Web site: www.MattforMayor.com

DOB: 4/2/61
Occupation: Residential home designer
Education: B.A., theology, St. John's University, Minn; Assn. of Washington Cities, certified municipal leader

Family/personal: Married for 20 years; Snoqualmie resident for six years; Washington state resident for 19 years; four children.
Fifteen members of my immediate and extended family do (or soon will) reside in Snoqualmie. I also spent five years directing a large junior and senior high youth program many years ago. Consequently, I am very aware of the amenities and resources required to support and protect your children and family. During the past 12 years, I have run a small business designing and drafting homes. This background has given me a unique perspective on city planning, possible private/public partnerships and the struggles of local, small business and non-profit organizations. I grew up in a large military family living throughout the U.S. and abroad. This experience taught me to cherish the things that last, value service to my community and not to fear change.

Political offices held: City Council, Position 1, 2001-present; unanimously selected as mayor pro-tem twice by fellow council members, January 2004-present; chairman of council's Public Works Committee, member of Community Relations Committee, 2002-2003; chair of Finance and Administration Committee and member of Planning and Parks Committee, 2004-present. During my term, I have served as Council liaison to the Northwest Train Museum board, Chamber of Commerce, Planning Commission, Community Center Planning Committee, Habitat for Humanity and Snoqualmie Valley Youth Hub.

Public service/volunteer experience: Planning Commission, summer 2000-December 2001 (selected by fellow commission members to serve as chairman); Parks Board, fall 1999-summer 2000.

What two issues concern you most in the race? Fiscal reponsibility. This must be the overriding priority of any mayor and council if stable and sustainable city services are to be achieved. When the build-out of Snoqualmie Ridge is complete in five years, the city will start losing nearly 30 percent of its current, re-occurring operational revenue. This could seriously undermine the qualities that make Snoqualmie an exceptional place to live. I have the experience, knowledge and confidence of the council to continue efforts to correct this structural problem in our budget. The public's health, safety and welfare. I bring a balanced and comprehensive approach to public safety and overall city services. This includes: well-maintained streets, sidewalks and parks, properly inspected homes, safe water and sewer systems, flood mitigation, excellent fire and police protection and healthy recreational facilities and opportunities. We must regularly assess service levels to assure that expenditures in one area are not compromising other areas of the public’s health, safety and welfare. I will always seek to deliver the highest levels of service with the limited resources available.