Councilor Al Warner: Mayor McLaughlin understands Franklin and deserves re-election

To The Daily Sun,

Franklin has two choices for mayor this election. Both candidates are good people. Glenn Morrill has volunteered frequently, planting trees, cleaning up trails, chairing the Conservation Commission, and working with local nonprofits to beautify Franklin. Desiree McLaughlin has a history of advocating for the hungry and unhoused population as well as collaborating with individuals struggling with substance abuse and as mayor accepts no stipend. Both are community minded and altruistic.

The current mayor and candidate McLaughlin adds an extra dimension. Long before she ran for office, she actively, although unsuccessfully, advocated for reforms as the city made extensive modifications to Chapter 257 of the City Code regarding solid waste disposal. She later led the popular opposition to the idea of a $20 million bond and in so doing ran for and won the mayor’s race in 2023 by a margin approaching 2:1. As mayor she has repopulated inactive committees, initiated conversations on school finance, provided timely support to the all-volunteer efforts behind the coming skating rink, and brought economic development activity into the light of day. She is fighting to bring common sense to Franklin’s day-to-day issues, from parking shortages to trash pickup. Long-term issues will take time but rather than continue with the status quo, Mayor McLaughlin is already initiating needed reforms in critical areas such as infrastructure and funding our schools. She is knowledgeable of the city code and charter and understands a financial statement. It's a total package that checks all the boxes.

Councilor Al Warner (Ward 3)

Franklin