On Sept. 21, HomeinHenderson e-mailed 17 questions to each of the candidates on the ballot for the Henderson City Council in the six contested races. We did not contact council members Lonnie Davis and Ranger Wilkerson, who are running unopposed in Ward 4, nor do we submit the questions to Deryl Von Williams, on the perhaps dubious principle that we only wanted to deal with candidates who took advantage of the five-week filing period to enter the municipal elections.
The 17 questions do not cover everything we’d like to know about the candidates. We could always use more details about candidates’ opinions on the closure and sale of the Municipal Building, the fund balance, rental housing, and a slew of other issues, but we could ask candidates to give us only so much time. If any candidates would like to submit a supplemental statement covering those or other issues, we will happily post them. Also, to Mary Emma Evans, Glean Henderson Jr., Sara Coffey, Harriette Butler, Mike Rainey and Marty Gister, we still welcome your answers to our original questions. If you need another copy of the questions, send us a message at michael@homeinhenderson.com.
With that, we offer you all that we have on the candidates.
(1) Why are you running?
Mary Emma Evans, incumbent, Ward 1: No answers submitted.
Glean Henderson Jr., challenger, Ward 1: No answers submitted.
Bernard Alston, incumbent, Ward 1 at large: I am running because I have made a commitment to helping improve the quality of life for all residents of my hometown.
Sara Coffey, challenger, Ward 1 at large: No answers submitted.
Harriette Butler, incumbent, Ward 2: No answers submitted.
Bobby Gupton, challenger, Ward 2: I am running for the City Council Ward 2 seat because of my deep concern over the direction the city has been headed over the last several years. They are spending money we don’t have and adding to the debt that has led to increased taxes and user fees.
Mike Rainey, incumbent, Ward 2 at large: No answers submitted.
Lynn Harper, challenger, Ward 2 at large: I am running for a seat on the City Council because I am passionate about Henderson and its citizens. My husband and I moved here 31 years ago to open Harperprints. This is our home now and our children’s hometown – they were born here.
I have met many wonderful citizens and worked with the finest group of folks on the Clean Up Henderson! Committee. Many have asked me to get more involved.
Henderson’s future is bright – with many opportunities for success. I would like to be a part of converting that potential to reality for all of us and our children.
Garry Daeke, contender, Ward 3: I am running because I believe my experience and training can add value to the myriad of issues that are presently before the council.
Marty Gister, contender, Ward 3: No answers submitted.
Elissa Yount, incumbent, Ward 3 at large: Real progress in our city will come with justice and fair play for all. Real progress in our town will come with strong, forward thinking leaders who know the values that our citizens hold. I know I can contribute to this leadership effort in a very positive, productive way. I am running so that we can make sure Henderson is attractive to young people, steady for our middle-age people, and secure for retirees and those on fixed incomes. I am running to see that Henderson spends its money the right way so that all of us who pay taxes and depend on the city services get our money’s worth.
John Wester, challenger, Ward 3 at large: I am running for City Council because Henderson has so much potential. We have overcome significant obstacles, and with leadership that recognizes that problems are actually opportunities to improve all of our lives, this city will see positive growth.