Karen Testerman: Franklin’s Advantage is at risk, remember to vote Oct. 6

To The Daily Sun,

An important decision will be facing the voters of Franklin, Oct. 6 for the Franklin Municipal Election.

Voters will decide if the city council will continue to lead the city in transparency or frivolous spending beyond the means of the residents.

Property owners in Franklin have an advantage. Not only do we have a cost-of-living limit on the increase of tax per thousand, but the city also has a cost of living limit on the city budget. The latter was established as a protection against increased assessments on the property.

Many in Franklin are on fixed incomes. The rising cost of basic living expenses are straining their budgets. If the tax and spending caps are broken, many of property owners will be forced to leave because they cannot afford the tax increases.

There are those on the city council who believe money is the answer to the current challenges to their budget woes. Currently five of the nine councilors want more of residents' money to spend, and if another councilor who agrees with them is elected on Oct. 6, they will succeed in grabbing more money to spend.

Residents can make a difference. Preserve the Franklin Advantage and allow those who are on fixed incomes to remain and enjoy their homes in Franklin on Oct. 6.

Those in Ward 1, please reelect Tim Johnston.

Those in Ward 2, please vote for Ray Yonaitis.

Those in Ward 3, please encourage Ed Prive to remain by writing his name in.

Karen Testerman

Franklin