Birmingham-Southern College student running for city council

Rowan Henderson, a student at Birmingham-Southern College, has thrown his hat into the ring as a candidate for Birmingham’s city council. Check out his interview below:

Rowan Henderson is running for Birmingham City Council via Facebook. Birmingham-Southern College student running for city council
Rowan Henderson is running for Birmingham City Council, District 3. Via Facebook.

Potential candidates are starting to stack up, and Bham Now is featuring interviews with all those declaring their intents to run.

Please stay tuned to Bham Now for all the information you need to make an educated vote in our upcoming city elections on August 22. The more information about our candidates, the better!

Know someone running for mayor or city council and want to see them interviewed? Shoot us a message on Facebook! And, don’t worry. We’ll get to those Birmingham School Board candidates, too.

My last city council candidate interview featured Lonnie Malone, and you can check it out here.

Birmingham City Council 2017 Election Graphic Birmingham-Southern College student running for city council

Each potential candidate was emailed the same questions, and I’m meeting with each of them in person.

June 23 is the last day that the Jefferson County Election Commission has to officially call the upcoming Birmingham municipal election, but until then let’s get to know Henderson.

Rowan Hendersons campaign via Facebook. Birmingham-Southern College student running for city council

When did you officially announce your candidacy and where/how did you do it?

I officially announced my candidacy on Facebook April 1; I didn’t see the need for a large amount of fanfare. I’ve been focusing on my school work, my platform, and how I could best listen to the people of District 3.

What is the name of your principle campaign committee?

It hasn’t been set up yet because we don’t plan to spend more money than we really need.

Why do you want to run for Birmingham City Council?

Birmingham has some of the most potential of any city in the South, and it’s time someone listened to the people and fought for the right of Birmingham to respond autonomously to its own needs.

What is your background, education and experience?

I was born and raised around Birmingham, never straying far from Jefferson County. I went to Shades Mountain Christian School and currently attend Birmingham-Southern College, where I study business administration. I’ve participated in philanthropy projects near and around Birmingham through officer positions in my fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega and of my own accord. I don’t have much experience in politics aside from school and fraternity politics, and I admit that I have a lot to learn. Everyone has to start somewhere. I dream big, like my city deserves to.

How will you foster a healthy, working relationship between the mayor’s office and the Birmingham City Council/city hall?

Whoever the Mayor may be, it will be our job to support their plan for helping the city prosper. I would hope to establish a healthy dialogue and try to make sure that the best deal is made, both for the people of District 3 and the city in general.

How will you accomplish transparency with the residents of Birmingham, if elected?

I want to be open and honest about everything. I’m a very blunt person. I believe in telling people the truth, so I would work to have every meeting (of every committee) transcribed for the people within 2 months. As I looked on the website, many of the records haven’t been updated since 2015, which I find appalling.

What district are you running for and what area does that cover?

District 3 covers Crestwood North and South, East and South Avondale, Highland Park, Redmont Park, and portions of Glen Iris, 5 Points South and Forest Park.

JHDaniel
JHDaniel
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