Dejerilyn (DJ) King Henderson has officially announced her intent to seek election to the Troy City Council District 5 on August 28, 2012.

Henderson is no unknown to the local, as well as state of Alabama, political scene. She has consistently sought elected positions since first becoming politically involved in the mid-1980’s. Her bold actions then lead to the current mayor-council form of government with five single-member districts. The federal courts mandate at least two of these five districts reflect a majority African-American voting population. District 5 is one of those majority African-American council positions.

“I want the citizens of Troy to know the status of our city in a more layperson atmosphere like community meetings. Some citizens know our utilities rates are comparable to those of towns our size. However, the average citizen in District 5 in particular may not know all the divisions within just the utilities department or the fire and police departments in our city. I want to be an available spokesperson for the voters in District 5,” Henderson said.

“ I want to keep District 5 informed of the great progress our city continues to make. I want every voting citizen to know that we all are politicians and have a role to play in the decision-making process. If you don’t vote, then don’t complain. I want to work for the continual betterment of my hometown and fulfill my purpose of becoming a public servant. Because, I believe God put me on His Earth to serve His people as an elected official,” Henderson said.

Henderson is the youngest born of the late Mrs. Essie Mae King and a 1975 graduate of Charles Henderson High School. She is life member of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and has served on the Ushers Board since being a teenager. She earned a bachelors degree in business administration from Faulkner University and a masters degree in elementary education from Troy University. Ms. Henderson recently retired with more than 33 years in public education. She taught first-grade at Troy Elementary School for almost 13 years. More than 13 years as a secretary and teacher’s assistant with the Pike County Schools were spent prior to her becoming a classroom teacher. Henderson is also retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with more than 20 years of service. She loves being the mother of Cedric (Shelbia) King, of Eastpoint, Georgia, and Zakiya (Ray) Stroud of Troy. The highlight of her life is her two-year-old granddaughter Raelyn.

This article was submitted by candidate Dejerilyn King Henderson.