Kerry Lamson – Matthews Town Commissioner
LPMeck Alignment |
Summary of Responses |
|---|---|
| 75% 🟡 | Supports simpler zoning, opposes transit tax hikes due to Matthews’ exclusion, and advocates for fiscal accountability, and private-sector efficiency. As an unaffiliated candidate, she emphasizes property rights and low taxes. |
Full Answers Provided by the Candidate:
1. Should zoning laws be more or less restrictive?
Zoning in Matthews should be simpler, more flexible, and focused on protecting neighborhoods without overregulating property owners. Instead of restrictive covenants that limit opportunity, I support using tax incentive overlays to encourage the redevelopment we want—like mixed-use projects along key corridors—while leaving property owners more choice. At the same time, new development should carry its fair share of infrastructure improvements, so growth doesn’t burden existing taxpayers. The goal is balance: freedom and flexibility for owners, paired with accountability for growth impacts.
2. Do you support or oppose the proposed transit sales tax hike?
I oppose the proposed transit sales tax because Matthews has been excluded from the current Light Rail plan and our residents would pay without receiving a fair share. Too often, regional funding prioritizes Charlotte, leaving Matthews behind. That said, if the tax passes, I will work aggressively to get Matthews added back onto the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s long-term plan—pushing for inclusion in the Silver Line East extension and ensuring Matthews receives road and safety improvements funded by the tax.
3. Which areas of the budget would you cut if elected?
Our biggest pressures are rising personnel costs, debt, and aging facilities. I would not cut core services like public safety, but I support reducing overhead through shared services with nearby towns, cutting waste in contracts, and using energy savings performance agreements to lower operating costs. This year’s budget shows the Town spending over $1 Million on utilities. Historically the Town has funded the majority of its spending with property tax revenues but that can’t continue without placing an undue burden on residents. Every dollar must be justified. I also believe in maximizing state/federal grants before asking residents to pay more locally.
4. Should the government step back in areas better handled by the private sector?
Yes. The Town should focus on essential services like safety, infrastructure, and core maintenance. In other areas—such as housing programs, recreation, or certain services—the private sector, nonprofits, and faith-based groups often deliver more efficiently. I believe the Town’s role is to create conditions where private investment and community organizations can thrive, not to replace them.
5. What is your most Libertarian stance, and why should Libertarians support you?
My most Libertarian stance is fiscal accountability. Government should live within its means, keep taxes low, and respect individual choice. I oppose wasteful spending and new taxes without clear, direct benefit to residents. I believe property rights matter, zoning should protect rather than overreach, and government should step back when private solutions exist. I welcome Libertarian voters support as the only unaffiliated candidate with real experience—five years on the Town’s Planning Board, work on affordable housing initiatives, and service on the Light Rail Task Force—bringing practical knowledge and independent judgment to Matthews leadership.