Tag Archive for: #towntalk

TownTalk: Masonic Home For Children’s Homecoming Oct. 14

/by

The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford Homecoming gets underway next weekend and organizers have planned plenty of activities for the community to enjoy.

Gene Purvis is vocational counselor for MHCO and he said the homecoming festivities give alumni a chance to come back to campus for a visit, but it’s also a time for others to tour the campus while enjoying live music, crafts, food and more.

The fun begins in earnest on Friday, Oct. 13, Purvis said on Wednesday’s TownTalk, with a charity golf tournament that alumni sponsor each year. That tournament will be held at South Granville County Club, he noted.

Later that day, as the barbecue teams begin setup for Saturday’s competition, Purvis said the grounds will be open for a “yard party,” a little food and a little music to ease into the next day’s full schedule of events.

“Saturday is the Big Day,” Purvis said. The opening ceremony kicks things off Saturday at 9 a.m., then it’s time to enjoy activities, carnival rides for the kids and a marketplace filled with handcrafted items created by the children who reside in the cottages on campus.

By 11 a.m., though, you should find a good spot along College Street or along the campus’s main driveway to get the best view for the Community and Shrine Parade.

Other main attractions include the two bands scheduled to perform, Purvis said.

At 12:30 p.m., the band 20 Ride takes the stage, followed by Nationwide Coverage from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

One of the vocalists of this Nashville, TN band is Oxford native Marsha Hancock Matthai, Purvis added.

The children’s home has been in operation for 150 years, and over the years, Purvis estimated that close to 11,000 children have spent time at the residential facility – some for a short time and others for much longer periods.

The home operates almost completely on private donations. “We are almost 100 percent dependent upon donations to keep the programs going here,” Purvis said. “It’s imperative that people do reach out and support in various charitable ways – through items or funds.”

View the full schedule of the Oct. 14 events at

https://mhc-oxford.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Copy-of-MHF-Schedule-of-Events-2023.pdf

CLICK PLAY!

 

TownTalk: Purr Partners Preps Black Cat Bash Fundraiser

/by

Purr Partners, a Franklin County-based feline rescue and foster organization, is hosting its Black Cat Bash on Saturday, Oct. 14 to raise money for its ongoing efforts to provide medical treatment and homes to sick and adoptable cats.

Founder and president Lawanna Johnson said the nonprofit has been “absolutely swamped” with sick and injured animals. Johnson points to the COVID-19 pandemic for the surge in unwanted kittens and cats. Spay/neuter clinics were adversely affected by the pandemic, she said. “We’re still feeling the effects – we got set back about 20 years,” Johnson said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

The Black Cat Bash is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year, and Johnson said Purr Partners will need every penny it can get to further its efforts. This is the third year for the fundraiser, which Johnson said was interrupted by COVID and then resumed in 2022. The fundraiser will be held at Campbell Lodge, part of the Durant Nature Center, located at 3237 Spottswood Street off Gresham Lake Road in Raleigh.

Tickets are $50 and include a catered dinner from Milton’s, a full dessert bar and one drink ticket.

Johnson said she hopes folks decide to wear costumes and be in a costume contest during the event. There will be a selfie booth for snapping silly photos and the band Reelin’ in the Years will provide music for dancing. And WIZS’s own Bill Harris will emcee the event, which will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There’s an online auction open now through Oct. 14; visit https://www.purrpartners.org/black-cat-bash-2023/ and click on the Black Cat Bash tab for details about buying tickets and signing up to bid on auction items.

The kitten “season” usually runs from April through November or December, Johnson said, and Purr Partners can have between 200 and 250 cats in its care. During that time. “Once kitten season slows down, our number will drop to 100 or 120,” she said.

She said she gets about 100 phone calls or emails each week from people “begging for help. Sometimes, there’s just not an answer,” Johnson said.

The Black Cat Bash proceeds will go to pay vet bills and “to save cats and kittens that come to us in varying forms of distress,” Johnson said.

 

 

All Four Candidates for Henderson Mayor on TownTalk

/by

 

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.”

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Terry Garrison

TownTalk: Black Leadership Caucus Endorses Candidates For Oct. 10 Municipal Election

/by

The following is part of continuing coverage on the upcoming Oct. 10 nonpartisan municipal elections in the City of Henderson:

 

The Henderson-Vance Black Leadership Caucus held a candidate forum recently and has announced their endorsements for the upcoming municipal elections, now just a couple of weeks away.

Terry Garrison is president of the caucus and he spoke with WIZS News about the Sept. 7 candidates’ forum; his interview was aired on Thursday’s Towntalk.

The caucus voted to endorse the following candidates:

  • Mayor: Melissa Elliott
  • Ward 1: Geraldine Champion
  • Ward 2: Janice Ward
  • Ward 3 at-large: Michael Venable
  • Ward 4 at-large Tami Walker

 

“We certainly are appreciative to each one of the candidates,” Garrison said, “and their willingness to serve.”

The endorsement process was not easy, he said. “The forum, without a doubt, was a big part of that process, but also the members’ familiarity with candidates was also a factor.”

Ultimately, Garrison said it came down to which candidate the caucus members felt best represented their interests and the interests of the city of Henderson.

“Race…was not a driving force with endorsements made by the caucus,” he said; rather, “the way the candidates responded…they were the kind of responses they wanted to hear,” Garrison noted.

“All of the candidates gave a good response, and it was not an easy decision (or) an easy choice,” he said.

According to Garrison, more than 90 percent of the candidates that the caucus has endorsed in past elections have won their contests – at least in Vance County. They may not have won the overall state or national election, but they’ve carried Vance County.

“But we have also endorsed candidates who have lost – it’s not a slam dunk,” he said.

He encouraged all the candidate to continue to “campaign hard and the best candidate will win.”

He also encouraged everyone to come to the polls and cast their ballots.

“If people don’t vote, they don’t have a voice,” he said, “because they didn’t participate in the process.”

Garrison said he is optimistic that whoever gets elected will have the best interests of the community at heart. “I have hope for America and this state,” he said. “Despite our differences, we share one thing in common – we are all human beings. Underneath the skin, the blood is the same.”

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

TownTalk: Night Out Against Crime Tuesday, Oct. 3

/by

Local law enforcement officials are hoping to see a big turnout at the upcoming Night Out Against Crime, and they join event organizers who have planned a bevy of activities and fun for the whole family.

Come on down to Breckenridge Street on Tuesday, Oct. 3 between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to take part in this annual event. Planning committee Lora Durham said law enforcement agencies from the city and the county will be on hand to help provide a positive interaction with the residents they serve. Durham, along with Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, were guests on Wednesday’s TownTalk segment to spread the word about next week’s event.

“This is nothing but a positive thing,” said Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame. The event is designed to heighten awareness and have the community come together to learn more about how to make their neighborhoods safer.

Brame said he and Barrow enjoy a positive working partnership, and he wants citizens of the city and county to work in partnership, too.

Barrow said the Breckenridge Street location, just a few steps from his own office at the police department,  is a perfect fit to host the event.

“That one section has turned out to be one of our best locations to have events for the City of Henderson,” Barrow said. “It’s easy to cordon off and have any event we want. National Night Out is one of those events.”

Things kick off with remarks from Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, local law enforcement leaders and others. Henderson and Vance County have participated in the National Night Out event since the mid-1990’s.

“The community does care about crime,” Durham said. “We want to prevent it as much as we can…This is a good, safe event where people can bring their children,” she said, adding that it also is an opportunity for people to learn more about keeping themselves and their neighborhoods safe.

“It’s gonna be a fun night,” Durham said, adding that children and grownups alike will have a “fantastic time.”

The Clearview Church Praise Team will offer a musical selection during the opening ceremony, and then later a DJ will play music as participants enjoy free food – hotdogs, chips and drinks while they last – and Kona Ice – the truck will be on hand providing free ice cones for the first 200 people.

City and county agencies will be on hand to provide information about the services they provide, including animal services, fire and rescue personnel, and other community agencies such as Crime Stoppers, Vance County Schools, Vance-Granville Community College.

TownTalk: Walk To End Alzheimer’s Oct. 7

/by

The upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place in downtown Raleigh in a couple of weeks, and event organizers have set a lofty fundraising goal – $460,000. The event is free, but Lisa Roberts, executive director of the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, hopes that the wider community will come together to donate to the cause.

The walk is centered around Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh and is the second largest in the state for the Alzheimer’s Association, Roberts said. There are 17 walks planned across the state, just a handful of the more than 600 that will take place across the country – all to support research, outreach and education surrounding Alzheimer’s and related dementia. The overall state goal is $1.3 million.

Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the walk will commence following a welcome at 10 a.m.

Roberts said there will be plenty to do for those who want to show their support in ways other than walking the approximately 1-mile route around the State Capitol building.

Halifax Mall will have live music, a DJ, a Kid Zone and more for the public to enjoy.

The money that the walk raises “allows us to increase our research footprint, provide care and support – free or at nominal cost – to all those impacted” by Alzheimer’s.

Each walk that the Alzheimer’s Association sponsors has a special “promise garden ceremony,” Roberts said. Participants hold flowers of a particular color – depending on how their lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s or related dementia disorder.

“It’s a way to identify your connection,” she said, whether you’re a caregiver, someone with a personal connection or a supporter.

Supporters like Roberts, who lost her own mother to the disease, envision a world without Alzheimer’s.

A lot of money goes into research across the globe in search of a cure or new treatment for Alzheimer’s and dementia, Roberts said. According to her statistics, there are more than 180,000 people across North Carolina who are living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. “Those folks have over 360,000 family and friends who are providing care,” she said. For that reason, it’s important to have money for programs that support the caregivers, too.

To register for the Oct. 7 walk, visit alz.org/walk or call 800-272.3900.

CLICK PLAY!

TownTalk: Public Safety Expo This Saturday

/by

There will be a lot of action on the lot of the former Boyd auto dealership on U.S. 158 bypass in Henderson as law enforcement agencies from across Henderson and Vance County converge to take part in a Public Safety Expo this coming Saturday, Sept. 30.

Vance County Fire Chief Chris Wright said the expo will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include representatives from a wide variety of agencies that promote and protect public safety.

“It promotes a positive atmosphere for all public safety coming together,” Wright said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. “We come together in emergency situations so coming together outside of that…promotes positivity through the county,” he said.

Kids can take part in a bike rodeo through Safe Kids. And there will be a bike helmet giveaway while supplies last. Two bicycles will be raffled off as well.

Those in attendance can enjoy free hotdogs, chips and drinks while they last and the Kona Ice truck is scheduled to join the festivities, too.

“We’re trying to promote something positive here in Vance County, along with the City of Henderson, and partnering with all these agencies,” Wright explained. “It’s an all-around activity for kids and adults.”

CLICK PLAY!

 

TownTalk: Around Old Granville: Granville Street Library Gets Historical Marker

/by

 

The Granville Street Library got its own historical marker last week, distinguishing the 40-foot-by-25 foot building as the first library for African Americans. There were about 100 guests in attendance for the unveiling, performed by the library’s second librarian, Helen Amis.

Amis, now 93, took over from Maude Lassiter, who was the first person to hold the librarian’s position when the doors opened in 1942.

“She kind of made Granville Street the center of the African American community – and really Granville County,” said Mark Pace about Lassiter.

Not only is Pace the North Carolina Room specialist at Thornton Library, he also is president of the Granville County Historical Society. He spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris on Thursday’s regular history segment of TownTalk about the significance of the library and more.

Pace said Granville County was ahead of its time regarding the library system. “It was the first library to get county funding when it was established in 1936,” he said. Shortly thereafter, a group of prominent African American citizens pushed for a library to serve the Black community. And in 1941, Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration approved $2,200 to build the library.

The city of Oxford donated the land on Granville Street and the building went up. Pace said the building has not undergone any alterations since it opened in 1942.

First Baptist Church owns the property, and has plans to restore it, Pace said.

According to Pace, the library is the third oldest building still standing that once was owned by the county.

Once the library opened, Lassiter – from the Oak Hill community in northern Granville County – got to work to get books. By 1950, there were about 23,000 volumes. A few years later, a bookmobile was taking books to patrons out in the county. The little library averaged 3,000 borrowers a year.

Lassiter got Howard University President Mordecai Johnson to visit the library, as well as historian John Hope Franklin and poet Langston Hughes, Pace said.

“Hughes stayed at Ms. Lassiter’s house and gave readings at the library,” he said, “and at Shaw High School out at Stovall.”

By the time the Civil Rights movement was gaining momentum in 1965, the current Thornton Library in Oxford was ready to open and county officials decided to integrate the library system. The Granville Street Library remained open, but saw fewer patrons. It closed in 1975.

Placement of the marker was a joint effort of the county library system and First Baptist Church, with fund paid from donations made to the North Carolina Room.

“I was just really amazed” at the attendance for the unveiling ceremony, Pace said. “I’m pleased that that many people care.”

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

TownTalk: Ward 4 At-Large Candidates Answer Questions

/by

Note: This is the fifth of five TownTalk segments to provide election coverage for the upcoming Oct. 10 municipal elections in Henderson. Today, we’ll hear from the candidates for the Ward 4 at-large 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 George Daye, and continuing with Tami Walker. Lora Durham, who also filed for the Ward 4 at-large seat, did not provide responses, despite numerous attempts to reach her by phone call, text message, email and correspondence via the U.S. Postal Service.

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

1.   Why are you running for elected office?

George Daye: “I filed because I was interested in going back (on the City Council) and wanted to work with the new manager. The day I filed, that was what I wanted.” He said that when sitting Council member Jason Spriggs filed for mayor, he was spurred on to file for the seat he had previously held.  “Jason filed for the mayor role and I just feel like I could go there and do some good,” Daye said.

Tami Walker: “I am running for elected office because I have served my country and now I am ready to serve my hometown community.”

2.  What’s your platform?

Daye: Daye acknowledged in a telephone interview that he had second thoughts about filing for the Ward 4 at-large seat, but “if they vote for me, I’ll do the best I can.”

Walker: Walker listed the following topics: Senior citizens’ rights and assistance, assisting hometown veterans, the disabled and active-duty, as well as support and inclusion of youth. “Children deserve a great education, neighborhood and support system of family and friends to develop into great citizens,” Walker said.

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

Neither candidate directly addressed the question about the top three issues that Henderson faces in the near future.

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

Daye: Daye said that, during his previous term on the City Council, he strived to be attentive during meetings to conduct the business of the city. “When I was on the council, I was in business. I saw some people that were sitting in the council meeting and (they) would answer their telephones. I thought that was a disgrace. Despite effects of severe asthma, Daye said he took his role seriously.

Walker: Walker stated that she would address the issues through “education and action (and by) using the resources available to me as an elected official. “

5.  What is your experience in the public sector?

Daye: Daye has served previously on the City Council in the Ward 4 at-large seat. He opted not to run for re-election when Jason Spriggs showed interest in running for the seat.

Walker: “ I am a retired veteran, a Vance County schools retiree, a volunteer and humanitarian. I enjoy interacting with the public sector.”

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

Walker: “I see myself as a team member listening to my community, and doing my best to grow in my role, while using resources to find resolutions to the issues that my community brings forth.”

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

Daye: “When I went and filed,” Daye said, “I was gung ho” to run for Council. But, he said, “the spirit hasn’t hit me yet to get out there and fight for that position.” If he is elected, however, he said he would do his best to serve the people of Henderson.

Walker: Walker said she looks forward to serving her community as a Council member. “This is my neighborhood and my community,” she stated. (It’s) where I grew up. The people are nice and welcoming. Growing up near Pinkston Street School, Walker said she could hear the school bell ring from her house.  It was a short walk to elementary school for her in 1974 or 1975, right after integration, and then she walked a little farther to Henderson Junior High. “I had one of the best childhood ever,” she said.

CLICK PLAY!

TownTalk: Ward 3 At-Large Candidates Answer Questions

/by

Note: This is the fourth of five TownTalk segments to provide election coverage for the upcoming Oct. 10 municipal elections in Henderson. Today, we’ll hear from the candidates for the Ward 3 at-large 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 Kory Franklin and continuing with Michelle Horner Wood. Candidate Michael Venable did not provide any information, despite numerous attempts to contact him by phone, text, email and hand delivery of a written request for information.

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

1.  Why are you running for elected office?

Kory Franklin: “Family and accountability are not just values to me; they are the very essence of my commitment to public service. I come from a family deeply dedicated to city governance, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of community-driven initiatives that address the real needs of our people. I firmly believe that Henderson has the potential to become a thriving city, but it begins with us. To address the challenges and opportunities before us, we must first embody these core values of family, accountability, self-respect, and respect for others.”

Michelle H. Wood: “I am running for City Council Ward 3 at-large. I am here to listen to the people and be a voice for them. The citizens of Henderson feel they are not heard – that is heartbreaking. I want to work with fellow City Council members to achieve what is important to the citizens of Henderson to bring a better quality of life to everyone (who) calls Henderson home.” She said she is eager to share ideas about how to bring positive momentum to help Henderson become the best it can be.”

2.  What’s your platform?

 Franklin: “As I embark on my journey into public office, I am passionate about continuing the legacy of community service. I’m driven to apply the knowledge and values I’ve gained to confront the pressing issues of our time. From promoting economic growth and addressing housing affordability to ensuring educational excellence, enriching our cultural landscape, and implementing programs to inspire our youth and reduce crime.  I am convinced that together, we can build a stronger and more vibrant community where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Remember, when people take pride in their city, they become deeply invested in its well-being and growth. Let’s stand together as OneCity, OnePeople, and make our vision for Henderson a reality.”

Wood: “We need rising wages inside the city of Henderson rather than a rising crime rate. (We need) equal and fair housing opportunities for everyone with proper code enforcement…put local government back to work for the citizens of Henderson.”

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

Franklin: Franklin identified top issues for the city which include reducing crime, having more affordable housing, cleaner neighborhoords, economic growth, responsible budgeting, mental health programs and tackling prejudice.

Wood: Wood said addressing the issue of affordable and safe housing will take years to correct. “There are people living in houses that are deplorable,” she said. Henderson certainly isn’t the only city that experiences crime, and Wood said she believes that the city can “create activities and safe places for the young people to go. Also, working to fill all the open positions for the police and sheriff department” is a priority. Wood also identified the division within the city as an issue to address. “I want to unite the people. We are children of God and I want to create an environment of equality. Everyone in this city and county is important,” she said.

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

Franklin: “Crime is undoubtedly a pressing issue in our city, but addressing it goes hand in hand with providing our youth with meaningful alternatives. We must recognize that the absence of programs such as sports, summer camps, arts, music, and technology initiatives can inadvertently push our young folks toward criminal activities. Policing alone won’t resolve this problem; what we truly need are programs that not only deter crime but also instill values of commitment, growth, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for a brighter future.”
He called affordable housing. “vital component of our community’s well-being.” We need housing initiatives that offer stability and security, allowing homeowners and renters to weather unexpected challenges without facing financial ruin. “Clean and safe neighborhoods are crucial for our collective pride. We should all take pride in keeping our neighborhoods clean, ensuring they are places where families can thrive and feel safe. Encouraging community involvement in neighborhood clean-up efforts can make a significant difference.” Fostering economic growth, investing in mental health programs and responsible city budgeting also are key components that Franklin identified as key issues. To foster economic growth, we need to encourage, support, and train residents to become entrepreneurs and small business owners. I know our city is filled with innovative minds they just don’t know how to start.  “Prejudice is a challenge we must confront head-on. It’s a choice we can make—to respect and value one another regardless of our differences. Promoting diversity and inclusion should be a priority, and we can do this through education and community and cultural events, featuring music, food, games, arts, and crafts, can strengthen our bonds as a community.”

Wood: Housing is holding landlords accountable, Wood said, but also (holding accountable) homeowners to make sure people are safe. Whether renting or owning a home, residents should be responsible for keeping the property clean and should keep trash picked up. “Crime is always going to be a work in progress,” Wood said. “I want to have quarterly street meetings – meeting people where they are,” she said. “I enjoy getting out there visiting people. Some of the best conversations are held on citizens’ porches. This will help with the division in our city as well.”

5.  What is your experience in the public sector?

Franklin: “My father’s remarkable 30-year tenure as the chief of Economic and Housing Development in our city taught me the profound difference that public service can make in transforming a community. Growing up in this environment, I learned early that self-respect and respect for others are not just ideals; they are essential qualities that underpin a thriving community.”

Wood: “My heart has always been with the public sector, although I have not held an official position. I have been in many leadership positions in my life,” she said, including being a lay speaker at her church, youth leader, store manager and currently as director of operations for Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society. Wood said she has been attending City Council meetings as a citizen for the past two or more years.

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

Franklin: “My role as a newcomer to politics is all about being committed to actively engaging with our residents and constituents to identify gaps and find the solutions that make a difference. We’ll work together to support sustainable economic growth, find solutions to make housing more affordable, champion quality education for our youth, and ensure that cultural enrichment remains a fundamental part of our community.”

Wood: Her role as a member of an elected body, she said, is “to voice the important matters for the people of my ward and the whole city. I am here to ensure policies are being upheld. The city has many tools available to correct most of the problems. The ordinances and policies are there,” she said, it’s a matter of holding the correct people/persons accountable.

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

Franklin: “I wholeheartedly invite you to join me on this transformative journey to create a city that we can all be proud to call home. Together, we will uphold the values of family, accountability, self-respect, and respect for others, shaping a brighter future for us all.”

Wood: Wood, a lifelong resident of Vance County, has lived in Ward 3 since 1999. She is a 1991 graduate of Southern Vance High School and attended Vance Granville Community College. She is married to Barry Wood, also a lifelong resident of Henderson. Candidate Wood works for Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society as the director of operation of the non-profit organization. Wood stated that there is a need for effective leadership and common sense, fair policy making for everyone involved.

CLICK PLAY!