"Empty," Jack Henderson bitterly acknowledged as he passed an unrented store on Tombstone's famous main drag, Allen Street.

"It's sad. We have a town that's world renowned, and this is our main street. To promote our town, and get it back to working, that's gonna be the goal of all of us."

Tombstone's new mayor-elect is out to drum up business in town. He is thinking of ideas to promote the city through 36 weekend events, raising the current weekend event number from 13. And he's pushing to allow again street performers and open soliciting for businesses.

In an effort to enact quick change to the city, Henderson is planning one new event by the time he takes office in November.

"On the weekend before Thanksgiving, we're going to have a turkey shoot," Henderson said. "Western towns had turkey shoots. If that just brings 50 people to town to compete, that's 50 people we didn't have. We're going to make it happen."

"It's sad. We have a town that's world renowned, and this is our main street. To promote our town, and get it back to working, that's gonna be the goal of all of us."

Tombstone's new mayor-elect is out to drum up business in town. He is thinking of ideas to promote the city through 36 weekend events, raising the current weekend event number from 13. And he's pushing to allow again street performers and open soliciting for businesses.

In an effort to enact quick change to the city, Henderson is planning one new event by the time he takes office in November.

"On the weekend before Thanksgiving, we're going to have a turkey shoot," Henderson said. "Western towns had turkey shoots. If that just brings 50 people to town to compete, that's 50 people we didn't have. We're going to make it happen."

Having never held public office before, Henderson threw his hat into the mayoral ring just two days before the May 26 filing deadline, and began campaigning just seven weeks prior to the election.
While refraining from comment on his opponent and current mayor, Dusty Escapule, Henderson says he ran on the "oath of office", and that he is "not a politician, (but) a guy who's taking an oath."
Through his campaign strategy of mailers and "meet and greet" sessions, Henderson beat out incumbent Escapule by about 11 percent, with 358 votes to 289, according to the Cochise County Elections Department.
Escapule was not alone is his loss. Two councilmembers who frequently supported his policies fell, and one is in a run-off election in November. One incumbent, Steve Trancale, ran unopposed.
Henderson, a former U.S. Marine helicopter and United Airlines transport pilot, was excited about the voter turnout, especially since the election was held on a year that did not include a presidential race.
"I'm just overwhelmed with the support and the good intentions of folks that know how to get things done," explained Henderson. "With this kind of support, we're going to be able to accomplish what we want to accomplish."
Change is promised right away for citizens. Henderson lists issues in his mailers, beginning with a more transparent government, which includes quarterly updates for citizens on city council issues, voting records of the city council, publicly announced meetings and budget information meetings.
Citizens will be asked to serve on the police commission, recreational boards, city ambassadors, and also express any ideas they have for the city.
"I want to get people in that want to do something and turn them loose. It's that simple. I'm too old to do it myself," said Henderson.
Also included in his list of goals is a vow to improve and defend city water rights and resources, completion of a children's park and the development of a baseball league.
In order to more effectively run the city, Henderson is also looking to give council members oversight on developments in the marshal's office, the Chamber of Commerce and downtown area, transportation and public works.
For some citizens, Henderson's concepts and goals are just some of what Tombstone desperately needs.
"I feel that the priorities in Tombstone have been lost," said five-year resident J.C. Brown. "The previous administration has done everything to hide what Tombstone actually is. I think the new mayor will make it a more attractive place for people to come and see."
Others agree.
"Every so often, we need some new blood here," said Carey Granger, an eight-year resident of Tombstone and guide at the Good Enough Mine Underground Tour. "I think now's the time, and we'll see how Jack does. Give him a chance."
As for one of his first orders of business, Henderson will look to, "put the cowboys back on the street," and take a closer look at Tombstone's solicitation ordinance, a controversial subject around town.
"I don't want to see (them) bothering the tourists. But I want (them) out letting the tourists know when there's a scheduled gunfight, I want (them) helping take pictures," clarified Henderson.
According to the solicitation ordinance, which was amended in March, businesses cannot hawk tourists further than 15 feet from their door.
For Granger, the change in hawking could mean more cash flow to business off Allen Street.
"(It's) obviously important because that's how we get people down to the mine, (by) contacting them on the street," said Granger.
While people in town are willing to give Henderson a chance at mayor, some citizens are still skeptical about what the mayor will actually be able to accomplish.
Richard Wilson, owner of Smoke Signals on Allen Street for 20 years, has seen approximately seven administrations in Tombstone before Henderson's. While the change at mayor was no surprise to him, Wilson believes that even with the proposed changes by the new administration, politics in Tombstone will remain the same.
"He (Henderson) will shine in a few spots, but then there'll be other areas," said Wilson. "There's a limited amount of money flowing through the coffers, so they haven't looked at even the first set of bills they have to OK to pay. When they see that... then reality will actually set in.
"We marched to the north during this (current) administration. As soon as this administration's in, we all turn around and march to the south. It's just been the way it's worked since I've been here," said Wilson.
Though some of the ideas, such as 36 weekend events, seem a little farfetched to even supporters such as Brown, the talk of new ideas is a nice change to hear.
"That may be going a little bit overboard," Brown chuckled. "But hey, there's only one way to find out if it's going to work."
Whatever the case may be, Henderson is confident that Tombstone can improve its reputation through the concept of "synergy".
"You have to advocate your positions, and you have to listen," said Henderson. "You have two ears, one mouth. You listen twice as much as you talk, and you can solve the problems. We have a lot of talented people in this town that want to help, and we're gonna solve our problems."
In the next few weeks, Henderson will look at methods and strategies to achieve some of his goals.
In the meantime, he is eagerly anticipating November, and has no nerves yet.
"As far as being nervous, that will happen the day before," Henderson laughed.
"Right now, my enthusiasm, everyday, gets greater. We're meeting with everyone, from the chamber (of commerce) to the public works to come up with a strategic plan. We are going to shotgun some events right away, which will not be fully researched. We're just going to do something."