Editor’s Note: Early voting for the Oct. 7 nonpartisan municipal elections has begun and continues through Saturday, Oct. 4. As part of WIZS’s ongoing coverage of the four Henderson City Council contests, Wednesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! focuses on the Ward 4 seat. Challenger Catherine “Kitty” Gill responded to a list of questions from WIZS. Her responses appear unedited and, in their entirety, below.
Catherine “Kitty” Gill
• What prompted you to run for local office?
I am running because I care about the quality of life for the citizens of Vance County. I have witnessed the strengths and struggles our city has faced over the years and believe it is time for leadership that reflects the honesty, strength, and accountability our community deserves. My aim is to be an ear to the people and a voice for the people. I believe in inclusion and not exclusion because together we can build a stronger, more vibrant Henderson.
• What’s your platform?
Three things that I care about seeing improvements for the city are:
Housing – Every person deserves to have safe, affordable, decent housing. I was a single parent, so I know the struggles of making ends meet. No family should have to choose between paying the rent, buying groceries, keeping the lights on, or having water. We need to revisit the Certificate of Occupancy. We have renters paying more than some mortgagors and some of the landlords are slothful when it comes to repairing their houses.
Jobs – We need a thriving economy that works for everyone. We have experienced enough of the rich getting richer and the poor and middle class being left out. We must promote fair wages, career pathways and offer support to small businesses. We need to review the tax incentives we offer to companies to bring in jobs that will allow our citizens to earn a wage compatible with the actual cost of living.
Youth – We must empower our young people, whether we accept it or not they will be the next generation to lead us. We must allow them to thrive and be innovative. Youth do not have the love of Henderson as some of us older folk do. We must help them to want to live in Henderson and once they go off to college have a desire to return but most importantly to have something to return to.
• State the three most important issues you see that are facing the city and explain how you plan to address these issues if you’re elected?
Housing: work with fellow Council Members to find solutions to our housing issues.
Jobs: work with fellow Council Members to review the tax incentives to companies to bring in better paying jobs.
Youth: work with fellow Council Members to develop intern programs, shadow other members to develop an interest in the forward trajectory of producing a thriving city.
• What are your beliefs, ideas, and passions for ways to make Henderson the best city it can be?
Proverbs 11:25b “If you give water to thirsty people, you will not be thirsty yourself.” As we help others, we help ourselves too. Life becomes better for everyone. I believe in inclusion and not exclusion because together we can build a stronger, more vibrant Henderson.
• Explain how your personal and professional experience will contribute to the work of the City Council.
I love the Lord primarily and I also love his people. I believe in being honest and fair. I only desire to see our city become a thriving city that the citizens will love and become an attraction to others that desire a forward movement. I have worked in factories having to make production, in customer service and as a housing counselor. I have taught homeownership classes along with budgeting and finance. I am not a stranger to challenging work and with my life experience I will be a positive contributor to the work of the City Council.
• How do you feel about the current climate in the city? If elected, what are your short-term goals? Long-term goals?
We have room for improvement. We all must work together for the common goal for advancement in Henderson. Short-term goals are to seek workable solutions for our tax issues, along with street conditions and lighting issues, and housing relief. Long-term goals are to seek better paying jobs, youth participation, and work toward building a safer community.
• Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.
I am a proud resident and registered voter of this community.
I have lived in Henderson all my life.
I am an Ordained Minister and a member of Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church.
I am a Graduate of Vance Senior High class of 1974. I earned an associate degree from VGCC.
I am the mother of three fine adults and the grandmother of four amazing children. The oldest child of ten siblings.
I have worked at Americal Corporation, Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity, and The Center for Home Ownership. I was a certified Housing Counselor until I retired.
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