Richard Henderson on the Issues

Balanced Growth

Support responsible growth that prioritizes quality economic development, diverse housing options, and maintaining Lakeville’s “small town” flavor. Growth must be sustainable and smartly managed within Lakeville’s 2040 plan, and not just “sprawl forward.” Make smart zoning decisions that keep business and residential areas in balance.  Work to increase long-term property values. Support the downtown development plan.

Family-Friendly

Keep Lakeville inter-connected and family friendly, with adequate housing options for growing families, new home buyers, and senior living alike. Support a strong relationship with Lakeville schools and youth sports. City government must actively foster a positive sense of community and tolerance. Support the Envision Lakeville roadmap for the city’s future.

Public Safety

Keeping our community safe must always be any government’s top priority.  Ensure public safety and first responders are well-trained, well-led, and well-equipped. Broaden and Improve the excellent relationship between Lakeville citizens/government and its Police/Fire/EMT support.  Work to increase the community’s sense of safety and well-being. Increase staffing in-synch with Lakeville’s growth.

Business-Friendly

Bring more quality businesses and jobs to Lakeville, that better serve the needs of the community and will best grow our tax base. This will also reduce pressures on property tax levies.  Improve Lakeville’s diversity of businesses, including to capitalize on our unique Airlake Industrial Park. Work to implement economic development commission initiatives. Support a vibrant business climate that capitalizes on Lakeville’s superior infrastructure.  

 

Green Development

Prioritize funding and support for parks, greenways, and trails that may add a bit to the cost up-front, but will reap quality of life and financial rewards (i.e. increased property values) many times over in the future.

 

 

Fiscal Responsibility

Richard will put his small business background and MBA to work as your “good government” fiscal steward. Managing your tax dollars is core to what you elect your city council to do.

Transportation and Infrastructure Development

As a licensed civil engineer, Richard supports more investment in roads and other infrastructure projects (much of which you do not see!). He understands and supports the critical connection such development has to better business development, rising home values and an increased quality of life.

Post-COVID Resiliency

Lakeville has bounced back nicely from the impacts of COVID-19. Support ways to keep building Lakeville’s resiliency, to be ready for so many uncertainties on the horizon.  As needed, seek out resources to help Lakeville families who are still negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Transparent Government

Work to keep Lakeville government accessible and transparent, that maximizes easy online access, document sharing, full disclosure, and more video connections.

Click to See My Answers in the Chamber of Commerce Voter Guide

 

Canditate’s Forum on October 5, 2022 (Henderson Intro at 11:00 minutes from Start of Video):