FRANKLIN—Franklin City Councilman Greg McLemore announced Monday he will run for mayor against eight-term incumbent Jim Councill for the May 1 election.

This will be McLemore’s second bid for the seat. In 2008, the 52-year-old placed last in a three-way race for mayor. Councill, 67, garnered 43 percent of the vote, Ellis Crum 32 percent and McLemore 25 percent.

The jobs pays $10,437 a year.

“I feel as though I’m the only one on the council with a plan to change the direction of our city and bring jobs,” McLemore said about his reasons for running. “If someone else has a plan to help us out of this economic situation, I’m willing to listen.”

McLemore said his 2010 proposal to make Franklin solar-powered illustrates his drive for job creation and change. He believes it would help attract “green” manufacturers to the city.

“There’s no one that has surfaced with a plan to turn this city around,” McLemore said. “It’s time for change.”

Despite what he calls total opposition from colleagues, McLemore feels that since being elected in mid-2010, the Ward 3 representative has been instrumental improving streets and street lighting and has supported the police department.

“A lot of positive things have happened in my ward,” he said.

McLemore set up a committee to explore his chances of being elected. While results have been positive and incomplete, he announced his intentions to run to avoid attacks from opponents who might claim he is running to split the black vote should another black candidate announce before him.