Younger generation running for Franklin board
Several young residents have signed up to run for a seat on the Franklin Board of Aldermen while the race for mayor will be uncontested.
Angela Moore, 34, will be making her third run in an effort to bring a more conservative approach to the town board. The stay-at-home mom of three has lived in Franklin for nine years and used to work as a GIS analyst for the town.
“I’m really passionate about protecting people’s property rights and lowering spending and taxes,” she said. “The board is very liberal right now and typically pass new regulations with unanimous votes with minimal decision.”
Brandon McMahan, 32, will be seeking a spot on the board as well. McMahan currently serves on the town planning board and the board of adjustments and feels like a spot on the board of aldermen would be a good next step to help the town.
His family has deep roots in Franklin and he feels like he has a good understanding of the town’s people and issues. McMahan teaches second grade at Iola Valley Elementary School.
“The people in this town and the town as a whole have always been great to me and my family — I just want to give something back in a sense,” he said. “Right now Franklin is experiencing some exciting growth and changes. Maybe a younger point of view may better represent the people who are becoming more active.”
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Adam Kimsey, co-owner of the Rathskeller Coffee Haus and Pub, is also running for the board for a second time. The 29-year-old Franklin native wants to improve the town’s economy and infrastructure while building a more vibrant downtown.
The election will also feature a familiar name on the ballot. Joe Collins, who served on the Franklin board of aldermen for six years and served as mayor for 10 years, wants to get back into the game.
“I’ve taken a couple of years off — didn’t run last time because it just seemed to be the thing to do,” Collins said. “I think I’ve still got a lot to offer with my experience and background, and I’m willing to serve if they elect me to see that the town stays on a good track.”
He said he decided not to run for mayor because he thinks Bob Scott is doing a good job. Besides, it’s the board members that make the decisions. Collins, a 60-year-old attorney, wants to see the board continue to stay connected with the downtown merchants and bring in more visitors to town.
Collins said it was good to see so many young people trying to get involved in town government, and other incumbents expressed the same excitement.
Mayor Bob Scott, who will run unopposed this year, has said it is critical for the town’s future to get younger generations involved.
Aldermen incumbents Verlin Curtis and Joyce Handley are seeking another term on the board, but Alderman Farrell Jamison is not, which means six people are vying for three seats.
