by Marty Trese, KnoxPages.com Managing Editor
MOUNT VERNON – Local businessman, actor, and community volunteer Matt Starr has announced plans to run for Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon. Starr told local media Wednesday afternoon that he is running because, “It is important to me to be part of the solutions in my community through involvement in many different organizations, businesses and through my personal life. Regardless of any election results, I am going to continue to serve Mount Vernon with that mission in mind. As mayor for the City of Mount Vernon, I would be in a a position to have a much greater impact on the issues that are urgent and important to Mount Vernon’s future.
Drug abuse, economic development and the city’s infrastructure are key issues for Starr. He said, “We need to discover new effective ways to combat the drug problem.” He cited KSAAT, Knox Substance Abuse Action Team, as an example of how the community can come together to attack a problem and offer solutions. As far as economic development he says it’s important to maintain current industry, retail and service businesses. “Throughout the local economy, we also need to continue and expand our social and cultural intrastructure to build upon the quality of life factors that make Mount Vernon an example of uncommon brilliance. “
Starr cited expansion of “communication infrastructure” to engage more citizens in solutions to city issues.
Starr is running as a Republican and will face fellow Republican and longtime City Council member Mike Hillier in the May primary. If he’s successful in the primary, Starr hopes to unseat 20 year incumbent Mayor Dick Mavis in November.
Starr is Producer/Senior Partner of I-Conn Video Production and Keylight Advertising, Past Board Chair for the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau and has served on several boards including The Salvation Army, The Foundation for Knox Community Hospital and is Vice-President of Food for the Hungry. His volunteer associations include the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, Knox County Art League, Knox Hand Gunners Club, Community Advisory Board for the Knox County Career Center Media Communications.
