Dustin Wants to "Make a Difference" in Rhea County; Hits the Road to Take His Message to County
July 16, 2022
Rhea County, TN -- Dustin Henderson is a born-and-raised Rhea County local who has a deep-rooted love for this community. He worked at La-Z-Boy for 15 years where he had the chance to hone his leadership abilities and where people depended upon him for his problem-solving skills. He decided to branch out as an entrepreneur and start Henderson Home Inspection so that he could help provide peace of mind to homeowners. He, his wife of 16 years Anita, and his 11-year-old son Dylan have been members of New Union Baptist Church for 5 years.
Henderson's interest in politics started young. His beloved grandfather, Sheriff Carles "Junior" Henderson, taught him it was in his family's heritage to serve. Junior Henderson took 14-year-old Dustin to the courthouse to meet the county officials. As Dustin shook their hands, he learned that these were the people who could make a difference. Wherever Henderson goes, he wants to make a difference. When asked why he was running, he simply answered, "For the people - it's always been for the people."
Throughout the years, he has been on the lookout for ways to give back to his community, especially to Rhea County's kids. He has served the kids by umpiring for little league in softball and baseball for over 10 years, coaching for 7 years, and was a board member of the Dayton Youth Baseball League for 4 years before he became president for 2 years.
If elected, Henderson would still make sure that these kids have a variety of programs available to them that would allow them to grow confidently and successfully. Looking ahead, Henderson wants to give people a chance to be successful within Rhea County.
"We need to get jobs here that are sustainable for families," Dustin explained. There are plenty of talented and skilled people in Rhea County who travel to surrounding counties for work. He wants to provide them with opportunities that will allow them to stay in their home county, gain livable wages, and grow in their respective fields. Growth doesn't stop at jobs, though. Henderson wants to give back to two groups who have sacrificed for Rhea County; the veterans and the first responders.
Henderson said, "I would like to start by revamping the Veteran Services Office to make it more accessible to our county's veterans. So many veterans in our county still do not know the services provided to them. I intend to make this known and convenient."
When he isn't working or volunteering, you can find Henderson outside. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing, and golf.
Dustin answered a few questions in relation to his run for Rhea County Executive?
1 - Why are you interested in being Rhea County Executive?
"I believe I can make a difference in Rhea County. I love to serve people, and I want to use the leadership and problem-solving skills I have acquired over the last 20 years to take Rhea County to the next level. I have lived here my whole life. I went to school here; my wife went to school here and our son goes to school here in the Rhea County school system. We love Rhea County and want to do our part to make sure future generations can make this home as well."
2 - What qualifies you to be Rhea County Executive?
"I have succeeded at every position I have ever held professionally, because I do the work to ensure that. I teach all the kids I coach to control the things they can control. That’s their attitude and effort. I don’t just teach that I believe that. I will put the effort in to make Rhea County successful, just as I have done for previous positions."
3 - What has been the prevailing question you have been asked by voters about the Rhea County Executive during your campaigning?
"It would have to be the #1 question in this interview. Voters want to know why I want to be the Rhea County Executive. People want to know first and foremost. if the person they are voting for has a heart to serve Rhea County. You can be the most qualified in all areas, but people want to know if you are doing this job to serve them and I am."
4- What are the main duties of the Rhea County Executive?
"The Rhea County Executive is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the county. The maintenance, parks and recreation, sanitation, and archive departments are all direct reporting departments. The executive is the one who represents the county in many negotiations, making sure the citizens best interest is always at the forefront. The executive is also the chief financial officer. Those entails having oversight on the entire county budget."
5-How many hours a week do you feel the job will require?
"That would be hard to say, but I will say I am not the worker that will “clock out” and leave work needing done. There are likely times that will require significant overtime but to do this effectively that’s a sacrifice the executive must be willing to make."
6-What is the one top priority that you think needs to be addressed by you when elected?
"If I was to pick one, it would be to take a long hard look at what we can do to better our landfill situation. It is being filled up at a rapid pace by waste from other counties. Our county residents are also being charged ridiculous fees to take items to the landfill. I would also like to incorporate a recycling program that brings in revenue."
7 - What are the biggest challenges that you think Rhea County will face in the upcoming year?
"It is hard to say about the upcoming year, but I would like to get to the point of being proactive and not reactive in seeing challenges coming. Reducing our debt and saving for upcoming expenses such as improvements and maintenance to our facilities and planning ahead for new facilities. Our county is growing and we have to be ready as a government to keep up."
9- What has been the biggest negative about the campaign?
"The biggest negative I would have to say is the amount of bologna sandwiches I have eaten. Most times we don’t come home until after dark. so sandwiches have been the dominant supper choice. I am a meat and three guy, so this is a negative for me!"