Editor’s Note: Let us state explicitly that each candidate enjoys equal access to Home in Henderson in terms of submitting Letters to the Editor. Also, each candidate will have the opportunity to answer reader questions which will be published in their entirety on the blog in September as we have done in past elections.
My purpose in entering the race for the Ward 2 At-Large seat of the Henderson City Council is to serve all the citizens of the city of Henderson.
I was born and raised in South Henderson and still have many friends in the area along with friends I have made in other parts of the city. Ruby, my wonderful wife, is from Kittrell and most of her relatives are from North Henderson. My sister lives in East Henderson and my wife and I reside in West Henderson. So, I am connected to all parts of the city and I can sympathize with those experiencing problems wherever they live. When elected, I will donate the same amount of attention to your problem regardless of the location. I feel it is the duty of the councilpersons to be of service to you. My past record proves that you can depend on me to provide the service you expect and DESERVE.
Some of my statements about the joint ventures have been intentionally misconstrued and misinterpreted to mean I want to do away with the library, recreation, and 911. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am against the present funding methods for joint ventures. The time has long passed that the city can supplement the needs of the county. Joint ventures are enjoyed by all citizens of Vance County and should be supported equally by all citizens. Fairness and equity is the issue. That is what I will work for.
I pledge to work diligently to persuade the city council to negotiate with county commissioners to change the funding for all joint ventures to a method that is both logical and fair for all citizens of Vance County. The current method is blatantly unfair for city taxpayers and must be changed. With a fairer taxation, services in Henderson can be greatly expanded.
I will work to change the list of priorities as presented by the city council to priorities that truly reflect the needs and desires of all the citizens of Henderson. The proposed Performing Arts Center should not be the number one priority. The sewer system, water lines and dilapidated housing come first and should be repaired and brought up to standard. The $1.8 million dollars owed to the city by the Embassy Foundation must be repaid. Then a referendum needs to be held to see if the taxpayer wants a Performing Arts Center. This way we will spend our tax dollars on priorities that improve the safety and quality of life for all people in Henderson before we spend our money on an auditorium. In addition we must quit spending money we do not have, and we must rebuild our fund balance.
I feel strongly that the police, fire department, and most municipal employees should be given increases to bring their pay up to a level equal to pay in the surrounding communities. Funds to support these increases will come from savings when the city stops the 75-85 percent paid for joint ventures. This will provide better service for the citizens in Henderson.
I have no hidden agenda, I am not obligated to anyone, and I will stand up for my opinions and for every taxpayer in Henderson. I am not influenced by money, power, or position. I am honest, trustworthy, and dependable and I pledge to do the work required to govern Henderson.
Bobby Gupton
Henderson