Matt Newton: A Proven Leader, Committed to Our Community, Ready to Make a Difference
Matt Newton is a lifelong Idahoan, a dedicated family man, and a leader with a proven track record in business, public service, and community development.
Raised in Twin Falls, Matt learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity early on. After graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1975, he initially pursued dentistry at the University of Utah. However, he soon realized his true calling was in hands-on work—leading him to the construction industry. Matt moved to Boise in 1976 to work on Meridian's water line expansion. He moved his family to Middleton in 1992 after building a home on 5 acres northeast of town. Matt and Lisa have three children: Shea, Jole, and Lou. They were very involved with parent advisory committees during their children's K-12 schooling. Matt and Lisa moved into their current home in 2003 in Caldwell.
Starting at the ground level, Matt learned to operate heavy equipment while installing municipal water and sewer systems. He enjoyed underground work, but residential home construction was calling. His residential experience included all phases of residential construction, including forming and placing concrete foundations, framing, siding, roofing, and interior finish work. He was ready when he had the opportunity to move into industrial and commercial construction. Matt worked as a carpenter on Meridian's "new" Ten Mile sewage treatment plant and Nampa's sewage treatment plant expansion. Over the years, he gradually worked his way up from laborer to foreman, superintendent, and finally to Project Manager on multiple projects throughout the Treasure Valley.
In 1997, he co-founded Beniton Construction, a company specializing in construction management and general contracting. Under Matt's leadership, Beniton played a key role in shaping Idaho's infrastructure, completing over 120 public works projects, including schools, hospitals, fire stations, and civic institutions all over the Mountain West. A few projects close to home are Middleton High School, Purple Sage Elementary, Ridgevue High School, Summitvue Middle School, and Caldwell's Police Station. Matt served as president of Beniton until his retirement in 2024.
Matt is a dedicated family man who happily married Lisa in 1978. Together, they have three children, Shea, Jole, and Lou (deceased), and three grandchildren who live in Texas. Shea, a graduate of Middleton High School, University of Oregon, and the University of Idaho, resides in Vermont. Jole a graduate of Caldwell High School, Boise State University, resides in Dallas with her husband Stephen and their children: Newton, Mary Grace, and Sadie Jane.
After the children left home, Lisa returned to college to finish her degree and earned a Master's Degree in 2017 from the University of Idaho.
Matt enjoys staying busy, reading, woodworking, gardening, cooking, skiing, fishing, and, of course, spoiling his three grandchildren.
Beyond his professional success, Matt has always been dedicated to public service. In 2000, he was honored to be appointed to the Middleton School Board, where he served two terms, focusing on education and community growth. For many years, he volunteered with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a non-profit that promotes cooperation between civilian employers and Nation Guard employees. He also volunteered with the Idaho Associated Builders and Contractors Association to help advise the Legislature on construction issues.
Now retired from Beniton Construction, Matt is ready to give back once again—this time, by serving in the Highway District. With his deep knowledge of infrastructure and commitment to efficiency, he is determined to keep property taxes low, ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and bring a customer-friendly approach to government.
Matt believes public service involves listening, problem-solving, and putting people first. His guiding principle in business and life is best described as "Dedicate yourself fully—with your heart, mind, and effort—to what gives your life meaning and purpose. And just as importantly, treat others with the same kindness and respect you would want for yourself.”
