Politics

Hensley, Simpson win seats on Hendersonville City Council

By Bill Moss, Published: November 6, 2019

Newcomers Jennifer Hensley and Lyndsey Simpson won seats on the Hendersonville City Council on Tuesday in an election that denied incumbent Steve Caraker a fourth term and added two women to the board, joining Mayor Barbara Volk.

With all precincts reporting, Hensley edged Simpson by 13 votes, 941 to 928, in unofficial totals. Debbie Roundtree had 699 and Caraker had 688. 

Hensley, a chiropractor, credited hard work for the win.

"I ran what I felt like at the end of day was the most honest campaign with as much integrity as I could run," she said. "I didn't take donations from (political) parties. I didn't allow my party to help because I felt like this was truly a nonpartisan election. I wanted to lead by example and I did the work. I don't know how many doors I knocked on."

Simpson, a 32-year-old graphic designer, had emphasized the need for diversity, balance and a younger voice on the City Council.

“I think probably because the city is changing and evolving and I think the residents were ready to have a fresh perspective on the City Council,” she said when asked why she won. With the city’s growth, elected leaders need to preserve “the small town feel” and “also prepare us for new residents that are going to be coming in.” She also supports sustainable growth and efforts to encourage work force housing.

She said while she did not run a partisan campaign, she accepted help the Democratic Party offered.

“The Democratic party did offer their assistance for canvassing and phone banking and I took them up on that,” she said. “The more hands on deck, the more helpful it is. I’m really excited to represent my community on the City Council. It’s an amazing opportunity and I look forward to providing a voice for every resident.”