By Brett Callwood
Dr. Mark Henderson is currently serving his second spell as Mayor Pro Tem, having also served as Acting Mayor from 2016 to 2017. He’s aiming for reelection this year, and he spoke to the News about his achievements and plans.
You’ve obviously been on the council for years now, and have served in every capacity. How do you look back on the last year?
I look back on the last year as a time of celebration, triumph, and growth. We have been able to deploy Wi-Fi into our parks and create a computer lab for community use. This is Gardena proactively working to bridge the digital divide. We have been able to raze some blighted properties. We secured the site to develop a community center and we have begun work on our aquatic center.
What are your greatest achievements on the council?
- Initiatives to address our unhoused population.
- Introducing opportunities for our city to maximize technology for efficiency and
effectiveness. - Expanding our government transparency goals.
- Improving environmental conditions.
- Continued work to improve our quality of life.
Should you be successful again this time, what is your next priority? What work is still to be done?
- Business development and expansion.
- Increasing our responsive government initiatives.
- More community feedback opportunities.
- Collaboration between community and public safety.
- Address our environmental justice concerns.
- Remaining fiscally sound.
- Employing best practices in governance, where applicable.
At the end of the recent City Council meeting, you warned against an ugly election, pointing out that everyone has to work together when the election is over. Still, there were some cross words at the end. Why do you think this particular election is so controversial?
Thank you for acknowledging my words. I just wanted to introduce an observation that we should not allow our emotions in the short-term to jeopardize potential long-term community investment by various business entities. I try not to speculate or suppose the feelings and thoughts of others. And I am not sure why this particular election is so controversial. However, I can admit that in past elections in Gardena there has been high emotion. I don’t see this election cycle as any different from previous elections. We can always count on each candidate or surrogate to display their passion for their platform and/or concerns.
Gardena residents should vote for you because….
During my most recent campaign I vowed to work to “Move Gardena Forward.” I believe with the community’s support I have been able to achieve that. An example of that was the development of a “Budget in Brief” document that has been a useful tool to understand our budget and budgeting process. We have moved forward with the use of technology in our City Clerk’s Office. We have identified a process to begin removing blighted properties. We have opened a number of new businesses. We developed a strategic homelessness plan and support our own mental health evaluation team. These are a few examples of me putting words to action.
During this campaign I have adopted the new “Progress & Prosperity Platform.” This platform is centered on fostering economic growth, empowering businesses, improving city services, ensuring public safety, promoting community engagement, and harnessing technology for a brighter future. Addressing these key areas will create a thriving and inclusive community that benefits all residents.
Visit markhenderson.org for more information.
