In the running
The Town of Franklin has a town board with six aldermen/alderwomen and a mayor who votes only to break ties. Mayors serve for two years, while aldermen/alderwomen serve for four. This year, the mayor and three aldermen/alderwomen are up for election.
Mayor — pick one
Joe Collins, 54, real estate attorney
Collins is finishing up his sixth year as mayor. He served as alderman for six years before that. Collins says he’s pleased with the switch to a government with a town manager and placing the new town hall in a remodeled building downtown rather than in East Franklin.
“I’m very proud and want us to keep it going.”
Bob Scott, 68, retired law enforcement officer and long-time newspaper reporter
Scott has served as alderman for almost six years. He emphasizes his support for open government and wants to get the public involved with monthly New England-style town hall meetings.
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“In my mind, the government exists only to conduct the public’s business.”
Aldermen — pick three
Jerry Evans, 54, manager of Terminix Service
Evans has been an alderman for 12 years, with two of those as vice mayor. He said he’d like to see an economic development committee formed to keep money in Franklin and attract new businesses.
“Unless the town can help attract new businesses, there’s no opportunity for our children and grandchildren to live and work in Franklin.”
Billy Mashburn, 57, paralegal
Mashburn is Franklin’s vice mayor and has served as alderman for 12 years. He said that the town must be diligent about where it spends its tax dollars.
“Up to now the town is in pretty good financial shape. We haven’t taken a hit like other towns have.”
Angela Moore, 28, stay-at-home mom
Moore worked as Franklin’s GIS analyst for almost two years. She said she wants to get more people involved in local government and have the town lower its taxes. Moore said the town should only handle infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer.
“They shouldn’t be doing a whole lot other than that ... There’s a lot we can cut back on.”
Sissy Pattillo, 69, retired teacher/counselor
Pattillo has served as alderwoman for four years. She also serves on the Angel Medical Center Foundation board. Pattillo is a third-generation resident of the town with children and grandchildren living in the town.
“I have a vested interest here. Franklin has made great strides, and I would like to help keep that momentum going.”
Ron Winecoff, 69, real estate agent
Winecoff is the chairman of Angel Medical Center’s Board of Trustees and the county chairman of the investment and development committee. Winecoff said he wants to improve downtown and see the town make financial adjustments to accommodate for the recession.
“Government has trouble saying no to people, cutting down personnel and cost. I have no problem saying no.”
