By J.M. “Chappy” Chapman
Election Day is fast approaching and it is even closer for those who choose to vote by mail. With the cage fight going on at the national level it is easy to lose sight of state and local elections. Admittedly it can be difficult to look away, lest one of our presidential candidates rip the other’s face off. I mean, who would want to miss that? It is the fight of the century and the gloves are off! Election 2016 is indeed quite a show and there is no sign of a slowdown in the drama playing out between our “presidential” gladiators. Thankfully, there is still a measure of sanity if we can take our eyes off the national scene long enough to look at our state and local races, and particularly in the race for Arizona’s District 9 representative.
This time three candidates are vying for one of two places at the state house table. One of the contenders is a doctor, another is a blogger, and one is a local business owner. It is important to note that of the three candidates only one is a native Tucsonan. The other two came to the area by consequence of their career paths, from Baltimore, Maryland and Ohio respectively. While I do not doubt the first two candidates’ affection for Arizona, only a native Tucsonan has the intimate connection with the district that fosters an enhanced feeling of accountability to constituents. Indeed, many of the citizens that Ana Henderson will be representing are peers with whom she shared a classroom as a student in the Flowing Wells school district. Imagine the weight such a representative would feel, knowing that the folks she grew up with are closely watching her legislative actions.
There are numerous attributes that make Ana Henderson the perfect individual to represent District 9, but the fact that she is a native Tucsonan cinches the deal. As a native Tucsonan, she was here when the Rillito River overflowed in 1983, washing away homes, businesses, and lives. Ana remembers when Tucson Mall was brand-new and the Foothills Mall was a patch of desert just north of a two-lane Ina Road; parts of which were still unpaved at the time!
Why is it important that she is from Tucson? It is important because having grown up in Tucson, Ana knows the unique challenges that we face in our beautiful desert home. She recognizes and respects the critical balance between bringing jobs to Tucson and protecting the natural wonders of our environment. As a Flowing Wells High School Caballero, she has experienced our local public school system as a student and as a parent. Having successfully opened and run a business in her hometown, Ana has had a front-row seat to the effects of economics on local businesses and consumers. The list could go on and on, but it should be obvious that Ana Henderson is the hometown candidate who is best equipped to hit the ground running.
Most voters would probably agree that Ana’s personal connection to District 9 would bring a welcome change to the capitol, but the overwhelming question on voters’ minds is, “How will she represent me?” The answer to that question is simple; Ana will represent District 9 by listening to constituents and acting accordingly. One of Ana Henderson’s greatest strengths is her ability to listen. She appreciates the fact that the intent of an elected representative is to represent, so she listens to every person who takes the time to share their thoughts. Paired with her action-oriented personality, Ana’s stellar communicative skills further demonstrate that she is the right candidate for the job.
Politically, Ana Henderson is a Constitutional Republican, but do not let the “R” get in the way. Looking at her closer, every voter will find an attractive quality or position. Her reverence for the United States Constitution is sure to please those with Libertarian views, while Democrats will find her appreciation for the relationship between economy and education a welcome departure from old paradigms. Even Greens will see a friend in Ana with her love for nature and wildlife. Ana’s willingness to listen and act on inputs from all sides should have Independents dancing in the street, while Republicans will find assurance in her commitment to conservative values. Put bluntly, Ana Henderson is the most diverse candidate in this race!
Please join me in selecting our real hometown candidate, Ana Henderson to represent District 9 at the capitol.
To learn more about Ana please visit her webpage at http://electhenderson.com/#