I grew up in Franklin, attended Franklin school starting in Kindergarten. I moved back to town when our now 21 yr old daughter was just learning to walk and we have lived here ever since. I knew this town back then, from a child’s perspective, and I know this town now as an adult. I walk with my dog daily, talking to other residents and observing the homes, trees, streets and buildings. Additionally I have been FCA vice-president for over a decade. My parents and brother also live here, so I basically have 3 generations of knowledge, understanding and awareness of our town. As such, I feel that I am aware and sensitive to the needs of the villagers.

I am running for council because I don’t like the way that the current council is being run. I don’t agree with the decisions being made or how they are making them, disregarding the rules laid out in our Charter. I first became aware of this with the Streetscape. Altering the authentic, rural appearance of our historic downtown, putting sidewalks in front of peoples’ homes and on our green spaces just didn’t sit well with me. As I learned more, it became clear that the majority 4 council members were making all the decisions, disregarding the minority 3 members' concerns and suggestions.  

The job of the council is to represent all the people, which means listening, learning, respecting and compromising. I do not feel that this is what the current council majority is doing.

Why I Am Qualified For This Position

I am also a business owner - my family purchased and renovated the Slade House a few years back and I moved my pediatric practice into it. As it is one of the oldest homes in Franklin, I feel a new connection to the past and a true stewardship of this historic home and the historic district. I can see many of the issues within the business district, and I also have a sense as to what the Village specifically needs from the businesses.

We need destinations to go to bring people together - food/ice cream, a market, coffee shop, book store, and a place to play games. Even though in the era of COVID, these may seem more like a fantasy, there will be a time in the near future where bringing people together will again be acceptable and even encouraged.  We need to prepare and look forward to this.

Additionally, as a doctor, I understand and prioritize safety and health issues within our community - which  are issues that are more important than ever before. Environmental health is critical to address inside both our homes and businesses.  Outside, people need to be able to walk and ride bikes safely throughout our Village. As such, the Village needs to focus on improving safe travels by adding footpaths and bike lanes along specific areas of our major roadways.  In some areas, sidewalks may be the best option, while others may just need brush cut back and more simple pathways created. I support working with the Planning Commission to allow people to connect to each other and to the downtown more safely.