FRANKLIN—Vice Mayor Raystine Johnson announced Thursday she will run for mayor, facing off with two other City Council members in the Tuesday, May 1, election.
Johnson, who represents Ward 4 on the City Council, will face incumbent Mayor Jim Councill and fellow Councilman Greg McLemore, who currently represents Ward 3.
“Recent events have damaged our city’s reputation and handicapped council’s ability to govern effectively,” Johnson said. “It is the obligation of the mayor to facilitate a cohesive path for the council on behalf of all citizens. I am appreciative of the good things Jim Councill has done for the community over the years, but sometimes a change and fresh ideas are needed with the position.”
The manager of Wm. M Johnson & Sons Funeral Home and a Franklin native, Johnson said her vision for the city includes high-performing schools that will provide children with the skills to compete and to lead productive lives.
“A strong school program is essential for responsible growth through new business opportunities, which enhance our tax base” Johnson said.
She wants to provide a safe community through partnerships among responsible citizens, the police department, council members, the school board and the city manager.
“My hope is to ensure the kind of environment in which our citizens will thrive,” Johnson said.
A councilwoman since 1999, she said her experience as a business owner, vice mayor for the last five years and Franklin native puts her in a unique position to handle housing and educational challenges, as well as the ability to connect with the community.
Candidates have until Tuesday, March 6, to file qualifying papers with the city’s voter registrar. Candidates wishing to run for office must collect 125 signatures as part of the qualification process before being placed on the ballot.
The mayoral job pays $10,437 a year.