Listen to Matt Brown's speech at the Grand View Baptist Church
Matt Brown, a long-time resident of Grand Terrace, recently took the stage at a candidate forum hosted by Grandview Baptist Church, expressing his deep commitment to his community and laying out his vision for the future. Born and raised in the area since 1978, Brown’s personal connection to the city forms the bedrock of his campaign as he runs for a seat on the city council.
Early Life and Connection to Grand Terrace
Brown's story is one of deep roots. Having moved to Grand Terrace as a child after his parents divorced, he grew up in a very different city from the one we know today. Recalling a time when the town had only two stop signs and Barton Road was dotted with horse trails rather than the bustling business corridor it is today, Brown cherishes his memories of Grand Terrace’s simpler past.
Now, decades later, Brown still lives in the city he calls home with his wife and three children. His eldest child has just graduated high school, his middle son is active in sports, and his youngest daughter attends a local Christian school. The family-oriented aspect of his life resonates deeply with his platform, which emphasizes protecting the city’s quality of life.
A Career Rooted in Public Service and Business
Brown’s professional journey is as varied as it is impressive. His career began with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, starting his own businesses during his college years. This drive led him into the world of public affairs, where he spent time working in the California legislature, gaining hands-on experience in helping constituents navigate government systems.
After leaving state government, Brown took on a pivotal role in the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and later as Assistant Auditor-Controller. In this role, he oversaw the county’s finances, managing a multi-billion-dollar budget and learning the ins and outs of government finance and public policy. His deep understanding of financial management forms the core of his philosophy of fiscal responsibility.
Leadership Philosophy and Goals for the Future
Brown’s approach to governance centers on the principles of small government, fiscal accountability, and ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely. His platform promises to focus on essential services such as public safety, infrastructure, and maintaining the city's fiscal health. He believes in reducing wasteful spending and prioritizing services that matter most to residents, such as police, fire, and road maintenance.
One of Brown's main goals is to address the long-standing public safety concerns in Grand Terrace. Notably, he advocates for the expansion of the city's law enforcement capabilities. Grand Terrace currently only has one sheriff's deputy on patrol, and Brown believes this is insufficient. He supports Measure M, a sales tax measure intended to fund public safety, and proposes establishing a special fund exclusively for law enforcement, with oversight from a community committee to ensure accountability.
Economic Development and Preserving the City’s Character
Brown’s platform also emphasizes smart economic development. While acknowledging the need for growth, he advocates for development that aligns with the city’s character and the desires of its residents. He supports the recently approved Gateway Specific Plan, which he believes will bring positive growth to the city, but insists that future projects should be well thought-out and focused in areas like Barton Road, away from residential neighborhoods.
Brown also sees an opportunity to market the city more effectively, addressing vacant properties and attracting businesses that complement the community. He proposes partnering with county resources to bolster the city's limited capacity for economic development.
A Humble Call to Serve
Despite his extensive resume, Brown remains grounded in his faith and family. He hadn’t planned on running for office until being encouraged by several community leaders, including a retiring council member. After much thought and prayer, he decided to step into the race, believing he can bring his experience and knowledge to benefit the city.
In addition to his career in public service and business, Brown is also a reserve deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, a role he has held since 2008. This gives him a unique perspective on law enforcement and public safety issues.
Brown concluded his remarks by encouraging residents to consider him as one of their choices in the upcoming election, promising to work hard to preserve and improve the quality of life in Grand Terrace.
As the election approaches, Matt Brown’s message is clear: he’s here to serve the city that shaped him, drawing on decades of experience in both public service and business to lead Grand Terrace toward a prosperous and secure future.