HENDERSON (KTNV) — A familiar face in Henderson has announced her intention to run for mayor.
Former Henderson Police Chief Hollie Chadwick has announced she's running for mayor, months after her controversial termination from the police department.
VIDEO: Abel Garcia talks to former Henderson police chief, Hollie Chadwick, about her run for Henderson mayor
During her announcement, Chadwick emphasized that she does not consider herself a politician, but instead a public servant who has dedicated more than two decades to serving the Henderson community.
Watch her full press conference here:
"It is time to bring authentic leadership that puts residents first. That is why I'm running for mayor, bringing truth, trust, and transparency to City Hall," Chadwick said.
The announcement follows what many consider a controversial departure from the Henderson Police Department earlier in the year, when she was given three weeks to resign or be fired.
Chadwick says she was terminated from her position as the leader of the Henderson Police Department in early March.
"While my tenure as police chief unfortunately became political, and did not end the way I had hoped. I know I did nothing wrong," Chadwick said.
She said she received phone calls and messages from city employees and community members asking her to run because they wanted to see a change in city government.
She said her priority if elected mayor is public safety, citing lowering crime rates during her tenure as police chief.
"The priority is we need to start working together as a team… and have these open conversations as well with the community," Chadwick said.
In addition to public safety, she would prioritize an open and transparent government that does not shy away from meeting with residents. She also mentioned wanting to support small businesses and expand affordable housing.
"Our city deserves a leader who listens, who acts, and who understands the importance of trust between government and the people we serve," Chadwick said. "It is time to bring authentic leadership that puts residents first. That is why I am running for mayor, bringing truth, trust, and transparency to City Hall."
The current mayor of the City of Henderson, Michelle Romero, sent Channel 13 her response to Holly Chadwick's announcement to run for mayor:
"I am extremely proud of the progress we have made in making Henderson not just the best city in Nevada, but as a recent Baldridge Award recipient, a nationally recognized top city in America. Under my leadership, we have improved public safety for our residents and businesses, expanded school choice for parents and students, increased healthcare accessibility and services for our veterans, added protections for our rural neighborhoods and public spaces, expanded services for our most vulnerable populations, and have made the City of Henderson the most transparent governing body in Nevada. These are precisely the issues I campaigned on three years ago, when 75 percent of Henderson residents placed their trust in me. No matter who joins this race, my commitment to serving as Mayor and leading our city into the future will not be deterred."
Some Henderson residents expressed support for her mayoral bid.
"Happy, very happy. She is a wonderful, wonderful person," Linda said.
"She's not afraid to make the tough decision," Scott said.
However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. One Henderson resident who requested anonymity told me she doesn't trust Chadwick and doesn't believe she's qualified for the position.
When asked about her termination, Chadwick admitted it caught her off guard.
"It was a surprise, yes," Chadwick said.
Henderson City Manager Stephanie Garcia Vause explained in an April interview that Chadwick was let go because the two didn't align on vision.
When confronted with this explanation, Chadwick responded: "Well, it's unfortunate she says that because she never told me exactly what… right now all I know is I have a police department that's suffering and hurting."
We looked into why the ultimatum was given and obtained documents detailing complaints against Chadwick.
Chadwick alluded to this situation during her speech on Thursday.
"No one should ever come to work to face toxic, retaliatory environments or be in fear of losing their job, especially for no reason," she said. "Such an environment is not good for the mental, physical, or emotional well-being of our employees and it is not a good reflection of our city."
The Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers released the following statement in response to Chadwick's announcement:
"The unions learned of former Chief Chadwick’s mayoral candidacy from reporters just like the rest of the public. We are sure that as a former Chief of Police, Chadwick is well aware of the importance of public safety and the need to properly staff and pay our police department. Those issues are clearly linked and the unions will eagerly await every candidates’ plan to provide appropriate resources, pay and benefits to rank and file members of the police department. The support and endorsement of the police unions is earned, not given. Therefore the public should be aware that whoever has the support of the union(s) is someone that has earned our trust."
Some voters indicated they're seeking leadership that can provide stability and improve communication between the city government and residents.
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