TownTalk: Henderson City Council Candidates’ Responses

Editor’s Note: Early voting begins Thursday, Sept. 18 for the Oct. 7 nonpartisan municipal election; four seats on the Henderson City Council are on the ballot – Wards 1 and 2 at-large and the Ward 3 and Ward 4 seats. WIZS sent all the candidates a list of seven questions and statements to learn more about their platforms and their views to move the city forward if they are elected to serve on the City Council. 

Seven of the 13 candidates responded, and their answers appear below, unedited and in their entirety.

Benjamin Buckner filed to run for the Ward 2 at-large seat but suspended his candidacy and endorsed incumbent Lamont Noel. Because Buckner was still a candidate when the questions were sent out, he also received the list of questions. He did respond via email, restating his endorsement of Noel.

The candidates’ responses appear below in alphabetical order and by Ward, beginning with Ward 1 and continuing through Ward 4.

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Ward 1 at-large seat:

Kenia Gómez-Jimenez

Question #1: What prompted you to run for office?

For those who may not know me, my name is Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, candidate for Henderson City Council, Ward 1 At-Large. I am a proud Vance County native, raised in Kittrell by a strong Christian single mother who instilled in me the values of faith, determination, and hard work. Henderson is my home and the place I want to raise my family one day.

After overcoming a battle with cancer last year, I returned to City Council meetings and saw a city at a crossroads. Henderson is full of potential, but too often our leadership has settled for stagnation, division, and complacency. Our citizens are frustrated and deserve better.

I am running for City Council because I believe we must choose a new path forward—one that breaks down barriers, builds bridges, and prioritizes unity, growth, and safety for all. Henderson needs leadership that restores trust, renews hope, and truly puts people first.

Question #2: What’s your platform?

My platform is built on five key priorities that I believe are essential to Henderson’s future: Downtown Revitalization, Affordable Housing, Workforce & Economic Development, A Safer City for All, and Unity Above Identity.

First, Downtown Revitalization. Our downtown is the heart of Henderson, yet too often our citizens look around and ask: why are the towns around us flourishing? Why are their downtowns bustling with wonderful, locally-owned businesses—while Henderson lags behind? This is a real concern, and it’s one we can fix. With strategic investment, support for small businesses, and a vision for growth that stays true to our identity, we can breathe new life into downtown and make it a place where people want to gather, work, and invest.

Second, Affordable Housing. In a city where the average annual salary is just over $40,000, too many of our families are struggling to find safe and affordable places to live. We need to partner with developers, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal resources to create housing options that meet the needs of all income levels, especially working families and young people who want to stay in Henderson.

Third, Workforce & Economic Development. Henderson’s poverty rate remains significantly higher than the state average, and too many of our citizens feel left behind. By expanding workforce training, supporting small businesses, and encouraging new industries to locate here, we can create pathways to higher wages, sustainable jobs, and stronger economic growth for everyone.

Fourth, A Safer City for All. Public safety is the foundation of every strong community. While crime has long plagued Henderson’s reputation, I believe we can change that narrative. By strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and our neighborhoods, investing in prevention and youth programs, and addressing the root causes of crime, we can create a Henderson where families feel secure and proud to call home.

Finally, Unity Above Identity. Henderson has for too long been divided—by politics, by personal agendas, and by old ways of thinking. Our citizens are tired of division. My vision is to bring people together, across neighborhoods and backgrounds, to move Henderson forward. We cannot afford leaders who put ego above progress. We need leaders who will put people first.

At the end of the day, my platform is simple: to build a Henderson that works for its people, not against them. By focusing on revitalization, housing, jobs, safety, and unity, I believe we can transform Henderson into the city we all know it has the potential to be.

Question #3: 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.

The three most important issues facing Henderson today are: restoring trust in our leadership, addressing infrastructure, and creating good-paying jobs.

1. Restoring Faith in Leadership.

Over the past year, our City Council meetings have too often left citizens feeling frustrated, confused, and hopeless. Instead of moving Henderson forward, dysfunction and disarray have held us back. If elected, I will bring stable, levelheaded, and productive leadership to Council. That means showing integrity, listening to our citizens, and working alongside fellow council members with respect and collaboration. My focus will always be on progress, not personal agendas. By restoring trust in leadership, we restore hope that Henderson’s future can and will be brighter.

2. Infrastructure.

From potholes all over our city, to broken windows in our beautiful historic downtown, Henderson’s infrastructure is in dire need of attention. Optics matter—not just for our residents, but also for potential citizens, investors, and business owners. If elected, I will work closely with city departments and committees to prioritize infrastructure improvements, from roads and sidewalks to public spaces. I will also support policies like a Vacant Building Ordinance to ensure that empty, neglected properties no longer drag down our city’s appearance or discourage investment. A stronger Henderson starts with a stronger foundation.

3. Jobs and Economic Opportunity.

At the heart of many of Henderson’s struggles is the lack of good-paying jobs. With the average annual salary in our city just over $40,000, too many families are struggling to make ends meet. As a rural community, we must be realistic about our strategies—but also ambitious. We need to attract small and mid-sized businesses, support entrepreneurship, and expand workforce training programs that prepare our people for the jobs of today and tomorrow. I will work with regional partners, including community colleges, workforce boards, and local industries, to create pipelines for employment and ensure that Henderson becomes a place where families can build stability and young professionals can see a future.

Together, by restoring trust, rebuilding infrastructure, and creating jobs, we can put Henderson on a path toward growth, pride, and prosperity.

Question #4: What are your beliefs, ideas and passions for ways to make Henderson the best city it can be?

I believe Henderson can and should be a city of unity, opportunity, and pride. My passion is to help build a community where families feel safe, businesses can grow, and citizens trust their leadership again. By revitalizing our downtown, creating good-paying jobs, ensuring affordable housing, and working together instead of against one another, we can unlock Henderson’s true potential. At the end of the day, my belief is simple: Henderson deserves better, and together, we can make it the best it can be.

Question #5: Explain how your personal and professional experience will contribute to the work of the City Council.

I am a proud graduate of Vance County Public Schools—Zeb Vance Elementary, Henderson Middle, and Southern Vance High School—and went on to earn a double major in Political Science and Philosophy from UNC-Chapel Hill. After graduating in 2021, I immediately put my degree to work in local government, serving as the Regional Program Coordinator for the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments and later as the Downtown Development Director for the City of Oxford. These roles gave me firsthand experience in municipal processes, economic development, and the elements that help rural communities thrive.

Beyond my professional career, I proudly serve on the Henderson Optimist Club Board of Directors, the Salvation Army Advisory Leadership Council, and the Vance County Cooperative Extension Leadership Council, and I am a graduate of the Leadership Vance Class of 2023. I have consistently stepped up to lead, serve, and give back because I believe in Henderson’s future.

Despite my young age, I believe that sometimes what we think disqualifies us is exactly what makes us special. Leaders too often choose to remain captains of a sinking ship rather than have the courage to change course and let others take the wheel. Henderson cannot afford that any longer. My experience—rooted in proven community service, regional leadership, and deep dedication to this city—makes me ready to bring the change Henderson deserves.

Question #6: How do you feel about the current climate in the city? If elected, what are your short-term goals? Long-term goals?

Right now, the climate in Henderson is one of frustration and uncertainty. Too many of our citizens have lost trust in local leadership. City Council meetings have left people feeling hopeless rather than hopeful, and many feel like our city has been stuck in place.

My short-term goals are reflected though my answers for question #3. My long-term goals are bigger, and they align with my five-point platform:

• Downtown Revitalization: To see Henderson’s downtown not just improved, but thriving—bustling with locally owned businesses, outdoor events, restaurants, and safe, walkable streets that bring families and visitors back into the heart of our city.

• Affordable Housing: To build lasting partnerships with developers and nonprofits so that Henderson becomes known as a community where safe, affordable, and diverse housing options are available for every generation—young professionals, families, and seniors alike.

• Workforce & Economic Development: To transform Henderson into a hub of opportunity where job seekers don’t have to leave to find work. This means investing in workforce pipelines with Vance-Granville Community College, supporting small businesses, and attracting industries that provide sustainable wages.

• A Safer City for All: To change Henderson’s reputation from one of crime to one of resilience and safety. I envision a city where law enforcement and neighborhoods work hand-in-hand, youth programs offer positive paths forward, and families can feel safe walking downtown or letting their children play outside.

• Unity Above Identity: To create a Henderson where division no longer defines us. My long-term goal is to leave behind a culture of gridlock and replace it with a culture of collaboration, where leaders put people above politics and neighbors see themselves as part of one Henderson, one future.

These long-term goals are not just about fixing what is broken, they are about building the Henderson we all know is possible: a city of opportunity, safety, and pride for generations to come.

Question #7: Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.

Henderson is at a turning point. A city stops growing when it stops changing — and right now, our citizens are demanding change. Failure isn’t fatal if you don’t let it be final. Our current political climate does not have to define us or defeat us.

I want every voter to know that this is your moment. The power to decide Henderson’s future is in your hands. We can choose to remain in division and stagnation, or we can choose to build a city that reflects our resilience, our strength, and our shared belief that Henderson deserves better.

I am not running because it is easy. I am running because I believe in Henderson, and I believe in you. Together, we can restore trust in leadership, revitalize our downtown, create jobs, build safer neighborhoods, and unite as one community moving forward.

On October 7th, 2025, I humbly ask for your consideration and your vote for Henderson City Council, Ward 1 At-Large. Let’s break barriers, build bridges, and make Henderson the city we all know it can be.

Ward 1 at-large seat

Clementine “Tina” Hunter

Q: What prompted you to run for local office?

A: Several reasons prompted me to run for local office; this being my third time appearing on the ballot as a Candidate, for City Council, Henderson, NC 27536:

Personal ambition – running for office gains experience in, and improves upon relationships between constituents, and aids in networking for future higher office. Constituents elect their candidate to be the voice for their concerns and issues. I believe my acquired communication skills will be that voice.

To serve – holding a local office position means having a direct effect on decision-making regarding change and needed improvements of basic human services such as affordable housing, educational opportunities, access to health coverage, food security, and public safety. I believe I can be a positive change-maker.

Q: What is your platform?

A: Again, my platform is being a positive change-maker for the betterment of my constituency in areas of basic human needs and access to resources; including food, shelter, and clothing.

Q: State the three most important issues you see that are facing the city, and explain how you plan to address these issues if you are elected.

A: One of the three most important issues I see that are facing the city is Public Safety. While Public Safety ensures protection of the people, Law Enforcement exists to make it happen. Running “to serve” means education in the community with regard to the policies that govern to make Public Safety and Law Enforcement a reality within the city. Public Safety issues can be addressed by attending meetings conducted by this department, together with Law Enforcement; and in turn, bringing the message(s) to my community of constituents on an individual and/or group basis.

A second important issue is education, for the people perish for a lack of knowledge! Being a life-long learner and educator, I am at my best with an audience of one, or many. If elected, I will hold meetings and/or gatherings that encourage issues, concerns, complaints, or constructive input from community members on how to move the city forward.

A third important issue is housing. Minority communities are most likely affected. Contributing factors to homelessness are unemployment and lack of affordable housing. Those who are gainfully employed with low income status spend the bulk of their income on housing, utility costs, and food; making this population likely to lose their housing. Some solutions may be increased access to support programs of housing vouchers and support for mental health.

Q: What are your beliefs, ideas and passions for ways to make Henderson the best city it can be?

A: To make Henderson the best city it can be is to continue to be inclusive of all its residents. For my last 20 years of living here in the city, I have witnessed much growth of progress in areas of civic awareness an engagement, jobs creation, employment, education, and in recreation and tourism. For the city to continue along this positive path, Henderson will be the best city it can be, to live, work, play, and worship; this is my belief.

Q: Explain how your personal and professional experience will contribute to the work of the City Council.

A: My personal and professional experience is, and has always been a “can do” spirit. Acquired skill sets and ability to communicate with, and relate to most all individuals and levels of management in a diverse population will set me apart. This will contribute greatly to the work of the City Council.

Q: How do you feel about the current climate in the city? If elected, what are your short-term goals? Long-term goals?

A. I feel the current climate in the city is that it has its issues as any other city, with a diverse population of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. With increased improvement of aforementioned basic human needs, the city can reach its highest potential. If elected, my short-term and long-term goals are to do my best work and learn as much as possible on local governance to move the city forward.

Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you

• Resident of the city for 20 years. Native of Oxford, North Carolina

• Served on various Boards in the City of Henderson including School Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Board of Adjustment

• Hold earned advanced degrees in Education and Training, pursuing a Doctorate in Education

• Love God and Country

• Would like to have your vote

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Ward 2 at-large seat

Lamont Noel

1. What prompted you to run for local office?

My family’s encounter with insufficient ordinances or the lack thereof in my neighborhood inspired me to become involved in our city’s governance. Advocating for my sons under circumstances that felt discriminatory pushed me to ask our leadership questions about the fairness of law enforcement pulling over kids in my neighborhood.  With the help of our city’s chief of police, I successfully wrote an ordinance that could be enforced for all people driving a golf cart throughout our city’s neighborhoods. This experience made me think about all those people without an advocate, those who probably felt like they would not be heard. So, I decided to run for a local office for the people, not the position. 

2. What’s your platform? 

My platform is based on my principles about treating people with respect about their concerns and doing my very best to address them. I am an approachable listener, and I don’t make promises that I cannot keep. The citizens deserve leadership that will put our communities above any personal differences. I am only one of eight council members, but I stand in the gap for many who want affordable housing options, cleaner neighborhoods, better streets, and safer living environments.

3. 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.

The top three that have been consistently brought to our mayor and city council are 1) crime reduction, 2) cleaning up the city, and 3) affordable housing.

I will continue to work with the council members to secure resources that will address factors such as poverty and drug abuse, which feed our 68.79 crime rate.  While I voted to increase the average salary for our city police so we could hire and retain qualified officers, I recognize that law enforcement presence is not the solution.  It will require a concerted effort to bring more job opportunities to our city and make sure we prepare potential employees for those positions through our educational system. But it will also require us to hold each other accountable for our own neighborhood safety concerns. If you see something, say something.

Regarding cleaning up the city, I have proposed to the council something as affordable and commonsense as employing a small staff of people to drive around our neighborhoods and pick up trash in coordination with our city sanitation department. This “two-men-and-a-truck” concept would be a full-time anti-litter campaign effort until we get a handle on the current condition. It may seem impossible with the number of complaints we receive, but we must start somewhere. This brings me back to my comment about the importance of citizenship accountability.  All of us must take ownership and pride in our homes and neighborhoods, whether we live in the country club or a housing authority neighborhood. We must all work together to clean up and maintain our surroundings, and then hold others accountable for doing the same.

Lastly, affordable housing is possible as a part of a larger economic development plan. For example, I propose offering developers incentives, such as tax reliefs and reduced purchase prices, for some of our city’s vacant lots to build affordable housing in communities that need revitalization.

4. What are your beliefs, ideas and passions for ways to make Henderson the best city it can be? 

First, let me state that I believe in Henderson and its potential. We have a prime location, situated off the interstate and a major US highway, which should attract visitors and future residents. We can build upon our existing economic foundation by partnering with our adjoining cities and counties to encourage business growth—my ideas and plans to help our city focus on the importance of economic development, beginning with helping our small business owners and making Henderson more appealing to new and larger businesses.

5. Explain how your personal and professional experience will contribute to the work of the City Council. 

As the owner of a small business, I bring my professional work ethic and commitment to running the city’s business affairs effectively. 

6. How do you feel about the current climate in the city? If elected, what are your short-term goals? Long-term goals? 

We must work together to end the chaos and confusion that plagues our city council meetings. We have a lot of work to do to restore confidence in our elected leaders, who are there to take care of our city and citizens. I will continue to make decisions based on the best interests of all citizens and encourage my fellow council members to join me without divisive arguments or personal attacks. Our citizens deserve better, and I will continue to strive to earn the privilege of serving them and not the position.

Ward 2 at-large seat:

George Mayo

My name is George Mayo, I’m 26 years old, and I am proud to be the youngest male candidate to ever run for City Council here in Henderson.

I am running for council because I believe it’s time for a major change in our city. I believe our community deserves someone with “NEW VISIONS, NEW DIRECTIONS, AND FOR CERTAIN—LEADERSHIP THAT YOU CAN TRUST.” It’s about time someone young, like myself, with fresh, new ideas steps up to serve both our city and our citizens.

Let me be clear:

“I AM ABOUT MY BUSINESS. I WILL FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT. I AM A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.”

I promise you—I will always be here to serve our citizens and address some major issues in our city. These include:

• Proposing affordable property taxes for our residents

• Strengthening public safety, so that our police and first responders can serve and protect the City of Henderson the way it should be

• Expanding programs that support our citizens—especially our young people—by providing opportunities for them to grow, learn, and succeed

Our elders have paved the way for us, and now it’s time for our generation to step up and take life more seriously.

Although I do not currently own a home, and I’ve lived in Ward 2 for just under 10 years, I have personally witnessed many of our citizens struggle—and in some cases, lose their homes—simply because they couldn’t afford the rising cost of property taxes. That should never happen.

Let me be very clear:

No one—Black, White, Purple, Pink, Brown, or Blue—deserves to live in fear of losing their home due to unaffordable property taxes.

The solutions I plan to propose include:

• Mentorship programs

• Skill-building workshops

• Community engagement initiatives

• And most importantly—being a positive role model for our youth, showing them that they can be anything they put their minds to

Gun violence, drugs, and the streets are not the only path. You don’t have to fall back on those things to “look like somebody.”

To strengthen our public safety, I propose:

• Community Violence Intervention – by treating violence like a public health issue

• Invest in our citizens – engage more with the people, and build relationships

• Show our community that law enforcement can be a safe space, not just a force that pulls people over or makes arrests

I hope I have said something today that will earn your vote—whether it’s during early voting or on Election Day.

Early Voting is from September 18 – October 4, and Election Day is October 7th.

Thank you, and may we move forward with NEW VISIONS, NEW DIRECTIONS, AND LEADERSHIP THAT YOU CAN TRUST!

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Ward 3 seat:

Garry Daeke

What prompted you to run for local office?

After coming home from college, I wanted to give back to my community and hopefully be a part of the solutions.  I joined the City’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Planning Board, and served on the Downtown Development Commission.  The experience I gained from these City centric boards prompted me to run for local office.

What’s your platform?

I believe we need citizens who will serve the best interests of the local community. Henderson is at a crossroads, and with a Council that can honor each other and work together to solve problems, we can focus on the areas of most need.  For the City to grow, we have to add more taxable property, whether business or residential, to grow our budget.  With that revenue, we need to begin building homes in our downtown areas where we have taken so many dilapidated structures down.

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.

First, I am hoping that the next Council members honor each other for their individual knowledge and are willing to work as a team to reach positive outcomes for the citizens. Without that, we cannot move forward. Secondly, we have to acknowledge that our tax rates are high, and our expenditures the last few years have depended too much on fund balance to continue operations, so we must increase taxable properties to the City to maintain our present services, and that will be the key to growth and additional programs and services.  Third, we must provide better housing options for our citizens within the City.  We must foster growth in our downtown and the surrounding residential areas.  Grow we must (annexation of new developments for revenue), but we cannot let the center of town, especially our neighborhoods, continue to decay.

What are your beliefs, ideas, and passions for ways to make Henderson the best place it can be?

My mother was specific in teaching us the Golden Rule as a way to always treat others with respect and honor.  That has guided me throughout my personal and professional life.  My passion for working to assist people to thrive in a safe, supported, and caring environment still drives me to make the best decisions for this community, and to make Henderson the best place it can be.

Explain how your personal and professional experience will contribute to the work of the City Council.

After coming back home to Henderson from college, I worked for the Area Mental Health program for 15 years, specifically serving adults with developmental disabilities, assisting them with support services to live and find employment in the community. Next, I worked with FGV Smart Start for 25 years, serving families with young children, focusing on their social, emotional, and educational development. I have been blessed that my employment history allowed me to utilize my passion for helping people and to be able to continue to learn of the multitude of challenges people face in our community. Combining this work, while serving on local boards and commissions, has enabled me to understand the work of the Henderson City Council.

How do you feel about the current climate in the city?  If elected what are your short and long term goals?

The current climate in the city is problematic. Presently, there is not a collaborative environment on the Henderson City Council.  The lack of transparency, the efforts to control rather than involve all elected members, and the loss of any team effort has crippled the City and created an environment in which our professional staff does not feel supported.  Council efforts are now competitive, yet should be one of collaboration and working together.  Elect people who are honored to serve, and choose to do this because they care.  My short term goals are to re-create the positive working environment that we previously enjoyed at the City, and restoring the publics’ confidence in the City Council and its’ leadership. Longer term goals are building a stronger revenue base, creating better housing options in the City, revitalizing downtown with new businesses and customers, and continuing the upgrade of our infrastructure (sewer, water) and as well as our streets, many of which need pothole work and additional paving.

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

Born and raised in Henderson, after coming home after college (UNC-Chapel Hill) and volunteering to work on many community and City boards, I decided to apply what I had learned and run for Henderson City Council.  I have served Ward Three for 20 years.  Presently, I am Mayor pro tem, chair of the Kerr Lake Regional Water System board, and chair of the Public Works committee. I have been married for forty one years (wife, Scarlett), and have two sons (Adam and Aaron). I am a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church.

A City Council member is a steward of the citizens’ resources.  Our work must be done with equity for all, with honesty, and transparency so that our citizens can see and understand what we are doing with their money and property.

Ward 3 seat:

Jason Spriggs

Platform

• Completion of the unfinished Montgomery St. Park (planned community skate and splash pad park servicing 3rd and 4th Ward/Downtown)

• Completion of the Downtown pavilion (located adjacent to the Police Station, the foundation sits empty. Plans for a donated structure from a local businessman have been scrapped).

• Continued financial support for our many successful local non-profits, including our Henderson Vance Chamber of Commerce.

• Yearly salary and compensation improvements for all of our City of Henderson municipal employees (public safety and works, utilities, fire and rescue, et al.).

• Separation of the current City Manager/City Attorney dual positions. Historically in North Carolina local governments, these positions have remained separate.

• An official transition in order to operate and create policy as the “City of Water”

• Re-creation of Assistant to Mayor’s position. A mayors’ work load is extensive, and similar positions in other municipalities such as Durham have proved to be publicly useful and successful. Any current or future mayor should have this resource.

• Budget-supported funding to hire contractors to keep all of our city streets clean…year round, every year!

• A Community Resource Center on the Eastside of Henderson. A large portion of new residents find housing in this community. This center is necessary to create and house valuable opportunities and programs for area youth and seniors. Suggested location: Zene St. building with Ben E. King mural.

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Ward 4 seat

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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TownTalk: Shop With A Cop & Friends Kicks Off

Shop With A Cop And Friends is officially underway! The annual group effort of the Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Social Services and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce raises money to help brighten the Christmas holiday season for needy children in the community.

The kickoff took place last Friday morning at the Breckenridge Street Circle in front of the police station.

Last year, the Chamber was able to give $16,000 to foot the shopping bill, which included more than 50 children who had a blast shopping at the local Walmart with various representatives from law enforcement agencies and first responders.

“It’s an excellent community outreach program,” said Chamber Board Chair Scott Burwell. Looking at pictures of the children having fun during the holiday outing tells the whole story, Burwell said. “I hope it continues to grow.”

This year’s presenting sponsor is Walmart Distribution, said Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson. Additional sponsors help to make the program a success.

Wilkerson said it’s not just the joy of seeing the children having fun, but she also loves to see the community come together to support those children. “It’s a great thrill, seeing that happen,” she said.

Here’s how it works: There are a total of 180 numbered tickets – divided evenly among the police department, sheriff’s office and Chamber office – that will be sold. The number of the ticket is the price you pay, so whoever purchases the #1 ticket pays $1, all the way up to $180.

Everyone who buys a ticket in the 100-180 range will be included in the Nov. 19 celebratory reception, when the final tally will be revealed. Additional tickets to the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. reception are available for $20. There will be appetizers, tea and lemonade available, as well as a cash bar.

Contributors giving $1 – $40 will be entered to win $200. When you purchase a ticket for $41 – $80, you will be entered to win $500.  Tickets of $81 – $120 will be entered to win $1,000.  The grand prize of $2,000 will be for those tickets in the amount of $121 – $180.

Following is a complete list of sponsors for the event:

Gold Sponsors:  Fred’s Towing and Transport, Inc., Clearview Church, Cypress Creek Renewables, Vance Recovery, Crossroads Christian School, Vulcan Materials, and South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church

Silver Sponsor:  Benchmark Community Bank

Bronze Sponsors: S.a.M Child Advocacy Center, Rosemyr Corporation/AA Self Storage

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TownTalk: Recognizing Peripheral Artery Disease

Maria Parham Health is hosting a Lunch and Learn on Thursday, Sept. 25 to share information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of peripheral artery disease, a fairly common condition that is caused when narrowed arteries reduces blood flow to the arms and, more often, the legs.

Dr. Dennis Narcisse, a cardiologist and interventional cardiologist will lead the program, which will begin at 12 noon. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Find the registration link at https://www.mariaparham.com/events/2025-09-25/peripheral-artery-disease-lunch—learn and simply at mariaparham.com.

Vance County and surrounding areas have been shown to have among the highest rates of PAD in the state, Narcisse said, according to research conducted by Duke University.

Some of the symptoms of PAD are discoloration of the toe or foot, indicating poor circulation. Severe cramping or burning in your legs when walking that eases when you stop – called claudication – is another symptom.

Narcisse said this is an oft-overlooked symptom of PAD, because people associate the pain or discomfort with being out of shape and tend not to mention it to their regular physician.

Not surprisingly, a healthy diet, quitting smoking and regular exercise all help the fight against PAD.

“Exercise is one of the most important aspects of this,” he said. “It just means moving.”

Narcisse sees patients at Maria Parham Health in Henderson, as well as at Duke University Hospital and a Duke clinic in Morrisville. Even in the decade since he’s been practicing medicine, he said there have been many advances in treating PAD.

“I like to help people in two types of ways,” Narcisse said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. In addition to performing procedures to open up blocked arteries around the heart or also in the leg, Narcisse said he also wants to help his patients either prevent PAD or avoid a recurrence.

He said patients who have poor circulation in their legs may experience symptoms like cramping – especially in the calf – and pain when they walk. Left undiagnosed or untreated, PAD can create additional problems that keep people from normal physical activity and exercise to poor wound healing.

In a worst-case scenario, patients suffering with severe PAD could face amputation. But earlier diagnosis could result in undergoing a minimally invasive technique that involves inserting a tube into an artery, going to the problem area and opening up the restricted vessel with balloons and stents.

The Lunch and Learn is an ideal opportunity for individuals with risk factors including being overweight, diabetic or a smoker to hear about steps they can take to reduce their chances of PAD.

Or, individuals who want to know more about treatments and how they can best communicate with their own physicians are welcome to attend.

Primary care providers and other health professionals can learn more about how cardiologists manage patients with PAD.

Learn more at www.mariaparham.com

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(Maria Parham is an advertising client of WIZS and WIZS.com.  This is not a paid ad.)

TownTalk: WIZS 2025 Election Coverage

Editor’s note: WIZS News asked the 13 candidates – four incumbents and nine challengers – in the upcoming Henderson City Council election to respond to a series of questions that will be aired on WIZS and published on wizs.com in advance of the beginning of early voting for the Oct. 7 election.

Early voting begins on Thursday, Sept. 18 and ends on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Of those 13 candidates, WIZS received seven responses before the stated deadline of Friday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m.

The following candidates responded:

Ward 1 at-large:

  • Kenia Gómez-Jimenez
  • Clementine “Tina” Hunter

Ward 2 at-large:

  • Lamont Noel (incumbent)
  • George Mayo

Ward 3:

  • Garry Daeke (incumbent)
  • Jason Spriggs

Ward 4:

  • Catherine “Kitty” Gill

The WIZS team has compiled the responses from the candidates and they will appear in their entirety, unedited on the radio and on the website.

Visit https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/board-of-elections/ to view a complete listing of candidates for the four seats in the upcoming nonpartisan municipal election.

 

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TownTalk: Henderson-Vance Black Leadership Caucus Offers Endorsements

The Henderson-Vance Black Leadership caucus met Saturday, Sept. 6 to hear from candidates in the upcoming municipal elections and then offer endorsements.

There are four seats on the Henderson City Council up for grabs in the Oct. 7 election. Early voting in one week, Thursday, Sept. 18.

The at-large seats in Ward 1 and Ward 2 are on the ballot, as are the Wards 3 and 4 seats.

The caucus endorsed Geraldine Champion for the Ward 1 at-large seat, and incumbents Lamont Noel for the Ward 2 at-large seat, Garry Daeke for Ward 3 and Ola Thorpe-Cooper for Ward 4.

Caucus President Terry Garrison said he was pleased with how things turned out – the candidates in attendance thoughtfully answered questions posed to them and the audience was attentive and respectful.

Former judge and current Oxford City Commissioner S. Quon Bridges served as moderator. “I think his presence made a difference as well,” Garrison said.

Garrison said the voting members of the caucus went into a special session to consider which candidates to endorse and then returned to announce the endorsements.

The Ward 1 at large contest was very close, Garrison said. Geraldine Champion got the endorsement with 8 votes over challenger Kenia Gómez-Jimenez with 7 and incumbent Sara Coffey with 6.

“It doesn’t get much closer than that,” Garrison said.

Champion currently holds the Ward 1 seat, but filed for the at-large seat during the most recent filing period. Another challenger, Clementine “Tina” Hunter was absent from the forum. She didn’t receive any votes from the caucus.

 

Following is a breakdown of votes for the other three contests awarded by the caucus:

Ward 2 at large:

Incumbent Lamont Noel – 15 votes

George Mayo – 6 votes

 

Ward 3:

Incumbent Garry Daeke – 13 votes

Deryl vonWilliams – 5 votes

Jason Spriggs – 2 votes

Clifford High – 0 votes

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Vance County Logo

TownTalk: Vance County Annual Opioid Update Meeting Now Set For Sept. 22

Vance County’s annual meeting to discuss the state of opioid and substance use is scheduled for Monday, September 22 beginning at 4 p.m. in the county administration building.

The meeting date was changed from September 16 to September 22.

Participants will hear a progress report concerning Vance County’s share of the opioid settlement funds – about $2.4 million so far – and they’ll also get a chance to provide input about how to spend that money.

So far, Vance County hasn’t spent any of its allocation.

During the commissioners’ work session on Monday, Aug. 18, County Manager C. Renee Perry said, “We definitely need to start spending some funds.” Recalling advice she said she’d received from her professional association, “Don’t necessarily be in a rush when you spend your money, just make sure it’s beneficial to your community.”

Perry told commissioners that she’d like to see the county’s Opioid Committee expanded to include representatives from other area agencies and organizations.

Perry said, “I think it should be more than just three commissioners.” Originally, Commissioners Yolanda Feimster, Carolyn Faines and former Commissioner Sean Alston made up the committee.

At Monday’s work session, commissioners agreed by consensus to have Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Charisse Fain and Feimster serve on the committee.

Perry said she will work to get representatives from the health department, law enforcement and the courts system added.

The county sent out a request Tuesday for service providers, community organizations and people with “lived experiences” to complete applications that will be reviewed for possible appointment at the October commissioners’ meeting. The committee could have somewhere between 9 and 15 members.

Perry said she would then push for an initial meeting of the committee sometime in October.

The opioid committee serves only in an advisory capacity, Perry said, and would be offering recommendations to commissioners who ultimately will decide how to spend the money.

Some counties have funded positions and others have issued requests for proposals for programs that align with local priorities to combat the opioid crisis.

Granville County, for example, has partially funded a position within the Granville-Vance Health District. Halifax and Edgecombe counties funded community paramedic positions, Perry said. Another county has established a co-responder model and others have created peer services and support for improved access for people who can’t afford transportation and treatment.

The $2.4 million is part of what will be at least a $6.3 million funding stream to Vance County from the multi-billion opioid settlement through 2038. North Carolina’s portion of the settlement is about $1.4 billion.

Applications for the opioid committee may be obtained at https://www.vancecounty.org/or by contacting Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to the Board at kgrissom@vancecounty.org. Please submit completed applications to 122 Young St., Suite B, Henderson, NC 27536 or kgrissom@vancecounty.org.

Visit https://ncopioidsettlement.org/ to learn more about the opioid settlement funding plan.

(The text above and audio below was originally posted here Aug. 20, 2025.  The bold text at the top of the post and the headline were updated Sept. 10, 2025.)

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TownTalk: Candidate Participation in the Upcoming Election

As part of its continuing effort to keep listeners and readers up-to-date on local issues, WIZS Radio has sent candidates a list of questions in an effort to gather responses to be included in a special elections project that will be published and aired before the early voting period begins.

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Campaign signs are popping up along roadsides and in people’s yards, indicators that early voting for the upcoming Henderson municipal elections are not far off. Registered voters can cast ballots during the early-voting period at 500 N. Beckford Drive beginning Thursday, Sept. 18. Early voting continues Sat. Oct. 4.

Tuesday, Oct. 7 is the official Election Day, when voters will determine four seats on the eight-member City Council.

The Council Ward 1 at-large seat includes not one, but two incumbents – Council member Sara Coffey is seeking re-election, and Council member Geraldine Champion, who has the Ward 1 seat until the 2027 elections, has added her name as an at-large candidate. Newcomer Kenia Gomez-Jimenez and Clementine “Tina” Hunter also filed as candidates for the at-large seat.

Ward 2 at-large Council Member Lamont Noel is seeking to defend his seat against challengers Benjamin Buckner and George Mayo, although Buckner suspended his campaign Aug 28 and endorsed Noel.

In the contest for the Ward 3 seat, incumbent Garry Daeke faces Clifford “Cliff” High, former Council Member Jason Spriggs and Deryl “Ms. Dee” vonWilliams.

And in the Ward 4 contest, incumbent Ola Thorpe-Cooper faces challengers Catherine “Kitty” Gill and Fred Robertson.

Anyone who lives in the city and still needs to register to vote has until 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12 to do so.

The N.C. State Board of Elections has issued a press release with details and requirements about voter registration.

“To vote in a municipal election, you must be a resident of the municipality. Working within city, town, or village limits does not make a voter eligible to vote in municipal elections. Similarly, while a voter’s postal address may indicate a municipality, that does not always mean their residence is within the incorporated boundaries of the municipality,” the press release stated.

Eligible individuals who miss the regular registration deadlines may register and vote at the same time during the in-person early voting period at any early voting site in their county.

Eligible individuals have many options to register to vote, including the following:

Individuals with a North Carolina’s driver’s license or other NCDMV identification may submit a voter registration application online. Learn more at Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV. Eligible individuals may also register in person at DMV offices.

Eligible individuals may also register to vote when applying for services at a number of state agencies. Learn more at National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

Any eligible resident can complete a Voter Registration Application in English or Spanish on paper and return it to their county board of elections office by 5 p.m. the day of the deadline:

There are 450 voters living throughout Vance County who need to provide additional information to the N.C. State Board of Elections to complete their voter registration, according to information from the SBE’s Registration Repair Project.

Individuals with incomplete voter registrations have received, or will receive, letters stating that they need to provide additional information – their driver license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number – to update their registration.

This can be done in several different ways, including by mail, in person at their county Board of Elections office or by visiting the NCDMV secure website payments.ncdot.gov. There is no fee associated with the online method and updating will not be made over the phone.

Check to see if your name is on the list at ncsbe.gov/registrationrepair.

TownTalk: Henderson City Council Meeting 9-8-25

The Henderson City Council voted Monday to accept the resignation of City Manager/Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry – effective immediately – and appointed Paylor Spruill as interim city manager.

The Council also voted 6-1 to censure Council Member Geraldine Champion for violation of the city’s social media policy.

The regular monthly meeting had gone on for about two hours before Council voted to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

Upon returning to open session, Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott announced that the Council had voted unanimously to accept the resignation of the city manager/city attorney, which originally was submitted at the August meeting and then rescinded at a subsequent special called meeting.

Elliott also said that the city would seek guidance from the N.C. League of Municipalities with regard to the city attorney position.

The vote to censure Champion was 6-1, with Council Member Michael Venable casting the dissenting vote. Champion recused herself from the vote.

Champion appeared in Vance County Superior Court at 9:30 Tuesday morning regarding a no-contact order filed by Charles J. Turrentine, Jr. on Aug. 21. That case was continued until Oct. 2, according to information from Turrentine to WIZS News, and the judge recused himself.

In speaking to Council members Monday, Turrentine asked for a formal censure as well as assurances that he and his family be protected from future encounters – verbal or otherwise – from Champion.

Council Member Sam Seifert made the motion to publicly censure Champion, which was seconded by Council Member Lamont Noel.

Referring to the city’s policy about social media postings by elected officials, Seifert reminded the Council that adoption of that policy some months ago was “as a result of an action of our colleague, Ms. Champion.”

Seifert said he’d reviewed the policy, Turrentine’s letter to Kingsberry and to City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell and said he was satisfied that there was a violation of “some of the conduct standards that we, this body, set.

“I’ve seen enough. I don’t need to see the video itself – I think these comments, we’ve got quotes on them – that’s enough for me to publicly censure Council Woman Champion,” Seifert said before making the motion.

Other action from the Council on Monday included:

  • Approval of a rezoning request for the former fairgrounds property on Andrews Avenue. The property had been rezoned to multi-family last year, but Arpan Makam with the Raleigh development group making the request said the residential mixed-use zoning included in the city’s updated UDO plan would be a better fit for future development of the property. Plans would “reorient” the potential development and would blend housing with locally focused businesses. He painted a picture that includes greenspace, a dog park, walking areas and pickle ball court. “It brings new life to that part of town – we’re not trying to change the character of the area; we’re trying to strengthen it. Council Member Michael Venable made a motion to approve, with a second by Council Member Ola Thorpe-Cooper and the motion passed unanimously.
  • Downtown Director Tracy Madigan asked Council’s approval to apply for grant funding to make improvements downtown, including purchase of new Christmas banners, five new trash cans and solar lights for the trunks of some of the trees located in the downtown district. The banners and the brackets needed to hang them will cost about $7,000, the trash receptacles – which will match the ones already placed downtown – will cost about $4,250 and the solar lights have a price tag of about $3,700. The request or funding will be made to the N.C. Community Foundation’s Frances Abbot Burton Powers fund, which was established in 2012 to support programs that benefit the city of Henderson.

Click play to hear our audio from September 9th, 2025 after the Henderson City Council Meeting!

Click Play to hear our audio from September 8th, 2025 before the Henderson City Council Meeting!

TownTalk: Rebuilding Hope BBQ Chicken Fundraiser Coming Up September 26

Plans for Rebuilding Hope’s Sept. 26 chicken plate fundraiser are well underway, and Co-Director Tom Wille said patrons are invited to pick up plates at the drive-thru, or they are welcome to park, come inside and visit for a while as they enjoy their meal.

One quick note: the price has gone up to $12 a plate, but customers can expect the same delicious food – half a chicken, potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert. The sale is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We still think it’s a very fair price,” Wille said on Monday’s TownTalk.

With the cost of everything going up – from the food to lumber, Wille said making the price adjustment was necessary.

“The cost of doing what we do has risen also,” he said. “We’re trying to keep up with the times.”

Rebuilding Hope, located at 414 Raleigh Rd, helps the community in many ways, including building wheelchair ramps and making repairs to homes in Vance County and beyond.

The nonprofit holds fundraisers to help purchase the lumber needed to construct the ramps and stairs that help people get in and out of their homes safely.

Wille said folks can order their plates ahead of time, and businesses can have five or more plates delivered. Call the office at 252.438.5132 to place your advance order.

One addition to this fundraiser is called Scraps to Treasure, Wille said.

“One of our steady volunteers is very handy,” he said, referring to Larry Leach, who creates items like planters, candlesticks and other decorative items from leftover wood.

“We bring all our leftover scraps from a job site and so many times they end up in the landfill,” Wille said.

Leach takes this “pile of scraps” and he turns them into treasures, he said.

It’s a way to put a few more dollars out into the community, Wille said, but it also diverts scrap wood out of the waste stream.

Visit rebuildinghopeinc.org to learn more about the services the Rebuilding Hope offers and to see a sample of the objects offered in the Scraps to Treasure program.

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TownTalk: Sheriff Brame Requests Extension of Support from County Commissioners

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame appeared before the board of commissioners on Tuesday to thank them for the financial support that allows sheriff’s office employees to give much-needed support at the detention center and to ask for an extension of that support through the end of the year.

In the past five months, County Manager C. Renee Perry said the county has paid more than $483,000. And that is an unsustainable amount, Perry told commissioners at their Tuesday meeting.

Brame contends that much of the money comes from lapsed salaries – money budgeted for positions that haven’t been filled.

“It’s still a lot of money,” Perry told commissioners. “Five hundred thousand is excessive in my opinion.”

Perry estimated that the county has paid for roughly 9,671 hours – at $50/hour to sheriff’s office employees to fill in at the jail. She suggested that the agreement be revised to exclude exempt staff. “We’ve got to get this cost down – we have to,” Perry stated.

Brame said he expects that six of the 12 new jail hires can be certified by Dec. 1.

He said it takes time for employees to be trained, much less certified, for the positions they’ve been hired for.

“Right now, we need it,” Brame told commissioners. The ongoing staffing shortage, coupled with corrective action plans in place by the state spell big challenges for the sheriff, who oversees the detention center.

The state mandated the jail be depopulated, dispersing detainees to other facilities from Cherokee County in the mountains to Brunswick County on the coast.

On any given day, up to four transport teams are traveling to fetch detainees from where they’re being housed to court here in Vance County or to medical appointments. All the while, these teams are on the clock, racking up hours in vehicles, as well as lodging and other associated costs.

The Vance County jail has between 45 and 50 detainees as of Wednesday, but that number can swell temporarily as individuals come in for court appearances and other matters related to due process. Brame said there are about 150 detainees housed in facilities across the state at this time.

Perry said there will come a time when she will have to come before the commissioners to ask them for more money for the jail situation.

“At some point, we won’t have enough money to do a jail,” she said.

Commissioner Dan Brummitt said he would like commissioners to take some time to review the current plan, “probably make some revisions to it to try to tighten the belt a little bit.”

A motion by Commissioner Tommy Hester, seconded by Brummitt, passed unanimously to table a decision until the commissioners’ work session in a couple of weeks.

 

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