Update from Richard Henderson:
I stood for election to the City Council this last November. Congratulations to incumbents Michelle Volk and Joshua Lee who won re-election to these two council seats. With Councilman Luke Hellier being elected Mayor, his current City Council seat will become open in January 2023. The City Council intends to fill this third seat by appointment in January. I will be applying for this appointment.
I had a very strong third place finish in the November City Council election. I received over a quarter of the total votes cast by Lakeville residents, less than 2 percent behind the second place percentage of votes. I believe this deserves strong consideration in filling this third Council seat, with the first 2 seats filled in the November election. My "Independent Voice" platform, personal outreach and non-partisan approach resonated with voters. Over 12,000 Lakeville residents cast their vote for me, and those votes should be considered in an appointment decision.
Over the course of the campaign season I knocked on thousands of doors and engaged in hundreds of "doorstep conversations," to get the pulse of the community. This kind of broad citizen feedback, from "the deck plates," is extremely valuable to a city's leadership; and I hope to bring that to Lakeville's city council.
My background and experience will also add value to the City Council. This includes operating a small business, serving in the U.S. Navy (retired, rank of Captain), licensing as a Civil Engineer; and education that includes a master's degree in business and an advanced degree from a U.S. military staff college. I have also served our community through my membership in Rotary Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
I will be participating in the Lakeville City Council's appointment process to fill the open seat. Here are ways you can support me:
- Update folks in your social networks about this upcoming city council appointment
- Write a letter to the editor in local media
- Voice your support to city council members
- Follow on Facebook/Instagram (see links on Home Page).
- Sign up for email updates (Click the Subscribe box on Home Page)
Please check back for future updates. Thank you.
November 9, 2022: Congratulations to Joshua Lee and Michelle Volk for winning re-election to City Council. And congratulations to Luke Hellier for winning election to Mayor.
Richard Henderson
for Lakeville City Council
BUSINESS OWNER • NAVY VET • FATHER
YOUR INDEPENDENT VOICE!
I am independent, non-partisan and non-polarizing. I am a political outsider not funded by ANY Special Interest!
Maintain Lakeville’s Small Town Flavor!
With my background in local small business (publishing), technology (licensed civil engineer) and military service (retired U.S Navy Captain), I offer unique skills that will benefit Lakeville. I also host a small business podcast and have raised 5 children here.
To learn more about me, please visit the “Meet Richard” section (See also my Military Snap-Shots & On the Campaign Trail).
Canditate’s Forum on October 5, 2022 (Henderson Intro at 11:00 minutes from Start of Video):
Intro Video from Richard Henderson:
Why I Am Running for City Council
I believe I can add unique value to the City Council. My background as a senior military officer brings command leadership skills and experiences running large and complicated organizations, that will translate well to city leadership. I have lived the military leader’s code of “Authority, Responsibility, Accountability.”
My engineering education and background will also add value as we tackle Lakeville’s biggest challenge of managing our explosive growth. Having raised 5 children in Lakeville, I understand the challenges families face.
We do have big challenges! Lakeville is growing to be a dominant city in the Twin Cities metro. I can help us make this transition in a manner that balances development with maintaining Lakeville’s “small town” flavor. I have the leadership experience and technical background to help us make this journey together.
My Priorities
A top priority will be sustainable growth that balances quality economic, community and housing development; as we move forward in future stages of Lakeville’s 2040 development plan. This includes prioritizing downtown development.
Follow My Campaign on Social Media
Linked to this priority is to keep Lakeville “Family Friendly.” We should improve our sense of community and inter-connectivity, provide diverse “lifetime” housing options, and invest in the community – Keeping Lakeville the place families want to be. This also increases everyone’s property values!
Public Safety is always a government’s highest priority. This means not only supporting our superb police and fire personnel, but all community stakeholders who contribute to our public safety.
As a Chamber of Commerce member, I value a strong and vibrant business climate. This is important to creating local jobs, growing our tax base, and providing more shopping and entertainment destinations.
Please visit the “Issues” section for more information.
Moving Forward
I support a local government that is accountable, transparent, and tolerant. Everyone’s voice should be heard! I have “common sense” positions on the issues, with no hidden agendas. Overall, I will work to keep Lakeville family-friendly, business-friendly, smartly governed, and safe.
I’m shocked at the increased polarization that is gridlocking national and state governments; and has even turned our local school board election into partisan “trench warfare.” I’ll work to keep Lakeville city government friendly and non-partisan, where one strives to find something good in a viewpoint they disagree with. Just like we did in the military!
My Number One job will always be to listen to YOU… and be “Your Independent Voice”!
Can I have the privilege of your VOTE?
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