CharMeckVotes.org

Jeff A. Miller – Matthews Town Council

Candiate Name: Jeff A. Miller

Phone Number:: 704-708-5030

Facebook Page or URL:: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&id=1200488307&story_fbid=1251430524796#/profile.php?id=1200488307&ref=name

Current Occupation:: Inventory Control Area Manager – Family Dollar Distribution Center in Matthews, NC

Education–Highest Degree:: A.O.S. Culinary Arts/Hotel Management

What office are you running for?: Town Council

Please share with us a short personal/professional biography::Jeff Miller has over 25 years experience in management, and has served on several boards including Chairman of the Matthews Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee for 2 years and the Matthews Strategic Economic Development Leadership Team. Matthews is a good place to do business, and is well-positioned to pursue economic growth. We’ve patiently and carefully managed our growth, and are now in a position to market a higher quality of life than some other surrounding communities.
Jeff grew up in a suburb on the North Shore of Chicago, named Wilmette. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked as an Executive Chef in large hotels & resorts around the country. Jeff was Executive Chef at the South Park Suites Hotel, rated Charlotte’s Best before it was sold. Jeff has now lived in Matthews for 10 years; working at the Family Dollar Distribution Center on Monroe Road for 9. He is currently the Area Manager in Inventory Control and is honored by the opportunity to serve the Town as Commissioner.

Most important organizations you belong to (up to three)::Matthews Town Council – Commissioner

Matthews Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors

Centralina Council of Governments – Board of Delegates

List up to three (3) of your most important political/civic accomplishments in the last five (5) years::Approval of the Four-Mile Creek Greenway – A linear Park System throughout the Town that will connect neighborhoods to each other, to Parks and Special Events, and provide an alternative to driving around Town.

Weddington Road Widened – Traffic has improved greatly on Trade Street since this improvement.

Old Public Works overhaul – removal of an eyesore- The 3 existing buildings and land presents a wonderful opportunity for creative efforts on a large open area of the Greenway. We will give it new life, and transform it into a beneficial neighbor, perhaps providing a shared arts facility with:

 Display Gardens
 Fountain/Water Feature
 Benches, Meditation Garden
 Arts on the Greenway – Local artists such as Matthews Artists Guild could have their work on display, and create more on-site.
 Musical performances, Acoustic, 2-3 piece.

Why are you running for the office of your choice?: To Serve the Citizens of this fine Town. To continue to shape and improve the community, known in the region as a great place to work, live, raise a family, and attend Cultural Events and Concerts. I spent 2 years on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board before running for Town Commissioner, of which I’ve just served my first term.

What makes you the most qualified candidate?: Many of the other candidates are qualified to serve. I apply myself with great dedication, and make decisions based on professional research and due diligence. You want a Commissioner who spends time making those decisions with Integrity, and has the courage to show strong Leadership. I’ve lived in different areas of the Country, and have seen issues dealt with differently in those areas, whether they be Traffic, Police, Road Repairs, Parks or Economic Development. I will work closely with Town Staff, and the rest of Town Council to do what is best for the Town of Matthews.

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?: Roads – Traffic continues to be a struggle, but we’re not alone in this. The addition of the I-485 interchange will help Union County traffic from having to cut thru Matthews, and as the Economy improves, a goal is to extend McKee Road to John Street/Monroe Road so that traffic can go around, rather than thru Matthews.

Gangs – A strong Police Force, and a Police presence in the Schools. We have three School Resource Officers, one each stationed at the high school & middle school – and one who serves all three elementary schools. We also have one DARE Officer that serves all three elementary schools. Matthews and Huntersville are the only ones in the county currently with the DARE program.

Recycling – As the Urban sprawl comes to Charlotte, it’s important that we plan out the future needs for solid waste disposal. In Matthews, we offer recycling to all residents, businesses, and recently implemented a Recycling program for Apartment Complexes. This is only the beginning of ‘going Green’.

Do you believe there could be better collaboration among the municipalities in Mecklenburg County? If so, what would you suggest to improve it?: As a member of the Board of Delegates for Centralina Council of Governments, I believe there is already a means for effective collaboration among the municipalities.

How can residents get involved in your campaign? Please include campaign manager or volunteer coordinator’s contact information.: Email me at jmiller@matthewsnc.com. I welcome any & all involvement, and I thank you for your time.

Regards,

Jeff A. Miller