(This article first appeared in the November print edition of the Hendersonian on news stands now.)
In this article, Henderson City Commission candidates respond to six questions posed to them from the Hendersonian. The written responses were returned to the Hendersonian via email. The Hendersonian requested on Oct. 14 that answers be kept to four sentences and no longer than 100 words and candidates were to respond back before 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 18. Below are their responses.
Isaac Church
1. What do you think the city should do regarding Flock cameras?
A: I believe Flock cameras can be used as a tool to help law enforcement prevent and solve crimes in our community. However, I also believe we have a responsibility to protect the privacy and rights of our citizens. There needs to be transparency, clear guidelines on how the cameras are used, and accountability to ensure the system is not abused. I also believe we should regularly evaluate their effectiveness and cost.
2. What do you think the city should do regarding Data centers?
A: I believe we should welcome businesses that bring investment, create more job opportunities, and expand our tax base. However, we should not approve large data center projects without first understanding their long-term effects on our community.
3. What is a city commissioner’s role in the attempts to develop the land around the U.S. 60/I-69 interchange as well as the city-owned parcel behind the Walmart subdivision?
A: A city commissioner’s role is to help establish the city’s development priorities, approve appropriate funding and agreements, oversee the use of taxpayer dollars, and make sure development benefits the community.
4. It is projected that the community will lose some 7,000 residents by 2050, many because of the passing of the Baby Boomer generation. What should the city do regarding this?
A: I believe we must give people a reason to choose Henderson and our young people a reason to stay. That means investing in attainable housing and building a strong local economy with more job opportunities so young people can build careers here. We need to set measurable goals, establish clear timelines, report our progress publicly, and hold ourselves accountable.
5. A variety of social issues are concerns in Henderson homelessness , food insecurity, poverty, cost of living increases. Pick one of these or one that you feel strongly about and explain your plan to address this issue.
A: One issue I feel strongly about is the rising cost of living. As a small business owner, I see firsthand how increasing costs affect hardworking families and local businesses. I am committed to keeping city taxes and fees as affordable as possible, encouraging more attainable housing, and working to attract more jobs. I want our families to have a chance to get ahead, not just get by.
6. What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed so that Henderson improves, and how would you move forward on this if elected?
A: Henderson’s biggest challenge is growth. We must make economic development a priority by attracting new businesses, creating more job opportunities, and giving our young people a reason to stay and raise their families here. As I stated earlier, I believe the first step is to set measurable goals, establish clear timelines, report our progress publicly, and hold ourselves accountable.m
(Note: Church’s answers arrived 25 minutes after deadline)
Robert Pruitt
1. What do you think the city should do regarding Flock cameras?
A: Regarding Flock cameras, I believe the most important priority is continued transparency and public education. As commissioners, we recently held an open forum meeting to give residents a clear understanding of how the system works, what data it collects, and how it is used in Henderson. That openness must continue. I also believe citizens should stay engaged and keep educating themselves so they can make fully informed decisions. Public safety tools only work when the community understands them, feels heard, and has access to accurate information. My focus is ensuring residents always have clear information and the opportunity to ask questions directly so they can decide what’s best for their community.
2. What do you think the city should do regarding data centers?
A: When it comes to data centers, I believe education and transparency are essential. Data center conversion is complex, and the community deserves clear, accurate information about both the pros and the cons. When residents understand how data centers operate, what they bring, and what impacts they may have, they can make an informed decision about whether this is right for Henderson. As a current commissioner, my responsibility is to represent the people by listening, learning, and voting based on what our citizens want.
3. What is a city commissioner’s role in the attempts to develop the land around the U.S. 60/I-69 interchange as well as the city-owned parcel behind the Walmart subdivision?
A: A city commissioner’s role in developing the land around the U.S. 60/I-69 interchange and the city-owned parcel behind the Walmart subdivision is to help maximize the economic development opportunities these areas offer so Henderson residents benefit most. This includes evaluating proposals to ensure they support long-term growth, community needs and responsible land use. Commissioners must support infrastructure planning that attracts high-quality commercial and residential development, and work closely with developers, businesses, and community partners to bring in projects that create jobs, strengthen the tax base and improve quality of life. Transparency and public input are important, as both locations are prime opportunities for strategic, sustainable growth that serves the best interests of Henderson’s citizens.
4. It is projected that the community will lose some 7,000 residents by 2050, many because of the passing of the Baby Boomer generation. What should the city do regarding this?
A: The city must be proactive in creating a community people want to stay in and return to. A city commissioner’s role is to help ensure we have strong foundations: affordable housing, small business incentives, and good-paying jobs that make Henderson competitive. We must expand diverse housing options for young adults, families, and retirees; support entrepreneurs so Henderson is a place where ideas can grow; strengthen workforce opportunities so graduates can build careers here; and invest in parks, recreation, community spaces and cultural activities that make people want to remain rooted in Henderson.
5. A variety of social issues are concerns in Henderson: homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, cost of living increases. Pick one of these or one that you feel strongly about and explain your plan to address this issue.
A: All of these concerns matter deeply to me, but if I must choose one, I’m choosing homelessness. It affects safety, dignity, opportunity and long-term stability in our community. I would partner with qualified organizations to create sustainable housing options, such as tiny homes or a small transitional apartment complex. Residents would also have access to wraparound services, including job placement, education, mental health support and financial literacy resources. This approach provides stability while helping individuals move toward independence.
6. What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed so that Henderson improves, and how would you move forward on this if elected?
A: One of the biggest issues Henderson must continue to address is strategic economic development. We have a major opportunity to maximize the I-69 corridor by attracting a balanced mix of commercial and residential development. Leveraging this area can bring in businesses that offer high-quality, good-paying jobs while creating housing options that support the workforce we want to retain and attract. When families have stable employment and affordable living options, the entire community benefits. My focus would be targeted industry recruitment and strong infrastructure planning to support smart, sustainable growth along the I-69 corridor.
Kristie Randolph
1. What do you think the city should do regarding Flock cameras?
A: I am currently on the fence regarding Flock cameras. I support advancements in technology that help law enforcement protect our community, but I also believe strongly in protecting the privacy, safety and individual rights of our citizens. As an advocate, I have serious concerns about the potential misuse of this technology and not necessarily our own law enforcement, particularly when a victim has escaped an abusive situation and their location is compromised. I do realize we have had some great positive interactions from Flock as well. However, can access be restricted when someone abuses the system, including an outside agency? What safeguards are in place? These are some questions I need answered. I believe more research, transparency and community conversation are necessary before deciding. At the end of the day, public safety and individual rights should go hand in hand.
2. What do you think the city should do regarding data centers?
A: I believe we have forgotten how to put our phone down, sit down, and have meaningful conversations, and make informed decisions, even when we disagree. Technology has its place, and I recognize the potential economic benefits of a data center. However, I have serious concerns about privacy, infrastructure, energy demands and the impact on our community. Before making decisions, we need transparency, information and open conversations with our citizens. We cannot allow technology or economic promises to outweigh the concerns of the people we serve. Progress is important, but protecting our citizens, preserving their trust and regaining their trust must always come first.
3. What is a city commissioner’s role in the attempts to develop the land around the U.S. 60/I-69 interchange as well as the city-owned parcel behind the Walmart subdivision?
A: As a city commissioner my responsibility is to ensure that development around US 60/I-69 and the city-owned property behind Wal-Mart is approached with transparency, responsible planning and Henderson’s long-term interests in mind. I support economic growth that creates jobs and attracts businesses. However, development must also consider infrastructure, traffic, public safety and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. I believe the Commission should work closely with developers, economic development leaders and our citizens of Henderson to make informed decisions. Growth is important, but it must benefit Henderson as a whole, not a select few.
4. It is projected that the community will lose some 7,000 residents by 2050, many because of the passing of the Baby Boomer generation. What should the city do regarding this?
A: Henderson cannot afford to sit back and watch our population decline. We must be proactive in making Henderson a community where young families want to settle/stay here, our youth want to stay and not leave when they are 18, and new residents want to call Henderson home. That means focusing on affordable housing, quality jobs with competitive wages, safe and secure neighborhoods, addressing our community issues such as domestic violence, homelessness, addiction, food insecurity, and more opportunities for growth. We must not forget our seniors and the resources they need. As a City Commissioner, I believe we need a long-term plan that involves all our citizens, businesses and leaders.
5. A variety of social issues are concerns in Henderson: homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, cost of living increases. Pick one of these or one that you feel strongly about and explain your plan to address this issue.
A: They are ALL important to me. They all need to be addressed. Homelessness is an issue I feel strongly about because I have witnessed first-hand how domestic violence, poverty, and food insecurity contribute to housing instability. These issues are connected, and we cannot continue addressing them separately. No one should have to choose between staying in an abusive situation and having a roof over their head. As a city commissioner, I would advocate for stronger partnerships with local organizations, affordable housing initiatives, emergency shelter options (what we have is not enough) and better access to essential resources. We must move beyond temporary solutions and address the root causes.
6. What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed so that Henderson improves, and how would you move forward on this if elected?
A: I believe Henderson’s biggest challenge is restoring trust and confidence in City Government. We have forgotten how to sit at the table, have conversations that may be hard to have, respectfully disagree and find solutions. We have forgotten how to put away our phone. Too often, frustration turns to social media chaos instead of productive dialogue. If elected, my priority is transparency, accountability and making sure every person feels heard and valued. We have important issues involving infrastructure, public safety and responsible spending, and let’s not forget our community issues but moving forward starts with rebuilding trust. I don’t have all the answers, but I am willing to listen, learn, and make informed decisions. Change starts with a conversation. Without conversation, nothing changes.
Chris Thomas
1. What do you think the city should do regarding Flock cameras?
A: While I harbor serious personal reservations about a private, for-profit company monetizing citizens’ data on public roads—an issue that ultimately demands federal oversight and a strict Fourth Amendment review—I simultaneously recognize these cameras as a critical resource that our local police depend on to protect Henderson. Stripping our law enforcement officers of an active tool without a viable alternative would be completely counterintuitive to our broader community safety goals. Right now, we still need more transparent data and a clearer consensus from our community before making a permanent decision to keep or remove the system. As a candidate, my primary duty is to elevate the majority voice of my constituents above my own personal opinions.
2. What do you think the city should do regarding data centers?
A: While data centers promise technological growth, the immediate reality for smaller communities often includes strained water supplies, skyrocketing electricity rates, long-term noise pollution and minimal permanent local employment. We recently witnessed our residents speak out powerfully against wind and solar initiatives to protect our rich agricultural assets and scenic landscape, leading to the cancellation/pause of those intrusive energy projects. I believe a similar community-wide opposition awaits data center developments because our town values preserving its rural heritage over short-term construction booms (in which data suggests local contractors only catch a very small piece of that buildout money). As your commissioner, my vote will always directly reflect and enforce the overall consensus of the constituents I am elected to represent.
3. What is a city commissioner’s role in the attempts to develop the land around the U.S. 60/I-69 interchange as well as the city-owned parcel behind the Walmart subdivision?
A: The long-awaited I-69 corridor creates a generational opportunity for Henderson, and our economic development team has done incredible work preparing the “site-ready” parcel behind Walmart for immediate development. To fully maximize these projects, a city commissioner’s primary role must be fostering unprecedented synergy and communication between our city and county governments. Historically, aligning resources across local jurisdictions can be challenging, but the sheer scale of upcoming growth demands that we remain completely unified. I will focus heavily on nurturing these crucial intergovernmental relationships so that our community stands ready to secure these transformative investments together.
4. It is projected that the community will lose some 7,000 residents by 2050, many because of the passing of the Baby Boomer generation. What should the city do regarding this?
A: To combat this projected decline, Henderson must prioritize retaining our youth by ensuring they have stable, local career paths to buy homes and raise families. Simultaneously, we must attract new families by cultivating a robust job market paired with an affordable cost of living. Economic opportunities must be balanced with a vibrant, welcoming social climate that supports our residents’ overall well-being. By fostering both financial stability and an exceptional quality of life, we can ensure current generations stay while inspiring new residents to move here.
5. A variety of social issues are concerns in Henderson: homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, cost of living increases. Pick one of these or one that you feel strongly about and explain your plan to address this issue.
A: While these economic hardships represent national crises, their solutions are best enacted locally by empowering the phenomenal organizations already serving Henderson. At the city level, our primary focus should be providing vital municipal funding and resources to our proven nonprofit champions so they can continue to maximize their reach. Exceptional programs like the WARM Center directly combat the ongoing drug and alcohol epidemic, while Audubon Kids Zone provides youth with the real opportunities needed to permanently break cycles of generational poverty. Furthermore, Henderson Christian Community Outreach handles critical food insecurity right here at home, showcasing the immense power of supporting localized, community-driven care. These are just a handful of the numerous organizations I could highlight, but with only 100 words to do so, I had to leave some out.
6. What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed so that Henderson improves, and how would you move forward on this if elected?
A: As emphasized in previous forums, Henderson’s most paramount priority over the next decade must be transforming into a genuinely business-friendly community. To secure our share of the transformative I-69 corridor opportunities, we must immediately eliminate red tape by updating outdated ordinances and streamlining our complex permitting processes. If elected, I will create a dedicated, single-point contact within city government to seamlessly guide entrepreneurs and relocating corporations through zoning and code compliance. Having worked with code departments nationwide, I know firsthand that establishing this trust and positive reputation is the key factor in driving long-term economic growth.
Kelsey Hargis
1. What do you think the city should do regarding Flock cameras?
A: Transparency and accountability are essential to maintain public trust. I believe our current commission is trying to do just that regarding the use of flock cameras. We recently held a public forum with HPD and flock representatives. City residents were welcome to voice their opinions one way or another. It was civil, educational, and will ultimately help us make more informed decisions related to flock technology in our community.
2. What do you think the city should do regarding data centers?
A: I don’t anticipate Henderson having a data center any time in the immediate future, but every city needs to be preparing for what that possibility could look like. As technology continues to evolve, it’s a scenario I’m sure every city will be presented with at some point. We need to understand both the opportunities and challenges that data centers can bring. This includes infrastructure, energy and water demands, economic impacts, and many other factors. Our responsibility right now is to stay informed. We all want to protect Henderson’s long-term interests.
3. What is a city commissioner’s role in the attempts to develop the land around the U.S. 60/I-69 interchange as well as the city-owned parcel behind the Walmart subdivision?
A: Our role as commissioners is to help create opportunities for responsible growth and make Henderson attractive to businesses and developers. This means working proactively with economic development, property owners and potential investors. City government doesn’t always have the final say in these types of projects, but they act as a community partner in trying to ensure all of the puzzle pieces fit for projects or businesses we want to see in our community.
4. It is projected that the community will lose some 7,000 residents by 2050, many because of the passing of the Baby Boomer generation. What should the city do regarding this?
A: We need to be proactive about making Henderson a place where people want to live and work. That means creating jobs, expanding affordable housing and investing in amenities that improve our quality of life. We have so many things that make Henderson special already and will have tremendous opportunity in the next few years to expand on that. With good planning and strong leadership, a prediction does not have to be reality.
5. A variety of social issues are concerns in Henderson: homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, cost of living increases. Pick one of these or one that you feel strongly about and explain your plan to address this issue.
A: High cost of living is something we are all experiencing. The current commission has worked hard and has been very effective in not passing on inflated costs to our citizens. Henderson has been able to maintain its current tax rate for years, which helps keep more money in the pockets of our residents and local businesses. Keeping Henderson affordable isn’t just about taxes, it’s about making thoughtful financial decisions that protect our resident’s quality of life.
6. What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed so that Henderson improves, and how would you move forward on this if elected?
A: I think our next biggest challenge will be navigating the changing landscape of our city, especially as it relates to the HWY 41 corridor and future I-69. We have started steps in the right direction by adding a focus on retail recruitment. We are also currently reviewing all of our codes for small businesses and making sure those are more in line with surrounding communities. My goal is to ensure HWY 41 remains a viable business district while positioning the new I-69 as a driver of future growth and economic opportunity for Henderson.
Tom Williams
1. What do you think the city should do regarding Flock cameras?
A: When it comes to law enforcement, I generally defer to the professionals we’ve hired, but I also recognize that Flock cameras raise legitimate concerns about privacy and our Fourth Amendment rights. Our Police Chief has described these cameras as the equivalent of four additional officers, which makes me reluctant to eliminate a potentially valuable tool. I would explore requiring a judicial warrant to access stored camera data, with appropriate exceptions, along with strict internal controls and regular audits. We should be smart enough to protect both public safety and individual rights.
2. What do you think the city should do regarding data centers?
A: I’m not opposed to data centers, provided they are properly located and appropriate safeguards are in place to address noise, lighting, and other impacts. A large data center could significantly increase our tax base and potentially reduce tax bills for existing citizens, provided the benefits outweigh the infrastructure costs. The City-owned Borax property strikes me as a location worth exploring because of its industrial history and separation from residential neighborhoods. Any proposal should receive careful review and meaningful community input before moving forward.
3. What is a city commissioner’s role in the attempts to develop the land around the U.S. 60/I-69 interchange as well as the city-owned parcel behind the Walmart subdivision?
A: The Commission should ensure these areas are developed in a logical, orderly and aesthetically pleasing manner, with adequate infrastructure and a long-term vision. My professional background includes property development, utility design, and construction, surveying, and land use. I believe that experience would be valuable in working with City staff, evaluating development proposals, and anticipating potential problems before they become costly mistakes. We have an opportunity to shape these areas for decades to come, and we need to get it right.
4. It is projected that the community will lose some 7,000 residents by 2050, many because of the passing of the Baby Boomer generation. What should the city do regarding this?
A: I believe we should actively market Henderson to surrounding counties, particularly southern Indiana, highlighting our quality of life, affordability and potential advantages in taxes and utility costs. But attracting new residents also means making sure there are affordable places for them to live. The City and County should build on efforts like those that brought the Jagoe subdivision to Henderson and explore opportunities for additional housing, particularly starter homes, beyond the 425 Bypass. Combined with continued job creation, these efforts could help attract new families and encourage existing residents to stay.
5. A variety of social issues are concerns in Henderson: homelessness, food insecurity, poverty and cost of living increases. Pick one of these or one that you feel strongly about and explain your plan to address this issue.
A: All those social issues are intertwined, so it doesn’t make much sense to ask for a plan to address one of them. Cost of living can lead to food insecurity, poverty, and ultimately homelessness, and that’s true if you start with any of these items. City government can continue to make resources available through the current partnership with the Pitino Shelter. Henderson cannot afford to build and operate a homeless shelter on the scale that some advocates have suggested. Getting some folks off the street is probably the best option, and the current homeless advocate is doing that.
6. What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed so that Henderson improves, and how would you move forward on this if elected?
A: I believe economic development is Henderson’s most important long-term challenge, particularly given our projected population decline. But economic development involves more than recruiting industry; it also includes workforce education, reliable infrastructure and fiscal responsibility in City government. As Commissioner, I would support continued efforts to attract and retain employers while ensuring we have the resources and infrastructure needed for growth. Good jobs and economic opportunities are essential to keeping our families here and attracting new residents to Henderson.
