Making a list of resolutions for Henderson would be quite easy.
Making a list of hopes for Henderson would be easier still. Making a list of work that needs to be done would be the easiest of all. But, as a new decade dawns, let’s not take the easy way out.
None of us can do everything that is needed to make Henderson the viable, thriving city that we all deserve. But every one of us can do one thing, and I challenge you to do that one thing in the coming year for your city. Pick a problem and go to work on it. Don’t stop and don’t accept talk. Insist on solutions. It is going to take participation by all to get Henderson on the right track. We all deserve a clean, safe, city that offers opportunity for all of us, so we all need to do our part to see this happen.
Let’s look at some things that need doing:
First, Henderson must complete its Land Use Plan. The work on this plan has been going on for years and will go on for years more unless the citizens start insisting that it be completed. All other cities that are progressing and that attract jobs have viable Land Use Plans. It is one of their most important documents. We cannot even get ours out of the planning stage. It makes one wonder if keeping this plan under wraps or in limbo gives certain developers an advantage. You can call your council representatives and insist that this plan be explained to you, and then insist that it be completed.
Next, we need to find out what has become of the $250,000 that was to go for the Orange/Breckenridge Street Redevelopment. Again, this is taking years when it should have only taken months. Are properties being purchased at tax value, or is the city buying into the fallacy that the purchase price should include future earnings from rent for these properties? You can call your council representatives and insist that all the information on this project be made pubic, ask questions about why it is taking so long, and attend the Redevelopment Commission meetings and voice your concerns. Better yet, ask to be put on the Redevelopment Commission.
Third, Henderson needs to start collecting the taxes owed and stop forgiving payment for taxes after ten years. Ask to see what was forgiven this year. We know other North Carolin cities send officers to lock businesses, and this sure is an incentive for payment. Foreclosing is not pleasant, but is necessary at times. You can call your council people and discuss why our city is so slack about back taxes when it comes to some property owners. Then get them to explain why our unfair taxation continues with the county. Insist that they discuss the percentages with you. Better yet, ask your council representatives to put it in writing. Make them accountable to you.
Maybe you are not interested in any of these things, but there are many avenues in our city that could use your attention and your ideas. Here are but a few: Do you have concerns about economic development, or council people on the Zoning Board, or do you believe we need a water authority? Maybe you know of dilapidated houses or buildings that need to come down, or entire neighborhoods that need redevelopment. Do you have insight about how to best get rid of Beacon Light, or how to get Henderson’s Post Office made more presentable? Do you think our sanitation fees are fair, or are you nauseated by the stench of sewage in some areas of the city? Do you think we need more sidewalks, or maybe you have a plan for improving the appearance of overgrown curbs? Maybe you have an idea about ridding our city of gangs or getting the underpass cleaned up.
Again, you cannot fix all these things, but you can focus on one. You can insist on answers and solutions and facts and deadlines, and you can let the rest of us know what you find out.
Henderson needs all the creative ideas we can muster. So, your risky assignment is to start speaking up and speaking out. Pick one thing that needs fixing in Henderson and start to work on that. Call your council people, and continue to call them. They were elected to serve the people, and part of serving is to listen and then act. Make appointments with them and the mayor and go discuss your concerns, and don’t forget to follow up. Take a group to meet with the City Manager and, if the city ever has committee meetings again, go and voice your concerns. Get on the agenda at council meetings and get commitments from the City Council. Talk to your legislators and e-mail our representatives in Washington. Write letters to the editor and post on HiH.
It is going to take participation by all of us to get Henderson on the right track. Set aside a little time each week for phone calls and follow-ups and e-mails. If each one of us makes one issue a priority, then some things will have to change. Please take time this week to post on HiH what you think needs to be done in this next year and this new decade, and tell us all what part you intend to play.
This is your risky assignment. Make a resolution and stick to it. Do one small part for Henderson.