Endorsements- Urban a Leader for Matthews
Margaret Draganac, Colonel, USAF Retired
I am writing to express my strong support for your re-election to the Board of Commissioners, Matthews, NC
You have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the Town of Matthews and her citizens. As a Veteran with 25 years of service in the United States Air Force, I understand that you respect and support Veterans in both your position on the Board of Commissioners and your personal business life.
I know that you are a honorable and trusted Commissioner and you weigh the issues that come before the Board without taking specific sides, but weigh the information presented and consider all the facts of an issue.
You are a problem solver with the main objective of helping the Town of Matthews and her citizens.
Being nonpartisan, gives you a better perspective for helping the citizens and their families. I understand that the Board of Commissioners are supposed to be nonpartisan, but I have also seen that not to be true with some Commissioners. I feel sad to see that happen with some members of the Board. Veterans are the backbone of our town and country and I appreciate your support.
Becky Hayes-Williard President-Matthews Historical Foundation
I have had the privilege to serve with John for over 15 years on the Matthews Historical Foundation Board. He is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of our historical properties. He also works tirelessly to ensure that proposed new projects are a good fit for planned new growth in the community. Besides all of that, John is one of the kindest people I know and he cares deeply about Matthews. Vote to Re-Elect John Urban to preserve the historical integrity of Matthews and help our community.
Paula H. Lester & Lawrence J. Lester
John Urban's 14 years of experience as a Matthews Town Commissioner is extremely valuable to its citizens, businesses, schools, and churches today and in the future. For many years John Urban has contributed his knowledge, to make Matthews a great place to live, raise a family or have a business. As a local business owner, he's given unselfishly countless hours and expertise to ensure Matthews town projects meet or exceed expectations.
A town benefits from a commissioner's history, project participation and knowledge of the pros & cons that produced positive outcomes. Future success comes from a Council, comprised of individuals with these talents, and the ability to apply them to future opportunities. This ensures Matthews continues to be a community with a small-town feel and that's family and business friendly.
In a world of increasing complexities and A.I. generating possible outcomes- history and knowledge of past developments is extremely valuable. Familiarity of previous projects and policies and what made them successful is critical to evaluating future opportunities.
Internet blitzes and social media followers do not translate into how to avoid pitfalls in complex projects or knowledge on how to negotiate what's best for Matthews.
John Urban is not running to - "make political decisions" for Matthews.
John Urban is running to "MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS for Matthews.
On election day please- Vote John Urban for Matthews Town Council
Ken McCool, Commissoner Town of Matthews, NC
I am proud to wholeheartedly endorse Commissioner John Urban for another term on the Matthews Board of Commissioners.
When I first ran for office, I’ll admit I had my doubts about John. To be frank, I disagreed with much of what I thought were his positions, and yes, I wasn’t exactly thrilled when he edged me out of a seat by just 13 votes. (It all worked out in the end) But over the past five years of serving alongside him, I’ve learned that my initial impressions were wrong.
John has proven himself to be one of the most valuable leaders our town has. His deep knowledge of zoning and process is unmatched, and time after time, he has been the one asking the hard questions and protecting Matthews from poorly thought-out rezonings. He brings thoughtfulness, open-mindedness, and a steady commitment to doing what’s best for our community.
Beyond his work on the Board, John has devoted countless hours to civic and nonprofit organizations, showing his dedication to Matthews in every corner of town life. And on a personal note, I’m grateful that through this work I’ve not only come to respect John as a colleague, but also call him a friend.
This November, I encourage you to join me in supporting my friend and colleague, Commissioner John Urban. His experience, leadership, and commitment make him an essential voice for Matthews.
Tom A. Dorsey
I am glad to support Commissioner John Urban's candidacy for re-election. John's background and training are a reason for his success in identifying opportunities and challenges with land use and construction proposals that others would not recognize. He is a subject matter expert. We are all the better for his contributions. And those extend to include his ability to understand legal matters facing the Town, while advocating for ongoing strategic planning and prudent fiscal management. He fully understands the issues and is a true "Renaissance man"
Matthews benefits from his presence on our Board of Commissioners.
Marilyn Lord-James
Town Commissioners serve a vital role in our community and thanks to John Urban's dedication, years of hard work and professional guidance, Matthews is on the right course.
John Urban has proven to be very knowledgeable, approachable, and sincerely interested in arriving at the best solutions for Matthews. His well-reasoned positions always have an eye toward a long term sustainable future for Matthews' continued growth, which benefits us all.
We need John Urban re-elected to the Town Board, for the knowledge, experience and informed objectivity he brings to every issue.
Gene Willard, Retired Bank Executive, US Army, Retired
I passionately endorse re-electing John Urban for another term on the Board of Commissioners. He is a long term resident, business owner, active with non-profit organizations and selfless supporter of all things Matthews, including Veterans. He does not have a personal, business or political agenda and serves with high integrity.
John Urban is the most experienced and qualified Matthews Town Commissioner seeking re-election. He is dedicated to making Matthews the best it can be. His contributions over the years to improving the quality of life and support for the business and civic community is unparalleled by any other person seeking election in 2025.
He should be the Commissioner to receive a vote on your ballot. Alphabetically, he will be near the bottom of your ballot.
Charles "Chuck" W. Bennett & Anne W. Bennett
We have been residents of Matthews for over 40 years and have seen our Town grow in so many ways, both good and bad. As long-term residents, a Veteran, local business owner, past President of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce, and many years teaching your children at Matthews Elementary, we appreciate the sound, solid, and conservative guidance our Town has been given by the public service of John Urban. Currently our community has a serious choice to make between rampant growth, lack of understanding basics of financial management, and ever-increasing tax burdens from inexperienced candidates (including some incumbents) and the skilled dedication of John Urban. We support and recommend to you that you support John Urban's re=election for Matthews Town Council.
Diane Adams, Retired School Principal
It is an interesting situation that while national politics tend to dominate the news these
days, often it is the election that is held right here in our own back yard that significantly affects
our lives and the lives of our children day in and day out. It is sad to say that these local
elections usually have poor voter turnouts though each of our votes weigh so much heavier
than those cast in national elections. Our individual votes select the Town Council members we
depend upon to make the right decisions for Matthews, the place we call home.
With this thought in mind, I wholeheartedly endorse an eighth term, thoughtful, honest and
forward-thinking individual who has served our town well during these last 14 years – John
Urban. Why John Urban?
John doesn’t make snap judgements in his work as a Town Commissioner. He doesn’t consult
polls or popularity ratings before voting. He isn’t influenced by arguments that benefit others to
the detriment of what’s best for Matthews.
This is what he does instead. John does his homework. He looks at the facts in his deliberations.
He uses his skills as a talented architect to seek best solutions looking at both form and function because he knows that livable towns are towns that are people centric and great places to rear families. He listens to his constituents, travels and walks all over the community to see things
with his own eyes, and works collaboratively with his fellow Council members and town
employees to bring about positive change. Finally, John Urban believes in the value of planning
for the long term. He knows that the future will be here before we know it and that his
responsibility is not only to those who live here currently but also to our children and our
grandchildren who may also want to raise their families in Matthews one day.
In every election, our family has done what we think is our civic responsibility in voting for John Urban. Now, in this next election, we all have an opportunity to vote for him, perhaps for the first time or, like us, for the 8th time. He’s a good man with tested and proven leadership skills and he certainly has my vote on November 4.