Election News Update

With three seats up for grabs in the Franklin Town Council race, it was a close race for the top vote-getters in the Nov. 2 election.

The election was certified on Tuesday, Nov. 9 with the following totals:

Rita Salain got 269 votes followed by incumbent David Culpepper and Stacy Guffey with 266 votes each. Rounding out the ballot, Frances Seay had 193 votes and JimBo Ledford, 81. There were three write-in votes in the council race. The council members serve four-year terms.

A total of 395 ballots were cast in the Franklin election and 496 in the Highlands election. The election was certified after the canvass on Nov. 9. The canvass was originally set for Nov. 12, but the Election Commission said on Monday that state law allows for a seven-day canvass period for municipal elections.

 

Franklin Town Council

Incumbent Culpepper welcomed the new council members. “Congrats to Rita and Stacy, they’ll both be great for the future of Franklin,” he said. “I’d also like to commend Frances and JimBo for putting themselves out there to make the town a better place. I hope they both find ways to stay involved and move us forward. This was a great group of five candidates, and I enjoyed the conversations.”

Prior to the election the candidates participated in individual interviews and two public forums. While they all agreed on some issues, they also shared their individual views and thoughts on the town’s future.

As he did during his first term in office, Culpepper said he will continue to focus on livability within the town and advocate for outdoor experiences and adventures wherever possible.

Guffey also thanked his fellow candidates. “Each of us ran because we have a heart for Franklin. I hope all of the candidates who ran will stay involved. I look forward to serving with the new board as we share a common vision for moving Franklin forward, making it an even better place to live, with a focus on our residents, workers and small business owners.

Salain wants to help continue sustainable development and create a culture that recognizes the important role of small businesses in the community. She also wants to improve livability and see the town become more walkable. She said a healthy environment is tied to a healthy economy.

“I am happy to have this opportunity to serve,” Salain said. “My plan for doing this job now, and in the coming four years, is to study, to listen, to learn, to consider options and then to support what I think is in the best interest of Franklin.”

All the candidates said they appreciated the people who voted for them and participated in the election. “Our local elections are so important. This is the level of government closest to the people. The decisions made at the town council affect our everyday lives,” Guffey said.

This was Seay’s first time running for office. “I learned a lot about the political process and the responsibilities of a Town Council member,” she said. “I want to congratulate the winners and wish them all good luck.”

Ledford, who also made a bid for Town Council in 2017, said, “I would also like to wish the winning candidates the best of luck in steering this ship we call Franklin; I know I am thrilled for the ride.”

 

Franklin Mayor’s Race

Vice Mayor Jack Horton ran unopposed in the Franklin mayor’s race and will serve a two-year term beginning in December. Horton received 322 votes. There were 22 write-in votes for the mayor’s race.

“It’s a great honor and privilege for me to serve the folks of Franklin,” said Horton who has more than 35 years of experience in local government, including serving as Macon County manager from 1985-1991 and 2008-2013.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “I think the board will work together to do what we can to improve on the progress we’ve made so far.”

Once Horton takes office in December, the council will begin discussing the appointment of someone to fill his seat on the council. That means there will be three new people on the council – Guffey, Salain and the appointee. Horton said there will be a little bit of a learning curve, and he is looking forward to a retreat/work session with the council in January to set goals and objectives for the coming year and begin looking at a five-year plan for the town.

“We want to make sure everybody understands what our roles and responsibilities are and what we can realistically do. We can’t do everything in the first year.”

The mayor and council members will be sworn into office at the Town Council meeting on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

 

Highlands Election

In Highlands, incumbent mayor Patrick Taylor retained his seat with 347 votes. Challenger Marc Hehn received 145 votes. There were two write-in ballots.

Two Highlands Commissioner seats were up for election. Incumbent Amy Patterson was the top vote getter with 264 votes. Joining her on the board will be Eric Pierson who earned 241 votes. Votes for the remaining challengers were as follows: Thomas Craig, 140; Pat Allen, 128; Mary Alice Bynum, 91; Nicolaus McCall, 40. There was one write-in.

 

County Election 2022

The campaign signs for the 2022 county races caused some confusion on Election Day with several people showing up at the polls to vote in the sheriff’s race. The Board of Elections posted signs at the polls letting voters know the county candidates would not be on the ballot.

Filing for the county races opens on Dec. 6. The primary will be March 8, 2022. Although campaign signs are already lining the roadways, the Board of Elections has a notice posted at the office reminding candidates that signs should not be posted on public property or the right-of-way of public roads until 30 days from when early voting starts. Signs may be posted on private property with owner’s permission. Signs in violation of the law may be removed. However, state law also makes it illegal to steal or deface political signs that have been placed in accordance with the regulations.