smartstream technologies: 2 seeking Democratic nomination for Connellsville mayor; Matthews seeking support for second term

By Marilyn Forbes

Published: Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 6:39?p.m.
Updated 3 hours ago

Connellsville Mayor Charles Matthews is seeking a second term in office.

Matthews is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May primary election.

Matthews, 61, is a lifelong resident of the city.

A graduate of Connellsville Area High School, Matthews attended Penn State University were he studied social sciences, finishing his degree while serving as an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force.

After his two-year enlistment, Matthews spent an additional two years with the International Guard and an additional six and a half years serving with the Army National Guard located in Connellsville.

Matthews joined the Connellsville Police Department, moving up through the ranks during a 23-year period. He served as police chief during a time with the department.

Matthews served as a volunteer fireman with New Haven Hose Company for 29 years, where he did a stint as president. Matthews is the president of the board of Fayette EMS, a former Rotary president and also volunteered for 38 years with the Connellsville Little League where he still serves as trustee. He also held the title of president of the league for many years.

Matthews became director of safety and security for the Connellsville Area School District, a title he held for many years, before retiring.

Matthews said he became interested in local politics because wanted to help his community by becoming more involved in the city and its people.

Prior to being elected mayor, Matthews served as a city councilman.

?I first served on council and it was half way through my second term that I decided to run for mayor,? Matthews said. ?I felt that I could do some good for the city. I didn't have any hidden agendas and I just felt that the city had been going in only one direction.?

Matthews said he spent his first year in office getting familiar with his duties and working as best he could with a failing economy.

?That first year as mayor, the economy was terrible,? Matthews said. Matthews said it was then that he started to focus on the selling of city owned properties.

?I didn't think that the city should be in the real estate business,? said Matthews.

Matthews said his first term was highlighted by helping to get several dilapidated buildings in the city torn down, something he wants to continue to see done.

?I know that it's not always been a popular decision, especially with the history like some of them have, but we have to be realistic,? Matthews said.

Matthews is pleased with the passing of a zoning ordinance that will address old buildings and properties in the city, and is also pleased that he fulfilled his promise to reduce the paid city fire department, creating a savings to the city.

Matthews hopes to see a resolution soon to the tax issues the city is facing.

Matthews admits the problems faced at the Connellsville Community Center have been a challenge but he feels the center is now going in the right direction and he hopes he can be an instrumental part in its rebirth.

Matthews would like to see the voluntary advisory board to the center, appointed by council, and the former community center board, one day merge. He even entertains the notion of the building once again being leased out to someone who will then manage it.

?Maybe down the road, a year or so from now, we will be able to turn it over to someone else to manage and get it back out of the hands of the city,? Matthews said.

Matthews said several new businesses have moved into the center and several others are showing interest.

Matthews said he would like a second term in office so he can be a part of the economic growth that he feels is in the city's future.

?I actually think that the future is a little more positive now,? Matthews said, adding the new train museum and positive hotel study results are only two areas that are showing growth and could generate outside interest. ?We are having some bites now and some outside interest which is great.?

Matthews is pleased to be a part of a city where there are so many active volunteer groups whose only wish is to see the city prosper.

?We are a unique town,? Matthews said. ?We are so fortunate to have so many groups of people who are so willing to do things for the town. I don't feel that they get enough credit at times, because they all do such a good job. We have a little town with a lot of people that are really pulling for it.?

?I think that people know that I only want what is best for everyone and for the city and that I will always have their best interests in mind in whatever I do,? he said.

Matthews and his wife Patty have one child and two grandchildren.

Marilyn Forbes is a freelance writer.