Tag Archive for: #municipalelections

TownTalk: Henderson City Council Candidates’ Responses

Editor’s Note: Early voting  begins Thursday, Sept. 18 for the Oct. 7 nonpartisan municipal elections in Vance County; four seats on the Henderson City Council are on the ballot – Wards 1 and 2 at-large seats and the Wards 3 and 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.

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

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!

 

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.

 

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: Upcoming Municipal Elections

Editor’s note: As part of its continuing effort to keep listeners and readers up-to-date on local issues, WIZS Radio will be sending 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.

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.

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:

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 twill not be made over the phone.

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

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