(4) What was the City Council’s best accomplishment of the past two years?
Alston: The establishment of the Clean Up Henderson Committee (together with the results of this effort) has to rank at the top of the list. I believe that the collective measures being implemented to counteract crime and violence will prove to be great successes; however, it is a little early to declare these efforts complete successes.
Gupton: I think the best accomplishment was the Clean Up Henderson Committee; unfortunately, the City Council played a minor role in its establishment and achievements.
Harper: The City Council’s best accomplishment of the past two years has been to encourage more open government. An example of this is the fact that Clean Up Henderson! has often had as many citizen guests as members at some of our meetings – and they all have brought wonderful ideas. Another example is the council taking the time to listen to the concerns of citizens at the Speak Up Henderson forums.
Daeke: I think the best accomplishment has been the openness of the city to allow more citizen input and the citizen-led initiatives, such as Clean Up Henderson, VOICE and the Boys & Girls Club. Citizens have, for the first time in my memory, more opportunity to participate in and give input into their governance.
Yount: Our best accomplishment was generating a Code Compliance Department. For far too long the needs of our blighted neighborhoods have been ignored and neglected. Henderson was not looking after its customers or looking out for the future and this is the first step to correct that problem.
Wester: Focused groups, such as Weed and Seed, VOICE, CUH, HVEP, have been brought forward to deal with specific issues. These organizations, with significant involvement from the council, should play an even greater role in the future.