With no contested races, the results of this fall’s Town of Franklin election are set, barring any unforeseen changes in the ballot.
Filing for the Franklin and Highlands municipal elections closed at noon on July 21.
The mayor’s seat and three Town Council positions are up for election in Franklin. Mayor Jack Horton was the only person to file for the mayor’s race and three candidates filed for the Council race.
Horton was elected to the Town Council in 2019 and then as mayor in 2021. The mayor serves a two-year term.
Horton said the town has started several projects that he would like to see them complete. He would like to focus especially on the items the council identified as priorities during its retreat in February. Some of those things, such as the skate park and sidewalk improvements, are in progress now. A study on employee salaries was completed last fiscal year and is being implemented with salary adjustments this year. Water/sewer systems improvements are also on tap this year. The town also continues to discuss the future of the ABC store and whether a building should be purchased rather than renting as it does now.
Incumbents Joe Collins and Mike Lewis will retain their seats on the six-member council. Joining them will be Robbie Tompa. The council members serve four-year terms.
Council member Adam Kimsey is not running for re-election. Kimsey, who previously served on the council but did not run for re-election in 2019, was appointed to the council in 2021 to serve the remaining two years in Horton’s term on the board when he was elected mayor.
“I look forward to doing what I can in supporting these people in whatever way I can like those that have supported me,” Kimsey said. “I have faith that the more fresh blood and perspectives the board has, the more equipped they are to represent the diverse populace of our area.”
Collins currently serves as vice mayor. He has served on the council since 2015 and was mayor from 2003 to 2013. Collins said the council, mayor and town leadership create a good combination, and he thinks the town is in really good shape to move forward. “It’s a very progressive council. It’s a pleasure to work with the group,” he said.
Lewis is in his first term on the council. “When I ran for Town Council four years ago, I told the taxpayers I would be a voice for them. I have done that in every vote I’ve taken and will continue to do so if reelected,” he said.
Last year, Lewis opposed the town budget because it included a tax increase. “I’m happy to say that this year, I and the entire council were able to vote for a tax decrease – all while providing additional services to the taxpayers and giving our employees who provide those vital services a pay increase,” he said. “My philosophy is simple - do the most good while doing the least harm to taxpayers and property owners.”
Lewis said he has supported expanding and upgrading the town’s infrastructure and the council recently approved a recreation plan for the Whitmire property, which he says will add to the quality of life for the town’s residents. “This current Town Council is achieving great things for the people, and I want to remain a part of that effort.”
Tompa is making his first run for public office. “I have been gradually trying to get more involved in the Franklin community as my love for the people here grows, and I now consider many of them as friends,” he said.
After learning of the opening on the council, Tompa said he “sought wise counsel and prayed about it multiple times.”
“Late last Friday morning, I walked into the Board of Elections and discovered that no one else had filed for the position. I felt a sense of excitement to trust in God’s direction in my life, grasp this chance to work with like-minded individuals who are actively involved in the community, and share a common vision for the future of Franklin,” he said.
Highlands election
There is a full slate of candidates for the three seats up for election on the Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners. Incumbents Brian Stiehler and John “Buz” Dotson filed to run along with Tucker Chambers, Kay Craig, Jeff Weller and Rachel Wilson. Commissioner Marc Hehn is not running for re-election.
Keven Gabbard had filed to run but withdrew from the race after questions came up about his residency.
Early voting in the town elections will be held Oct. 19 thru Nov. 4 and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.