Age 45
Employer: Wachovia Bank. Vice President – Finance
Live in Matthews for 20 years
Graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Grew up in Miami, Florida
Married for 19 years to Joselyn Taylor
Two children in CMS schools
Spare time – spending time with family and fixing things around the house.

15 Years of dedicated service and experience to the Town of Matthews
10 years on Town Council
Current Mayor Pro-Tem
Co Chair Matthews Historical Task Force
Board of Directors Matthews Fire Department
Past Board of Director Matthews HELP Center
Matthews Alternate Representative on MUMPO
Working with Transit Authority and CATS
Advocate for Matthews’ students at CMS

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three):: Family
Church
Matthews Community

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years:: Public Safety – Expansion and upgrade of Matthews Fire Department while Maintaining a low tax rate for Matthews and having fiscal responsibility and sound financial basis for decisions made with taxpayer funds. Public Safety is priority

Schools – I have supported neighborhood schools for many years. Schools in Matthews are some of the best in the entire county because of the involvement of the parents, students and residence of the town. I have a great working relationship with Dr. Pete Gorman. My efforts will remain centered around achieving and maintaining high standards in our schools. With two children in the CMS system, I have a vested interest in keeping the level of education superior for the families of Matthews.

Historic Preservation – As co-chair of the Historical Task Force I am involved in establishing a long range historical preservation advisory committee to set the foundation for preservation efforts. Preservation of our history will enhance the future as we blend heritage with responsible progressive development. Our past, present and future plans will coexist in Matthews to preserve our legacy for future generations

Why are you running for the office of your choice?: I was encouraged and asked to run in order to continue the progressive leadership of Town Government. I love being involved in Matthews and want to continue to contribute to my community. Matthews is a wonderful place to live, work, play and raise our families. I have served as a Commissioner of Matthews for 10 years, the last two as Mayor Pro-Tem. I have learned a lot in my 5 terms in office and know I am ready to lead Matthews going forward. I want to continue working for the citizens of our community and maintain the strong and vibrant community we all love. Together we need to protect what we have worked so hard to achieve while always striving to improve as we move forward. I want to continue to bring positive progressive leadership as Mayor of the Town of Matthews. These are exceptionally challenging times for each and every one of us. Now, more than ever requires Experienced, Knowledgeable Leadership and Strong Partnerships for our community. I believe in honesty and accountability. I do not dodge or sidestep any issue, especially those tough or difficult issues which are crucial to ensure that Matthews will continue to be known as the best of the best. I am the best candidate to become the next Mayor of Matthews.

What makes you the most qualified candidate?: In my 15 years of Public Service to Matthews, I have clearly demonstrated my ability to relate to a wide variety of people and understand diverse issues.
I am always eager to investigate and evaluate all positions prior to making a decision. Matthews deserves no less.
I have:
15 Years of dedicated service and experience to the Town of Matthews
10 years on Town Council
Current Mayor Pro-Tem
Co Chair Matthews Historical Task Force
Board of Directors Matthews Fire Department
Past Board of Director Matthews HELP Center
Matthews Alternate Representative on MUMPO
Working with Transit Authority and CATS
Advocate for Matthews’ students at CMS

My unique qualifications include the fact that I have the ability to work together and bring people together.

I am endorsed by 100% of the candidates running for the office of Matthews Commissioner as their choice for Mayor. These are the people whom I would be working with and they know what is involved in being Mayor.

I have 100% of Candidates for Town Council Endorsing me for the position of Mayor and current Mayor, Lee Myers, Enthusiastically Endorses me for Mayor. These are the people that know what is needed to be the Mayor of our Town and the people I would be working with when elected.

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?: Transportation and roads are the biggest regional issues we will face together. We need to try to get Union COunty included in the discussions as well because they are the fastest growing segment in the area and their growth is impacting all of us in some way.

Do you believe there could be better collaboration among the municipalities in Mecklenburg County? If so, what would you suggest to improve it?: Yes…. More communication. This is where Experience comes in and I have the expierience needed to keep Matthews as a leader within the region.

How can residents get involved in your campaign? Please include campaign manager or volunteer coordinator’s contact information.: Campaign Manager – Alesa Klein – 704-576-4011

alesaklein@windstream.net