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TownTalk: Ward 4 At-Large Candidates Answer Questions

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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.

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The Local Skinny! Relay For Life To Take Place September 30th

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The Vance County Relay for Life is resuming its efforts after several years of reduced activity because of pandemic restrictions. The entire community is invited to the Henderson Family YMCA on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to participate, honor and remember.

Freddie Harris and Donald Matthews shared details about the event on Wednesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

“I believe this will be great start for Relay for Life coming back to Vance County, said Harris, one of the organizers from St. James Missionary Baptist Church that is sponsoring the event. There will be an opening ceremony and luminaria lining the track, with lots of activities in between.

The theme is Uniting in Hope, Empowering Together, she said. The main word is hope, Harris said.

Hope is the key word, Harris said. “I’m hoping that hope will inspire people and that people will feel hopeful from this event,” she said.
“Not just cancer survivors, but the city and the county. We really need to come together.”

Donald Matthews remembers the Relay events of some years ago when thousands of people would gather to participate. He was in charge of logistics, and it was challenging to organize 75 or more teams and have them in the right place at the right time.

There are currently nine teams signed up to participate, but the event can accommodate more.

The event is open to the whole community, and Matthews invites other churches, businesses and individuals to take part.

“Just because COVID stopped (us), cancer didn’t stop,” he said. “Our goal is, one day, to work ourselves out of a job. I’d like to see (cancer) eradicated, if I’ve got anything to do with it,” he said.

Harris invites the community to come out and show support for cancer survivors.

Cancer survivors like herself, a two-time cancer survivor.

“We want everybody to come out and be a part of it,” she said.

To register a team, call the American Cancer Society at 800.227.2345 or visit https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=105850  to find out more, make a donation or purchase a luminary.

Luminary bags are $10 each, 3 for $25 or $25 for one gold luminary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Local Skinny! Home And Garden Show 09-20-23

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • When reseeding your cool season lawn buying poor quality seed is asking for disappointment.Check your seed tags purchase certified seed. Check for the blue certification tag.Certified seed is free of noxious weed seed and contains low amounts of other crop seed.b  Good seed helps in having a good lawn.
  • Start controlling fire ants.
  • Check cole crops for insects. Ex Loopers, cabbage worms, Harlequin bugs.
  • Start planning for any trees and shrubs you may want to plant in your landscape this fall.
  • Control weeds in the garden. One weed left to seed out can produce 1000’s of weeds in your garden next year.

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TownTalk: Ward 3 At-Large Candidates Answer Questions

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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.

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The Local Skinny! Gavin’s Groupies 5K Run To Benefit CFF

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If you’re looking for a new spot to get your Saturday run in this weekend, Tanya Darrow invites you to come out to Henderson Point for a 5K Fun Run fundraiser. In addition to getting some exercise yourself, you’ll be helping a group called Gavin’s Groupies – Loping For Lungs at the same time.

Gavin is Darrow’s 13-year-old son, himself a cross country runner, who also lives with a chronic condition called cystic fibrosis.

This is the first time Darrow has organized a major event like a 5K Fun Run, and she said she’s excited to host it at such a pretty location. “It’s a really nice course, it’s paved – right along the lake,” she said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Runners can sign up online at passion.cff.org, and she said she plans to be able to have same-day registration as well – cash and Venmo for sure, and payment by card, depending on internet reception. The run begins at 9 a.m., but participants should plan to arrive between 8 a.m. and 8:30, she said.

Darrow said she has a memory of doing a fun run with Gavin when he was younger than 5 years old. “He ran a lot of it, but I ended up carrying him on my shoulders the last mile or so.”

“Running is very important for maintaining lung function,” she added. With CF, a genetic mutation causes a malfunction of sodium and chloride levels, causing mucus to be thick and sticky instead of a smooth, lubricating fluid.

The fun run is a way for Darrow to help raise money for research to find treatments and one day, a cure for CF.

The CF Foundation supports research into the disease, and helps families with a wide range of programs and services, from scholarships and housing programs to helping to defray the costs of expensive medications.

Sign up for the run at

https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Henderson/GavinsGroupies5k?fbclid=IwAR1iOp8GZq66m1hvkLBGrx2z71KgtuDJMb3wWBOQlA4zpYqZgbijarbM3K0.

Learn more about other programs and fundraisers at passion.cff.org and follow Darrow’s efforts with Gavin’s Groupies on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/933724317677068/?ref=newsfeed

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Extra Organic Matter

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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TownTalk: Mayoral Candidates Answer Questions

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Note: This is the third of five TownTalk segments to provide election coverage for the upcoming Oct. 10 municipal elections in Henderson. Today, we’ll hear from the four mayoral candidates

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 Sara Coffey, and continuing with Melissa Elliott, Greg Etheridge and Jason Spriggs.

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

 

  1. Why are you running for elected office?

Sara Coffey: “I am running because I feel I have the experience and the ambition to go forward in helping rebuild our city.” Coffey said her two terms as Mayor pro tem, as well as her 18 years on City Council, serve her well to become mayor.

Melissa Elliott: “I am running for the office of mayor because I believe in the work God has blessed my hands to do over the past 18 years in this community. I am a visionary and I know how to manifest what I see against all odds. I have served eight years on the City Council, and I understand municipal government. I also understand that there are resources that our community needs and I know how to get them. I would love to create initiatives and see them seen through to make sure that everything that I’ve started will be finished, I also would like to be a part of the strategic plan of laying the foundation for a better Henderson in the next 30 years. I want the city of Henderson to thrive and grow in a most healthy way…while being a vibrant, welcoming successful community. My work on the City Council has proven that I am committed to the community.”

Greg Etheridge: “A good citizen is civic-minded, operates with a heightened sensitivity to the needs of others, and moves with a sense of urgency to find and provide assistance. I was born and raised in Vance County where these values and beliefs were taught and modeled by many adults who have faithfully served this community that I love.  I believe that I honor them and their legacy in part by actively serving in various capacities including municipal office.”

Jason Spriggs: “I’m running for office because the citizens and residents of Henderson deserve a mayor that is most interested in what they feel should be changed in our city. As well, I was asked by several local politicians and business leaders to continue the work that our previous mayor has begun.”

  1. What’s your platform?

Coffey: Coffey said she wants to build affordable homes on the vacant lots of the city. She has consulted with contractors about the possibility of “tiny homes,” which could result in getting people in housing and off the streets. “I feel we can put some homes on these vacant lots. We are already grouping these lots to make them more attractive to a builder or contractor.” Trash along the city roadsides and in extra-territorial jurisdictions like Brodie Road remains an issue as well. “I’m talking with DOT now to see what we can do together to clean up some of our trash. I just want everyone to have a clean city where we all can enjoy. When visitors come, they look at our downtown, our theater and our streets that definitely need some help. I want more funding for our police and fire departments. These men and women are very crucial to our city. I would also like to see more businesses downtown.”

Elliott: Elliott listed a 5-point platform that aligns with the recent community assessment health card.

  • Mental health – health equity for all, as well as addressing mental health needs, from dismantling stigma to substance abuse. “I would love to see a harm reduction team, working hand in hand with Granville -Vance Health Department, the police department and the fire department to create an initiative that would address opioids as well as opioid prevention.”
  • Downtown development – “The downtown of every city in America is the heartbeat.  I want to work alongside our city manager and our downtown development director to create a streamlined process that is user-friendly for businesses to come into our community. I want to be able to go to downtown Henderson, sit outside and have a lunch of different cuisines from different countries and diverse cultures.” She said she would like to create a downtown hub for businesses to have office space and share resources, as well as monthly events to bring people into the downtown area.
  • Youth Engagement – “Youth are truly our future, and it is our responsibility as adults to make sure that they have what they need to be successful.”
  • Food insecurity – Support existing programs like food banks and other meal programs that currently operate in the area and possibly create other avenues to make sure residents have enough food.
  • Affordable housing – “We must have a plan for individuals that cannot afford affordable housing.” Elliott said Vance County Housing Authority has been approved for the first round of funding through the SHARP program, funded by ARPA. “I would love to bring the USDA, which is centrally located in our city, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments and county leaders together for a listening session” to create collaboration to build more affordable housing for low-income and unhoused people.

Etheridge: “I believe that Henderson’s best days do in fact lie ahead of us, but when you look at our neighborhoods and our downtown, it becomes clear that there’s a real need for positive change right now in Henderson. I will represent everyone fairly, no matter your address… and I will bring drive, passion and policy that makes living in Henderson better for everyone.  Safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, jobs with livings wages, a vibrant downtown, and lower property taxes…, together we can all bring the change that we know our city needs.  Together we can make a better way of life for everyone and together we will succeed.”

 Spriggs: “My platform consists of all of those things that are most important to the average citizen. Examples include new parks, better roads, safer neighborhoods, more and better housing, opportunities to grow as a citizen and new businesses that will directly benefit us in a positive manner.”

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

Coffey: Coffey identified affordable housing, people who need housing and trash as top priorities. She said she will continue to address these needs as mayor, just as she has done in her terms on the city council.

Elliott: “We must have mental health services that are user-friendly to all, that are easy to access and that are fair and equitable to all. We also must have substance use providers that will be accessible to our community. Our housing challenges are definitely on the top of the list. We need affordable housing – which we are building  – as well as low-income housing, and we need shelter.” Elliott said there is a need for a landlord/tenant committee to fully inform both sides when issues arise. “Our downtown needs to thrive. We need our heartbeat to beat at an all-time high. We are centrally located off of the corridor of I-85 and US #1. We have a great opportunity to not only serve the citizens of this community, but people that are coming through. We need to maximize on that.”

Etheridge: “Goodwill and order in a community are partially achieved through the fair and consistent administration of laws and ordinances by elected leaders and appointed officials. When undesirable or unlawful activities, behaviors, and violations are tolerated without penalty for an extended period of time. I believe that Henderson has earned an undesirable and unhealthy reputation for tolerance of criminal and unwanted behavior that is detrimental to our future. Our city can no longer afford to rely solely on the hope that things will ‘get better.’ Now is the time for concerned citizens, elected leaders, and appointed officials to align,” Etheridge said, around the following topics:

  • Drugs and Crime
  • City Messaging
  • Business Friendly
  • Promoting Healthy Churches and Non-Profits
  • Supporting our City Workers
  • Neighborhood and Business Code Enforcement

Spriggs: “The top three issues from my view are ensuring that we continue the development we have already approved, keep our taxes low as we use the increased tax base from new industries and new housing to provide the best quality of life for everyone who is in the city, and also in the county, and to market in Henderson as the city, we desire it to be: a beautiful city of water that offers everyone the opportunity to have a great quality of life. We cannot tell the future, but in five years we should have completed our new fire station, the new development that is beginning to break ground, and we should be known as the premier small town of 85 that individuals from around the country want to move to retire to and work in.”

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

Coffey: Coffey said her 18 years on the Henderson City Council puts her in a position to address the issues that face Henderson. “Whatever I can do to help the city,” she said, adding that she hopes to be able to do it as mayor. Being in conversation with contractors about the construction of “tiny homes” on city-owned parcels in residential neighborhoods is one way she is addressing the issues of affordable housing and homelessness. She said she will present her plan to the council once contractors can provide costs for construction. The smaller homes would be affordable for individuals, couples or small families, she added. “I’ve already done some stuff with the trash,” Coffey said. “I never thought what I did behind the scenes needed to be put on social media,” she said. “Maybe that’s why people don’t know all the stuff I’ve done.” In her 25 years as a small business owner and local official, Coffey said she had experience working with lobbyists, too. “I’ve never been one that’s stood back and waited for other people to do (something),” she said. “What I can do is show what we need here in Henderson,” offer some advice or suggestions and talk with leaders in Raleigh or wherever about how to accomplish the goals.

Elliott: “I would change the image of the city. I would be a spokesperson and I would fight for the city whether that is local, state, or federal.” By promoting initiatives that galvanize stakeholders and strengthen partnerships, Elliott said she encourages city and county collaboration to achieve health equity for all. She said she would work alongside developers to increase affordable housing options and help the city invest in a shelter to house families, in partnership with the county. Elliott said she would create programs for elected officials to talk regularly with school students to educate them about how government works and would also like to create more opportunities for professional development for elected officials from the UNC School of Government.

Etheridge:

  • Neighborhood and Business Code Enforcement – “The lack of enforcement has led to the significant decline in the appeal and safety of neighborhoods and businesses. Nuisances are now the main focal points, and the safety and quality of structures have been extremely compromised.  The vegetation overgrowth, substandard living conditions, and junk that is being allowed have created an environment of oppressed poverty and crime. Over the years, hundreds of homes have been abandoned while many that remain offer deplorable living conditions.”
  • Drugs and Crime – “Many neighborhoods are downgrading to a level of poverty and blight, and the local justice system has proven itself to offer slow to no enforcement of penalties creating a perfect illegal drug business culture. Since rules and laws are not considered by this type of citizen, the byproduct will always be crime, shootings, death, oppression, overused city resources and safety concerns. Businesses and jobs will flee or just stay away.”
  • City Messaging – “It is so important for city officials to take immediate action by identifying the “violent neighborhoods” with drug houses and gang activity – and then adding a police presence to protect those law-abiding citizens living there. Placing an immediate priority on holding the current owner/investor accountable for substandard conditions or condemning those vacant houses where drug deals are being made is the only fair and law-abiding action. We cannot afford another year, two, or five to go through the long red-tape process…it compromises accountability and promotes negligence.”
  • Business Friendly – “The process of starting a business, renovating an existing building, or finding an appealing location to purchase has proven to be very difficult. Those who want to invest need to know the people, process and needed permitting upfront. Having the city as a guide, rather than a guard, is the only way to make sure we have a community open for solid, quality-of-life contributing businesses.”
  • Promoting Healthy Churches and Non-Profits – “There are so many good organizations that truly want to provide help and hope to Henderson, above and beyond what a government can. These are the selfless servants and no paychecks or paybacks are asked for. Identifying and promoting these organizations are crucial to a healthy and growing community.”
  • Supporting our City Workers – “We are grateful to all city staff members for the quality work and service they provide daily. For a vibrant and thriving community to exist, we must rely on the city manager and the city department heads to oversee the diligent enforcement of the established laws, codes and ordinances.”

Spriggs: “Addressing these issues will take diplomacy, experience in public policy and an empathetic ear to (listen to) the concerns of our citizens and business owners.”

5. What is your experience in the public sector?

Coffey: Coffey has been a member of the Henderson City Council for 18 years and has served two terms as Mayor pro tem.

Elliott: “I’ve been in the public sector all my life. I love people. I love all people and I want all people to thrive and be successful.” Elliott has been a member of the City Council for eight years and also has work experience with the Department of Social Services, the Department of Public Safety, Vance County Jail, Alexandria City Police Department and Amtrak.

Spriggs: “Before being elected to the city Council in 2019 I worked as a full-time city of Henderson employee for nearly four years. Aside from that, I have been active in North Carolina politics for 15 years, having worked for judges, other state officials, and their campaigns.” He also ran for Congress in 2022.

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

Etheridge: “The City Council is made up of nine elected individuals striving to fairly represent the best interests of and most beneficial outcomes for all of Henderson’s 15,000-plus citizens.  When making policy, approving requests for funding, and governing the city, the mayor does not have a vote except when needed to break a tie…the mayor’s primary role on the council is to ensure a healthy, high-performing team atmosphere where all eight ward representatives are equally encouraged, equally supported, equally heard, and equally empowered to serve the citizens in their respective wards. The most important role of the mayor in our city for the next four years is to embrace this diversity and to guide Henderson toward the better future of safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, jobs with livings wages, a vibrant downtown, and lower property taxes that all our citizens deserve.”

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

Coffey: Coffey has been a small business owner operating in the area since 1998. She is a native of Vance County and has said in earlier interviews with WIZS that she has an open-door policy when it comes to hearing from constituents. As an at-large council member, she represents all city residents, not just those in Ward 1.

Elliott: Elliott serves on numerous boards in the community, from Working on Wellness to the Dr. Andrea Harris Foundation Board, among others, including the Gun Violence Roundtable and Community Health Worker Ambassador for Region 4. “I will not leave anyone behind in my journey as the mayor of the city of Henderson.” She has written proclamations for the LGBTQ community, Hispanic Heritage Month and Community Health workers National Week and said she is a servant leader, ready to accept the challenge to serve the people of Henderson.

Etheridge: A Henderson native, Etheridge is a 1990 graduate of Vance Senior High School. He graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 1995. He is a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina and a licensed HVAC contractor.  In 2019 he purchased Gupton Services. He has held leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Henderson, the Kerr Lake Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, the City of Henderson Downtown Development Commission, and the VGCC Foundation, among others.  Additional noted contributions include ACTS, Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Crime Stoppers, Edmonds Tennis and Golf Foundation, and the Salvation Army. Etheridge and wife Susan have one son, Samuel, 22.  Susan is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and has been a life-long educator currently employed at North Raleigh Christian Academy as their director of academic advising.  Samuel attended VGCC and is employed at Gupton Services as an HVAC service technician.  Etheridge’s parents, Rick and Sybil Etheridge, and siblings, all reside in the Watkins community.

Spriggs: “Voters need to know that I am an independent politician whose main focus each day is to improve the lives of our residents, our citizens, our businesses and our families. Most importantly, as mayor of this beautiful city, my job is to serve the citizens fairly and completely.”

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The Local Skinny! Rehab at Maria Parham

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Lori Murphy has been a physical therapist for 29 years, and as a physical therapist and clinical liaison for LifePoint at Maria Parham Health, she wants to make sure that the community knows about the services available for those who need inpatient rehab.

This week is National Rehabilitation Awareness Week and Murphy was a guest on The Local Skinny! Monday to focus on specific needs of those who have acute rehab needs.

The week’s theme is “the power of medical rehabilitation,” Murphy said, which she describes as rehabilitation that involves a physician and other therapists to address a patient’s needs through regular, frequent sessions while in a hospital setting.

Whether a patient is recovering from a car accident, spinal injury, or learning to live independently again after an illness or injury, Murphy said inpatient rehab could be a good choice.

A stroke victim may need speech therapy to recover abilities, she said. Or someone who’s endured a long hospital stay and is now in a debilitated state may need respiratory, occupational or other forms of therapy to regain strength.

No matter the reason, inpatient rehab helps patients “reach their potential to function more independently,” she said, motivating them to attain goals that will allow them to live on their own with little to no assistance.

The reasons vary, she said, but Murphy said it’s important to listen to the patients to learn what’s important to them. Whether it’s getting out of the house to go to church or being able to stand up at a child’s wedding, Murphy said the therapy is different for each person.

The MPH inpatient rehab has 11 private rooms to accommodate patients.

“The vast majority of our patients feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment when they reach their goals and are ready to go home,” she said.

“They are grateful for the time they’ve spent here,” she said.

Call inpatient rehab admissions at 252.436.1276 to learn more or to arrange a tour of the facility.

Visit https://www.mariaparham.com/center-for-rehabilitation to learn more.

(MPH is an advertiser with WIZS. This is not a paid ad.)

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