Candidates in Municipal Election
Seeking the office of Franklin alderman at large are nine candidates. They are Parker Altman of Nolen Lane; Clyde Barnhill of Springlake Drive; Pearl Bransford of Natchez Street; Joey Czarneski of Wolford Circle; Scott Harrison of Sims Lane; Ann Petersen of Chesterfield Place; Bob Poe of West Main Street; Brandy Blanton of Vienna Court; and Jay Wade of Jefferson Drive.
The nine candidates for four at-large aldermanic seats on the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen were asked a series of questions by Franklin Tomorrow. The two candidates for the office of mayor, incumbent Ken Moore and challenger Jay Wade, were also asked the same questions. Answers were not received by incumbent Alderman Pearl Bransford or challenger Bob Poe by the deadline.
Franklin Tomorrow will hold a Candidates’ Forum on Sept. 29, 6 p.m., at Franklin City Hall. It will be televised and replayed prior to the election on Franklin TV.
Aldermanic candidates:
1) Why are you seeking the office of Mayor or Aldermen?
Altman: ”When I think about my own three children, I ask myself if I am doing everything I can to make sure their community, our community of Franklin, is the
best that it can be. We love Franklin and are blessed to call it home. My desire is that my children grow up feeling the same way.”
Barnhill: “I wish to continue serving the citizens of Franklin as an Alderman-at-Large, to utilize the knowledge and experience I have acquired in the business world and in my 19 years on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.”
Blanton: “For almost nine years my job has been promoting the City of Franklin and surrounding areas with my publication, Southern Exposure Magazine. My running for office is only an extension of my love for my home in a more tangible way. I believe that the board could benefit from a wider range of demographics in its board members. “
Czarneski: “I have a desire to serve my community. Franklin has been doing a good job in management of the city, keeping us fiscally strong and staying on the cutting edge in economic & community development. Road/water infrastructure and utilizing our resources are just a few of our ongoing challenges. I want to be part of the team that helps our city and citizens come up with smart solutions and decisions and help continue moving Franklin forward.”
Harrison: “To serve the City of Franklin and to protect its resources and at the same time promote quality growth and improvement of the City’s infrastructure.”
Petersen: “I want to be a part of addressing the opportunities and problems that Franklin will face in the coming years. I will work to learn about the issues and will do my best to be a good representative of all citizens when I vote. As an at-large alderman, I believe that I need to advocate for the interests of the city as a whole.”
Wade: “I am seeking elected office in order to try and change the “Politics of Franklin.” Please visit my Web site, www.wade4franklin.com, and view the video
clips of my participation in Franklin government. Various law enforcement agencies have told me, ‘Municipal officials lying under the color of their office is not a crime, just politics.’ That is why I’m running for office. We need elected officials who represent the interests of the ‘Average Citizen’.”
2) What skills do you have which qualify you over your opponent(s) for election to this office?
Altman: “I have diverse experience in government, from watching my dad serve as mayor in a small town in Florida, to working in Congress, to teaching it to high school students in Williamson County. Communication is a major component of my job as an educator. Bringing people together to solve problems is another skill needed as an administrator.”
Barnhill: “In addition to my service on the Board, I have been on the Planning Commission for five years, currently serve as Chair of the Pension and Trust
Committee, Vice Chair of Capital Improvement Projects, and as a member of the Historical Zoning Commission. During my tenure on the board, we have faced a variety of situations. I believe my experience, communication skills, conservative fiscal ideas and common sense make me the most qualified candidate.”
Blanton: “I think my knowledge of the people is my best asset. After living here 35 years, I’ve had the opportunity to intermingle with all demographics of this
community – from fellow students, patrons from my time as a server, being a mom of five children who went to school here and most recently as a business owner with the responsibility of attending numerous events in the community. I also am not shy about speaking my mind.”
Czarneski: “I am well balanced and can see the big picture. My experience in both the private sector and state government gives me insight into how government works, where it can be inefficient and also how to change it from within. Having experience in managing larger organizations and being an examiner with The Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence has given me great experience in how to go about identifying areas of opportunity within an organization.”
Harrison: “I am a 19-year resident of Franklin. I am a member of Franklin’s Municipal Planning Commission serving continually since 2003. I also serve on a
variety of other boards and have been a part of developing the city’s Land Use Plan and Central Franklin Area Plan. I was a member of Franklin Citizens Police Academy Class 12, and am a member and Past Director Franklin Noon Rotary Club.”
Petersen: “I am a hard worker. I do my homework. Serving as an alderman for the past four years has increased my understanding of how the city works although I see there will always be more to learn. I am the chairman of the Budget and Finance committee and the alderman representative on the Planning Commission (where I have more than 20 years of service). My 30 years as a math instructor honed my analytical skills.”
Wade: “I am not related to, or affiliated with, any person or organization that might likely have business with, or an agenda for the city of Franklin. Having worked in a small private sector company as well as the federal bureaucracy enables me to understand both sides of city issues. The city spends a lot of money on consultants, many times unnecessarily. As a former consultant, I would insist on getting our money’s worth.”
3) Under what circumstances would you support a property tax increase and for what purpose? What are your ideas for staving off an increase?
Altman: “At this point, I cannot foresee a time when I would support a property tax increase. In order to avoid increasing property tax, the City needs to maintain its fiscal discipline and encourage other aspects of the local economy that can bring in revenue (i.e., sales and hotel taxes).”
Barnhill: “It has been over 20 years since the City of Franklin has had a property tax increase. I would consider a property tax increase only after all other revenue sources have been exhausted. I would encourage the city’s continued involvement in quality growth opportunities and cost effective practices.”
Blanton: “As a city, we have the reputation of being good stewards of our money (recently receiving our AAA bond accreditation renewal). I am not for raising taxes– the only way I would support an increase is after all other options have beenexhausted.”
Czarneski: “Granted the city has not had a property tax increase in 22 years, but I cannot see how I could support a tax increase during our current economic times. Tax increases should be few and very rare and I do not plan on changing that.”
Harrison: “I do not believe any additional taxes are needed at this time.”
Petersen: “It would be difficult to support a property tax increase at present unless some devastating event occurred. Although Franklin is more fortunate than most cities, our current unemployment rate is in the high range of all the years I’ve lived here. People had to cut back. The city budget for 2009 needed to be cut from $60 to $50 million when revenues fell. I support our cautious move back to $54 million.”
Wade: “In 2000 the per capita city debt was $829 by 2010 it had grown to $3105, and is still higher today. We need to keep our debt down, which is usually the
driving force behind tax increases. Growth should pay for the “cost of growth” not the average citizen. City “Beautification” projects should have part of their costs allocated to the benefitting property owners. Extravagant city buildings should be scaled back to more affordable levels.”
4) What is the city’s most underutilized resource?
Altman: “Its people. We have a vibrant community with limitless potential.”
Barnhill: “The city’s most underutilized resource is probably its citizens. We need to develop good communication and encourage ideas from our diverse population.”
Blanton: “I would have to say its people. We are a diverse community and I believe we should find a way to engage our citizens and offer a format for their concerns and input to be heard. I also think when it comes to economic development, those voices could serve as our best endorsement – especially the recognizable faces and names who chose to call Franklin home.”
Czarneski: “Land – Our two newest parks, Franklin Battlefield Park and Harlinsdale Park. Better utilization of these properties can enhance activities within the city and boost economic development and help attract new residents and businesses.”
Harrison: “The Harpeth River.”
Petersen: “The people of Franklin are a largely untapped resource. Although we are fortunate to have the volunteers and interested citizens who currently participate, there are so many others with talent, expertise, and the capacity for service. The 2001 Franklin Tomorrow visioning process engaged more than the “usual suspects” (as stated by former consultant Jamie Green). Perhaps the 2011 visioning will do the same.”
Wade: “Our most underutilized and abused resource is the Harpeth River. Rather than an open square bottomed sewage ditch, the Harpeth needs to be transformed into an accessible city treasure. Families should be able to put their feet in clean water, flip rocks for crawdads, fish, and float without fear of contamination. Rather than spending city monies on brick sidewalks and fancy streetlights, we need to cultivate this natural resource.”
5) What is the city’s most pressing need?
Altman: “I see our future as three-fold: preserve the downtown historic district and other historic sites, conserve sufficient green space for agricultural, recreational or just plain aesthetic purposes, and develop new residential, commercial, and industrial areas to keep the economic engine going. These three areas need to be pursued responsibly and in balance with one another.”
Barnhill: “The city’s most pressing need is infrastructure. We need to balance commercial and residential growth. Many new projects are being planned for the
next several years, including Berry Farms, Ladd Park and the Cool Springs area. Infrastructure has to be in place for these areas to grow.”
Blanton: “Without presently being on the board and knowing what is on the list, I would have to say something that concerns me is the Hillsboro Road corridor that has not been revived since the flood. It is an eyesore which does not reflect the aesthetics we work so hard to maintain.”
Czarneski: “Infrastructure – We are currently looking with consultants to overhaul our entire water plan (drinking water, sewer treatment plants, water conservation and overall service). In addition, road improvement needs and the ability to offer construction readiness for new companies to come in build on sites.
Harrison: “Infrastructure improvements and business retention.”
Petersen: “The problem that affects the largest number of people is traffic congestion. Even back in the 2006 Franklin Household Survey, 41% of the
respondents rated the local streets as “Always/Usually” congested and another 52% said “Sometimes.” Traffic/Congestion was No. 1 on the Dislike list. It has gotten worse, of course, with the notable exception of the coordinated traffic signals on some routes and the Royal Oaks and North Carothers road projects. More work is needed.”
Wade: “The elephant in the room is the city’s approaching severe water/sewer crisis. Growth has overwhelmed the Harpeth watershed’s ability to serve the
populace. We either have to severely restrict growth, or spend a lot of money upgrading the quality of our treated sewer discharge. Growth needs to shoulder the burden of these costly upgrades.”
6) If elected, what would be your priorities during your term in office?
Altman: “Responsible preservation, conservation, and development: exceptional roads and infrastructure: and sound finances and faith in government.
Barnhill: “My priorities in another term as Alderman-at-Large would be to continue the Capital Improvement Projects we currently have in place. They include Third Avenue North to Hillsboro Road, McEwen (all phases), South Carothers Road, Hillsboro Road and Mack Hatcher Parkway.”
Blanton: “My priorities will be to work through the items that are put in front of me. If I am elected, I will come with no agenda, only to serve to the best of my ability and be a voice for the people.”
Czarneski: “Initiate an evaluation process that will help with long term planning and efficiencies; Due to population changes, look at possible redistricting of the
wards: Although we rely heavily on sales tax revenue, we have diversification of revenue sources. I would study various fee structures and recent changes made and see if we are hurting our development growth opportunities, to investigate possibly recouping that revenue loss in other ways.”
Harrison: “The City of Franklin has made a tremendous effort in attracting new business to the City and should continue to do so. However, the City needs to
remember and accommodate existing businesses, both large and small that have gotten us to here, to ensure Franklin is a friendly place to continue to do business. I think this can be achieved through a cooperative effort with City, County and State officials. Having said that, the City needs to work diligently to provide the infrastructure that is key element to these efforts.”
Petersen: “Managing the money responsibly always comes first for me. Secondly, I will continue to push for projects that increase traffic carrying capacity on roads that existing residents use. Examples are Mack Hatcher (new construction on its northwest quadrant and adding lanes to existing) and Hillsboro Road at Franklin High School. Finally, I will strive to always represent all areas of the city to the best of my ability.”
Wade: “I would insist that city government be ‘honest’ with the citizens and put their interests first in the decision making process. Government should take
the ‘long view’ for the benefit of all citizens and not act as an agent for the latest developer. I would also take a critical look at all the consultant contracts the city issues to see if they are indeed justified.”
7) Does Franklin need a new City Hall and if so, where should it be located?
Altman: “Yes. When it financially makes sense, City Hall should be upgraded to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility, with an exterior that blends with
the historic downtown area. It should be located on the Square to maintain the municipal government’s presence in the heart of the city.”
Barnhill: “Franklin does need a new City Hall which I believe should remain at its current location.”
Blanton: “Yes, we have tremendous issues with the current City Hall – especially when it rains. I am very adamant that it should remain on the city square.”
Czarneski: “Understanding the building’s poor condition, limited use of technology in the aged building, and need for expansion to better utilize the departments, streamline services and long-term operational costs, City Hall will need to be replaced. When it is deemed we need a new City Hall then evaluate all aspects to
see the best location, short/long term costs, and lost opportunities. I would think keeping City Hall in the hub of the city would have the most benefit.
Harrison: “Franklin does need a New City Hall and exploring the options to keep it Downtown should be continued.”
Petersen: “I don’t support a new City Hall at the present. The current building is adequate for the time being. There are many more worthwhile projects than the city has money to pay, and this is one of them.”
Wade: “The city does need a new city hall but not one ‘pigeon holed’ into a boutique hotel. We can sell the existing property to the highest bidder and use the proceeds towards a new city hall away from downtown. A ‘right sized’ building that will cover our needs can be built with room for expansion in future years. Citizens need to have available parking and access because it is their city hall too.”
Who are the candidates?
Parker Altman
“After earning my doctorate in education leadership and policy at Vanderbilt, I moved into school administration. I’m currently an assistant principal at Centennial
High School. Prior to working as an administrator, I taught government in WCS and worked in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. We moved to Franklin in 2004 and are members of Franklin First United Methodist Church, whereI teach kindergarten Sunday school and serve on the church council.
“If you would like more information, I can be reached at parker@parkeraltman.com or you can visit my Web site www.parkeraltman.com or www.facebook.com/
altman4alderman.”
Clyde Barnhill
"I have lived in Franklin all my life with the exception of the two years I served in the U.S. Army. I was employed as a supervisor at CPS/Plus Mark for 39 years and have been the Executive Director of the J. L. Clay Senior Citizens Center since Sept. 2005. I am actively involved at Heritage Church of Christ and Willow Springs Homeowners Association."
Brandy Blanton
Owner/Publisher Southern Exposure Magazine
Resident of Franklin since 1976, graduate of Franklin High School (Class of 1985)
Married to Mendall Blanton; Mother of five: Nick (24), Samantha (23), Caitlin (22), Zac (14) and Emma (12).
Joey Czarneski
"I was born in Cookeville, Tenn., and raised around the world (Dad was a career Army soldier). I graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in Human Ecology (Nutrition & Dietetics) with a minor in Business Administration.
"I live in Franklin’s Cool Springs area, I am married to a Williamson County Elementary School Teacher (Reading Specialist), Jennie, and have a 7-year-old son, Ryan."
Scott Harrison
"I am a 19-year resident of Franklin; Employed by Accident Insurance Company (Commercial Lines Carrier) in the area of New Business Development, Member
of Franklin Municipal Planning Commission (2003 – present), Franklin Tree Commission (2007 – Present), Franklin Land Use Plan (adopted 2004), Central
Franklin Area Plan, Co-Chair (adopted 2004, updated and adopted 2009) Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee (adopted 2007), Franklin Citizens Police Academy Class 12, Member and Past Director Franklin Noon Rotary Club, Franklin First United Methodist Church (serving on several committees), Married to Wife Kathy (24 Years) with two Daughters in the Williamson County School System.”
Ann Petersen
“I was a math instructor at Columbia State Community College from 1982 through June 2011. My husband, attorney James D. Petersen, and I have lived in Franklin since 1968. My community service includes more than 20 years on the Franklin Planning Commission and 9 years on Williamson Medical Center’s institutional research review committee. I am a member of First Presbyterian Church where I have served as an elder. I was a member of the original Steering Committee for Franklin Tomorrow.”
Jay Wade
“I am a former private sector environmental consultant, and after 26 years a retiree from the Federal Aviation Administration. We moved to the Monticello subdivision in 1996, which was annexed into the city of Franklin in 2007. I have been actively involved in city/county water sewer issues, TDOT planning on Mack Hatcher, homeowners association, and served as an official in the annual ‘Science Olympiad’.”