Fairview Baptist Church Associate Pastor Matt Paxson is the fourth person to announce his intentions to run for Fredericksburg mayor. He made the announcement on Facebook and through an email to the media. He also has a campaign website.

On his website is a downloadable seven-page PDF of his agenda. He said he believes the city spends too much money on hiring consultants and commissioning studies instead of doing the work in house with the professional employees. He said he would use the money instead on investing in the city's arts community or protecting historic resources.

The associate pastor has been on several humanitarian trips, including to Argentina, El Salvador, Isreal and Peru where he helped build infrastructure and train teachers. He has two Masters degrees, in Divinity and Public Policy, and attended the Sorenson Institute at the University of Virginia and spent a year researching revitalization programs in Virginia.  

He is married to his wife, Julianne, and they live in the Great Oaks neighborhood.

Paxson joins a crowded field for the mayor's spot. Ward 3 Councilor Fred Howe, Vice Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw and entrepreneur Ryan Bullock have already announced their intentions to run.

The filing deadline for local office elections in May is March 6.