October 5, 2025

For Pickerington business owner Mark Matthews, running for Violet Township Trustee is about more than politics — it’s about preparation.

“Simply, I want to help make Violet Township a better place than when I got here,” Matthews said.

A resident of the community for more than 15 years and the owner of MMA Insurance on Windmiller Drive for over two decades, Matthews said his campaign centers on planning for balanced growth that strengthens township finances while maintaining the character that residents value.

Matthews believes Violet Township needs a long-term plan for development — one that encourages commercial projects to help pay for improvements such as parks, bike trails, and green spaces, rather than creating an additional strain on schools, fire, and police services.

“Economic development done correctly can fund amenities that improve quality of life,” he said. “Otherwise, it falls on families to pay through new levies or higher property taxes.”

As an example, Matthews points to New Albany, where a mix of office, retail, and residential growth has supported the creation of a library, wellness center, fire station, amphitheater, and walking trails.

“A land-use plan should look ahead 10 to 20 years,” Matthews said. “And it should be built in cooperation with Fairfield County, ODOT, and the state government. If we don’t plan, we’ll just get what current zoning allows — mostly more homes.”

He notes that about 90% of Violet Township’s undeveloped land is currently zoned residential. Without a coordinated growth strategy, he says, the community will continue to face traffic congestion, overcrowded schools, and limited pedestrian infrastructure.

“Balanced commercial growth can add revenue for our schools without adding students,” Matthews said. “That means a better educational experience and less tax pressure on families.”

Matthews has also voiced ideas for the Event Center at Violet Woods (formerly known as the Wigwam), which the township owns and manages. He believes the facility and its grounds should be more accessible to the public and that the township should consider partnering with a private management company to help the Wigwam become financially self-sufficient.

“This is a highly competitive business that should be run by experts,” he said. “Right now, the township is losing hundreds of thousands of dollars each year trying to maintain and market it.”

Local business owner David Stone, of Personal Financial Advisors in Pickerington, said Matthews is “a good fit for the township.”

“He truly cares about our community and wants it to thrive without any political agendas,” Stone said. “He’s honest and straightforward, and he’ll always do what he believes is best for the community.”

Community Involvement

Matthews’ résumé includes service on several local boards, including the Pickerington Chamber of Commerce, Violet Festival, Diley Ridge Medical Center, and the Fairfield County United Way, where he serves as vice president. He’s also a member of the Fairfield County Port Authority.

Through his business, Matthews has sponsored numerous community events, including the Pickerington KidsFest, a free family celebration that attracts thousands each year, and Shred It Day, which benefits the Bottoms Up Diaper Bank, an organization providing diapers to families in need.

Personal Life

Originally from Groveport, Matthews grew up the son of an Air Force veteran stationed at Rickenbacker. He and his wife, Chris, have been married for 36 years and have two adult children.

“We moved here because we love Pickerington and Violet Township,” he said. “This is our home and our community. The people here genuinely care about each other — we’re all in this together.”

In his spare time, Matthews enjoys golfing, bicycling, reading, and watching sports. The couple also share their home with their dog, Gracie, whom he describes as “spoiled and knows it.”

Reflecting on his campaign, Matthews said he hopes to bring his business experience and community service background to township leadership.

“I have the ability to build relationships, work with others, and see things from their perspective,” he said. “We can stay true to our past without being stuck in it. I care and I’m willing to do what’s best for all — not just myself.”