Meet Jeff Mutter
Jeff's story is a Cumberland story. He is proud to have had this community shape who he is a person and leader.
March 10th, 1960
Cumberland Beginnings
Jeff Mutter has spent, save for his first six months, his entire life in Cumberland and is dedicated to the community here. He attended Garvin Memorial Elementary School, B.F. Norton Elementary School, Joseph L. McCourt Middle School, and graduated from Cumberland High School in 1978.
Jeff went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Political Science, along with a minor in Mathematics, from Providence College in 1982. The education he received at Providence College prepared him for his involvement in community affairs and local government.
1982 - 2019
Mutter Motors
The Mutter family have been running this long-time Cumberland staple, Mutter Motors, since 1967. Known for their honesty and investment in the Cumberland community, the Mutter Motors company prides itself on offering the best quality service to customers, treating them like family.
Jeff has been the Vice President of Mutter Motors since 1982 and is proud to carry on the family tradition. The family automotive business started in Central Falls in the 1930s with Cross Street Auto Sales where their motto was, “We may be on a hill but we’re on the level.”
1996 - 2008
Cumberland Town Council
Jeff served on the Cumberland Town Council from 1996 to 2004 and again from 2006 to 2008. He was elected President of the council from 2000 to 2004 and as Finance Chair from 2006 to 2008.
Some of his significant accomplishments during this time include: Enacting legislation regarding the tax levy in town, protecting the Monastery from development, making the budget process more transparent and available to taxpayers by moving the budget hearings to neighborhood schools, solving school bonds/infrastructure problems, and advocating for the need to close achievement gaps for all students, among others.
2004 - 2006
Town Democratic Chairman
Jeff served as the chairman for the Cumberland Town Democratic Committee from 2004 to 2006 and introduced a scholarship program available to Cumberland High School students.
2009 - 2014
Cumberland School Committee
Jeff has a dedication to our school system, which is why he served as Chairman of the Cumberland School Committee from 2010 to 2012 and as Finance Chairman from 2012 to 2014.
Some of his significant accomplishments during this time include: Supporting full-day Kindergarten before the State mandated it, the Superintendent search and leadership changes, a technology investment, and a focus on student outcomes, specifically graduation rate increase. Jeff also changed the agenda process to be more transparent during his time on the Cumberland School Committee.
2015 - 2018
Committed to Cumberland
2018: Chairman of the Educational Funding & Development Commission
This commission was created by the Town Council to address the projected shortfalls in funding over the next several years. The commission made several recommendations to the Town Council including the passage of a resolution supporting the strategic plan of the school department, deciding on adequate fund balance for the department, approving a fiscal note for any collective bargaining agreements, and positioning the town for reimbursement increases for school construction.
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2015: Public Safety Complex Selection Committee
In 2015, Jeff was appointed to determine the best location for the voter-approved Public Safety Complex in Cumberland, R.I.
(Always)
Running for a Better Cumberland
Running has always been important to Jeff, especially if it involves bettering his community.
Jeff co-directed the “Phantom Farm Road Race” to benefit Northern RI Mental Health, and the “Run for the Kids” to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland. He was the Garvin Run Club coach from 2012-2014 and a former member of the Wampanoag Road Runners and Franklin Bolts.
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Since 2017, Jeff has been a member and coach to the New England Distance Community Run Club, located in Cumberland. He is also a member of the Ravenous Run Club.
2019 - Present
Mayor Mutter
Jeff was sworn in as Cumberland’s Mayor on January 6th, 2019 for his first two year term. The inauguration was a celebration of all Cumberland has to offer, and Jeff remains grateful to have been sworn into office by the late, great Reverend Thomas Conboy.
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In January 2021, Jeff was sworn in for the second time, a four year term in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall.
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Jeff is proud to come to work every day to serve Cumberland as its Mayor.
