Erinn Watkins Launches Bid for Franklin’s Ward 2 Alderman Seat

Franklin resident Erinn Watkins kicked off her campaign for Ward 2 Alderman on Aug. 18, seeking to unseat incumbent Alderman Matt Brown in this October’s municipal election.

“Many people felt they aren't being respected or listened to by those who were elected to serve them,” Watkins told the some 30 supporters who gathered at Franklin’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4893 for the campaign kickoff event. 

Watkins told the Williamson Scene that one of her biggest concerns was BOMA’s approval of the new city hall project, which is set to open in 2027.

Among her supporters was District 10 Williamson County Commissioner Bill Petty, who introduced Watkins. 

Also in attendance were two former BOMA candidates, Gary Moore and Patrick George, both of whom lost their elections in 2023 after standing with failed and disgraced mayoral candidate Gabrielle Hanson despite her having brought neo-nazis with her to City Hall. 

Watkins is not the only candidate challenging Brown; the seat is also being sought by Bhavani "B.K." Muvvala, who also unsuccessfully ran for a BOMA seat in 2023.

Watkins, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant, is a Williamson County Veterans Court mentor, and served as the keynote speaker for this year’s county Memorial Day ceremony. Watkins leaned on her military service in preparing her for elected service. She also released a memoir in 2023.

“What I was known for in the military was being approachable, a good listener and solutions-oriented,” Watkins said. “As someone who was committed to being a servant leader, I saw the need for a community leader who better represents the wishes of their constituents and looks out for the interest of those who already call Franklin their home, a leader who takes a disciplined approach to growth and spending and who will be a responsible steward of taxpayers money, a leader who is trustworthy and respectful of other points of view. The army prepared me for such leadership.”

Watkins said that she believes in “responsible growth which includes focusing on providing infrastructure up front to support our growth, rather than as an afterthought,” and pledged to “represent the interests of the people in my ward over those of the developers, of special interests.”

Watkins admitted that she’s in for a “tough race,” noting Brown’s campaign funds and support from many Franklin leaders.

“I find that the more people I talk to, the more support I get, so that's pretty much my focus right now, is to get in my name up there, start interacting with people, get them to know me,” Watkins told the Scene.

“I wasn't shy about getting into this race, although people told me I was brave for doing so,” Watkins said. “29 years in the Army taught me to go where the fight is, and I'm fighting for Franklin.”