cropped-Brandy-Blanton
By David Walsh

In advance of the election in Franklin on Oct. 22, Franklin Home Page has asked each candidate — whether they have an opponent or not — to answer a series of questions about their candidacy.

The following is the fifth in a series we will publish ahead of election night. Read the other pieces in our series here.

Incumbent Brandy Blanton, who is running against Michelle Sutton to keep her at-large alderman seat, answered the following questions via an email questionnaire:

How is your campaign helping voters learn about you?

Knocking on doors and hosting public and private events allows me to engage with citizens and provide them with information on my qualifications and initiatives — both audibly and with campaign push cards left behind. I am also participating in questionnaires by a myriad of organizations and any and every candidate forum/debate.

In your time as alderman-at-large, what has been your biggest achievement?

There have been many projects and initiatives that I have been happy to support, however, I feel like my biggest achievement is the implementation of the new sidewalk/multi-use trail on Highway 96E/Murfreesboro to downtown Franklin.

What do you bring as alderman-at-large that you think your opponent wouldn’t?

I have lived in Franklin since 1977 and have experienced all the changes over the last four decades — for better or worse. I know this community and I know its people. Also, I am heavily involved in various organizations that support community which allows me to stay informed and invested in different areas that affect our city. I have strong relationships within our community and great working relationships with fellow elected officials in city, county and state government.

What is the biggest community issue facing your constituents now, and what would you do to remedy it?

Managing growth is one of the top concerns I hear about. It’s a delicate balance to honor the rights of property owners, but also make sure that the infrastructure is in place to support new developmentThe City does a great job of long range planning, however, BOMA has the important job of holding up the plans that have been put in place and not granting modification of standards unless it makes sense.

Franklin is facing a lot of issues related to growth. Where do you see the area in 5-10 years and what do you see as your role in that conversation?

I believe the most intense (new) development will happen on the southeast side of Franklin, however, I also believe the trend of infill and redevelopment in some of our older neighborhoods will continue. I think we have to be very careful about gentrification and the unintended consequence of pushing out the citizens who have called Franklin home for generations. I want to make sure that the reason Franklin is special, our people, are able to stay in our community so our history and stories are preserved. I think there is a healthy blend of native and newcomers, but it’s up to all of us to make sure that we embrace each other and keep Franklin set apart.

If a constituent asked, “Why should I vote for you?,” what would be your response?

I am a proven leader who has equity in this community. I am committed to supporting our citizens and helping them maneuver through the minutiae of government — to problem solve and connect the dots in order to get things done and maintain our quality of life.

What made you run for re-election?

I am running for re-election because I LOVE serving my community in this capacity. Having been in office for almost eight years, I have so much more insight and feel I am a valuable asset to the board, but most of all the citizens of Franklin.