Henderson isn't running for mayor (3.5.10)

SKIP HENDERSON

Skip Henderson is finally putting to rest talk that has floated around the Columbus mayor's race since Jim Wetherington announced he wouldn't seek a second term.

The affable member of Columbus Council will not run for mayor in 2010 — a decision that is sure to impact the strategies of the three announced candidates.

His reticence about jumping into the race hinted at that but the Post 10 councilor has now told friends that he won't be a candidate — and his decision had little to do with politics.

Henderson, a member of council since 1984, worked for Columbus Bank & Trust for more than 11 years. He was a victim of cutbacks at the bank in 2009 and last year he began a new career with Flowers-Lewis & Associates, a local insurance firm. Leaving that position for the unknown of a political campaign would not be smart for him or his family, he concluded.

Fellow at-large councilor Wayne Anthony, MidTown Columbus Inc. director Teresa Tomlinson and minister-activist Zeph Baker are already actively campaigning for Wetherington's job but each of them has been looking over their shoulder to see what Henderson would do.

His election would not have been a lock but Henderson would have been a viable candidate with a proven track record of attracting votes. His past experience as council's budget chairman — vital in today's economic climate — would have also made voters listen to what he had to say.