Susan Chambers (Matthews Town Council, North Carolina, candidate 2025)

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Susan Chambers

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Candidate, Matthews Town Council

Elections and appointments
Last election

November 4, 2025

Education

High school

Hunter Huss High School

Personal
Birthplace
Gastonia, N.C.
Religion
United Methodist
Profession
Real estate agent
Contact

Susan Chambers ran for election to the Matthews Town Council in North Carolina. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]

Chambers completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

[1]

Biography

Susan Chambers provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 4, 2025:

  • Birth date: February 5, 1965
  • Birth place: Gastonia, North Carolina
  • High school: Hunter Huss High School
  • Gender: Female
  • Religion: United Methodist
  • Profession: Real Estate Agent
  • Incumbent officeholder: No
  • Campaign slogan: UNITY | Leadership | Future
  • Campaign website
  • Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

General election for Matthews Town Council (6 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for Matthews Town Council on November 4, 2025.

Candidate
Susan Chambers (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
Jonathan Clayton (Nonpartisan)
Jim Dedmon (Nonpartisan)
Jennefer Cross Garrity (Nonpartisan)
Brian Hacker (Nonpartisan)
Gina Hoover (Nonpartisan)
Kerry Lamson (Nonpartisan)
Mark Tofano (Nonpartisan)
John Urban (Nonpartisan)
Image of George Young
George Young (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Election results

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Chambers in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Susan Chambers completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Chambers' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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As a proud resident of Matthews for the past 25 years and a successful Realtor with over 23 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working closely with families and businesses throughout our community. I understand what makes Matthews special — a strong sense of connection, a deep-rooted small-town feel, and a shared commitment to quality of life. My passion for service and unity has led me to actively engage in leadership roles that impact our town in meaningful ways, including serving on the Matthews Planning Board, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and in leadership at Matthews United Methodist Church. These experiences have given me a front-row seat to the decisions shaping our community and a hands-on understanding of how to bring people together around a shared vision. Leadership, to me, means listening first, finding common ground, and acting with fairness and foresight. I believe in transparent, thoughtful governance that values every voice. Through years of community involvement, I’ve learned that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of tradition. I am committed to protecting the heart of Matthews while planning wisely for our future. That means managing growth responsibly, supporting our thriving small business community, and ensuring that development aligns with the needs and values of our residents.
  • Unity

    Bringing unity to the Town Board starts with listening, collaboration, and respect. I will work to bring people together across different viewpoints, focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. I believe in open communication, transparency, and building consensus so that every decision reflects the best interests of Matthews as a whole.

    I will approach every issue with thoughtfulness and a commitment to compromise, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. By fostering mutual respect and teamwork, I aim to create a board that works efficiently, harmoniously, and effectively for our community.
  • Attainable Housing Matthews is a wonderful place to live, but like many growing communities, we face challenges with attainable housing. I believe it’s important that people who work, raise families, and contribute to our town can find homes they can afford without compromising quality of life. I support strategies that encourage a mix of housing options, including “missing middle” homes and thoughtfully planned developments, while maintaining the character of our neighborhoods. As Town Commissioner, I will work to expand housing opportunities responsibly, ensuring that Matthews remains inclusive, vibrant, and accessible for residents at all stages of life.
  • Smart, Managed Growth Growth is inevitable—but how we grow is up to us. I’m committed to responsible development that enhances our neighborhoods without overwhelming them. That means: Prioritizing infrastructure improvements alongside new development Supporting local planning that preserves green space and character Ensuring housing remains accessible for families, seniors, and young professionals Preserving Our Small-Town Heart In Matthews , we know our neighbors. We wave at each other on Main Street. This isn’t just geography— it’s identity.
I am passionate about public policies that preserve the character and quality of life in Matthews while planning responsibly for the future. This includes thoughtful growth and development, ensuring our neighborhoods remain vibrant and well-planned; environmental stewardship, protecting our green spaces, parks, and natural resources; and infrastructure and transportation, so our roads, sidewalks, and public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone.
I am also committed to attainable housing and community inclusivity, making sure Matthews remains a town where people at all stages of life can live, work, and thrive. My passion is rooted in listening to residents, building consensus, and crafting policies that benefit the entire community.
Local Policy Authority – Commissioners make decisions on zoning, public safety, parks, infrastructure, and economic development, directly impacting daily life in Matthews.

Representation and Accountability – The office represents the interests of the community, ensuring that the town’s policies reflect the priorities and values of its residents.
Collaboration with State Law – While focused on local governance, the office must operate within the framework of North Carolina law, balancing state requirements with local needs.
Community Engagement – Commissioners act as accessible leaders who listen to citizens’ concerns, foster transparency, and encourage civic participation, strengthening trust in government.
Strategic Oversight – The office oversees town resources, budgets, and long-term planning, ensuring sustainable growth, fiscal responsibility, and preservation of Matthews’ character.
Bridging Local and State Interests – Commissioners serve as advocates for Matthews in regional and state discussions, helping the town navigate policies that have broader legal and economic implications.

In short, the office is vital because it shapes the quality of life locally while ensuring compliance with state law, making it both a cornerstone of the town’s governance and an integral part of the state’s broader legal and governmental system.
I looked up to my Mother until she passed away 4 years ago. She was a very strong and independent woman. I try my best to follow the example of Jesus Christ in all that I do.
The most important qualities for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a commitment to serving the public good. They should be transparent in their decisions, open to hearing diverse perspectives, and guided by fairness and ethical principles.
An effective leader also values collaboration, thoughtful problem-solving, and long-term vision, ensuring that policies and decisions benefit the community as a whole. Above all, an elected official should prioritize the needs of the people they represent over personal or political gain.
Representing the Community: Listen to and advocate for the needs, concerns, and interests of constituents.

Making Informed Decisions: Study issues, consider diverse perspectives, and make choices that serve the public good.
Creating and Implementing Policy: Develop, approve, and oversee laws, regulations, and programs that benefit the community.
Managing Public Resources: Ensure responsible budgeting, spending, and stewardship of public funds and property.
Upholding Ethics and Transparency: Act with integrity, honesty, and accountability, maintaining public trust.

Engaging and Communicating with Residents: Keep the public informed, accessible, and involved in decisions that affect them.
Well done good and faithful servant.
Working at a daycare center after school when I was in Junior High School. I worked there for several years.
Yes—while many people think of a Matthews Town Commissioner as primarily making decisions about zoning, budgets, and ordinances, the office actually holds several lesser-known but significant powers and responsibilities that are critical to the town’s well-being:

Influence on Appointments – Commissioners often play a key role in appointing members to town boards, committees, and advisory groups, shaping long-term policy and community priorities.
Oversight of Town Manager and Staff – While day-to-day operations are managed by the Town Manager, Commissioners provide oversight and guidance, holding leadership accountable and ensuring that the administration implements policies effectively.
Strategic Planning and Visioning – Commissioners help set the town’s long-term goals, from economic development to environmental sustainability, guiding Matthews’ growth in ways that may not be immediately visible to residents.
Emergency Powers and Public Safety Input – In coordination with local law enforcement and fire services, Commissioners can influence public safety policies and emergency preparedness plans, affecting residents’ safety in subtle but crucial ways.
Intergovernmental Advocacy – Commissioners can advocate for the town at the county and state levels, securing funding, influencing regional policies, and ensuring that Matthews’ interests are represented beyond its borders.
Community Engagement and Conflict Resolution – Commissioners often serve as mediators between developers, residents, and business interests, helping resolve disputes and maintain the town’s character and cohesion.

In short, the office isn’t just about passing ordinances—it’s about shaping the town’s future, ensuring accountability, and connecting Matthews to broader regional and state systems.
Yes, previous experience in government, politics or serving the town on Advisory Boards can be highly beneficial for a Matthews Town Commissioner, though it is not strictly required. Here’s why:

Understanding of Local Government Operations – Experience helps commissioners navigate the complex interplay between boards, town staff, and legal requirements, allowing them to make informed and efficient decisions.
Policy and Legal Knowledge – Familiarity with municipal law, zoning regulations, budgeting, and state statutes enables commissioners to evaluate proposals critically and foresee potential impacts.
Effective Collaboration – Experience in government or politics often develops skills in negotiation, consensus-building, and public engagement, which are essential for working with fellow commissioners, the Town Manager, and the community.
Strategic Visioning – Those with prior experience are often better equipped to plan for long-term community needs, balancing growth, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.
Crisis Management and Accountability – Experienced commissioners are more likely to respond effectively in emergencies or contentious situations, maintaining public trust and ensuring continuity of services.

That said, a deep commitment to the community, strong leadership skills, and a willingness to learn can be equally valuable, especially when paired with an openness to collaborate with experienced staff and advisors.
In short, for a Matthews Town Commissioner, the most helpful skills include knowledge of local government and laws, strong leadership and decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Equally important are strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the community, ensuring decisions reflect residents’ needs while guiding Matthews toward a sustainable and thriving future.
Mayor John Higdon, Past Mayor Jim Taylor, Mecklenburg Democratic Party.
Serving The Town of Matthews for years as a member of Advisory Boards and Planning Board.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also


External links

Footnotes