Troubling
Issues
Make Mayoral Election a
Choice between Ideas, not Individuals
We try to be as impartial as possible when it comes to municipal elections, but two items have been discovered that we believe should be brought to your attention.
Many of us relocated from other areas
of the United States for two reasons other than the entertainment venues
provided by the fabulous Las Vegas Strip in addition to the great local
entertainment offered on a reasonable and all to often, FREE
basis.
But...there were two other aspects
which were of strong concern as well.
Namely...low taxation...
...and...
...maintaining a
quality retirement lifestyle that provides a safe environment alongside
stable property values.
These later issues are
now under ATTACK.
We discovered that in 2013, the Nevada legislature changed The Henderson City Charter and
voted to ELIMINATE the 3% property tax cap on residential
property following testimony by current Henderson Mayor, Andy Hafen and
former City Manager, Jacob Snow, who supported the
measure.
The Mayor & City
Manager represented The City of Henderson when they gave their testimony, and it
is the duty of all City Council members to ensure their opinions are clearly
understood.
The Mayor speaks for the
City Council and the City Manager is hired by a five person mayor/council. As a
result, it would seem logical that any members opposed to the property tax cap,
might have made their opposition known.
Debra March was a member
of the Henderson City Council at that time.
We researched Ms. March's
record and could not find any documentation as to her position on this vital
issue; however, we believe had she opposed it, this would have been an issue in her current campaign to
substantiate her claims of opposing any new
taxation.
FACT:
As of this date, both houses of the
Nevada legislature are currently controlled by the Democratic party,
and several bills are now being considered that are being endorsed by that
organization for the COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE PROPERTY TAX
CAP.
So, our first concern is how the
candidates feel about this issue !
Rick Workman, a Republican, has stated he is 100% opposed to removing the cap, and Debra March has stated she does not wish to increase
taxes...
...yet Mayor Andy Hafen, a fellow
Democrat, who has endorsed Debra March, actively pursued it's removal from the
Henderson City Charter.
We hope Ms. March may clarify
this for the voters.
Even more concerning is something we
recently became aware of...
...referred to as an "Urban Center".
Just what is an Urban Center?
Most define it as "urban development, high density housing, and mass transportation
between high density population centers."
The City of Henderson does not provide
a clear definition, yet has 9 such locations
planned...one of which is VERY CLOSE to the
Inspirada community as per the January, 2017 Henderson Strong
Comprehensive Plan.
We obtained the Henderson Strong Executive Study which we have linked
below.
If you click on this link, we refer you to Page 16 of the study to view
the proposed locations.
Is an "Urban
Center" synonymous with what many refer to as the inclusion of "low
income housing"? Does it incorporate "low income housing"
?
That...we would believe, needs to be
properly clarified.
And...if The Department of Housing
& Urban Development (HUD) is involved is such
matters...
... IF HISTORY is any
indication...
...it would seem that our
concerns about "low income housing" may be more than
a mere concern, as each voter should ask themselves if they believe any form of
"low income housing' will in any way have an adverse affect on our
community.
It then stands to
reason...
...knowing the EXACT position of each
candidate in these two matters should be a solid reason on which to cast an
INTELLIGENT and WELL INFORMED BALLOT.
As a result, we certainly would like to
hear from all candidates, as to DEFINITIVE ANSWERS to the questions we have
raised.
As we close, let us further STRESS that
we do not wish to CRITICIZE or ENDORSE any particular candidate or any
particular POLITICAL PARTY to which they belong.
We merely want HONEST ANSWERS to two
vital questions that affect the lives of retirees residing in the Anthem
communities.
Early voting begins
on March 18th ...and your community and city
will be affected deeply by the individual who will chosen as its
mayor.
We are sending a copy of this article
to each candidate and we will
print any response offered by a candidate who chooses to
respond.
Anthem Opinions
Administration
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But...for now...we'd like to hear your
opinion as to how you feel about the importance of these two
issues.
Send us you comments
to:
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Not to "beat a dead horse", but WHERE do the mental champions in favor of all these 'high density residential developments' think the WATER will come from to service the new homes? (and, no matter WHAT you label these plans, HIGH DENSITY HOUSING is the result)
It is really scary that the people who are in charge of our destiny can't see further than the noses on the end of their faces. -
Has the City of Henderson's building department been contacted for a definition or clarification of 'Urban Centers'? And, are the residents of Inspirada aware of an Urban Center (possibly low income housing) being plan so close to their community?
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Karen,
This is an excellent question. I have sent Candidate March a follow-up question as to IF these Urban Centers in any way incorporate low income housing.
We will promptly publish any response she will send us.
As a reminder, we STRONGLY SUGGEST that all Henderson residents register for what appears to be a spirited debate on March 27th.
See the article below as to specifics and how you can register to attend.
All candidates should answer all such relevant questions. -
From Patty D...to...Anthem Opinions
Please stay on this important topic, and I appreciate your work.
The traffic handling speed of it is already out of control.
Same thing with the crime for those of us who live near Volunteer.
I am indeed interested in hearing the candidate's positions on the urban center. -
To all our readers:
I have also written each candidate sending them the comments their competitors have made urging them to respond to any commentary.
We shall see if they choose to respond.
This certainly beats someone merely saying "I endorse" someone, doesn't it ! -
#MayorEDDIE HAMILTON for @CityofHENDERSOn in 2017 ENDORSED by "Drain-the-Swamp" Trump Voters / groups; Grass roots Conservatives; and, Ron Paul "liberty" folks.
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Folks, Ms Debra March is the status quo establishment candidate, as well as the Ultimate "Swamp creature," in the 2017 mayoral race! She has a very liberal Big Government voting record while serving in the Henderson city council. As an outsider, I say, "Drain-the-Swamp" of corruption, of cronyism & nepotism, of pay-to-play schemes, for example in awarding of no-bid government contracts.
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From Debra March...Candidate for Mayor of Henderson...to...Anthem Opinions
There is no effort to remove the 3 percent property tax cap!
None! None None!!!
If you have a source to reference l, please let me know!
The removal of the secondary cap, one that was being discussed and that has created so much confusion for folks, is not necessary, and I don't support its removal.
Does that help to clarify my position?
Thank you for asking!
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From Crystal Hendrickson....Candidate for Mayor of Henderson...to...Anthem Opinions
Dick,
Council did indeed discuss putting property tax increases on the ballot. They concluded that even if voters approved tax increases, it wouldn’t help them because of the property tax caps in NRS. They concluded the only way to raise taxes was to lobby NV legislature to “modify” the property tax cap law.
On March 1, 2016, they unanimously agreed to lobby for the law to be modified, which has now been introduced as Assembly Bill 43.
NRS requires our city to have a comprehensive plan. We do, and it looks just fine the way it is. We have an “award winning” planning department. However, Council concluded that the entire comprehensive plan needed to be completely redone.
They spent over $300,000 to hire a consultant to re-write it for them. The new plan makes changes regarding street design. It’s called “Complete Streets”, and the goal is to narrow the existing roads, to slow traffic down. They call it “traffic calming”. They say that increased traffic congestion will encourage more people to take the bus, walk, and bike. They want to get us out of our cars. It’s an attack on personal vehicle transportation.
Henderson Strong, the name of the new comprehensive plan, refers heavily to the research gathered by Southern Nevada Strong. Southern Nevada Strong was created by a $3.5 million grant from HUD in 2011, and Southern Nevada governments contributed an additional $1.4 million. Council claims that thousands of people have provided input and feedback into the plan. Yet most people had no idea what their surveys were being used for, nor have any knowledge of Southern Nevada Strong.
Both plans clearly indicate that people should live closer to each other so they don’t have to drive as much. They indicate that urbanization needs to include “affordable” housing. They did extensive research regarding people’s race, incomes, and lack of HUD vouchers being used in Henderson.
I am someone who routinely researches council meetings and attends. I can't make this stuff up. Everything I have learned and shared, I learned from reading the supporting documentation for the City Council meetings, and listening to the discussion at the meetings. Without a doubt - there is an enormous amount of evidence that this plan seeks to target low income people to move to Henderson. These HUD policies have been enacted almost monthly for the past 2 years.
For Ms. March to claim that HUD and Henderson Strong are not tied together is blatantly wrong.
The evidence is all around us. Roads have been narrowed. Apartments are springing up everywhere, HUD projects are ruining good suburban neighborhoods. City Council needs new leadership. Vote Hendrickson for Henderson Mayor.
Priorities in my "First 100-day Mission statement" in Henderson City Hall, as follows:
(a) Drain-the-Swamp of corruption, cronyism, nepotism, pay-to-play scheme in the area of hiring, personnel appointment, city awarding of contracts, at the #SwampCityHall of Henderson. All to be accomplished by way of ethics reform and more government transparency, accountability. Real budget cuts for the excessive and lavish compensation for city government executive corps & management employees must be put in place. For example Henderson City Manager, who only works four days per week managing 1,000+ direct report full time city workers, is paid 50% more than Nevada governor Sandoval, who manages over 20,000 state employees. In fact he is paid as much as Vice President Mike Pence (in 2015, the previous city manager submitted an early retirement request at the age of 49 years old and awarded a lifetime $10 million retirement package).
(b) As Mayor I will restore Respect for Henderson taxpayers in city government. I will stop the sham and scam to secretly increase our property taxes by instructing our city hall lobbyists in Carson City to immediately stop working on a request for a new higher property tax formula. Higher property taxes mean higher house monthly payment, higher rent, and other retail prices in the city of Henderson. NOTE: I am the only candidate who has signed a Pledge not to raise your taxes!
(c) End de facto Sanctuary City policy currently practiced by the Henderson PD & Detention Center (the city must cooperate with ICE & CBP on illegal immigration matters hence respecting the American Rule of Law)
(d) Stop the Obama-Reid H.U.D. financed radical & extreme urban planning Master Plan proposal called "Henderson Strong" (championed by another Henderson mayoral candidate, incumbent council woman Debra March, who is the first Chair of the Southern Nevada Strong/Henderson Strong, the proposed urban renewal mega urbanization of Henderson). The Henderson Strong urban project will result in Henderson ceasing to be a "suburbia." The already increasing crime rate will surely soar. Property rights will also be restricted because the proposal would force residents to live in "Ikea"-sized homes.
As mayor, I will put the "Henderson Strong" suburbia-to-urbanization proposal on the ballot as an advisory question, for Henderson voters' approval, in the June 2017 general election. This plan will add to the already increasing crime rate in Henderson and will also violate our constitutionally guaranteed property rights.
Thank you,
Eddie Hamilton
Candidate for Mayor of Henderson in 2017
(702) 917-6355
GoHamiltonGo@gmail.com
www.Facebook.com/groups/ElectEddieHamilton
This is my response to the message you sent me through my website.
Higher taxes create a huge negative ripple effect against communities. When you raise taxes, it makes it harder for seniors to live comfortably, it both takes away jobs and creates an unstable economic environment for more jobs to be created, and it makes communities less attractive to live in.
Senior citizens are the backbone of Henderson, Nevada and from my perspective eliminating the 3% property tax cap would be absolutely devastating to residents and the future of our community.
As a young, strong fiscal Republican, I oppose any raising of taxes in Henderson, Nevada.
My campaign slogan is "Stand For Tomorrow".
What this means is not only focusing on the future of our city, but also reinvesting the voice of Henderson Residents back into our expanding community; which has been forgotten by the incompetence of old leadership.
What some call youth and inexperience, I call an opportunity, a step in a new direction, and a BREAK IN THE POLITICAL CYCLE.
To make Henderson stand for tomorrow, we must rebuild our city's direction into the vision of the people.
How do we do this?
We can't elect another politician on the strings of liberal ideals (higher tax, more power to our municipal government and less to residents, and the belief of expanding our city without reinforcing our city as a whole) and campaign donors with deep corporate pockets/interests.
The basis of my campaign message is moving the decision making of how our city is governed back directly to Henderson Residents.
Right now the mayoral position isn't even listed as a full time job on the Henderson City website. That will change the day I take office.
What I will do next is create weekly meetings around our community between myself and Henderson residents.
Electing me "mayor" won't be about me; it will be about the direct needs of the seniors, veterans, families, and students in Henderson.
There is a lot of problems Henderson faces; taking away our 3% property tax cap is just one.
To keep Henderson, Nevada "a place to call home" we need to make Henderson a place that feels like home again.
We can no longer leave our great city residents in the dust of an agenda opposite of the people's needs.
My only agenda is genuinely serving a community I've lived in my whole life: fixing our roads (already bringing change to my street after speaking out on pipes that have been bursting through the road for over a decade), giving a voice to our seniors/veterans, and above all, being a hands on Mayor working within the community to actually engage with residents.
Voting Angelo Gomez will be voting for more community engagement, transparency, and investing in our future through the people.
I ask Henderson to hand me the torch of the future; that we together step away from electing politicians and into building leaders that best represent the people.
Part One of Two
Dick,
Thank you for requesting my input on these matters. I have been actively trying to raise awareness on these exact issues for the past 3 years.
In the 2015 election, all 3 council members up for re-election denounced raising property taxes. However, on March 1, 2016, I witnessed all 5 members of the Henderson City Council voting in favor of lobbying the Nevada Legislature to modify the property tax cap law by modifying NRS: the last hurdle against raising property taxes exponentially.
2 weeks later, at the March 15th meeting, I stood up in front of the City Council and told them it was political suicide to ask the NV legislature to raise our property taxes.
3 weeks after that, I spoke up again at the April 5th meeting to protest out of control spending. I was accused of not understanding the budget.
I responded, “If I don’t get up and say something, then it looks like nobody cares about having their property taxes increased.”
Search for my video on YouTube titled, “City Council lobbies to raise your property taxes”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScRXfhaI5pQ
I don’t come out of the woodwork during election season to talk about this. I am the ONLY candidate on the ballot who has consistently, month after month, had the guts to stand up, against a powerful city council, to try and raise awareness and stop out of control spending, tax increases, no-bid contracts, and urbanization.
In late 2014, I stumbled upon Southern Nevada Strong – a massive comprehensive plan to increase housing densities in Southern Nevada. The plan was funded by a grant from HUD, and acceptance of the grant money requires certain conclusions to be implemented: especially encouraging low income, high density housing in the suburbs and creating a plan for light rail transit. Urban design, as defined by this plan, is required to incorporate low-income housing, targeting minorities from the urban core of Las Vegas.
I don’t care what color a person’s skin is, or their background, and neither should the government. We are all created equal.
The urban centers on the map you referenced will transition into light rail transit stops. Note the transit corridors along the existing Union Pacific Rail Road line, depicted on the map. This will also include a stop at the massive apartment complex currently being built at Stephanie and the 215 – once again, along the railroad line. Other transit stops include Green Valley Parkway and Warm Springs, and the Northeast corner of the currently rural, Mission Hills community.
In Inspirada, there is also a transit plan (apparently a street car system) to connect north Inspirada to south Inspirada, but it's true extent is not clear.
If the community overwhelming supports this idea, as they claim, then why is this information so hard to piece together?
Part Two of Two
I learned that Debra was the driving force behind this plan, so I became the only person to run against her in the 2015 City Council race. My biggest downfall in that race, was that I didn’t raise enough awareness about Southern Nevada Strong.
Southern Nevada Strong was accepted by the Henderson City Council, immediately after the election, on April 14, 2015 (NB-55).
I objected to this plan and protested it at that meeting. They spent hundreds of thousands of Henderson taxpayer money on research and development for this plan in 2011, even though we were experiencing the lowest tax revenue in 7 years.
At the May 5, 2015 City Council meeting, I opposed the acceptance of HUD policies, called the "Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing".
Search for my video on YouTube titled “Southern Nevada Strong – Social Justice”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxq9XIpKYoM
I have spoken up at City Council meetings numerous times against HUD funded housing and tax increases. My goal in running for mayor, is to raise awareness to the whole community about Southern Nevada Strong and its urbanization policies being implemented in our community.
Southern Nevada Strong has a sister document, called Henderson Strong.
This was supposed to be approved in February or March of this year, but its acceptance has been delayed because many people have started contacting our council members in opposition to this plan, and it is election season.
Don’t be deceived.
If history is any indication, this WILL be approved, without dissent, without alteration, immediately after the election, if Debra March is elected to Mayor.
Further, if elected, she will appoint her successor for Ward II.
It will surely be someone who agrees with their urbanization policies, similar to the most recent appointment of Dan Stewart, who is also a major political insider and proponent of urbanization.
Win or lose, I have already begun to succeed in informing my fellow citizens.
However, informing is not enough. Citizens need a vote on the City Council.
As Mayor, I will have more influence on the decisions being made. I'm a land surveyor by trade and a small business owner. I understand planning and zoning. In my heart, I cherish property rights and individual liberty. I will continue to safeguard our property rights, quiet suburban community, and low property taxes.
No other candidate has any record of Standing Up against these policies already being enacted over the course of the past 3 years.
Please show your support for my efforts, by voting Hendrickson for Henderson - Mayor.
Crystal Hendrickson
Part One of Two
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond to your questions. After you have a chance to read my responses, I hope you will agree that maintaining low property taxes and maintaining high quality of life are two issues that are very important to me.
First, the issue of property taxes. I have stated from the beginning of my campaign that I am not in favor of raising property taxes.
I understand that many seniors are on a fixed income and raising property taxes would impact them directly.
During the legislative session, issues are brought up quickly and the City Manager and Mayor may have to represent the City in a moment’s notice.
The Council took no action to raise property taxes and after a lengthy discussion voted against supporting a proposal by the City Manager to move forward with a ballot measure to raise property taxes.
Next, you mentioned maintaining a quality retirement lifestyle that provides a safe environment alongside stable property values.
After reading my responses, I am confident you and your readers will agree that my work as a Council member and Planning Commissioner, before that, has been dedicated to maintaining a high quality of life for Henderson residents that includes a safe environment, and quality development standard resulting in high property values.
Henderson experienced significant demographic and economic change since its last Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2006. With the economic recession and associated economic effects, it is an important time to evaluate the City’s vision to keep Henderson an attractive place for residents, students and businesses. In addition, we currently have a Comprehensive Plan, and it is a state requirement to have a Comprehensive PlanNRS 278.150
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-278.html#NRS278Sec630.
Part Two of Two
One of the components to the latest Comprehensive Plan Update is an update to the City’s overall Economic Development Strategy, aligning our target industry efforts with planning strategies and future land use. We are working to bring more jobs to Henderson residents to increase opportunities for residents to work in the City they live in.
With regards to urban centers, we have one in Henderson right now at the District. The District is a place where people can work, shop, dine and live all in one general area. When the Inspirada Master Plan was initially proposed years ago, the Inspirada Town Center was proposed with a mix of commercial and residential uses to serve the residents of Inspirada and the surrounding areas. That would meet the definition of an urban center. Another example of an urban center in the Las Vegas Valley is Downtown Summerlin. Again, Downtown Summerlin has similar opportunities to those you find at the District - shopping, working, dining and living. Development in any part of Henderson will have to adhere to arguably the highest development standards in the Valley. Developers often question why they have to provide more open space, and a higher level of design than they do in other jurisdictions. Our answer is simple, our residents demand a higher quality of life and they realize a return in higher property values.
Urban centers are not synonymous with low income housing and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was not involved in the development of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Rather, the City’s Comprehensive Plan was based on community input and feedback that included residents, business professionals, non-profit and community leaders, as well educators. When we listened to our residents, they told us they valued education, health and well being and parks and open spaces. In addition, the Henderson Strong Executive Summary cited, is a visionary document. If any changes to the land use designation are proposed, any amendment to the current or future Comprehensive Plan will be subject to an extensive review process including an evaluation of the Henderson Development Code requirements as outlined in Chapter 19.6. Requirements would include a staff review, neighborhood meeting, traffic impact analysis, quarterly review pursuant to NRS 278.210, public hearing notice, director review and report, planning commission review and recommendation prior to City Council review and decision.
An up to date Comprehensive Plan like Henderson Strong, serves as a guide to build the foundation for community programs that make a difference and the amenities that our residents enjoy. Comprehensive Plans are visionary documents intended to guide growth and reinvestment for twenty years. By looking decades ahead, we’re able to lay the groundwork for a stronger Henderson. Like business plans, comprehensive plans provide the framework for how our communities will grow. And like business plans, they must evolve over time to be effective.
I hope this addresses the questions you have raised. Simply put, if you like the city you are living in today, you will like the city we are developing for the future. Henderson will remain the place we call home.