Civic Leadership & Community Vision
In 2009, Timm ran for Mayor of Hendersonville, North Carolina with a straightforward mission: strengthen community engagement, trust the young people to become model stewards, modernize outdated systems, and open the door to new opportunities for residents. His campaign focused on addressing long‑standing structural challenges, improving transparency, and encouraging a more inclusive, forward‑thinking approach to small‑town governance. At its core, the platform welcomed new ideas, supported younger generations, and created space for a broader range of voices in civic life — all while honoring Hendersonville’s history and balancing the needs of property owners, local businesses, and working families.
Engagement
Timm’s “Common Sense Platform for the Office of Mayor” emphasized representation and active participation. He championed broader civic involvement, especially among youth and underrepresented groups, using community events, the arts, and accessible communication tools to strengthen dialogue between residents and local leadership. His approach favored proactive, intentional planning over reactive decision‑making, drawing inspiration from neighboring communities that invested in growth‑oriented projects. He also promoted “creative economics,” positioning the arts as a catalyst for local business vitality, tourism, and a more vibrant, livable city. Transparency and accessibility were central: modernized public communication, internet access, improved community media, and live‑streamed meetings to keep residents informed and engaged.
Key Goals
Timm proposed a modest, multi‑use convention and cultural center designed to create jobs, attract visitors, and integrate arts education, a public library, and museum spaces into a single community hub. His redevelopment plan included establishing a redevelopment authority to address neglected properties, encourage investment, and give residents opportunities to participate directly in revitalization efforts. He also supported improving public amenities — from restrooms and gathering spaces to historically inspired structures — to enhance visitor comfort and strengthen downtown’s identity.
Young Folk, Live Performances, Live Action Shooting!
Timm’s campaign was unconventional to say the least!!! To prove his faith in the youth community and dedication to kids, he created a band called the “Chicken Lickin’ Finger Pickin’ Politickin’ Band,” using local children from Hendersonville middle and high schools. No one in his immediate campaign was older than FIFTEEN years of age! Additionally he created a LIVE ACTION COWBOY REENACTMENT held in downtown Hendersonville using REAL GUNS and real Hollywood blanks! And again, he entrusted this role to youngsters, the oldest of whom was 12 years old! A real time live action drama unfolded in front of the old courthouse in Hendersonville pleasing audiences and proving to voters that the children of Hendersonville are the greatest future investment of any community!
His platform outlined practical steps to energize Hendersonville’s public life: updating Main Street ordinances to support events and age‑appropriate beverage service; repaving sidewalks and improving pedestrian areas; installing gateway signage, wayfinding, and public art; expanding parks, trails, wildlife habitats, greenways, and accessible outdoor recreation; and improving parking and visitor flow downtown and in the 7th Avenue district.
These initiatives reflected Timm’s belief that small towns thrive when they invest in creativity, accessibility, and shared public spaces — when they build places where people feel welcome, connected, and proud of where they live.
