Who is Gina Hoover, candidate for Matthews Board of Commissioners?

Name: Gina Hoover

Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 60

Campaign website or social media page: www.voteginahoover.com

Occupation: Business Owner

Education:

Graduate of Independence High School

Alumnus Central Piedmont Community College

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)

Yes, currently serving my first term as Commissioner Town of Matthews

Please list your highlights of civic involvement:

Before I was elected as commissioner I was an advocate for open and honest government. To inform and educate the citizens of issues within the town. I am still an advocate for open and honest government. As a commissioner, I have been engaged with the citizens on many different topics. I have a open door policy and have spent countless hours researching for constituents and current development. Also, I am the liaison of Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee (MVAC) and alternate for Matthews Planning Board, Levine Senior Center and the Arts and Science Council.

How should Matthews handle residential, commercial and industrial development? Should the town change any ordinances or rules to alter how development occurs? If so, what?

Each development is different in its own way. There is a place for everything but it must be carefully and strategically planned. The Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CIP) is one way residents can participate with their vision of future development. Ninety-four percent of consumers say owning a home is part of the American dream. I am currently pursuing a change in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for a Affordable Housing Policy which I presented on September 11, 2023 Board of Commissioners meeting. This policy would require developers to provide a percentage of detached single family homes for families that fall below the 80 percent area median income (AMI). Currently developers are agreeing to low apartment rent for 10 years which is being labeled as affordable housing. This is only a short-term solution; I believe home ownership is the long-term solution.

What’s the best feature of the town of Matthews and what’s the most important thing it needs to improve?

There are many wonderful features of Matthews. We have a vibrant historic downtown with a modern twist. A variety of restaurants and shops. Festivals throughout the year. Multiple parks including the Matthews Veterans Memorial Park in honor of our veterans. There are many art sculptures throughout Matthews on display. One of my favorite sculptures is the beautiful depiction of a horse located at Purser-Husley Park. Matthews is 17.2 square miles with a population density of 1,719.8 per square mile. Traffic has grown at a phenomenal rate and our infrastructure is incapable of handling the influx of new traffic.

With constant approval of high density development we are creating our own problems. The character of our small town is being destroyed by high density development and we are becoming nothing more than a extension of Charlotte. As a Matthews native this is not my vision for my home town. We must have smart planning to ensure the quality of life we all enjoy. We are losing that small town feel. I am proud to say I have not supported one high-density development.

An internal investigation found that Matthews Police misrepresented how successful they were at clearing crimes. What can you do, if anything, as a member of the town board to ensure police are accurately reporting internally and to the public what crime looks like in Matthews?

This being brought to light and investigated shows that the system in place worked. This situation has been rectified.

What sets you apart from other candidates on the ballot and makes you the best choice?

The role of an elected official is to represent the people who elected them. I understand the decisions I make will affect the community I serve; therefore, it is not taken for granted. As a public servant it is my job to represent all citizens of Matthews. I am not a political insider and I will work for you, not for some special interest group. I will not be influenced; I will not financially profit from the decisions made while serving on the council.The first ten amendments of the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. It spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. A guarantee to civil rights and liberties to individuals. I will always uphold my oath to protect the US Constitution and Freedom of Speech.