Glenn Morrill wants to be mayor of Franklin to promote positive city image

FRANKLIN — In front of a room filled with 120 supporters, family and friends, Glenn Morrill, 73, shared his intent to run for mayor.

“I was overwhelmed how many people turned out in a great, positive way, and it was all by word of mouth,” Morrill said, during the gathering at the end of June. “What that meant to me is they were coming out because they were all on the same page about our community, how we present it, our first impression when somebody drives by. That's very important.”

He has lived his whole life in Franklin, spending time with cleanup efforts downtown, volunteering at the Bread & Roses Soup Kitchen, and as a member of the city’s Conservation Commission for over 30 years, where he is currently the chair. He also volunteers at Veterans Memorial Recreation Area alongside his son Tim, who oversees the ski area as president of the Franklin Outing Club.

Other than an unsuccessful write-in campaign for mayor in 2013, Morrill had no interest in running for elected public office — until now. He wants to be a cheerleader for the city, including for available outdoor recreation, history and architecture.

“This is my community and my friends’ community, and we all take pride when we volunteer for different events and organizations to promote our image,” Morrill said.

He wants to focus on a positive image for the city, believing recent economic development projects like Mill City Park, Stevens Mill and the number of new restaurants in the past few years are examples of this progress.

Morrill said Mill City Park reinvented the use of rivers, and is where he saw a turning point in the city, after a decline since the mill industry disappeared.

“The whitewater park coming to Franklin, when that idea came, I saw downtown begin to change,” he said. “I saw the momentum, the excitement that people had for the water park, and that it was putting Franklin back on the map again, which was exciting.”

Morrill is also running to challenge Mayor Desiree McLaughlin's leadership.

McLaughlin ran in 2023 on increased transparency in city government and a more fiscally conservative agenda, emphasizing the importance of the city’s tax cap, and investing in capital infrastructure like roads and schools. Her platform has drawn the focus away from the economic development projects Morrill holds dear.

Morrill said he is not against the tax cap. He said it has not been properly adjusted in its 30 years, creating a straining situation. He wants it to be reassessed.

“That's become a challenge for our community,” he said. “I'm not against the tax cap, we just need to adjust it with the times.”

McLaughlin welcomes Morrill’s run.

“This is an excellent way to gauge what the city wants,” she said.

Morrill said McLaughlin’s decorum in city council meetings also prompted him to put in his bid. He referenced the back-and-forth moments McLaughlin has had with residents and city staff during public comment.

“People stand up and get to the point that they're defending themselves at the podium,” he said.

Morrill’s economic development agenda has received local support. Maryanne Parkhurst, co-owner of the Waterhorse Irish Pub, said she opened her restaurant in 2023, after seeing all the growth in restaurants and businesses downtown. She said Morrill is an occasional diner at the pub, has a big heart, is intelligent, and would prioritize the interest of Franklin and its people.

“The city is coming. It just needs that gentle hand and guidance, and someone who cares,” she said.

Mill City Park Vice President Christy Mank is excited about Morrill’s run. She met him a few years ago, and was struck by his attractive personality.

“If you see Glenn anywhere, he's smiling and he says 'hello' and he makes eye contact,” she said. “I love that. I feel like that kind of representation is what we need.”

Mank said Franklin residents used to have a negative view of their city, and members of outside communities had a negative view of Franklin. As a real estate broker for 30 years, she has seen the city change in recent years. She is moving to Franklin as a permanent resident in the fall.

“The city has come so far that going backwards is not an option, and it's another reason I really support Glenn,” she said. “Here's someone who very easily could have the same negative attitude, and he doesn't.”

Morrill can formally file for the position Aug. 13-22. The municipal election is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 7. Morrill hopes announcing his campaign early will encourage people to stand behind him.

“Getting out there, announcing, then other folks may think, ‘Oh, I'll step back,’” he said.

McLaughlin has not decided if she will run again for mayor. She applied for the open city manager position, and has also considered running for city council. She expects to file depending on who runs in each race.

“Sometimes you need more votes than vetoes,” she said.

Morrill is ready to start campaigning. He already has volunteers willing to knock on doors, and expects to hold meet-and-greet events.

“I love this community, and a lot of people have moved here because of what was happening in the last seven years,” he said. “We had a momentum, and we want to keep the momentum going.”