Just before filing closed on Friday, Matthew Holland added his name as the second candidate to run in the Town of Franklin mayor’s race.
Holland will join current Vice Mayor Stacy Guffey on the ticket. Mayor Jack Horton announced in June that he would not run for reelection.
“Franklin is growing and it’s growing rapidly. I just want to be part of the growth,” said Holland, a Franklin native and the father of two children with his wife Ashleigh.
Some of the issues he sees as important are supporting small businesses and infrastructure such as water, sewer and sidewalk improvements. He’s also interested in seeing how the Whitmire property continues to be developed and future plans for the old Angel Medical Center site, which he thinks would be a good place for affordable housing, especially single level living for older residents.
Holland is the owner of Parrish Contracting and Holland Metal; his grandparents and parents also owned businesses in Franklin. “As a business owner I could bring a different way of looking at town issues,” he said. “The tactics that you use every day to succeed.” He said his experience in the construction industry could also be beneficial as the town continues to make infrastructure improvements.
To help support local business, this year the Town Council allocated an extra $10,000 in the budget for economic development, bringing that total line item to $60,000. During their retreat, the council talked about offering incentives for new and existing businesses to assist with expenses such as façade improvements, signs and design work, permit fees, water and sewer connections.
“I think that’s a great idea . . . anytime we can use tax money to help beautify Franklin,” Holland said. “As a small business owner there are a lot of upfront costs that people endure. They say most small businesses fail in the first year.”
The Franklin mayor does not have a vote unless the council is in a tie, but still plays a role in moving agenda items and issues forward. Holland said he already has a good working relationship with Town Manager Amie Owens. “It would be good to see what their needs are. To talk to the council members and see if we can get everybody on the same page.”
Holland served on Franklin’s Tourism Development Authority for seven years. He says it is important to continue having events and festivals that bring people to Franklin as they support the local economy, but the town must also take care of the people who live here year-round. “People have to buy groceries,” he said. “It’s not cheap, having kids is definitely not cheap, and the cost of living is not cheap.”
Holland said he likes that the town elections are non-partisan. “It can cater to everybody and just look out for the needs of Franklin instead of it being a Republican or Democrat thing.”
“I’m excited,” said Ashleigh, who is serving as her husband’s campaign manager. “I want to go to both sides. I want to meet with the Republican ladies and the Democratic ladies because we’re not really running on a political party.”
Holland encourages others to get involved in the various committees that residents can serve on. “You can have a real say in issues,” he said.
As the campaign begins, Holland said, “I’m looking forward to something different. Having a new challenge and meeting people. It’s an opportunity to step in and serve.”
Early voting for the town election begins Oct. 16 with Election Day being Nov. 4. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 10. Only those who live in the city limits can vote in the election.