Back to work

Published 9:31 am Friday, May 9, 2014

Naturally we want to offer our congratulations to all the winners in this past election.

First, was anyone surprised that the Franklin mayor was returned to office? We weren’t, and not just because there wasn’t any real competition. Mayor Raystine Johnson-Ashburn has regularly shown leadership on the city council, as well as making herself visible and involved with the people.

Mary Hilliard is also back in office, serving ward 5. Again, we were more than halfway expecting that residents in her district wanted Hilliard to stay. They know her and she knows them.

Both are strong women who we believe are determined to continue working with all the other council members and city staff for the benefit of Franklin.

Though Greg McLemore’s reelection wasn’t a mandate by the people in ward 3 — more votes were cast against him than for him — it does give him a new opportunity to show that he can be taken seriously and offer constructive guidance, but without the drama, please.

Frank Rabil, who ran unopposed in Ward 6, takes the seat formerly occupied by Don Blythe. We look to Rabil for his intellect and involvement within his community to help steer the council and city in a positive and forward direction.

To the defeated challengers, we urge them to stay active not only in their respective communities, but the city as a whole. They can do so by regularly attending ward and city council meetings, and staying in touch with the residents. Through this they can gain a stronger sense of empathy and a deeper understanding of issues. That could serve everyone well if they really want to be on council next time.

As the mayor stated the other day, “Franklin is already a great city as is, but we look forward to the opportunity to improve it.”

Now is the time to prove it.