Matt Rowe Seeking Ward 1 Seat On Fredericksburg City Council

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Matt Rowe, who is the current Fredericksburg City School Board chair, says that one of his priorities is supporting public services that keep the city strong, especially public safety and public education.

"Our residents deserve responsive emergency services, well resourced schools, and a city government that can reliably deliver core services," he said. "I will continue to advocate for the people that make these systems work and ensure we invest in our common success.

Rowe is one of three candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election for the Ward One seat on the Fredericksburg City Council. He faces opponents David Wade Cropper and Kenneth Dwayne Gantt.

Early voting for the Nov. 4 election begins on Sept 19.

As part of its coverage of the 2025 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in the Fredericksburg City Council race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job for which they're running. The following are Rowe's responses.

Your Name

Matt Rowe

Age

44

Family - Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.

Wife (Megan), three children (2 at FCPS, 1 at UMW)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're a candidate in.

My wife works for the Department of Defense

Education

I am a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a degree in Political Science, and I hold a post-graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems from Virginia Commonwealth University

Occupation

Professionally, I work as a GIS Administrator for Stafford County, managing geographic information systems to support county operations. I have worked for Stafford County for 14 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

I currently serve as Chair of the Fredericksburg City School Board, representing Ward 1. I have served of the School Board for 4 years.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for City Council because Fredericksburg needs leaders who listen, collaborate, and work every day for the people they represent. My focus is on practical solutions that strengthen our community. That includes ensuring reliable public services, supporting our schools, and guiding growth in ways that improve daily life, ease traffic challenges, and expand opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

I want Ward One to have a clear and respected voice in city decisions. Too often, residents feel disconnected from what happens at City Hall. I am committed to closing that gap by engaging with the community and making sure residents know their concerns are being heard. My goal is for every person in Ward One to feel connected to their city and confident that they have leadership that will stand with them.

The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

One of my top priorities is supporting the public services that keep Fredericksburg strong, especially public safety and public education. Our residents deserve responsive emergency services, well resourced schools, and a city government that can reliably deliver core services. I will continue to advocate for the people that make these systems work and ensure we invest in our common success.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe I am best qualified to serve because of my proven record in elected office and my work directly with constituents. On the School Board, I have helped manage an annual budget of more than $60 million dollars, overseen the opening of both a new middle school and a new elementary school, and worked with parents, students, teachers, and staff to address concerns and solve problems. That experience has given me the skills to handle complex responsibilities while keeping the focus on the people I represent.
I also believe that leadership is about more than where someone was born or how long they have lived here. Fredericksburg is strongest when it welcomes everyone who chooses to call it home. It should not matter if you have lived here for six months or six decades. This is your city too and your voice and contributions should be valued.

Above all, I am consistent in my principles and clear about what I stand for. I do not measure my words by what is most convenient or most popular, and I am not afraid to take a position when it matters. Voters deserve leaders who bring steadiness and conviction to the table, not slogans, shifting positions, or gamesmanship. That is the leadership I have demonstrated, and it is the kind of leadership I will continue to bring to City Council.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I am honored to have the endorsement of outgoing Ward One Councilman Jason Graham, who has been a steadfast supporter of Fredericksburg City Public Schools and always was a reliable and honest partner during his time on City Council. I value the leadership he has shown and the time he has given in service to Ward One. At the same time, it is clear that this part of the city has not always received the same level of focus or attention as others. Too often, Ward One feels like an afterthought in city discussions, whether it involves infrastructure, investment, or visibility in decision making. My goal is to ensure that Ward One has a full and clear voice at the table so that the needs of our residents are understood and acted upon. This is our city too, and together we can ensure that Ward One is fully engaged in Fredericksburg’s growth and success.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Fredericksburg’s high cost of living places a real strain on residents, and we need fresh ideas to ease that burden. My priority is to reduce the tax load on individuals while keeping the city vibrant and sustainable. One opportunity is the development of data centers, which could bring substantial tax revenue if pursued responsibly. This revenue can support essential services like public safety and education, improve infrastructure, and create room for property tax relief. By balancing growth with accountability and environmental responsibility, we can build an economy that meets our long-term needs and helps residents thrive.

Next, our city’s growth brings both opportunities and challenges. Many residents worry about traffic and preserving the character of our community, and I share those concerns. By focusing on responsible zoning, safe and efficient streets, and requiring developers to contribute to the infrastructure their projects demand, we can manage growth in a way that strengthens our neighborhoods and improves quality of life. This is a chance to support local businesses, enhance our city’s character, and make Fredericksburg work for everyone. Together, we can embrace the benefits of growth while addressing challenges with fairness and innovation.

Finally, a key focus for me is making sure Ward One is fully seen and connected within the city. Far too often, the neighborhoods in this ward feel overlooked. I want to help bridge that gap by not only improving infrastructure, but also listening closely to residents and making sure Ward One has a clear voice in city decisions. This part of Fredericksburg deserves the same attention and opportunity as any other, and I am committed to putting Ward One on the map.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

One of my most important public service achievements has been helping move the conversation around the city budget in a more transparent and responsible direction. On the School Board, I worked closely with City Council to build trust and push for honest discussions about funding. That effort paid off. Over the last two years, we secured meaningful increases in school funding, which allowed us to raise teacher salaries and invest in resources that directly support student achievement. I am proud of the role I played in making our schools a bigger priority and showing that good governance starts with listening, collaboration, and standing up for what matters.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice I ever received was to never lose sight of the fact that most people are focused on working hard, caring for their families, and contributing to their community. It is easy in public service to get caught up in how things look, who is saying what, or the endless cycle of gossip and speculation. The truth is that most people do not care about that. They want safe streets, good schools, and a community that works for them. That perspective has grounded me and reminded me that honesty, transparency, and delivering real results matter far more than politics.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a strong fit for City Council because I bring both experience and a steady and thoughtful approach to public service. My time on the School Board has prepared me to handle complex issues with fairness, patience, and a focus on results. I care deeply about Fredericksburg and believe we are at our best when we listen to each other and work together. I approach this role with optimism because I see a bright future for our city, and I believe we can reach it by making smart and inclusive decisions that reflect the needs of the whole community. I also enjoy connecting with people, hearing their concerns, and finding practical ways to move forward. That kind of honest dialogue and collaboration is exactly what City Council needs.