A RECORD OF RESULTS
Matthew is viewed as a level-headed, objective leader with a focus on consensus building and synthesizing all ideas and views of those involved. Any City Council action in Carrollton is always a collaborative effort among the elected leaders and our professional staff. Having said that, Matthew has distinguished himself as a common sense problem solver during his nearly 9 years on the City Council.
Redevelopment in Carrollton: Matthew believes that in order to move forward, Carrollton must aggressively pursue the redevelopment of its numerous aging and dilapidated shopping centers. In 2007, Matthew conceived of a program to stimulate this redevelopment and the voters of Carrollton overwhelmingly approved bond funds to support this program. Matthew has led the implementation of this program through his Chairmanship of the Council Redevelopment Subcommittee, resulting in several successful redevelopment programs including the Furneaux Creek Shopping Center (now known as the Shops at Old Denton and featuring H Mart and several new restaurants), the southwest corner of Trinity Mills/Josey and the northwest corner of Keller Springs/Marsh. Redevelopment projects are pending for the southeast corner of Beltline/Josey and the southeast corner of Trinity Mills Marsh.
Towing of Uninsured Motorists: In 2007 Matthew proposed that the City of Carrollton be among the first cities in Texas to pass an ordinance requiring that motorists pulled over in Carrollton without vehicle liability insurance are immediately towed. Matthew believes driving in Carrollton is a privilege, and law abiding citizens should not be subjected to the nightmare that is a wreck with an uninsured motorist. This ordinance was passed by the City Council and is now protecting Carrollton drivers.
Maintenance of the Property Tax Rate: Matthew has been involved in 8 city budgets and has never voted for an increase in the property tax rate. Matthew believes City government should live within its means just like Carrollton families and that any tax rate increase should be an absolute last resort.
Sex Offender Residency Ordinance: In 2006 Matthew became disgusted with the presence of multiple sex offenders living across the street from the elementary school he attended and decided to do something about it. The result was a groundbreaking ordinance (the first of its kind in Texas) that was drafted by Matthew and passed by the City Council in the spring of 2006. The ordinance prevents registered sex offenders from living within 1000 feet of schools or parks in Carrollton. Matthew is committed to staying on the cutting edge of protecting families and children in Carrollton.
Grain Tower: Matthew grew up on Crosby Road in the shadow of the iconic Blanton grain tower in Downtown Carrollton (at I-35/Beltline). In 2006 Matthew had a vision of changing Carrollton's most recognizable landmark from an eyesore into an asset. He single-handedly oversaw the negotiation, implementation, and approval of repainting from the Texas Department of Transportation. The result has been a boon for the area and has sent a strong message to the millions of passersby on I-35 that Carrollton is moving forward into a new era of development and growth.
Festival at the Switchyard: In 2007 Matthew proposed a new citywide event to build upon the tradition of the Carrollton Country Fair and provide a first-class event for our citizens and to market our City to the rest of the Metroplex. Over three years, he worked closely with staff and the Council Festival Subcommittee to bring the event to fruition in the fall of 2010. The result was a unique and great event that will build tradition and community spirit for years to come.
Carrollton Update Email Newsletter: In order to enhance the City’s community spirit and get the word out about restaurants, stores and happenings in the City, Matthew started the Carrollton Update email newsletter in the fall of 2010. Please email Matthew at mhmarchant@hotmail.com to be put on the mailing list for this valuable community service.
Banning of K2 (Synthetic Drugs): In 2010 Matthew proposed that the City be among the first to ban the substance known as “K2” from being sold in Carrollton. The Council passed this ordinance and now this marijuana substitute is no longer legally sold in our City.
287(g) Program: In the winter of 2007 Matthew proposed that the City join the Federal 287(g) program which allows for Carrollton Police to cross-check all prisoners (including illegal immigrants) against Federal databases to ensure that ALL criminals are being detained for all outstanding crimes. His leadership resulted in the Council’s approval of the implementation of the program.
Open Work Sessions: In 2003 Matthew proposed that the cramped council work sessions be televised to allow more citizen access to the nuts and bolts of City government. In 2009 this project was finally implemented, and was done in conjunction with a large expansion of the work session room. The result is much more open access to your City government.
