Berry, Salain and Higdon elected to Town Council
When the Franklin Town Council convenes in December there will be a new mayor and two new council members to take office, along with one incumbent.
Stacy Guffey was elected mayor in last week’s election. Guffey has been on the Town Council since 2021 and currently serves as vice mayor. Jack Horton did not run for reelection after serving two terms as mayor.
“Serving Franklin has always been an honor,” said Guffey. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue that work and for the kindness this community has shown throughout the campaign.”
Guffey said Franklin is growing fast and the town needs to do its part to manage that growth so it doesn’t lose the “small-town character.” He wants to continue work on improving Main Street and public spaces. As a member of the council he has introduced the idea for a downtown redevelopment project.
He wants to make sure Franklin remains a place people want to live and do business and that includes addressing housing working people can afford and facing issues like addiction and homelessness.
Guffey has also been involved with the Town Council’s discussions about the former Angel hospital property. “It should be put to use in a way that truly serves the people who live and work here,” he said.
The mayor serves a two-year term, and the council members serve four-year terms. They will be sworn into office on Dec. 1 at the Town Council meeting beginning at 6 p.m.
This was Holland’s first bid for a public office; he said he appreciates the support of his family, volunteers and the voters. “I was able to learn a lot from this experience. I am humbled to know that the outpouring of love and support during this campaign couldn’t have been possible without those who came out and voted for me,” he said. “It was a fair and honest campaign, and I congratulate the new Mayor Stacy Guffey. I wish him the best of luck during his term. The beauty about a democracy is that the people get to decide. While it wasn’t the results I had hoped for, I am honored that I got to be a part of this race. I know Franklin’s potential and can only hope for the best in what the future holds.”
Franklin Town Council
Jeff Berry was the top vote getter for the three seats on the Franklin Town Council, followed by incumbent Rita Salain and Travis Higdon.
Incumbent David Culpepper did not run for re-election and with Guffey giving up his seat to run for mayor, that meant there would be at least two new members on the board.
Each of the winning candidates expressed their appreciation to the voters. “Every eligible voter should exercise their right to vote, because every vote cast does make a difference,” said Berry, who will be serving his first term on the council. “I look forward to hearing from you, the residents of the Town of Franklin, about your concerns and thoughts about the town we all love and call home. Franklin is truly a very unique town, with so much potential for viable growth and increased tourism. I look forward to serving on the Town Council with my fellow council members, Mayor and other Town Officials and being a part of many great things to come. Franklin has so much to offer, and I look forward to being a part of it.”
Prior to the election Berry said some of the top issues he wants to see addressed are improving Main Street for vehicular traffic as well as for pedestrians; ensuring there is an adequate freshwater supply and wastewater infrastructure; and staffing and equipment needs in the police and fire departments.
This will be Salain’s second term on the council. “I am grateful for your support and to have the opportunity to continue serving our town’s people and business community,” she said. “We have opportunities, challenges and choices ahead. Hearing from you is important. Please consider participating in monthly council meetings and, if you want, speaking during the public session.”
Salain says investment is key to addressing the town’s housing, business and community needs. At the same time she wants to make sure that investment and future growth align with the local culture, environment and values. She also sees infrastructure and staffing as issues the town will need to look at in the coming years.
Higdon will be the second new face on the Town Council. “I am looking forward to working with the other council members to continue to make Franklin great,” he said.
As a member of the council, Higdon said he also wants to look at the pay scale for police and fire department employees, the town’s infrastructure, and the purchase and intended use of the old Angel Hospital property.
Highlands election
The Highlands mayor’s race and three commissioners seats were uncontested. Patrick Taylor received 266 votes (85.26%). There were 46 write-in votes.
Incumbent commissioner Eric Pierson received 236 votes (43.07%) and fellow commissioner Amy Patterson received 231 votes (42.15%). There were 81 write-in votes.
Jim Tate was on the ballot to fill the unexpired term created when commissioner Brian Stiehler moved outside the city limits and was no longer eligible to serve. Tate received 294 votes (98.33%) and there were 5 write-in votes.
Canvass and voter turnout
All vote totals are unofficial until canvass, which will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Macon County Board of Elections, located on the first floor of the courthouse. A report on the write-in candidates will be available after canvass, according to Board of Elections Director Melanie Thibault.
Only people who live in the city limits were eligible to vote in the municipal elections. A total of 3,908 people were registered to vote in Franklin (2,922) and Highlands (986). The voter turnout was 23.31% (911 ballots).