Henderson won’t seek re-election to York County Council

By this time next year, York County will be swearing in a new representative for the Lake Wylie area.

“I will not be filing to run for re-election,” said York County Councilman Bruce Henderson, a Republican who represents District 2.

The coming year concludes Henderson’s third two-year term, after first being elected in 2010. He had previously served on the Clover Town Council since 2005.

“I’m going to miss it,” Henderson said. “I’ve developed a lot of friendships. I’ve made a few people mad at me from time to time. Overall, they knew exactly what they had.”

Henderson said his biggest accomplishment has been his response to constituents who often have no other means of advocacy. His council district includes the unincorporated Lake Wylie area and Clover.

“For the most part I was able to do what people wanted,” Henderson said. “But there were several times when (I) didn’t tell them what they wanted to hear, but they appreciated someone responding.”

Henderson made the decision over the holidays. He and his wife are expecting a baby girl in May, and he is expecting extensive travel for business opportunities.

At least one candidate already is eying the District 2 seat. Business owner Allison Love said in December she plans to enter. Love served recently on a county land-use committee and is among several Bonum Road area residents who protested high-density residential development near the lake.

Filing for the York County Council and other county- and state-level offices begins at noon March 16 and ends at noon March 30.

All seven County Council seats are up for election every two years.

Henderson won’t rule out a return to politics.

“I’ll never say never, as far as running again one day,” he said. “I’m going to finish wide open. I know I’ve accomplished quite a bit. We’ve accomplished quite a bit as a group.”

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 3:01 PM with the headline "Henderson won’t seek re-election to York County Council."