Perhaps the alderman with the most controversy in Franklin is its Common Council President, Steve Taylor. Taylor is up for re-election tomorrow, running against the individual he removed from office three years ago, Pete Kosovich. While both candidates make points about moving Franklin Forward, I have to say Taylor's points stand out much further.
Looking at the issues, Kosovich is angling heavily on two items: Taxes and 27th Street. Unfortunately, these items actually clash in a big way for him, and don't really generate as much attention as I'm sure Pete would like. During the times when Pete was an alderman, all of Franklin's leaders truly ignored the vast majority of the city in terms of economic development and threw all their eggs in one basket, that being 27th Street. This street's planning began in the 1990s and Franklin residents are still waiting for the great landscaping and wonderful rehabilitation of the rural-looking road today. Furthermore, half of the city sees the 27th Street corridor due to it being the easternmost road of our community. In the meantime, areas where residents would label our business or civic districts received little-to-no attention.
Taylor understands this and does get the need for community pride within rather than on the edges. His strong support for our Sabers also goes hand-in-hand, and indicates that he has some knowledge and concern amongst the parents for true community facilities and amenities. At the Candidate Forum, he did express concern as to the funding, but remained interested to see if there can be some possibilities in getting something accomplished.
The only negative for Taylor is that he can be somewhat entrenched on certain positions and can give off feelings of being inflexible, which has been noticed as a problem. Fortunately, though, signs are looking good that as he's continuing his tenure as alderman, his views on matters are also becoming more open and he's showing signs of willing to learn more.
Narrow minds are not needed in these tough economic times, especially in a community like ours. Franklin is truly in a fight for regional notice in terms of luring businesses into the city and attracting residents to live and play within its borders. A person like Steve Taylor is needed to help get the job done. This is why Franklin Today encourages its readers in the 4th District to RE-ELECT STEVE TAYLOR tomorrow.
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