Council Member Qualifies To Run For Roswell Mayor

ROSWELL, GA -- A newly elected Roswell City Council member has now jumped into the race for the office of mayor. Lori Henry qualified on Monday to run for the office, which is up for grabs in the Nov. 7 municipal election.

Henry was elected in April of this year in a runoff election to fill the Post 4 seat, which was vacated in November 2016 with the resignation of Kent Igleheart following his arrest on child sex charges. She notes she brings "vast experience" to the race, including her service in the public and private sector as well as an understanding of the challenges Roswell faces.

"Roswell is in need of leadership and this presents both a challenge and an opportunity," Henry said. “We’ve seen how leadership has been defined in the past. I believe we have the chance to give that word new and vibrant meaning. Leadership should be inclusive, innovative, build consensus, and consider the rights and wishes of each and every member of our community. I can and will bring this kind of leadership to Roswell.”

Before her special election win, Henry served on the council between 2001 and 2009 (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Along with Henry, Councilman Don Horton and residents Michael Litten and Sandra Sidhom are also in the running for the seat. Incumbent Mayor Jere Wood, who was determined by a judge to not have been eligible to qualify for a fifth, four-year term in 2013 due to the City Charter imposing term limits, has said he will not run for re-election.

While on the Council, Henry said her many accomplishments were writing the city's "big box" ordinance and outlined the city's original rules that tightened development standards to preserve trees.

Henry said some of her strengths include experience in finding common ground among opposing groups, a "true vision" for Roswell and its character, appreciation for city employees, understanding the city budget and a "true respect, in both word and manner, for every citizen of our city."

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“Progress in the direction chosen by the voters in 2015 and 2017 has faced roadblocks,” said Henry. “It is my goal to forge a new path that will best serve all our residents. Only with a new direction in leadership can we overcome the dysfunction of the past. I believe that I have the background, the commitment, and the passion to overcome that divide, and lead Roswell to new levels of satisfaction for everyone who lives here. To strive forward to that end is my promise.”

Henry moved to Roswell as a young adult with her parents, who lived in the Martin's Landing community for more than 35 years. She and her husband, Karl, have an adult child. Henry also owns a small business, H and B Promotional Products, which is situated near Roswell's historic district. You can learn more about Henry by visiting her website.

Qualifying for Roswell's municipal election will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 25 at Roswell City Hall, which is at 38 Hill Street. Along with the office of mayor, City Council Posts 4, 5, and 6 are all up for re-election. The qualifying fee for the Council seats are $540 and $1,200 for the mayor.

Image via Lori Henry