As residents of Chillicothe, the forthcoming November 7 elections provide us an opportunity to step into the polling booth and cast a vote that resonates with progressive change and practical vision for our city. Dr. Allison Henderson, vying for a Council At-Large seat, echoes such vision, reflected vividly in her answers to the candidate questionnaire the Guardian provided to all candidates seeing office for Chillicothe City Council.
Dr. Henderson isn’t a newcomer to the civic arena. Her service in the Fifth Ward and as a Zone Governor for the Ohio Optometric Association has seasoned her with a blend of understanding and a knack for accountability, which Chillicothe needs. Her endorsement comes easy when you delve into her well-rounded responses about our city’s core issues.
Her approach to infrastructure is spot-on. When asked about the most pressing infrastructure needs, Dr. Henderson rightly highlighted the need for an overhaul of our sewer system and essential updates to the water treatment plant. She acknowledges the ongoing repaving efforts, thanks to the 2015 street levy, but understands there’s more to be done. It’s her kind of pragmatic foresight we need to navigate the infrastructural maze that lays ahead.
Safety remains a priority for Dr. Henderson. She envisions a city where community policing is the norm, fostering a harmonious relationship between officers and residents, thereby enhancing overall safety. Her advocacy for a fully funded and well-trained police force is not just a tick in the box, but a commitment to a safer Chillicothe.
Economic development is on her radar, too. Dr. Henderson’s ideology is simple yet impactful: improve safety, bolster infrastructure, and then, attract businesses into town. This sequential approach showcases a candidate who’s not about short-term wins but long-term sustainability and growth.
On affordable housing, her two-pronged strategy aims at holding negligent property owners accountable and assessing the balance between short-term rentals versus affordable housing availability. It’s a balanced approach tackling a multifaceted challenge, displaying a readiness to address the housing predicament in our city.
And let’s talk about civic engagement: Dr. Henderson’s pledge to remain accessible via social media, email, phone, or text shows a willingness to keep the lines of communication open. She values engagement, urging every voter to participate in the upcoming election — a step towards a more inclusive local governance.
When questioned about council size and terms, she showcased an open-minded stance. Having realized the learning curve in her first two-year term, she’s open to discussing four-year terms, showcasing a growth mindset and adaptability.
In essence, Dr. Henderson is not just another name on the ballot; she’s a candidate whose practical and forward-thinking responses to core city issues resonate with the aspirations of Chillicothe’s residents.
So, come November 7, a vote for Dr. Allison Henderson is a vote for a pragmatic, accountable, and accessible representative on the Chillicothe City Council. It’s about choosing a candidate who not only speaks the language of the everyday citizen but also has a roadmap to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. We, at the Guardian, wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Henderson, urging every eligible voter in Chillicothe to mark their ballot for a candidate who embodies a blend of vision and practicality.