There's a voice swirling around on some Franklin blogs over the upcoming April elections. I'll get deeper into that on a different post. But for now, here are some names I've been hearing as possible candidates:
FOR MAYOR: As predicted, it looks like the Mayoral race will become a primary. Mayor Tom Taylor is right now prepping up for a run for another term, and as I figured would occur, 1st District Alderman Steve Olson is also readying himself up for a possible run. Olson's remarks during the budget discussion, on top of close friends of Olson claiming that I "might be" right with a prediction I made a long time ago about this matter leave me with almost no choice but to say Olson is seriously considering, if not already decided on, running for Tom's seat. There's also a strong chance that TEA Party favorite Larry Gamble, who ran unsuccessfully for Rep. Jeff Stone's seat in November, will toss his hat in the ring as well.
FOR 3RD DISTRICT ALDERMAN: There has been some indications of possible opponents, but no clear names have been heard. I believe this is occurring because those with the clout and in the political circles know and appreciate what Kristen has done for the district so far, including being the most open alderman in the city in terms of communication to constituents both via phone and e-mail.
FOR 4TH DISTRICT ALDERMAN: Common Council President Steve Taylor has been targeted for ousting since earlier this year. Hopefully those who feel so strongly negative about CCP Taylor have the contacts to "put up" a contest against him, or I'd recommend that they "shut up" if none are produced. CCP Taylor has noted in the past that he has gone to many doors in his district already over the Summer and Fall months. This, technically, means that he has already started his campaign for re-election, and is getting greater name recognition. As of right now I'd see the top two possibilities to run against him as Larry Gamble or former School Board candidate Paul Rotzenberg.
FOR 6TH DISTRICT ALDERMAN: Mayor Taylor's strongest ally on the council, Ken Skowronski, is up as well. I don't see many choices for opponents against him, however I have heard that former alderman Jim Bergmann wants his old seat back. How interesting would that be! Bergmann was ousted as part of the FCRL overthrow of the council back in the early 2000s. Bergmann could be part of a similar 'overthrow', with him on the side FCRL once was.
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