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COMMUNITY FIRST
Hello,
My name is Sam Matthews and the current alderman for Ward 1 in the City of White House. I am an 8th generation Tennessean and 40+ year resident of White House.
With unprecedented growth in Middle Tennessee and White House, it is important to have competent and honest elected officials navigate our city through the many challenges ahead.
I first ran for office in 2022 in response to the unprecedented pace of residential development occurring without adequate supporting infrastructure. Since taking office, I have worked with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to remain committed to slowing residential growth while improving infrastructure. Ensuring that future development is responsible and aligned with available infrastructure will remain a key priority.
As alderman, I truly value the opportunity to spend time with the citizens of White House, listen to their concerns, and consider a wide range of viewpoints and ideas. I believe that transparency, honesty, and open communication are essential to good governance.
I am grateful to the citizens of White House for the trust they have placed in me and for their continued support.
God bless you and your family,
Sam
SAM'S PRIORITIES
RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
Poor planning and irresponsible rezoning of land have placed us in our current condition. With about 2,150 residencies approved and still to be built in our city, we still have significant challenges ahead. It remains extremely important we grow at a pace that infrastructure can keep pace.
COMMUNITY FIRST
I put the well-being and best interests of our citizens first, not developers and business associates - PERIOD.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & lOW TAXES
I believe fiscal stewardship is among the most important responsibilities entrusted to elected officials. I believe taxpayers’ dollars must be treated with care, with every decision weighed for both its immediate and long-term fiscal impact.
INFRASTRUTURE
Transportation and roadway improvements have been a key focus for me. I have advocated for increased funding for road resurfacing, greater use of technology to improve traffic flow, and more comprehensive long-term transportation planning. During my tenure, the Board has also provided critical funding for six key transportation projects. We also need to continue focusing on improving storm water infrastructure.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Responsible development, supported by adequate infrastructure and thoughtful, forward-looking planning, will make our city more attractive to high-paying employers. Commercial properties generate significant property tax revenue because they are assessed at higher rates, while residential development often costs more in municipal services than it generates in revenue. Rezoning land for commercial and industrial use must be guided by a thorough assessment of infrastructure capacity and implemented in a manner that respects neighboring property owners and the surrounding community.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Our neighborhoods are the foundation of our City, and protecting the quality of life for all residents must be a top priority. Our elected officials have a responsibility to ensure that City ordinances are consistently and effectively enforced. We must be committed to restoring and maintaining clean, quiet, and safe neighborhoods for all residents to call home.
ABOUT SAM
I was born into a military family. My father served 24 years in the U.S. Navy in the United States Construction Battalions, better known as SEABEES. They are responsible for building much of the temporary and permanent infrastructure at U.S. military locations around the world. After his retirement from the Navy, we moved back to his home state of Tennessee.
I am a graduate of White House High School where I played baseball and basketball. I also served as president of the National Honor Society. Upon graduation I attended college on academic scholarship graduating with a Bachelor of Science.
I now have over 20 years of executive and management experience including 18 years as principal of a life sciences consulting firm. I have extensive international and domestic business experience. I have also served on the Board of Examiners for Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence.
