TownTalk: Mayoral Candidates Answer Questions

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Note: This is the third of five TownTalk segments to provide election coverage for the upcoming Oct. 10 municipal elections in Henderson. Today, we’ll hear from the four mayoral candidates

WIZS posed the same questions to all 17 candidates running for the five races – mayor, Ward 1 and Ward 2 seats, as well as the at-large seats in Wards 3 and 4.

Some of the candidates responded to the questions in written form and others were recorded in phone interviews and their responses were transcribed for inclusion in this story. Online readers will notice direct quotes in the answers; information not in direct quotes is paraphrased to provide concise text and readability.

The candidates’ responses appear in alphabetical order, beginning with Sara Coffey, and continuing with Melissa Elliott, Greg Etheridge and Jason Spriggs.

Early voting begins Thursday, Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 7.

 

  1. Why are you running for elected office?

Sara Coffey: “I am running because I feel I have the experience and the ambition to go forward in helping rebuild our city.” Coffey said her two terms as Mayor pro tem, as well as her 18 years on City Council, serve her well to become mayor.

Melissa Elliott: “I am running for the office of mayor because I believe in the work God has blessed my hands to do over the past 18 years in this community. I am a visionary and I know how to manifest what I see against all odds. I have served eight years on the City Council, and I understand municipal government. I also understand that there are resources that our community needs and I know how to get them. I would love to create initiatives and see them seen through to make sure that everything that I’ve started will be finished, I also would like to be a part of the strategic plan of laying the foundation for a better Henderson in the next 30 years. I want the city of Henderson to thrive and grow in a most healthy way…while being a vibrant, welcoming successful community. My work on the City Council has proven that I am committed to the community.”

Greg Etheridge: “A good citizen is civic-minded, operates with a heightened sensitivity to the needs of others, and moves with a sense of urgency to find and provide assistance. I was born and raised in Vance County where these values and beliefs were taught and modeled by many adults who have faithfully served this community that I love.  I believe that I honor them and their legacy in part by actively serving in various capacities including municipal office.”

Jason Spriggs: “I’m running for office because the citizens and residents of Henderson deserve a mayor that is most interested in what they feel should be changed in our city. As well, I was asked by several local politicians and business leaders to continue the work that our previous mayor has begun.”

  1. What’s your platform?

Coffey: Coffey said she wants to build affordable homes on the vacant lots of the city. She has consulted with contractors about the possibility of “tiny homes,” which could result in getting people in housing and off the streets. “I feel we can put some homes on these vacant lots. We are already grouping these lots to make them more attractive to a builder or contractor.” Trash along the city roadsides and in extra-territorial jurisdictions like Brodie Road remains an issue as well. “I’m talking with DOT now to see what we can do together to clean up some of our trash. I just want everyone to have a clean city where we all can enjoy. When visitors come, they look at our downtown, our theater and our streets that definitely need some help. I want more funding for our police and fire departments. These men and women are very crucial to our city. I would also like to see more businesses downtown.”

Elliott: Elliott listed a 5-point platform that aligns with the recent community assessment health card.

  • Mental health – health equity for all, as well as addressing mental health needs, from dismantling stigma to substance abuse. “I would love to see a harm reduction team, working hand in hand with Granville -Vance Health Department, the police department and the fire department to create an initiative that would address opioids as well as opioid prevention.”
  • Downtown development – “The downtown of every city in America is the heartbeat.  I want to work alongside our city manager and our downtown development director to create a streamlined process that is user-friendly for businesses to come into our community. I want to be able to go to downtown Henderson, sit outside and have a lunch of different cuisines from different countries and diverse cultures.” She said she would like to create a downtown hub for businesses to have office space and share resources, as well as monthly events to bring people into the downtown area.
  • Youth Engagement – “Youth are truly our future, and it is our responsibility as adults to make sure that they have what they need to be successful.”
  • Food insecurity – Support existing programs like food banks and other meal programs that currently operate in the area and possibly create other avenues to make sure residents have enough food.
  • Affordable housing – “We must have a plan for individuals that cannot afford affordable housing.” Elliott said Vance County Housing Authority has been approved for the first round of funding through the SHARP program, funded by ARPA. “I would love to bring the USDA, which is centrally located in our city, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments and county leaders together for a listening session” to create collaboration to build more affordable housing for low-income and unhoused people.

Etheridge: “I believe that Henderson’s best days do in fact lie ahead of us, but when you look at our neighborhoods and our downtown, it becomes clear that there’s a real need for positive change right now in Henderson. I will represent everyone fairly, no matter your address… and I will bring drive, passion and policy that makes living in Henderson better for everyone.  Safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, jobs with livings wages, a vibrant downtown, and lower property taxes…, together we can all bring the change that we know our city needs.  Together we can make a better way of life for everyone and together we will succeed.”

 Spriggs: “My platform consists of all of those things that are most important to the average citizen. Examples include new parks, better roads, safer neighborhoods, more and better housing, opportunities to grow as a citizen and new businesses that will directly benefit us in a positive manner.”

  1. What are the top three issues that, in your opinion, this city faces in the next two years?  Five years?

Coffey: Coffey identified affordable housing, people who need housing and trash as top priorities. She said she will continue to address these needs as mayor, just as she has done in her terms on the city council.

Elliott: “We must have mental health services that are user-friendly to all, that are easy to access and that are fair and equitable to all. We also must have substance use providers that will be accessible to our community. Our housing challenges are definitely on the top of the list. We need affordable housing – which we are building  – as well as low-income housing, and we need shelter.” Elliott said there is a need for a landlord/tenant committee to fully inform both sides when issues arise. “Our downtown needs to thrive. We need our heartbeat to beat at an all-time high. We are centrally located off of the corridor of I-85 and US #1. We have a great opportunity to not only serve the citizens of this community, but people that are coming through. We need to maximize on that.”

Etheridge: “Goodwill and order in a community are partially achieved through the fair and consistent administration of laws and ordinances by elected leaders and appointed officials. When undesirable or unlawful activities, behaviors, and violations are tolerated without penalty for an extended period of time. I believe that Henderson has earned an undesirable and unhealthy reputation for tolerance of criminal and unwanted behavior that is detrimental to our future. Our city can no longer afford to rely solely on the hope that things will ‘get better.’ Now is the time for concerned citizens, elected leaders, and appointed officials to align,” Etheridge said, around the following topics:

  • Drugs and Crime
  • City Messaging
  • Business Friendly
  • Promoting Healthy Churches and Non-Profits
  • Supporting our City Workers
  • Neighborhood and Business Code Enforcement

Spriggs: “The top three issues from my view are ensuring that we continue the development we have already approved, keep our taxes low as we use the increased tax base from new industries and new housing to provide the best quality of life for everyone who is in the city, and also in the county, and to market in Henderson as the city, we desire it to be: a beautiful city of water that offers everyone the opportunity to have a great quality of life. We cannot tell the future, but in five years we should have completed our new fire station, the new development that is beginning to break ground, and we should be known as the premier small town of 85 that individuals from around the country want to move to retire to and work in.”

4. As an elected official, how will you address these issues?

Coffey: Coffey said her 18 years on the Henderson City Council puts her in a position to address the issues that face Henderson. “Whatever I can do to help the city,” she said, adding that she hopes to be able to do it as mayor. Being in conversation with contractors about the construction of “tiny homes” on city-owned parcels in residential neighborhoods is one way she is addressing the issues of affordable housing and homelessness. She said she will present her plan to the council once contractors can provide costs for construction. The smaller homes would be affordable for individuals, couples or small families, she added. “I’ve already done some stuff with the trash,” Coffey said. “I never thought what I did behind the scenes needed to be put on social media,” she said. “Maybe that’s why people don’t know all the stuff I’ve done.” In her 25 years as a small business owner and local official, Coffey said she had experience working with lobbyists, too. “I’ve never been one that’s stood back and waited for other people to do (something),” she said. “What I can do is show what we need here in Henderson,” offer some advice or suggestions and talk with leaders in Raleigh or wherever about how to accomplish the goals.

Elliott: “I would change the image of the city. I would be a spokesperson and I would fight for the city whether that is local, state, or federal.” By promoting initiatives that galvanize stakeholders and strengthen partnerships, Elliott said she encourages city and county collaboration to achieve health equity for all. She said she would work alongside developers to increase affordable housing options and help the city invest in a shelter to house families, in partnership with the county. Elliott said she would create programs for elected officials to talk regularly with school students to educate them about how government works and would also like to create more opportunities for professional development for elected officials from the UNC School of Government.

Etheridge:

  • Neighborhood and Business Code Enforcement – “The lack of enforcement has led to the significant decline in the appeal and safety of neighborhoods and businesses. Nuisances are now the main focal points, and the safety and quality of structures have been extremely compromised.  The vegetation overgrowth, substandard living conditions, and junk that is being allowed have created an environment of oppressed poverty and crime. Over the years, hundreds of homes have been abandoned while many that remain offer deplorable living conditions.”
  • Drugs and Crime – “Many neighborhoods are downgrading to a level of poverty and blight, and the local justice system has proven itself to offer slow to no enforcement of penalties creating a perfect illegal drug business culture. Since rules and laws are not considered by this type of citizen, the byproduct will always be crime, shootings, death, oppression, overused city resources and safety concerns. Businesses and jobs will flee or just stay away.”
  • City Messaging – “It is so important for city officials to take immediate action by identifying the “violent neighborhoods” with drug houses and gang activity – and then adding a police presence to protect those law-abiding citizens living there. Placing an immediate priority on holding the current owner/investor accountable for substandard conditions or condemning those vacant houses where drug deals are being made is the only fair and law-abiding action. We cannot afford another year, two, or five to go through the long red-tape process…it compromises accountability and promotes negligence.”
  • Business Friendly – “The process of starting a business, renovating an existing building, or finding an appealing location to purchase has proven to be very difficult. Those who want to invest need to know the people, process and needed permitting upfront. Having the city as a guide, rather than a guard, is the only way to make sure we have a community open for solid, quality-of-life contributing businesses.”
  • Promoting Healthy Churches and Non-Profits – “There are so many good organizations that truly want to provide help and hope to Henderson, above and beyond what a government can. These are the selfless servants and no paychecks or paybacks are asked for. Identifying and promoting these organizations are crucial to a healthy and growing community.”
  • Supporting our City Workers – “We are grateful to all city staff members for the quality work and service they provide daily. For a vibrant and thriving community to exist, we must rely on the city manager and the city department heads to oversee the diligent enforcement of the established laws, codes and ordinances.”

Spriggs: “Addressing these issues will take diplomacy, experience in public policy and an empathetic ear to (listen to) the concerns of our citizens and business owners.”

5. What is your experience in the public sector?

Coffey: Coffey has been a member of the Henderson City Council for 18 years and has served two terms as Mayor pro tem.

Elliott: “I’ve been in the public sector all my life. I love people. I love all people and I want all people to thrive and be successful.” Elliott has been a member of the City Council for eight years and also has work experience with the Department of Social Services, the Department of Public Safety, Vance County Jail, Alexandria City Police Department and Amtrak.

Spriggs: “Before being elected to the city Council in 2019 I worked as a full-time city of Henderson employee for nearly four years. Aside from that, I have been active in North Carolina politics for 15 years, having worked for judges, other state officials, and their campaigns.” He also ran for Congress in 2022.

6. If you are a newcomer to politics, what role do you see yourself playing as a member of an elected body?

Etheridge: “The City Council is made up of nine elected individuals striving to fairly represent the best interests of and most beneficial outcomes for all of Henderson’s 15,000-plus citizens.  When making policy, approving requests for funding, and governing the city, the mayor does not have a vote except when needed to break a tie…the mayor’s primary role on the council is to ensure a healthy, high-performing team atmosphere where all eight ward representatives are equally encouraged, equally supported, equally heard, and equally empowered to serve the citizens in their respective wards. The most important role of the mayor in our city for the next four years is to embrace this diversity and to guide Henderson toward the better future of safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, jobs with livings wages, a vibrant downtown, and lower property taxes that all our citizens deserve.”

7. Please share any additional information you want voters to know about you.

Coffey: Coffey has been a small business owner operating in the area since 1998. She is a native of Vance County and has said in earlier interviews with WIZS that she has an open-door policy when it comes to hearing from constituents. As an at-large council member, she represents all city residents, not just those in Ward 1.

Elliott: Elliott serves on numerous boards in the community, from Working on Wellness to the Dr. Andrea Harris Foundation Board, among others, including the Gun Violence Roundtable and Community Health Worker Ambassador for Region 4. “I will not leave anyone behind in my journey as the mayor of the city of Henderson.” She has written proclamations for the LGBTQ community, Hispanic Heritage Month and Community Health workers National Week and said she is a servant leader, ready to accept the challenge to serve the people of Henderson.

Etheridge: A Henderson native, Etheridge is a 1990 graduate of Vance Senior High School. He graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 1995. He is a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina and a licensed HVAC contractor.  In 2019 he purchased Gupton Services. He has held leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Henderson, the Kerr Lake Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, the City of Henderson Downtown Development Commission, and the VGCC Foundation, among others.  Additional noted contributions include ACTS, Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Crime Stoppers, Edmonds Tennis and Golf Foundation, and the Salvation Army. Etheridge and wife Susan have one son, Samuel, 22.  Susan is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and has been a life-long educator currently employed at North Raleigh Christian Academy as their director of academic advising.  Samuel attended VGCC and is employed at Gupton Services as an HVAC service technician.  Etheridge’s parents, Rick and Sybil Etheridge, and siblings, all reside in the Watkins community.

Spriggs: “Voters need to know that I am an independent politician whose main focus each day is to improve the lives of our residents, our citizens, our businesses and our families. Most importantly, as mayor of this beautiful city, my job is to serve the citizens fairly and completely.”

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TownTalk: Ward 2 Candidates Answer Questions

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Note: This is the second of five TownTalk segments to provide election coverage for the upcoming Oct. 10 municipal elections in Henderson. Today, we’ll hear from the three candidates for the Ward 2 City Council seat.

WIZS posed the same questions to all 17 candidates running for the five races – mayor, Ward 1 and Ward 2 seats, as well as the at-large seats in Wards 3 and 4.

Some of the candidates responded to the questions in written form and others were recorded in phone interviews and their responses were transcribed for inclusion in this story. Online readers will notice direct quotes in the answers; information not in direct quotes is paraphrased to provide concise text and readability.

The candidates’ responses appear in alphabetical order, beginning with incumbent Mike Rainey and continuing with challengers Sam Seifert and Janice Ward.

  1. Why are you running for elected office?

Mike Rainey: Incumbent Rainey has served on the City Council for 27 years, and he said he is fortunate to have the support of the voters in Ward 2 and across the city. “Apparently, I’ve been doing something right,” he said. He plans to continue to support the efforts of the Council and hopes to be a voice for new residents as well.

Sam Seifert: “I come from a family that believes in and practices service to others and service above self.  I am running for Henderson City Council, Ward 2, to serve my hometown and try to do my part to help Henderson realize its potential for a brighter future.  Civic engagement, collaboration and effective leadership is vital to harness positive change for this city, our community and our citizens. I just spent the last seven months participating in Leadership Vance and it opened my eyes to the array of amenities and resources in the city and county, the good work being done, and the challenges and issues that exist.  I was inspired to get involved because Henderson needs new energy, engagement and representation from citizens my age who are ready to roll up their sleeves and work on behalf of our community and all of its people.”

Janice Ward: “I’m running because I’m committed to not only representing Ward 2 but serving as a unifying force for the entire Henderson community. Together, I believe we can shape a future that honors our differences, celebrates our shared values and breaks down barriers that have held us back. I would like to see us move forward, hand in hand, towards a more diverse, fair, and prosperous Henderson.”

  1. What’s your platform?

Rainey: “If I’m elected, I would like to continue doing what I’ve done in the past,” Rainey said, and identified issues of growth, crime reduction and enhancing the overall look of the city as what he considers his platform. “I want to try to enhance the city of Henderson…and welcome new citizens. I want to point out the good things that Henderson has and that people may be looking over” and not realizing what we have, he said. There are many new people living in Henderson, and Rainey said “they bring a lot of good ideas and a lot of good points of view.”

Seifert: “Henderson is my hometown.  I was born and raised here.  I’ve also had the opportunity to live, work, start a family, recreate and volunteer in other cities and states in the Southeast.  It’s my hope to offer a fresh perspective and good energy to help Henderson grow and thrive and become a destination for young families and working professionals.”

Seifert said the way to start is by

  • Shifting our attitude and mindset to encourage pride of place
  • Creating a safer community for all
  • Revitalizing our historic downtown – We are fortunate to have a beautiful library, a world-class performing arts center and new retail and restaurants in our downtown.  These businesses need our ongoing support, and we must continue efforts to rehabilitate vacant buildings and encourage new businesses to locate in our downtown. We must seek new ways to incentivize and support new development downtown.
  • Improving our appearance – a cleaner, more attractive city is a key ingredient towards making it a safer and more appealing option for both people and business to consider for relocation.
  • Stimulating economic growth and job creation

Ward: “Diversity is our strength and fairness is the cornerstone of a just society. I firmly believe that Henderson’s true potential can only be realized by celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds and perspectives that our residents bring to the table.”

  1. What are the top three issues that, in your opinion, this city faces in the next two years?  Five years?

Rainey: Rainey said the same issues have been at the forefront of concerned residents for 15 or 10 years – crime, housing and jobs. Industry growth is another area that he considers an important issue for the city. Creating new jobs in the area would attract new residents, but there has to be housing available to accommodate new people. “We’ve got too much crime in this town, in my opinion,” Rainey said, but added that he believes much of it comes from outside sources, not necessarily from Henderson residents. “People are coming into our town with drugs, firearms and so forth that we need to stop,” he added.

Seifert: Issues in next two years: city-wide cleanup, relationship-building and reputation improvement Issues in next five years: housing, infrastructure, transportation

Ward: Mental Health, Homelessness and Lack of Employment Opportunities

  1. As an elected official, how will you address these issues?

Rainey: “We need to increase our industries,” Rainey said, which would mean more tax revenue – property tax and sales tax, especially – added to the city’s coffers. “That will enable us to do some things that we want to do for the homeless (population),” he said. The city is currently working to add housing units – apartments, townhomes and single-family dwellings – to the city footprint. “There are some big projects on the horizon which we’re hoping will pan out,” Rainey noted.

Seifert: “Starting right now with Year 1, a major undercurrent that needs to be continuous is recruiting and attracting new business/industry to our area  that create opportunities for good paying jobs. In the years to come I would focus on:

1) City-wide cleanup – there needs to be continued efforts to improve the appearance of our city, from frequent litter clean-up initiatives to improving blighted residential areas and vacant/abandoned buildings that are in various states of disrepair.  A cleaner, more attractive city is a key ingredient towards making it a safer and more appealing option for both people and business to consider for relocation.  Blight in our community serves as a catalyst for crime, a barrier to economic development, and hurts the morale of our community.

2) Relationship-building – we must ensure good working relationships and strengthen collaboration within the City of Henderson, with Vance County officials, with our local community college, and with state and national representatives to explore all avenues of funding, training, and support needed to elevate Henderson.

3) Reputation Improvement – we must intentionally try to rehabilitate the city’s reputation by highlighting all the good that is here – the city’s people, natural resources, amenities, businesses and organizations that we should be proud of and which form a solid foundation for the future success of our city.

4) Housing – good progress is being made here with new proposed housing developments, but we need to see the current projects through to completion while also continuing plans for urban redevelopment

5) Infrastructure – we must ensure we stay on-track with the proposed Dabney Drive widening project.  This will be important to improve traffic flow, especially to our downtown area businesses and venues.

6) Transportation – we must continue engagement with NC DOT and other appropriate entities to stay connected and prepared for the proposed S-line rail project.  This project will have a tremendous impact on regional connectivity, economic growth, and overall vibrancy of our city.”

Ward: “As an elected official I will join in with agencies and non-profit organizations to tackle these issues by any means necessary.”

  1. What is your experience in the public sector?

Rainey: As the incumbent, Rainey said he likes the level of transparency that exists with the sitting Council members. “We try to be transparent in what we do and keep people abreast about what we’re doing,” he said. “We’ve been doing a little bit better job explaining things” to the public, he added. He encourages residents to voice their concerns by attending a City Council meeting. “We can’t fix the problem if we don’t know it,” he said.

Seifert: “I am new to the political arena, though personally I see that as a positive. Fresh perspectives are important. I have nearly 20 years’ experience in health administration, where I listen, analyze, problem-solve, communicate, lead and work with teams of people on a daily basis. I have developed similar skills through my involvement with many civic and religious organizations. All of these skills transfer to the position of city council representative.”

Ward: “I have no experience in the public sector but I’m excited to begin this new endeavor giving back to my hometown, Henderson NC.”

  1. If you are a newcomer to politics, what role do you see yourself playing as a member of an elected body?

Rainey: While certainly not a newcomer to politics, Rainey said he is “open to any kind of help from the new (members), and he said he will try to answer their questions. “I may not know all the answers, but I can give them mine…I pride myself on the fact that I do what I think is best – it may not be someone else’s opinion,” he said, but added that his experience on the Council provides a unique perspective on progress the city has made over the years.

Seifert “I will represent my ward by listening to the concerns and ideas of the citizens in my ward, and I will take them to the council for consideration. I will be an engaged member of the city council, preparing and educating myself in advance of meetings. I will work respectfully and professionally with my fellow council members to do what is best for the city of Henderson.”

Ward: “I am a newcomer to politics. I see myself being as asset to being a vote or contributing to anything that can make our city and our residence of Henderson more productive and to feel honored and privileged to be a part of.”

  1. Please share any additional information you want voters to know about you.

Rainey: “The voting public has got to realize that we just have one vote. We need to vote on how we feel in relationship with what people have made comments about,” Rainey said, “to work out problems in a roundtable discussion…don’t sweep it under the rug. We need to be open and realize that no matter what decision we make, some people are going to be happy with the decision and some people are not going to be happy. We need to be open-minded and be willing to listen.” City leaders and the community need to work together to try to eliminate negative feelings, he said.

Seifert: “My wife, Amine, and I are happy to be back in Henderson and look forward to continuing to raise our children in a small, close-knit community.  I’m excited for the opportunity to potentially serve the citizens of Ward 2 as their city council representative.  Together, let’s strive to make Henderson an inviting and thriving community for people to live, play and work.”

Ward: Ward and her family have been local businesses owners in the county since 2003. The business provides services to intellectually disabled individuals. The operate a residential group home and two AFL homes in Henderson and help these individuals and senior adults gain independent living skills and other types of training. “My husband and both worked at Murdoch Center. My husband retired from there and he is also retired from the National Guard and now is employed with the Vance County Sheriff department as a bailiff.” Our heart and passion are for the people. If I’m elected, I will continue to do what I do on a daily basis and that is to serve and meet the needs of all people.”

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TownTalk: Ward 1 Candidates Answer Questions

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Note: This is the first of five TownTalk segments to provide election coverage for the upcoming Oct. 10 municipal elections in Henderson. Today, we’ll hear from the four candidates for the Ward 1 City Council seat.

WIZS posed the same questions to all 17 candidates running for the five races – mayor, Ward 1 and Ward 2 seats, as well as the at-large seats in Wards 3 and 4.

Some of the candidates responded to the questions in written form and others were recorded in phone interviews and their responses were transcribed for inclusion in this story. Online readers will notice direct quotes in the answers; information not in direct quotes is paraphrased to provide concise text and readability.

The candidates’ responses appear in alphabetical order, beginning with Geraldine Champion and continuing with Symia Crews, Clementine Hunter and Corey Pearson.

Tune in to TownTalk Thursday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. to hear Ward 2 candidates’ answers.

  1. Why are you running for elected office? 

Geraldine Champion: “I am running because I hear the needs of the people of not only Ward 1, but of the city. I have contact with these people not only during election years, but throughout the year. Some of their needs and concerns are similar to mine. They are concerned about the crime rate, the downtown area, the need for assistance and not being able to get it, the cost of living and being able to have adequate and affordable housing. There are so many concerns. I am running because I care. I have talked about doing things for years…I want to go to a new level and prove that I’m one of those people who cares about this community. I’m running for someone who cannot speak up for themselves.”

Symia Crews: “I would like to bridge the gap by rebuilding trust and creating transparency between local government and the citizens of Vance County. The residents here have a right to live and raise children in a clean, safe and growing community. I am running to protect and maintain that right. I want to be a part of the enhancement and development of the city and bring a young, positive and forward-thinking voice to the table.”

Clementine Hunter: “I am running, seeking elected office to serve and give back, to give back and serve. Opportunities, great or small have been, and are being afforded me which obligates (me) to give back. The end goal is also a desire to make family and community a better place to live, work, recreate and worship.”

Corey Pearson: Pearson has said he has a desire to be “the voice of the people.” At age 28, Pearson said he feels at home in Henderson, and it’s the place where he wants to raise a family.

  1. What’s your platform?

Champion: Downtown Development, Economic Development and Public Safety/Policing

“I want to be the representative that anybody can approach,” Champion said. “I want to be able to vote on some of the things that affect this community, not just Ward 1.” She said her platform includes honesty, transparency and integrity. “I know how part of our community has suffered. I want them to know they are not alone. I’m running for someone who cannot speak for themselves. Anything that I can do to help somebody, I’m going to do it.”

Crews: Quality and Affordable Housing, Neighborhood Revitalization, Labor and Workforce Development, Community Policing and Engagement and Advocacy for Tenants and Homeless Shelters.

Hunter: Hunter said she does not have a platform, per se, but keeps a checklist that she updates regularly of basic human needs, including:

Affordable housing

Economic development

Employment and opportunities

Food

Health care

Safety

Pearson: “Having a safer community, a vibrant downtown, providing a living wage for people and opportunities for everyone, all ethnicities and all cultures…For the last four years, I’ve done the most I can as a business owner,” to provide employees with a living wage. He said his downtown business is something that can produce economic value to the community. “We’re always looking for that next entrepreneur, next bakery person, someone we can elevate to that this area does prosper.”

  1. What are the top three issues that, in your opinion, this city faces in the next two years? Five years?

Champion: “The top three issues are the same as my platform,” Champion said. “Economic Development: jobs are needed that will allow people to maintain their household and allow people to be able to take care of their families. Downtown Development: our downtown is outdated. Too many empty buildings that need to be revitalized. There needs to be an expansion included with this development. We have areas that are in need of being developed. On Norlina Road, development needs to happen there. Andrews Avenue needs to be developed to accommodate that traffic off US 1. The traffic is horrendous on Dabney Drive, as well as the streets. Some of this traffic comes off US 1 to Dabney. Public Safety: it’s obvious that more officers are needed. Officers are coming, getting experience here and then leaving to go to other cities.”

Crews: “Increase in homelessness, the reading proficiency score that is currently at 27% for Vance County Public Schools will continue to decrease while chronic absenteeism which is over 50 percent will increase. The physical deterioration of our neighborhoods will result in an increase in crime and drug-related activity.”

Hunter: “The City faces in the next five years, and beyond, three basic needs:  Food, Economic development and Safety.”

Pearson: Pearson said issues include making communities safer, having a vibrant downtown, a lack of affordable housing and providing a living wage for people while providing opportunities for people of all backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures.

“The way the housing is, is ridiculous,” Pearson said. “It’s not affordable for the average person, and not for the disadvantaged.” Another issue he cited is the problem of trash. Increased home ownership would encourage people to take pride in their property, which could increase safety and decrease the trash problem.

 

  4. As an elected official, how will you address these issues?

Champion: “I can’t do anything by myself – it has to be a collaborative effort on behalf of everybody. I would like for us to be able to sit down and agree or agree to disagree and try to figure out what’s the best route.” Henderson officials need to find out what’s working in surrounding areas to combat similar challenges, she said.

“If we sit down and we go back and forth about what we want and come to a conclusion, I think Henderson would be a better place…if we say we want what’s best for Henderson…we ought to all be able to sit down and try to figure out what we can do. We need to talk with each other and not at each other.”

Crews: “My goal is to work with elected officials to secure funding for our homeless shelters to expand and obtain the proper resources as well as educating our tenants on their rights and incentivizing an eviction protection program for those who are at risk of eviction. Through community partnerships, we can prioritize programs that increase educational attainment, including job training, internships, and apprenticeships. Provide proper funding for our libraries and securing resources essential to providing a quality educational system. Neighborhood revitalization is important. We have a growing body of evidence that supports the idea that mowing, landscaping and revitalizing physical spaces in neighborhoods can reduce violence, assault and drug-related activity and improve neighborhood safety.”

Hunter: “As an elected official, periodic meetings with community, higher officials, organizations and agencies are important to learn what the specific issues are; then coordinate to work out solutions.”

Pearson: Pearson said crime in Henderson must be addressed and that safety and security are vital for a thriving downtown.  He looks forward to open discussion on ways the community can work together to solve this issue. A vibrant downtown district is a vision of Pearson. “I want to see our downtown thrive and prosper once again,” he stated. He said his experience as a downtown business owner puts him in a position to help the city accomplish that goal.  Pearson said he wants to attract restaurants, family focused fun and other establishments for the community to enjoy “to make our city a place that people all around us will say, ‘Henderson is a place I want to live.'”

  1. What is your experience in the public sector?

Champion: “I have been involved in politics and other organizations since I was 18 years old. I am now 62, but I wanted to know what I could do to contribute to the city that I love and live in. I began to plan toy and food drives. I got on board with  the Henderson/Vance Recreation Department where my name is displayed on a plaque in the lobby at the Aycock Complex.”

She was a member of the Henderson/Vance Human Relations and the board of the Henderson/Vance Weed and Seed and chaired the Public Relations Committee at Vance Granville Community College. “More recently – and one of my proudest accomplishments  – was being a Client Council member and sitting on the Board of Directors with Legal Aid of NC (until my term ended where I have been asked to return).”

Crews: “This is a new endeavor for me, and where I lack on paper in terms of experience,  I can make up for that in life experiences. I’ve worked in customer service since I was 14 years old, I care-give for my mother who has a disability, I work for a state facility that supports individuals with IDD, and I served in the US Navy. I understand the importance of advocacy and devoting your life to the services of others.”

Hunter: Hunter was appointed to serve a term on the Vance County Board of Education and spent two and a half years there. She also served on the Adjustment and Zoning Board for two years. Currently she is a volunteer on the Henderson Recreation Commission.

Pearson: Pearson said his experience in the public sector is quite limited, but he has traveled the world over the past decade in a private sector role that involved training law enforcement personnel and the military. He has developed training courses and has worked “with many excellent folks that come from all walks of life.”

  1. If you’re a newcomer to politics, what role do you see yourself playing as a member of an elected body?

Champion: “I see myself as being the voice of so many citizens who do not feel that they have a voice. I see myself as agreeing with what is right and disagreeing with what my conscience feels is not right. I believe that I can be the best voice, because I am willing to listen, dissect and put myself in others’ place. I may not agree with everything that another person believes in, but I will be open and respect their opinions. I have been in, and in some instances I am still in, some of the hardship places that some of our citizens are in. I want to be the voice of reason and the listening ear to those who feel like no one cares, not just for this Ward but for the entire city. I want to let others know you are not alone in your struggle. Let’s sit down and figure out what and if we can do anything about it. Most importantly though, whether I win or lose, I want to help someone along the way.”

Crews: “Some of our most vulnerable citizens have been met with indifference, lip service or an incessant chorus of ‘it’s not in the budget.’ I want to ensure that even the least represented are invited and heard.”

Hunter: “When elected as City Council member, role playing involves sharing life and work experiences with elected body members that will shine light and help to move the city forward. Each member plays a role that will benefit the entire body.”

Pearson: Pearson said he looks forward to being part of an elected body to collaborate to address issues. “I don’t see myself being a dominant force or a dominant voice, unless it’s an accountability issue. I will do everything in my ability to make sure problems are addressed.”

Pearson said his experience working on teams is a plus. The synergy created through teamwork is a positive energy. “I’m very enthusiastic about getting things done,” he said.

  1. Please share any additional information that you want voter to know about you.

Champion: “I have been a resident of Henderson my entire life – I’ve seen the good, the bad and the indifferent. I would love to be able to see older people and children sitting on the porch and playing in the yard, see the downtown flourish. I will not come around only during elections, but I will be around and will make my phone number accessible” to voters, she added. “I will not come into our neighborhoods to put up a sign, because now I need you to vote for me. You need me for any reasonable request…let me know and I will try everything within my power to be there. And if I personally cannot help you I will try to help you with a solution. It doesn’t matter if I have a seat with the Council or (am) just a private citizen.

Crews: “I want to highlight the fact that we serve the people, and we need the input of everyone when we make decisions. We can get excited about the future. Turning the focus back to you, the people and putting your voice first. There’s hope in our community and I think we should all be excited.”

Hunter:  Born and raised in Granville County, Hunter attended public schools in Granville County and currently teaches and tutors Reading and Math there. “I have family up and down the East Coast to Texas. I am a lifelong learner with an earned Master’s in Education and Training; and am pursuing a doctorate in Education. I enjoy gardening, fishing, golf; (and I) am health and wellness conscious. I love God and community.

Pearson: “My dad always taught me to stand on my own merits,” Pearson said. “I let people know that I am Dr. Stephen F. Pearson’s son. He was a catalyst for the community. “Every street I walk on I feel his presence…and I feel that he touched this town and that’s what his legacy will be.” Pearson said his father passed the torch to him to keep the flame burning and the fire stoked to help Henderson.

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