HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTATMENT BY DEBORAH HENDERSON COUNCIL MEETING 10/21/19 My name is Deborah K Henderson. I live at 222 Megis Ave. in Jeffersonville and I'm the
Chairperson ofJeffersonville Neighborhood Leadership Alliance,JNLA.
I'm here to address the remarks made by Dustin Whit bout JNLA, and by extension, the
integrity of my leaderships at tai o er i ouncil Meeting.
Mr. White expressed concern about JNLA's political activity while receiving tax payer dollars,
particularly our partnership with the League of Women Voters for the recent candidates forum.
He shared a text with Councilperson Gill that supposedly would substantiate his claims. I
reached out to Ms. Gill for a copy of that text, hoping it would add some insight. It did not.
So, Let's start with the money.JNLA, does not receive taxpayer dollars to operate. We do
receive an appropriation from the city for one, and only one of our projects, National Night Out.
There is a minimum of one neighborhood association in each of your districts...except for
district 4 and we're working on that. District 1 has five neighborhood associations, and three
members of the board who will take office in January are from District 6. Those neighborhood
associations host a National Night Out event, the purpose being to promote neighborhood safety,
and offer residents an opportunity to forge a relationship with police and fire personnel, the
police and fire the opportunity to forge a relationship with residents. Mutual respect being key.
Next. Political activity is not synonymous with partisan activity. The IRS doesn't have a
problem with us promoting voter registration, educating voters on the voting process, hosting or
co sponsoring a candidate forum. One of my duties for the recent forum, was to contact
candidates who had not responded to emails from the League, especially those with opponents in
the upcoming election. Why Mr. White chose at the last council meeting to inflate the number
of times I reached out to him...my one written message becoming, in his telling, three, my one
voice mail message becoming two is curious, and no, he did not respond.
Social media. JNLA's Facebook site has, since it's inception alerted and cautioned posters about
our policy. No posts originating from or including a political candidate, their campaign, a
political party or posts favoring one candidate, one party. Mr. White is very aware of that policy.
In December, I contacted him requesting that he eliminate the re-elect Dustin T. White portion
of a JNLA facebook post. He did not think that was necessary because as he wrote, the city gives
JNLA money. I'm a councilman and am wishing everyone Merry Christmas from my
Councilman's page. I removed the post, writing him to again point out the problem "re elect"
He sent a few more messages and stated that he would and I quote, "address such behavior in a
different forum." I have the exchange and will share with the council, if so desired.
Spring. Verbally and in writing, Mr. White references spring. Supposedly I abused my position
as JNLA chair in the spring, ..JNLA was politically involved in the spring. This is a toughie to
address since there are no specifics,just broad and vague accusations. I did run for office in the
spring. I was extremely cautious,perhaps overly cautious, in insuring that I seldom if ever
mentioned my work with JNLA. I did not want the organization to be targeted or jeopardized,
it's non partisan stance brought into question.
While I wanted the Council to be reminded ofJNLA's policies I also wanted to insure that those
who attend city council meetings either in person or by You Tube were informed. If you, the
council members, have any questions or concerns,please do not hesitate to personally contact
me.
I'm pleased to have been part ofJNLA almost since it's inception. It's been an honor to serve on
the board in several capacities, the last as it's chairperson.
The mission: to lead and promote community improvement and stability through education and
advocacy, connect neighborhoods and encourage civic involvement in our diverse community,
will continue. Strong Neighborhoods Make a Strong City
Thank you for your time.
Deborah
•
1:56 PM
12:16 PM (DEC. 25)
Deborah
I Ii. Merry Christmas. If you W ould. need to L;et rid of the "re-elect" )ortion ofJNLA osts. Thanks!
Dustin
Hi. Merry Christmas!
I'm not changing the name of my Councilman page.
It's a myth that it's problematic.
The City gives this organization money, I'm a Councilman, and I'm
wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from my Councilman's page.
It's not a political post.
Thanks, and I hope you and your family have a great day!
3:14 PM
Deborah
Not a problem,. I removed it. Were it from you, as a councilperson, you are correct, h
• ould not be a problem. Since it was from your re-election facebook site, and since as you
an read. JNLA doesn't allow political posts. sersonal .ain, etc. obviousl such posts won't
be allowed, from ou or your o••onent.
4:55 PM
II
Dustin
It wasn't a political post. It's a shame that people have to deal with
such behavior, especially on Christmas. Shame on you.
I'll address such behavior in a different forum.
Dustin
I know you are new to politics and Jeff but if you look at my page, it
has been my Councilman page from the beginning of my term and
remains so today.
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