Editor’s Note: Early voting for the Oct. 7 nonpartisan municipal elections has begun and continues through Saturday, Oct. 4. As part of WIZS’s ongoing coverage of the four Henderson City Council contests, Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny! focuses on the Ward 1 at-large seat. Challengers Kenia Gómez-Jimenez and Clementine “Tina” Hunter responded to a list of questions from WIZS. Their responses appear unedited and, in their entirety, below.

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.

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Ward 1 at-large seat

Clementine “Tina” Hunter

Q: What prompted you to run for local office?

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

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

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

Q: What is your platform?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Love God and Country

• Would like to have your vote

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