Tag Archive for: #cityofhenderson

All Four Candidates for Henderson Mayor on TownTalk

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The following is part of WIZS’s continuing coverage of the Oct. 10 municipal elections in Henderson. The four mayoral candidates spoke with WIZS News recently in separate interviews which were recorded and aired from 11 a.m. to 12 noon Monday during a special TownTalk segment; hear the 15-minute segments in their entirety at www.wizs.com.

 

The four candidates vying for the office of mayor have differing viewpoints of Henderson, but they share a common positive outlook about what the future holds for the city they each hope to lead.

With the election now just a week away, city residents are closer to learning which candidate  – Sara Coffey, Melissa Elliott, Greg Etheridge or Jason Spriggs – will take the reins in December.

Coffey, Elliott and Spriggs currently sit on the City Council; Coffey would retain her seat if she is not successful in her mayoral bid, but Elliott and Spriggs each decided to forego re-election bids in favor of running for mayor. Etheridge, a newcomer to local politics and running for elected office, said he’s hopeful for the city’s prospects, no matter the outcome of the election. He and others outside the early voting location have formed friendships and connections while they show support for the local candidates.

“It really is about relationships,” Etheridge said. “You’re running a campaign and there’s going to be an outcome,” but everyone wants “the same thing – a better city.”

The current council and city leaders have promoted revitalization efforts in and near the downtown area as plans for making Henderson a stop on the S-Line commuter rail line take shape.

For Spriggs, the return of the train to downtown Henderson is exciting. “It’s an expensive, extensive process,” he said. It’s going to be a big deal not just for the local access to rail travel, he said but also because of the new development rail access is expected to generate.

Spriggs said proposed housing developments could bring more than 1,000 new homes for people – that’s a win-win for the city, he said, noting the need for more affordable housing and boosts to the tax rolls that new home construction will bring.

One project that Coffey continues to work on involves putting new houses in established neighborhoods. The ongoing effort to remove dilapidated houses is part beautification, part affordable housing, Coffey said. She’s in discussion now to get prices for putting up “tiny homes” on these vacant lots, she said. Once she’s gathered all the information, she said she will present the plan to the full Council and city manager. “I think that’s going to work out to help our people quite a bit,” Coffey said.

Elliott said she has spent some time in neighborhoods knocking on doors to talk to residents about her candidacy. “I’m just excited,” she said, for meeting new people in the community who are choosing to live in Henderson. “In certain parts of the city, the citizens have an image of what they want to see.” Folks on the east side want something done about gun violence, Elliott noted. On the west side, it’s more about streets and infrastructure.

No matter the concerns she hears or who voices those concerns, Elliott said her cumulative experience in the community puts her in a position “to help not one population, but all…I’m the conduit to help our community grown in a positive way.”

For Etheridge, it was the Gate City shooting in 2022 that got his attention. “There were a lot of discussions, town hall meetings…a lot of conversations about the perception of crime in Henderson (and) how that feeds into and impacts all parts of life here,” he said.

There are outside resources that can provide help in the form of grant money and task forces, but Etheridge wanted to know “What can we do tomorrow with the resources that we have?”

For him, that answer began with making neighborhoods safer using the current municipal code.

There was lots of noncompliance, he said. “That seems to me like a natural place to start, for the sake of improving public health and safety and well-being.”

His time as a Council member, Spriggs said, has given him an opportunity to “do something a bit more special for Henderson because this is home,” he said. As mayor, he said he would be blind to race, gender – “the things that make us all different” – to move the city forward.

“Henderson needs to be known as a city that’s welcoming, where black and white work together,” he said, to set an example for younger voters and candidates.

Elliott said voters should check their ballots for the best candidate. “Racism is just not helpful to grow a community forward,” she said.

For Coffey, growing a community means having adequate, appropriate housing available for residents. “Everybody in this city deserves equal treatment,” she said, “able to afford (and) live in a nice home.” Landlords should be held accountable for the condition of the houses they rent, she said.

Adequate, affordable housing certainly plays a role when prospective businesses come to town, Etheridge said. “I think Henderson gets a lot of first looks,” he said. “We may not get a second look, though.”

And that’s where he, as mayor, would step in, “highlighting all the things about Henderson that we know and love,” assuring those prospective investors “that we’re making progress on issues so they feel more comfortable, whether that’s living or working here.”

City leaders must present a unified front “to make it clear to the outside that we’re the place where people want to come retire, work and settle,” Spriggs said. He said his experience in the public sector and his accessibility in the community are positive notes in his bid for mayor.

Running for mayor was “worth the risk to step out and present a unified front” for Henderson, he said.

Elliott said collaboration is a key component to Henderson’s future. “We’ve got to collaborate to get a broader reach…to make (Henderson) a better place to live, work and play.”

Coffey said she continues to work for all the citizens of Henderson and said her experience dealing with people from all walks of life in her business and political life put her in a good position to be mayor.

“I have always looked at the mayor’s position as a “star on top of the Christmas tree” kind of thing,” she said. “I would be honored to have that position.”

 

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Join In For CommUNITY Cleanup Day Friday, Sept. 29

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Don’t be a litterbug. It’s that simple. But it’s easier said than done. Unsightly trash along roadsides or sidewalks detracts from the overall beauty of a downtown street or neighborhood.

Whether you live, work or go to school in the city of Henderson, you’re invited to take part in CommUNITY Cleanup Day on Friday, Sept. 29.

Last year, individuals from the community joined forces with city employees to collect more than one ton of trash – that’s more than 2,000 pounds.

This is an opportunity to work together to clean streets, neighborhoods and any identified areas in need of trash removal.

Contact Cindy Norwood, executive assistant to City Manager Terrell Blackmon, to learn more about joining the CommUNITY event, by calling 252.430.5700 or emailing cindynorwood@henderson.nc.gov.

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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Henderson Municipal Election 2023 Updates

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— UPDATE 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 25

One candidate for the Ward 3 at-large seat on the Henderson City Council has withdrawn from the race and one of the five mayoral candidates faces a challenge that calls into question his eligibility.

Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan confirmed Tuesday that Daniel Blasky has withdrawn his name from consideration in the nonpartisan municipal elections set for Oct. 10.

Vance County GOP chairman Jimmy Barrier issued a statement to WIZS News, which read in part:  ” After much consideration, Daniel Blasky has decided to withdraw his name from the ballot for Ward 3 At-Large seat on the Henderson City Council to support Michelle Wood in her campaign for that seat. They are friends and have come together to work for the common good.”

Wallace Cheek’s candidacy has been challenged, Vaughan said, adding that this challenge will be heard on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. in the Board of Elections conference before the regularly scheduled board meeting.

Vaughan said Cheek’s residency is in question.  At the hearing, Cheek will have to prove that he lives at the address he listed when he filed to run for mayor.

The Aug. 1 hearing is open to the public.

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— UPDATE 3 p.m., Friday, July 21

With the filing period now ended for the upcoming municipal elections in Henderson, the stage is set for possible sweeping changes in the makeup of city leadership. Only one incumbent filed for re-election for his seat on the council; three current council members have filed to run for mayor.

The filing period ended at 12 noon Friday and Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan, who provided daily updates to WIZS each afternoon during the two-week filing period, said all candidates are eligible to run for the offices for which they filed.

Henderson voters will choose from among five candidates for mayor. Current Mayor Eddie Ellington announced last week that he would not seek a third term.

The candidates for mayor are:

Wallace Cheek

Sara Coffey

Melissa Elliott

Greg Etheridge

Jason Spriggs

Coffey, Elliott and Spriggs currently sit on the Henderson City Council; only Coffey would be eligible to retain her spot on the council, since she is not up for re-election this year.

Incumbent Mike Rainey filed Thursday, July 20 for re-election to Ward 2. Rainey faces opposition from Sam Seifert and Janice Ward.

Ward 1 has a four-way race, with candidates Geraldine Champion, Symia Crews, Clementine Hunter and Corey Pearson vying for the seat currently held by Marion Brodie Williams. Williams did not file for re-election.

There are now four candidates for the Ward 3 at-large seat and three candidates for the Ward 4 at-large seat.

Kory H. Franklin filed Friday to run for the Ward 3 at-large seat, joining Daniel Blasky, Michael Venable and Michelle Horner Wood; Melissa Elliott is the current council member for that seat.

Former City Council member George M. Daye is seeking to return to the council, filing Friday for the seat he previously held in Ward 4. The two-term council member joins Lora Durham, and Tami Walker, who previously had filed for the Ward 4 at-large seat. The Ward 4 at-large seat is currently held by Jason Spriggs. Wallace Evans withdrew his name for consideration on Friday, Vaughan said.

The non-partisan City of Henderson municipal election is Oct. 10; early voting for the Henderson elections begins Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 7.

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(PLEASE KEEP IN MIND WHAT’S BELOW IS A RUNNING ACCOUNT AND NOT THE FINAL STORY. THE FINAL STORY IS ABOVE.)

— UPDATE 5 p.m., Thursday, July 20

The filing period will end at 12 noon Friday, and presently at least a three-way race exists for each seat available, including a five-way race for mayor and a four-way race for the ward 1 ward seat.

Two additional people filed Thursday, and both filed for the Ward 2 seat.  Incumbent Mike Rainey filed, and Sam Seifert filed.  So far, Rainey is the only incumbent to file for re-election, in terms of filing for his/her existing seat.

Three sitting council members have filed to run for mayor, and Mayor Eddie Ellington has said he will not seek a third term.

Ward 1 incumbent Marion Williams has not filed to run. While Williams has made no official statement to WIZS nor any statement to local media that WIZS News is aware of, the number of filers from her ward and the public general consensus indicate she will not file.

The non-partisan City of Henderson municipal election is October 10. Early voting for the Henderson elections begins Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 7.

At present, the following races exist:

Filings for Mayor

Wallace Cheek

Sara Coffey

Melissa Elliott

Greg Etheridge

Jason Spriggs

Ward 1

Geraldine Champion

Symia Crews

Clementine Hunter

Corey Pearson

Ward 2

Mike Rainey (Incumbent)

Sam Seifert

Janice Ward

Ward 3 At Large

Daniel Blasky

Michael Venable

Michelle Horner Wood

Ward 4 At Large

Lora Durham

Wallace Evans

Tami Walker

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— UPDATE 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 19

A fourth candidate filed Wednesday for the Ward 1 seat on the Henderson City Council, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan.

Symia Crews added her name to the list for the Ward 1 seat.

The filing period for the Oct. 10 municipal elections ends at 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

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— UPDATE 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 18

The field is getting a bit more crowded for a couple of Henderson City Council seats, as three more candidates filed Tuesday, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan.

Wallace Evans and Tami Walker filed for the Ward 4 at-large seat, currently held by Jason Spriggs. Corey Pearson filed to run for the Ward 1 seat, currently held by Marion Brodie Williams.

That brings to three candidates each for the Ward 1 seat, and the at-large seats in Wards 3 and 4.

Janice Ward is the sole candidate thus far in the Ward 2 race.

The filing period for the Oct. 10 municipal elections ends at 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

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— UPDATE 5 p.m., Monday, July 17

According to information Monday afternoon from Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan, Wallace Cheek has filed for the second time to run for mayor of Henderson. This brings to five the number of candidates vying for the office of mayor.

Two others have filed for seats on the Henderson City Council – Michelle Horner Wood filed for the Ward 3 at-large seat and Lora Durham filed for the Ward 4 at-large seat, Vaughan reported Monday.

Susan Pulley filed Monday for commissioner for the town of Kittrell; Robert B. Tunstall filed Friday, July 14 for commissioner for the town of  Kittrell.

The filing period for the upcoming municipal elections ends at 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

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— UPDATE 7 p.m., Thursday, July 13

There is now a four-way race for mayor of Henderson following Jason Spriggs’s filing today. Spriggs currently holds the Ward 4 at-large seat on the Henderson City Council.

Clementine Hunter also filed Thursday for the Ward 1 seat on the Henderson council, according to Melody Vaughan, director of the Vance County Board of Elections. Geraldine Champion had already filed to run for the Ward 1 seat, which is currently held by Marion Brodie Williams.

The Ward 3 at-large seat is also a contested race, with both Daniel Blasky and Michael Venable candidates who have filed to run. This seat currently is being held by Melissa Elliott, who is one of the mayoral candidates. Sara Coffey is the other council member who has announced her candidacy for mayor. Coffey is the only one of the three council members who could retain her seat on the council since her term is not ending.

Gregory Etheridge filed Wednesday to run for mayor. Etheridge is president of Gupton Services.

The Ward 4 at-large seat remains without a filer at this time, since Spriggs put his hat into the ring with his filing Thursday.

Janice Ward filed for the Ward 2 seat, currently held by Mike Rainey.

The filing period continues through 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

The municipal election is Oct. 10 and there will be an early voting period, but the early voting polling sites have not been determined at this time, Vaughan said.

Hazel Baskett has filed for a seat on the Middleburg Town Council.

Mary Jo Floyd has filed to run for Kittrell town commissioner.

Wallace Cheek had filed to run for mayor of Henderson, but state elections officials removed his name late Tuesday after it was confirmed he does not live within the Henderson city limits.

TownTalk: Berry Village Proposed For Dabney Rd.

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A mixed-used development project that exists now only on paper has taken a key step forward after getting the green light from the Vance County Planning Board with a special use permit.

As it appears in its conceptual form, Berry Village would ultimately have a mixture of single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, as well as up to 250,000 square feet of commercial/retail development, according to City Manager Terrell Blackmon.

With approval from the planning board, the project proposal next heads to the City Council.

“As this project pertains to development and growth, it would be a boost to the city’s tax base,” Blackmon stated to WIZS News, “but more importantly it shows that Henderson is a viable destination for future housing and retail growth and we expect to see more developers choosing Henderson and Vance County for additional development opportunities.”

The 123 acres is located along Dabney Road, and at least two full access entrances would be along Dabney Road, where it meets Ruin Creek Road and then at Allen Road. A limited access point is planned for Dabney Road just across from Blessed Hope Baptist Church.

This is the general area where city leaders have proposed constructing a new fire department. The tract would have city services, including water and sewer.

The commercial and retail space, as well as the apartment units, will be located along Dabney Road, with townhomes in several different areas of the site map and the single-family homes will take up a total of just more than 31 acres.

In a posting on social media, City Council member Garry Daeke called Berry Village “a planned community development unlike any we have to date.”

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TownTalk: Local Elections And Voter ID

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Local elections officials are gearing up for the fall municipal elections as they set about to comply with the new state law that requires voters to present a photo ID when they go to the polls to cast their vote.

Henderson residents will vote for a new mayor and four City Council seats in the Oct. 10 nonpartisan elections; Voting in Kittrell and Middleburg will take place on Nov. 7, according to Vance County Board of Elections Deputy Director Shelly Wood. Early voting for the Henderson elections begins Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 7.

Most registered voters can simply show their driver’s license, but non-drivers have a variety of options for acceptable photo IDs that meet the criteria from the State Board of Elections.

The photo ID must be a government-issued ID, such as a passport or DMV identification card, available free of charge. Soon, voters can request free photo ID cards from their local elections offices, but they are not available right now.

The main point for voters to understand is that they will be allowed to cast their vote with or without an acceptable photo ID. Those without an acceptable photo ID will complete provisional ballots and submit additional information to be reviewed and certified by the local board of elections.

School IDs and employee identification cards issued by state and local governments could also be used, as long as they have been approved in advance.

State Board of Elections Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell said educational institutions and and other government employers have until June 28 to provide the necessary information for approval.

“We strongly encourage all eligible educational institutions and government employers to apply for their IDs to be approved for voting. Getting their IDs approved will help ensure their students and employees are best equipped to participate in our state’s elections,” Bell said in a press statement.

Poll workers in the state’s 100 counties will only be looking at the photo to determine that it reasonably resembles the voter; there’s a process in place for when it doesn’t.

In such a case, the voter will complete a provisional ballot, which will be included in the final tally when the ID is verified.

Local elections officials have about a month before the filing window opens for the three municipal elections in Vance County – candidates may file between 12 noon on Friday, July 7 and 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

The State Board of Elections has a survey open until June 23 to collect public comment on the proposed changes. Find it here: Public Comment Portal: Photo ID Rules. You can also send comments via email to rulemaking.sboe@ncsbe.gov or by regular mail: Attn: Rulemaking Coordinator, PO Box 27255, Raleigh, NC 27611-7255.

There also will be a virtual public hearing on June 19 at 11 a.m. Participants can join by phone or computer. The links are below:

  • Online: Webex
    • Access code: 2435 046 5077
    • Passcode: NCSBE (62723 from phones and video systems)
  • By Phone: (415) 655-0003
    • Access code: 2435 046 5077#
    • Passcode: 62723

To learn more, visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/

 

 

City of Henderson Logo

TownTalk: City Requests State To Continue ETJ’s

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The Henderson City Council is expected to adopt the 2023-24 budget at its next regular meeting, a budget that uses federal ARPA dollars and the city’s fund balance to keep tax rates from going up to pay for all the services a municipality provides its residents.

But there’s something brewing in the General Assembly that has the attention of folks here in Henderson and in other cities across the state which also could affect future budgets.

Senate Bill 675 would, among other things, remove a city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction – ETJ, for short.

Council Member Garry Daeke was a guest on Thursday’s TownTalk, and he explained the concept of the ETJ, which is basically a 1.5 mile buffer around Henderson’s city limits.

“It’s a great planning tool,” he said, which allows for some oversight for particular uses of properties as well as for providing city infrastructure.

At its meeting on Monday, the Council unanimously approved a resolution to oppose the bill’s passage and Mayor Eddie Ellington is expected to sign a letter that will be sent to State Sen. Lisa Barnes asking her and her colleagues to oppose passage.

Following is an excerpt from the draft letter, sent by City Manager Terrell Blackmon:

“The use of extraterritorial planning and zoning serves to protect the property values of communities by regulating the types of uses that can be constructed in areas that transition from rural to urban in nature.  Further, the extraterritorial jurisdiction is vital to protect residents by regulating the establishment of incompatible uses adjacent to their residential neighborhoods.  Residents of extraterritorial areas are represented on the City’s Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment by members appointed by the Vance County Board of Commissioners, thereby providing a voice in the future development of the extraterritorial areas. Elimination of extraterritorial areas in Vance County will result in residents of these areas having no voice in the development of properties immediately adjacent to their residences.”

“There’s a lot of growth coming our way in general,” Daeke said, and having an ETJ helps cities like Henderson manage growth so that everybody’s happy. That ETJ buffer provides extra real estate for prospective growth – growth that has an economic impact on the city and the county. Blackmon said the requests before the city now all are within the ETJ and not within the city limits.

Without getting too bogged down in the process, Daeke explained that new project proposals are presented to the city to determine how it fits with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Sometimes properties need to be re-zoned, and so the plan goes before a planning board for input and approval before coming back to the Council for a final yes or no.

Zoning boards of adjustment have ETJ representatives appointed by the county, and they have full voting power, not just for ETJ-related issues, but for city-related issues as well.

“The city needs growth,” Daeke said. Without it, residents can almost be assured of an increase in their tax rate to fund city services.

Blackmon told WIZS News that losing the ETJ would mean a developer or property owner could develop under county development standards, which are sometimes less stringent than the city’s standards and then seek annexation into the city.

“We would certainly welcome the opportunity to gain additional property tax revenue, but the concern would be whether or not the development to be annexed is compatible to our existing land use,” Blackmon stated.

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Henderson Fire Dept

TownTalk: Henderson City Council’s Fire Department Update

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The Henderson Fire Department enjoys a rating that puts it among an elite group of fire departments across the country, and Acting Fire Chief Curtis Tyndall said he was proud to present information about how the department measures up to industry standards during Monday’s City Council meeting.

Tyndall thanked the city for helping the fire department provide the city with the level of service to its residents.

The ISO rates fire departments on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best. Insurance companies use the grade to help determine insurance premiums.

The Henderson fire department has a level 2, which puts it in the top 4 percent of departments across the country.

The areas that are considered during the ISO rating include emergency communications, fire departments, availability of water and community risk.

According to Tyndall, 78 percent of the city is with a 1.5-mile radius of a fire department.

The city has been discussing for the past several years the possibility of adding a third fire station to serve the western part of town.

In an email sent to WIZS Tuesday morning, Henderson City Council member Garry Daeke commented on Monday’s meeting and about the city’s finances.

“We have spent our money on recurring costs, salaries, and the budget is about to get much tighter,” Daeke wrote. “Taking action sooner, rather than later, would save on future costs,” referring to the construction of a third fire station.

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Henderson City Council Approves Resolution to Name Bridge in Memory of Master Trooper

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The Henderson City Council unanimously approved a resolution to name a bridge in Vance County in memory of Master Trooper James “Brent” Montgomery.

The action item appeared on the Council’s agenda Monday night. The resolution calls for the I-85 bridge at Satterwhite Point Road to be named in memory of Montgomery.  He died in March 2021 from complications of COVID-19 at age 50.

He had been a trooper for 15 years in Vance, Warren and Franklin counties, and before joining the Highway Patrol had worked with the local sheriff’s office and police department.

“As a dedicated public servant, he was exemplary in the performance of his duties and an inspiration to all who knew him,” according to information included in the Council’s agenda packet.

A portion of the resolution reads:

WHEREAS, the Henderson City Council desires to honor former North Carolina State Trooper and dedicated public servant James “Brent” Montgomery; and

WHEREAS, Master Trooper Montgomery served the North Carolina Highway Patrol in Vance, Warren and Franklin counties with diligence and honor for 15 years; and

WHEREAS, Master Trooper Montgomery served as Field Training Officer, Traffic Crash Instructor, Taser Instructor and had charge over the School of Safety Program; and

WHEREAS, after enduring a difficult battle with Covid-19, James Brent Montgomery, at 50 years old,
passed away on March 15, 2021; and

WHEREAS, personally and professionally, Master Trooper Montgomery was loved and respected for his exemplary conduct and service to the community.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Henderson City Council does hereby request the North Carolina Board of Transportation name the Satterwhite Bridge over I-85 for the late Master Trooper James ‘Brent’ Montgomery.”

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