To the people of Jefferson,
I am writing to introduce – hopefully re-introduce – myself to you, fellow citizens of Jefferson. My name is Matt Wetrich and I am running for city council in the upcoming election on November 8. I am a 38-year-old husband and father. I have lived in Jefferson for 10 years and work as a naturalist for Carroll County Conservation.
I am running for city council because I feel strongly that Jefferson would benefit from a fresh, younger perspective in the mix of council members. I am energetic and passionate about providing a safe, attractive, and active community for families and individuals of all walks of life.
Jefferson has experienced some positive additions the past few years. However, this year our school enrollment is down 50 students, and compared to the early 1990s, down 500 students. We are not growing as a community.
Young people highly value an active community when considering where to relocate. In fact, according to a Department of Commerce study of how people choose where to move, an active and attractive community is number one with Millennials and number two with Gen X’ers. Jobs are indeed important, but these young people will move to (and stay in) a town where the downtown scene is alive, there are things to do, and they don’t have to travel to have fun. I fully agree.
Approximately 23 percent of our community is aged 18-34 (Millennials). That number needs to grow if we want to move Jefferson in a positive direction.
Aside from having an attractive and active community, we also need to improve our housing situation. Good things are being done right now, as various community organizations are addressing this. I feel that our community can only prosper when collaboration of the many fine community organizations and government entities can collaborate successfully. I bring an open mind, a welcoming personality, and a drive to get results to the citizens of Jefferson.
I hope you remember me from the last city council election (last November). Only 16 votes kept me from winning against an incumbent council member, and now she has moved away. So on Nov. 8, please consider giving me her votes and my votes, and let me go to work for you and for Jefferson.
Matt Wetrich, Jefferson
